Two student programs within the DDCE have been recognized as Pillars of the 40 Acres by the Office of the Dean of Students. The honor goes to student-run organizations that embody the university’s core values. Both are recipients of the Swing Out Award, which are given to organizations that achieve Distinguished Status in five of the six Core Value categories.

The disABILITY Advocacy Student Coalition (DASC), a student organization that champions disability awareness, education and advoacy, is the recipient of the Best Cultural Organization and the Best Political/Advocacy honors, and it was a finalist for Outstanding Student Organization. DASC often partners with Services for Students with Disabilities and various events and activities on campus.

The Project, a program within the Center for Community Engagement that spearheads the university’s largest day of service, received a Special Category Award for Outstanding Advisor. The honor goes to Student Program Coordinator Mika Romo-Ortega. The Project was also a finalist for the Best Service Organization honor.

Every spring, award recipients are honored at the  Evening of the Stars ceremony. Winning organizations receive a banner and $300 for the organization, and the winner of Most Outstanding organization receives an additional $1,000.