Student Awards

Academic Awards

An Otis education is widely known for its academic rigor and educational excellence. The College recognizes the highest level of achievement with the Valedictory Award, Academic Excellence Awards, Distinction in Studio Awards, and Honors.

Types of Awards:

• Valedictorian: An honor given to one of the Academic Excellenec Award recipients.
• Academic Excellence Award: An honor given to UG and GRD students (UGs eligible only if they are on the Honor's list).
• Honors: An honor given to graduating seniors (UG only) who achieve a 3.5 GPA or higher as of Spring semester.
• Dean's List: An honor given to all who achieve a 3.5 GPA or higher in a particular semester.

Valedectorian

2024 Valedictory Award

Fine Arts major Jessie Gaudet has been named Valedictorian of the Class of 2024. This award is bestowed annually on the member of the senior class whose work represents the pinnacle of academic excellence. This graduate receives a special medallion and presents an address to be included in this year's Commencement recognition. Jessie was chosen for their continuously stellar academic performance throughout her Otis College career and the exceptional quality of their studio work. 

Raised on the dynamic westside of Los Angeles, their life was deeply intertwined with the outdoors and the ocean, fostering interests in activities like surfing and marine biology. This connection to nature profoundly influences their work, where they explore the intricate relationships between and within our bodies using sculpture, video, photo, and performance. During their time at Otis College, they delved deeper into understanding the psychological and spiritual connections we have with our physical selves, employing curiosity, play, and a fascination with the unusual. Their work and experiences at Otis, coupled with their outdoor roots, illustrate a compelling pursuit and the continuous exploration of the human condition through art.

A talented and devoted artist that brings out the best in their classmates, instructors, the Fine Arts department, and larger Otis communities, Jessie is truly an asset to Otis College.

Awards

2024 Academic Excellence Awards

The Academic Excellence Award is the highest honor given to graduating students in a major program. Selections are made by program leaders and faculty, and affirmed by the College’s academic awards committee. Criteria include a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher (for undergraduates), quality of work, personal character, and contributions to Otis and the larger community. These students wear a special purple cord at the Commencement ceremony.

Recipients

Dean's List

Honors List

An honor given to graduating seniors (Undergraduate only) who achieve a 3.5 GPA or higher as of Spring semester.

Dean's List

Students whose cumulative grade point average is 3.5 or higher earn a place on the Dean's List.

Student Leadership Awards

Otis College of Art and Design recognizes outstanding student leaders, student groups, and student organizations every year through Student Leadership Awards. These awards aim to honor student contributions which have enhanced our Otis College Campus Community. The following students were nominated for Student Leadership Awards by their peers, faculty, supervisors, or by student affairs professionals that they work with. The Student Leadership Committee has reviewed all nominations and are excited to announce the award winners for the 2023-24 Academic Year.

Outstanding Contribution to the College Award

DeAsia McMillon

Outstanding Contribution to the College Award recognizes a graduating Otis College student who has provided outstanding contributions on campus and/or beyond the campus community. Some examples include students who have organized or led initiatives, served or volunteered on campus in ways that made a positive impact, or other service activities beyond the campus community.

Nomination: "DeAsia has shown great leadership, creativity, and has the biggest heart for their peers. DeAsia is one of the founding members of Women in Animation and currently serves as the president. DeAsia is constantly thinking of ways to engage the club's members, motivate their fellow board members, and expose the club to opportunities in Los Angeles. Many of DeAsia’s peers knows that her heart is as big as her smile, but Otis College also needs to know how much of an amazing person DeAsia has been to this community during her time here.”

Spirited Owl Award

Christina Martin

The Spirited Owl Award recognizes a graduating Otis College student who is recognized by their peers and faculty for their positive spirit, kindness, passion, and enthusiasm. This award is given to a student who has been actively engaged in representing Otis College through their leadership and presence on campus. 

Nomination:  "Christina is a dedicated student, leader, and friend, and is an excellent representation of all an Otis student can be. She is a hard worker and always willing to lend an ear or a hand to help out a friend or stranger. 

Student Leader of the Year

Elora Becker

Student Leader of the Year is someone who wholly reflects the mission of the Otis College Student Leadership Program: "Otis College of Art and Design student leaders are devoted to enriching students’ experiences on campus by providing them with a network of support and guidance, developing interactive programming, and fostering a friendly and diverse community that is built on respect". This person has worked hard to support and engage the Otis College student body, has thrived for excellence, and has served their community with enthusiasm, dedication, flexibility, and inclusiveness.

Nomination: “Her involvement in numerous committees and student leadership roles has had a significant impact on the campus. She has shown a huge commitment to DEI and positive community engagement.”

Student Leadership Involvement: Peer Writing Tutor & Coach

Shelby Lindsley

Nomination: "“I believe Shelby deserves this award because they consistently show up for our MFA cohort in every way imaginable. They offer guidance, support, and expertise to anyone who needs it. Always a helping hand, a listening ear, and a shoulder to cry on – they extend themself beyond the norm.”

Outstanding Club/Organization of the Year

Studio Ghibli 

The Otis College Club/Organization of the Year Award recognizes the student organization that has demonstrated innovation, collaboration, creativity, inclusiveness, initiative, and teamwork. The club/organization that is honored for this award is made up of leaders who are passionate about bringing the community together and creating meaningful opportunities for Otis College students to learn and build connections. This organization is considered a role model for other organizations on campus.

Nomination:  “This club has brought students closer together through Studio Ghibli films and having a safe, positive environment for attendees to relax in. It's a place where students can come to take their minds off academics and indulge in the wonders of Studio Ghibli (art, visual effects, music, etc.) and learn more about it as a whole through discussion and trivia.”

Recognizing Student Leaders

The Office of Student Engagement and Leadership would also like to thank all the student leaders in the following student groups for their incredible contributions to our campus community. Their hard work and dedication has made an amazing impact and we are so lucky that we had the opportunity to work with them!