CCU is proud to continue the CCU Leadership Award, a prestigious annual honor established in 2025 to recognize one exceptional junior or senior in the College of Undergraduate Studies who exemplifies the University’s core values of Christian leadership, character, and service. See details on how candidates are selected.
The recipient of the CCU Leadership Award is recognized during Spring Commencement and receives a $25,000 cash award in honor of their outstanding impact as CCU’s most exemplary student leader.
The Leadership Award is made possible through a $1 million-plus endowed fund established through the leadership and generosity of Hal Krause, along with additional donors, ensuring this meaningful recognition of Christ-centered student leadership will continue for generations to come.
The CCU Leadership Award was launched in 2025 with First Bank as its founding sponsor and Anna Sconyers as its inaugural honoree. In 2026, we are honored to continue this tradition with the generous sponsorship of Vistage Worldwide, represented by CEO Sam Reese.
"True leadership is not about seeking recognition, but about influencing lives for Christ. This award will serve as a reminder that Christian leadership is a lifelong calling, and I pray it encourages generations of CCU students to lead with boldness and integrity.- Hal Krause
Each year, in addition to the $25,000 cash award, the recipient’s name will be engraved on a four-sided, 4-foot granite pedestal permanently displayed on CCU’s campus, establishing a lasting legacy of faith-driven leadership.
The selected student will also receive an 8-inch replica of the campus award as a personal keepsake.
How can I qualify for this award?
Any CCU junior or senior in good standing within the College of Undergraduate Studies who exemplifies excellence in Christian leadership may be nominated. The Leadership Award is based solely on merit and cannot be received more than once by the same student.
How are candidates selected?
Each School within CCU’s College of Undergraduate Studies and the Athletic Department, as well as the Dean of Students and the Student Body President, may nominate a candidate. Nominations should be submitted to the student’s School Dean for their major course of study, the Student Body President, the Dean of Students, or the Athletic Director. From a pool of 10 nominees, three finalists will be selected through a rigorous review process.
The Leadership Award, backed by a $1 million endowment, ensures that a $25,000 cash prize will be awarded annually. No other Christian university currently offers a leadership award of this kind, making this initiative a defining feature of CCU’s commitment to developing Christian leaders. FirstBank generously contributed $25,000 to fund the inaugural year of the CCU Leadership Award, which will be presented at CCU’s College of Undergraduate Studies Commencement each Spring.
In alignment with its dedication to preparing and equipping the next generation of Christian leaders, CCU is designing a mandatory leadership course for all new students, further reinforcing its mission to prepare world changers for Christ.
