The Academy Awards and the Grammys are over, but as graduation and commencement approaches, awards season at the UA is just beginning.

The first Accolades Awards ceremony took place last night in the South Ballroom of the Student Union Memorial Center. The event, known prior to this year as the All-Campus Leadership Awards, honored students, faculty, staff, departments and organizations for their contributions in leadership roles to the campus and the community.

Twenty-three awards were presented throughout the evening.

Award-winners were honored by guest speakers and presented with trophies. Some student awards also included small monetary scholarships.

Awards for Outstanding Faculty and Professional Staff Member were handed out to Dereka Rushbrook of the Department of Geography and Regional Development and Bruce Smith, director of African-American Student Affairs, took the award for Professional Staff Member.

“”I was very surprised and very honored,”” Smith said. “”It feels good to know the work that’s being done at African-American Student Affairs is being recognized.””

The Chemistry Department took home the award for Department of the Year, and was praised for making quality a top priority and providing free tutoring to students majoring in General and Organic Chemistry.

Other notable awards included the Student Affairs Outstanding Student Organization Award, which went to the UA TriCats, and the Outstanding TA/GA of the Year, which went to graduate associate Yoo-Kyung Sung.

The Presidents Award for Servant Leadership went to Mortar Board President Laurel Cox, a senior majoring in molecular and cellular biology.

Cox was praised for her academic and community involvement achievements.

“”I really wanted the Mortar Board to do well this year,”” Cox said. “” I think a lot of people were excited for this night, and it turned out awesome.””

The event was sponsored by the Center for Student Involvement and Leadership, the Order of Omega and the Mortar Board.

The keynote speaker for the event was Lloyd Fox, a member of the University of Arizona Foundation and the Alumni Association.

Fox touted the qualities of a good leader in his keynote speech, and urged students to stick to their principles no matter the situation and pursue their goals.

“”Failure is not a problem,”” Fox said. “”Not going after your dream, that’s a problem.””