Employee Recognition Programs
Raider Excellence Awards
Nominations are now open for 2025 until 4:30 p.m. on Friday, December 12, 2025!
It is time to recognize the exceptional work happening across our College community. From July 1, 2024- November 30, 2025 countless Seminole State College employees and departments have gone above and beyond in service to our students, colleagues, and the communities we proudly serve.
The Raider Excellence Awards honor those who exemplify Seminole State's Values through their dedication, innovation, and commitment to excellence. This program provides an opportunity to show appreciation to colleagues who inspire us and to highlight the remarkable impact they make every day. We invite you to take a moment to nominate an outstanding employee for this year's awards. Together, we will celebrate their achievements at the College-wide Convocation & Learning Day on March 6, 2026.
The awards are funded by the Foundation for Seminole State College, and these funds are made possible by the generous donations of our faculty, staff, alumni and friends.
Share your Raider pride by submitting a nomination and help us acknowledge our colleagues’ successes, strengths, and commitment to excellence. Go State...Go Far!
How to nominate an employee or department
- Employees can nominate themselves or a fellow employee who they believe has demonstrated exemplary performance, collaboration, impact, innovation and models the College’s Values.
- Click on the links under each award category to access the nomination form and use this page to review eligibility and selection criteria.
- Review the “eligible employee list” to verify the employee meets the eligibility criteria. Please note that employees or departments who have received an award within the past 5 years are not eligible.
- Describe on the nomination form why you believe the employee deserves the award. The examples you provide on the form help guide the committee with the selection process.
Award Nomination Forms
- Raider Excellence Award: This award recognizes employees and departments who show exceptional job performance through critical thinking, continuous learning, and academic curiosity. These individuals create a positive work environment, inspire others, and embody the true spirit of a Raider through their dedication and professionalism.
- Two full-time non-exempt (Career Service) employees have the opportunity to each receive a $1,500 award.
- Two full-time exempt (Professional, Technical, Faculty, or Administrative) employees have the opportunity to each receive a $1,500 award.
- Two part-time employees (Career Service) employee has the opportunity to receive a $750 award.
- One college department has the opportunity to receive a $2,000 award. The award may be spent on department equipment or a department activity based upon parameters determined by the Foundation for Seminole State College, which provides funding for this award.
- Raider Synergy & Collaboration Spotlight Award: This award honors a work group that shows exceptional leadership, teamwork, and collaboration. This team supports the College’s mission through innovation, service, and community engagement, promoting learning, building strong relationships, and helping the College run smoothly across campuses.
- One work group has the opportunity to receive a $2,000 award. The award may be spent on work group equipment or a work group activity based upon parameters determined by the Foundation for Seminole State College, which provides funding for this award.
- Raider Rising Star Award: This award honors a new employee who quickly stood out through exceptional performance, creativity, and initiative. They go above and beyond their duties, showing integrity, a love of learning, and excellence that inspires others.
- Two full-time new employees within the last 3 years have the opportunity to each receive a $1,000 award.
- The Janet Balanoff Catalyst Award: This award honors an individual who embodies the spirit of progress and drives positive change with courage, vision, and collaboration. Like our mascot Rally, they inspire others, champion welcoming practices, and create an environment where everyone can thrive.
- One full-time exempt and non-exempt (Career Service, Professional, Technical, Faculty, or Administrative) employee has the opportunity to receive a $1,000 award.
- Raider Impact 2030 Award: This award honors an individual who exceeds expectations by aligning their work with the College’s vision and strategic plan, while inspiring others through purpose and action. They embody our college values and advance strategic goals through dedication, innovation, and meaningful impact.
- One full-time exempt and non-exempt (Career Service, Professional, Technical, Faculty, or Administrative) employee has the opportunity to receive a $1,000 award.
Congratulations to all our past award recipients!
The Selection Process
Nomination forms are reviewed by the Selection Committee appointed by Human Resources. Committee members are selected to ensure diverse representation from across the College, including both full-time and part-time employees and all eligible employee groups.
Service Recognition Luncheon
This is an annual event hosted by the Office of Human Resources to celebrate our employees for their years of dedication to the College. Employees who have five years of service and beyond, in five-year increments, receive an invitation to attend the luncheon.