Now that the school year heads into its final month, awards season is about to hit high gear on the Homewood campus. But this year, the manner in which the university recognizes outstanding undergraduates will be different.

This Thursday, May 3, the Department of Student Life will hold its first annual Johns Hopkins University Leadership Recognition Program. "Different groups will still hold their own banquets, but we wanted to gather the whole university together to recognize all these exceptional students in one cohesive evening," explained Ralph Johnson, associate dean of students.

During the event, which will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. in Shriver Hall, the university will present both the undergraduate awards traditionally presented during commencement and those given by different departments during their own ceremonies.

Among the many honors to be presented are the Student Excellence Awards for Leadership and Service, or SEALs; Greek awards, including fraternity and sorority of the year; Athletic Center awards, including the Howard-Shriver Scholar Athletic Award; the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs awards; and Second Decade Society awards. New Omicron Delta Kappa members also will be honored.

Winners of the prestigious Barton Cup and the Belle and Herman Hammerman Award also will be recognized during commencement ceremonies. The highest honor given to an undergraduate, the Barton Cup is awarded to the student who exemplifies outstanding leadership, strong character and high ideals. The Belle and Herman Hammerman Award recognizes the senior entering law school who combines academic excellence with outstanding leadership.

"We hope everyone in the Hopkins community comes out and honors these students who have made such a difference on this campus," Johnson said.

Bill Smedick, director of student involvement, coordinated the program.