This award is bestowed by the President's Advisory Board based on a student's service contribution to the campus and/or the community. The award recognizes outstanding students in good academic standing who have demonstrated exemplary acts of altruism or heroism and exceptional volunteer service. Ballard and Lehor are among only five students to receive this award.

Lehor and Ballard received this award as an acknowledgment of their almost 24/7 dedication to ensuring that evacuated animals were taken care of last summer during the Butte County fires. Last June 85 horses, 18 sheep, 18 goats, three llamas, two alpacas, two pigs and a baby calf were evacuated to the University Farm during the devastating Humboldt Fire along the Paradise ridge. Numerous community members, students and college personnel volunteered countless hours hauling water and feed to ensure the animals were treated humanely.

Ballard worked at the University Farm during the wildfires evacuation, dedicating 24 hours a day to personally make sure every animal was well cared for. According to Dean Fox, "Jeremy's quiet, calm influence helped to calm jittery animals and anxious owners."

Lehor was also working at the University Farm during the wildfire evacuation, serving as the go-to person 24 hours a day. Lehor coordinated deliveries, answered calls from distressed owners, arranged for food donations and assisted in caring for the evacuated animals.

Senior agricultural business major and Associated Students President Jesse Eller also received an award as the Associated Students Outstanding Student Leader. This award is given to a student who stands out in terms of grade point average, contributions in class and active participation in co-curricular activities.

All award recipients were acknowledged at California State University, Chico's 20th Annual University Awards Reception on Wednesday, April 22, in the BMU Auditorium.