Apply For Annual Awards
Each year, CAVE presents five awards to recognize outstanding volunteers making a difference in the Chico community. The 2025-2026 award application will open January 26 and close
on March 8 and is available on Cats Connect. Award recipients will be are announced at
the end of each Spring semester. All award disbursements are processed through the
Financial Aid Office. Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact Financial Aid before
applying to confirm they have room in their financial aid package to receive an award if
selected. Award details and requirements are listed below.
Ron Rohde Awards
These awards memorialize two great men, both named Ron Rohde. Initially established by the younger Ron Rohde in memory of his father, the award now honors both men. The younger Ron completed both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees at CSU, Chico and later served as part-time faculty in the Department of Communication Design. Additionally, Ron was actively involved with CAVE where he helped manage and promote the Project Pals Program.
Award Amount: Two awards of $1,500
Eligibility:
- Active CAVE volunteers in Spring 2025 or Fall 2025 (CAVE volunteers from Fall 2025 who have become CAVE staff in Spring 2025 are eligible for these awards)
- Made significant contributions to the community
- Full-time, continuing undergraduate, graduate, or credential students
- 3.0 GPA or higher
Outstanding CAVE Volunteer Award
The Long’s Award for the Outstanding CAVE Volunteer is given to a student who has demonstrated outstanding service as a volunteer in the CAVE program.
Award Amount: $500
Eligibility:
- Active CAVE volunteer in 2025 (Spring 2025 and/or Fall 2025)
- Demonstrated outstanding service
Community Affairs Recognition Award for the Outstanding CAVE Staff Member
The Community Affairs Recognition Award (CARA) is presented to a current CAVE staff member recognizing their outstanding commitment to the philosophy of service/volunteerism as demonstrated by their contributions while on CAVE staff.
Award Amount: $500
Eligibility:
- Current CAVE staff member in Fall 2025 or Spring 2025
- Contributions to CAVE demonstrate outstanding commitment to the philosophy of service/volunteerism
Ann Schwab "Life is for Learning" Award for a CAVE Staff Member
Ann Schwab humbly served Chico State for nearly 24 years – 20 of those with CAVE. During this time she oversaw 40,000+ volunteers and mentored 2,400 CAVE staff members. The Ann Schwab Life is for Learning Award is presented to a current CAVE student staff member in recognition of their great personal transformation while supporting CAVE. CAVE’s Student Directors will nominate CAVE staff members for this award and the winner will be selected by CAVE’s Program Director. The award announcement will happen at CAVE’s Staff Recognition event in the Spring.
Award Amount: $500
Eligibility:
- Current CAVE staff member in Fall 2025 or Spring 2025
- Demonstrated great personal transformation while supporting CAVE