May 26, 2005

Purdue honors 10 individuals, four groups for service

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – The Student Activities and Organizations area of Purdue University's Office of the Dean of Students recently presented awards to 10 individuals and four student groups for their dedication and service during the 2004-05 academic year.

Jon Teaford, adviser to the Alpha Phi Omega service fraternity, received the Outstanding Adviser of the Year Award. According to the award citation, the honor is given to an adviser who best fulfills the goals of "serving as a role model to students, having a strong belief in the organization he or she represents, showing a willingness to commit time to the organization and involving students in the decision-making process." Teaford, a history professor, received his award during an April luncheon that honored advisers for all Purdue student organizations.

"Professor Teaford's initiatives have given us new goals to try to achieve each year," said Alpha Phi Omega member Celestino Ruffini, who nominated Teaford for the award. "As a distinguished member of the university's faculty, he rightfully stands among those who have won the award before him."

Nine Purdue students also earned individual Emerging Leader Awards, which are given in honor of leadership, dedication and involvement in student organizations, as well as to recognize potential for continued growth as leaders.

Among those winning Emerging Leader Awards were Will Burgman, of Zionsville, Ind.; Halle Burton, of Plymouth, Mich.; Frank Garofalo, of Louisville; Dan Kleinbaum, of Saline, Mich.; Michael McDaniel, of Middletown, Ind.; Michelle Schlender, of Chesterton, Ind.; Leanne Smith, of Clarkston, Mich.; Christa Wessels, of Cincinnati; and Brian Zeronik, of Mooresville, Ind.

Alpha Phi Omega received the Community Engagement and Involvement Award, which is presented annually to a student organization that provides outstanding service through a single event or a series of smaller activities that meet the needs of the community. The co-ed service fraternity was honored for its service to Lafayette Christian Schools, Lafayette Urban Ministries and the YMCA, among others.

Kappa Sigma fraternity received the Co-Sponsorship of the Year Award, which is given to a student organization that provides the best co-sponsorship program or program series for the betterment of the Purdue University community. The fraternity was honored for teaming with College Mentors for Kids to organize a December holiday party for underprivileged children.

Colleges Against Cancer received the Outstanding Program Award, which is given to the student organization that implements the most outstanding campus program during each academic year. The organization was honored for the 2004 Relay for Life event, which was the largest single fund-raising event on campus during the 2004-05 academic year.

The Purdue Student Union Board received the Excellence Award, which honors student organizations' cumulative achievement. The board was honored for its ongoing commitment to students on campus, including personal encouragement, financial support and leadership training.

"With all the student organizations and activities we have on campus, there are numerous groups that are worthy of recognition every year," said Jason Casares, assistant dean of students. "This year's award winners definitely deserved to be honored for their service to both the Purdue student body and the Purdue community as a whole."

Writer: Aaron Martin, (765) 496-3133, martinac@purdue.edu

Sources: Jason Casares, (765) 494-1232, casares@purdue.edu

Erin Ansfield, graduate administrative professional in the Office of the Dean of Students, (765) 494-1231, ansfield@purdue.edu

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu

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