Student Activities and Organizations awards presented
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - The annual Student Activities and Organization awards were presented April 19 in the Purdue Memorial Union South Ballroom. More than 100 nominations were received for the awards, which are given to outstanding students, student organizations and organization advisers.
The Emerging Leader Award is given to those who have demonstrated knowledge of, and interest in, campus activities and organizations. The award recipients are expected to display enthusiasm, motivation, communication and organizational skills. This year's recipients were Carina Buenrostro, Brittany Crawmer, Ryan Cross, Chelsea Gunter, Chloe Heinen, Margaret Kleindl, Taylor Lampe, Rachel Lindsay, Emily Mishler, Haley Pierce, Katelyn Reavis, Mallory Rotondo, Allie Sexton, Arianna Sweis, Tyler Williams and Chris Yothment.
The Outstanding Adviser of the Year is awarded to the student organization adviser who serves as a role model to students and has a strong belief in the organization they represent. This adviser shows his or her willingness to commit sufficient time to the organization and promotes students' personal growth by involving them in the organization's decision-making process. This year's recipient was Wei Hong. Other advisers nominated for the award were Angelica Duran, Rosemary Ricci, Kate Mane, Beth Holloway, Mark A. Diekman, Brandi Farrer, Jesse Raney, the Rev. Patrick Baikauskas and Kimber Nicoletti.
The Linda Hurd Ewing Memorial Scholarship is dedicated to a student who best exemplifies the characteristics and qualities of scholarship, leadership, integrity and the ability to communicate to all ages. This year's recipients were Tara Driscoll, Kathy Heath, Lauren Kennedy, Molly Longest, Christopher Marks and Ogbeifun Uhunnoma.
The Class of 1937 endowed a scholarship to reward students who show leadership and leadership potential while at Purdue. The 2012 recipients were Milad Alucozai ($4,000), Stuart Shippee ($3,500), Michael Zwach ($3,500), Michael Mattern ($3,000), Maria Lunik ($3,000), Paul Branham ($2,000), James Douglas Camanse ($2,000), Christopher Mascaro ($2,000), Spencer Carson ($2,000), Ashley Scott ($2,000), Wesley Hoymoya ($2,000), Sarah Arnac ($1,500), Mara Gallo ($1,500), Heidi Branham ($1,500), Emilie Kuhn ($1,500), Cherrie Lemon ($1,500), Hannah Joy Pheasant ($1,000), Lauren Rigg ($1,000), Natalie Bock ($1,000) and Brooke Sacksteder ($1,000).
The Peggy Sullivan Achievement Award honors and celebrates the accomplishments and contributions of Peggy Sullivan, Span Plan's third director. She provided 30 years of dedicated service to traditional, as well as nontraditional students, at Purdue University from 1962-2002. The recipients were Heidi Branham, Paul Branham, Melissa Gokmogol and Wesley Homoya.
The Office of the Dean of Students Nontraditional Student Scholarship is awarded to full- or part-time, beginning or continuing adult nontraditional students who have a cumulative grade index of 2.0 or above, clear academic and career goals, and evidence of good character and persistence. Recipients were Heidi Branham, Paul Branham, Melissa Gokmogol, Wesley Homoya and Linda Jones.
The Charles O. McGaughey Leadership Awards were established by McGaughey, a 1939 Purdue graduate, to honor undergraduate students who show leadership abilities and appreciation for basic American values. The recipients, who each will receive a $3,375 scholarship, were Brad Barnet, Amanda Beering, Laura Donaldson, Tara Driscoll, Frank Freeman, Bradley Krites, Cherrie Lemon, Maria Lunik, Stuart Shippee and Tyler Teykl.
The Cecelia Zissi Graduate Student Grant honors the memory of the second Span Plan director, who served from 1970-1987. Recipients were Lisa Beringer, Cynthia Davies and John Wilcox.
The Co-Sponsorship of the Year Award is presented to the organizations that have provided the most outstanding co-sponsorship program or program series for the betterment of the campus, students and Purdue. Six events were nominated for this award. Recipients were Purdue Student Government, Boilermaker Sports Alliance, Purdue Student Union Board, Residence Halls Association and Purdue Alumni Student Experience for their collaboration on the 12th Boiler Tailgate and Delta Phi Mu Sorority and Delta Pi Rho Fraternity for E.L. S.W.A.G. (Empowering Latinos for Success Wellness and Academic Growth).
The Outstanding Program Award is presented to the student organization that has implemented the most outstanding campus program during the academic year. The 2012 awards were presented to Mortar Board and Muslim Student Association. NOGLSTP@Purdue (National Organization of Gay and Lesbian Scientists and Technical Professionals at Purdue) earned an honorable mention for organizing its first LGBTQIA Film Festival.
The Community Engagement & Involvement Award is presented to the student organization that provides outstanding service to other people or a place. The event can be a large, one-time activity or a series of smaller projects that meet community needs. This year's recipient was Purdue Circle K.
The Boilermaker Pride Award honors a student organization for outstanding participation in a tournament competition. The organization must display outstanding sportsmanship, compete against a Big Ten opponent, and have active participation by all members in most competitions. The recipient was the Purdue Fencing Club.
The Excellence Award is a "lifetime achievement award" to honor a student organization that demonstrates outstanding continuous programs, leadership and service. This year's recipient was the Purdue Chinese Student & Scholar Association.
This was the inaugural year for the Office of the Dean of Students-Student Ambassador Program. This group welcomed new Boilermaker families to campus and spread the word about the services available to students through the Office of the Dean of Students. The two Outstanding Ambassadors for 2012 were Amanda Gee and Yunho Lim.
Fall Harvest Food Drive Awards this year went to: Wiley Hall (2,465 pounds) in Residence Hall Category; Theta Chi (157 pounds) in Cooperative, Fraternity or Sorority Category; Purdue Rotaract Club (735 pounds) for Student Organization Category; College of Technology at Lafayette (4,577 pounds) for University Department Category; and Jacob Johnson (13 pounds) for Individual Category.
Julie Griffith, vice president for public affairs, and Purdue announced the new Community Partner Award to recognize a nonprofit organization, governmental unit or school that has made a significant contribution to the education and leadership development of Purdue students by providing meaningful community service opportunities. This year's recipient was Lafayette Crisis Center.
Nominations for all of these awards are taken throughout the year and are reviewed by a committee of students and faculty. Award winners receive plaques for their organization and have their names inscribed on perpetual plaques on campus.
Contacts: Faryal Dina, Graduate Administrative Professional, 765-494-1231
Martia King, assistant dean of students, 765-494-1232, mbrawner@purdue.edu