From honoring student organizations and advisors of the year; to celebrating diversity, health and wellness, and contributions to spiritual life; to recognizing unsung heroes, the ninth annual Student Leadership Awards kicked off this week’s Liberal Arts in Action: A Celebration of Learning.

The ceremony, hosted by Wittenberg’s Office of Student Involvement, took place at the Benham-Pence Student Center’s Dining Room at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 3, and celebrated individuals, organizations and events that impacted the campus community in a positive way throughout the 2018-19 academic year.

Celebrating the value of learning outside of the classroom through student organizations, leadership roles, and creating social change on campus and in the community, committee members received 109 nominations for 23 awards. Nominations are gathered from across campus, and through a selection committee comprised of students, faculty, and staff.

“It’s truly an honor to be nominated for any award because it validates my work for me to be nominated with my peers that inspire me with their work,” said Megan Mong ’19 of Salina, Kansas, a Greek Leader of the Year award recipient. “My leadership skills have grown by learning and living in an environment of leaders, whether through my involvement in Greek life and Campus ministries, or supporting my friends in their areas of passion. It’s humbling to know others see and appreciate my work on campus as much as I see and appreciate their work.”

Winners are selected and recognized at this campus-wide event sponsored by Student Involvement, Student Senate, the Interfraternity Council, and the Panhellenic Council. Award winners were selected based on a shared set of criteria.

“It means a lot to be recognized by my friends and the university for all the work I've put in during the last year,” said Spencer Laughman ’19 of Hinsdale, Illinois, who won a Student Leader of the Year award.

“Wittenberg has helped me grow in my leadership skills with the opportunities provided here but especially due to the support from faculty and staff members like Carol Nickoson (director of Student Involvement),” said Ilse Hassler ’20 of Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania, who was also a Student Leader of the Year award recipient.

The following is a list of this year’s winners: 

Student Employee of the Year Award: Jennifer Ryan ’19
Student Employee of the Year Award: Jamie Rettig ’20
Student Employee Supervisor of the Year: Mike Mattison, associate professor of English, Writing Center Director
Program of Year Award (Under 50 Attendees): Adulting 101, Residence Life
Program of the Year Award (Over 50 Attendees): Witt Late Night
Outstanding Community Service & Philanthropy Award: Ohio Beta Chapter of Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity and Gamma Omega Chapter of Sigma Kappa
Dietrich Academic Excellence Awards: Chi Chapter of Alpha Delta Pi and the Nu Zeta Chapter of Lambda Chi Alpha
Student Organization Advisor of the Year Award: Kathy Reinsel, associate professor of biology, Marine Science Club
Chapter Volunteer of the Year Award: Don Hutchinson ’15, Beta Theta Pi
Richard R. Scott Faculty/Staff Member of the Year Award: Grace Sever, director of academic services
Social Justice Leader of the Year Award: Hannah Brown ’19 and Gloria Craig ’19
Wittenberg Woman of the Year Award: Cori Cleveland ’19; Gwen Owen, director of student conduct and deputy Title IX coordinator; Heather Wright, associate professor of political science
Student Supporter of the Year Award: Lila Zaharkov, associate professor of languages
Celebration of Diversity Program Award: Human Library, Residence Life
Contributions to Religious and Spiritual Life Award: Kathleen Serio ’19 and Common Ground
Student Leader of the Year Award: Justin Unternaher ’19, Aacha Gregg ’20, Spencer Laughman ’19, Chloe Bradburn ’19 and Ilse Hassler ’20
Emerging Leader of the Year Award: Hunter Tichenor ’22 and Ryan Zimmerman ’22
New Organization of the Year Award: STRENGTH
Greek Leaders of the Year: Justin Luby ’19, Delta Tau Delta and Megan Mong ’19, Kappa Delta
Club Sport and Recreational Organization of the Year Award: Club Basketball
Most Improved Chapter of the Year Award: Sigma Kappa
Chapter of Excellence Award: Delta Gamma
Student Organization of the Year Award: Union Board