Students, faculty, and staff members have shown their resiliency, creativity, and willingness to adapt despite disruptions by the COVID-19 pandemic. Everyone came together to make this academic year as ‘normal’ as they possibly could, even if that meant reimagining events, or hosting them virtually and outside.
One such event, the 10th annual Student Leadership Awards, were announced via social media for the second-straight year with hopes of returning to an in-person event next year. Honoring student organizations, advisors of the year, and unsung heroes, as well as celebrating diversity, health and wellness, and contributions to spiritual life, 12 awards were announced throughout the day on May 5.
"It is so exciting to celebrate our students, faculty, and staff that are such strong leaders within our student organizations,” said Kari Truax, assistant director of student involvement. “Our clubs and organizations provide our students with so many rich experiences that allow them to explore who they are, learn valuable life skills, and build lifelong relationships. I am looking forward to working with all of our student leaders on creative ways for organizations to operate in our ‘new normal’ next year and to having our Leadership Awards ceremony in person again next spring!"
Celebrating the value of learning outside of the classroom through student organizations, leadership roles, and creating social change on campus and in the community throughout the 2020-21 academic year, committee members received numerous nominations for the scaled-back event.
Charlotte Hurst, class of 2021 from Athens, Ohio, was named the Greek Leader of the Year. “I am honored to have received this award,” Hurst said. “Being able to be a part of the Greek community has meant so much to me these past four years, thank you so much to the members of Sigma Kappa who helped me lead so well."
The event is sponsored by Student Involvement, Student Senate, the Interfraternity Council, and the Panhellenic Council. Nominations are gathered from across campus, and through a selection committee comprised of students, faculty, and staff with award winners selected based on a shared set of criteria.
The following is a list of this year’s winners:
- Student Organization of the Year Award: Witt 4 Paws
- Student Leader of the Year Award: Lucas Klever ’21
- Celebration of Diversity Program of the Year: Minds Like Mine (Kaylynn Hill)
- Contributions to Religious and Spiritual Life Award: Olivia Riddle ’21
- Contributions to Health & Wellness Award: Ellen Crosbie
- Emerging Leader of the Year Award: Atticus Dewey ’24
- Greek Chapter of Excellence Award: Alpha Delta Pi
- Greek Leader of the Year: Charlotte Hurst ’21
- Most Improved Chapter of the Year Award: Alpha Xi Delta
- Contributions to Community Living Award: Burbs RAs - Caleb Austin ’21 and Zach Guyer ’21
- Richard R. Scott Faculty/Staff Supporter: Kari Murphy
- Contributions to Community Involvement Award: Springfield Promise Neighborhood Community Garden Witt Workday
