Students, faculty and staff members honored for leadership, community service
Lehigh students, staff, faculty, friends and family recently attended the Fourth Annual Volunteer Recognition Awards Ceremony, 24th Annual Multicultural Affairs Student Awards Banquet, and the 21st Annual Student Life Leadership Awards Banquet.
“This year’s award recipients are shining examples of what leadership and service looks like at Lehigh,” says John Smeaton, vice provost for Student Affairs. “Their countless efforts to positively impact the Lehigh community will stand as a lasting legacy of their time here on South Mountain. These are truly wonderful and special young men and women and I am very proud of each and every one of them.”
And the winners are…
The Fourth Annual Volunteer Recognition Awards Ceremony
The Fourth Annual Volunteer Recognition Awards Ceremony honored students, staff and faculty that helped to make a difference both on campus and in the surrounding areas.
Graduate student Amey Senape, Gemma Kite ‘07, Nayla Raad ‘07, Miranda Ford ‘06 and Brian Regan ‘06 were awarded the prestigious Vice Provost’s Award for Service. The award, established in 2004 by the Community Service Office, is a special and distinct way to recognize, reward and celebrate the contributions of those whose selfless giving represents the highest standard for service and volunteerism. Each recipient received an engraved medal of service and will have their name displayed on a plaque that will be prominently displayed in the campus community.
The Ibis of Service Award, created in 2005 and named for community services coordinator and the first recipient of the award, Carolina Hernandez, is given to a person that exhibits great dedication to a lifestyle of servant leadership. This year’s award recipient was Steve McAllister, Lehigh University Women’s Center’s Sexual Violence Prevention Coordinator.
Rebecca Merola ‘06, the Brian J. Lime award recipient, receives the award that is named after a Lehigh graduate and given to a student who leads by humble, consistent and selfless service.
Showing exceeding generosity, the Giving Tree award was given to Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority, whose members selflessly served the community on a regular basis.
The South Bethlehem Neighborhood Center received the Bridge Builder award for building bridges and sharing their knowledge of the community’s needs with the servant leaders at Lehigh in the hopes that the community as a whole is better served.
Reaching beyond their own circle of influence, the Branch Out awards were given to Kristen Opfer, assistant director of financial aid; The Office of Student Leadership Development; Kelly Grim, Center for Academic Success coordinator; Dale Townsend, assistant director of marketing and promotions for athletics; and Keith Schray, professor of chemistry for reaching out in outstanding support helping to fulfill the crucial needs of the Community Service Office.
The Starfish award, which honors single acts of service that can change lives and are given to students, staff and faculty who have frequently volunteered while emulating a true desire to improve the lives of those they are serving, were given to: Devin Tyman ‘09, Melinda Lepko ‘06, Sarah Thomas ‘07 and Albert Chiu ‘08.
The 24th Annual Multicultural Affairs Student Awards Banquet
The Multicultural Affairs Student Awards recognized the accomplishments of students of color from various classes who have made significant contributions to community life, academically and co-curricularly.
Daniel Leon ‘06 received the Ralph Albert Thomas ‘76 Leadership Award which recognizes a senior who has demonstrated tremendous achievement in their academic, personal and co-curricular involvement, while having a significant impact on the quality of life of other Lehigh students. Leon also received a Senior Award.
Kaloma Cardwell ‘06 received the MVP award, which recognizes a student who excels both athletically and academically.
The Community Award, presented to a student whose efforts made a difference by empowering others through service, volunteer activities and general community support, was awarded to Shaun Redwood ‘07.
The awards ceremony also recognized faculty and staff for their commitment to improving the quality of life for students of color. This year’s recipient was Jennifer Swann, associate professor of biological sciences.
The Asian Cultural Society and Kappa Alpha Psi were also honored as Student Organizations of the Year for impacting student life and for promoting cultural awareness.
Awards were also given to students from each class recognizing their leadership, academic excellence and contribution to enhance the quality of life for students of color and the Lehigh community. Graduate Student Awards were given to Hyo Y. Kim, Qing Ye and Shuailei Ma.
The Senior Awards were given to Meryl Glinton, Sarah Jefferson, Andrew Reid and Aneesh Varma. The Junior Awards were given to Devin Dobson and Nayla Raad. Nina Granberry, Veronica Nunez, Ahmed Salim and Calvin Smiley received this year’s Sophomore Award and Calinda Roberts received the First Year Award.
The 21st Annual Student Life Leadership Awards Banquet
The 21st Annual Student Life Leadership Awards Banquet ceremony recognized and celebrated the achievements of students who devoted their time and energy to improving and serving the Lehigh community
This year’s ceremony theme, “Leadership Jazz,” comes from the book by the same title by author Max DePree who says, “Leadership, like jazz, is a public performance dependent on so many things: the environment, the volunteers in the band, the need for everybody to perform as individuals and as a group, the absolute dependence of the leader on the members of the band.”
This statement, says Allison Gulati, assistant dean of leadership development, is such an accurate analogy of the way we define leadership at Lehigh that making it our theme this year was a natural choice.
“Many of our students will be leaving Lehigh in the near future to take their performance on the
road,” she says. “When they leave, we want them to know that their song has left their impression on all of us and that their music has made a difference.”
Provost Mohamed El-Aasser presented Kaloma Cardwell ‘06 and Kip Wallen ‘06 with the Bosey Reiter Leadership Cup. The award’s criteria is defined chiefly in terms of moral character and “a just regard for the rights of others, together with the unflinching determination to succeed, no matter what obstacles and barriers have to be beaten down.”
Cardwell, well-known and well-liked, was described as a determined leader on the athletic field and in the classroom, while working together with other members of the Lehigh community.
“He has overcome barriers for himself and helped to permanently break down those barriers for others while changing the cultural atmosphere at Lehigh University,” says his nominator. “Having been a two time captain of the football team and a four year participant of the C.O.A.C.H. Program, a member of the Black Student Union, and a member of the “Movement” Cardwell has truly shown his ability to play the music that Teddy Roosevelt wrote in defining leadership.”
Wallen has demonstrated his “Leadership jazz” through his involvement in his fraternity, Sigma Phi Epsilon, his involvement in the Office of Student Leadership, as an admissions ambassador and most visibly through his long standing membership in the Student Senate, culminating in his position as president during this academic year.
Says his nominator, “He is truly committed to Lehigh and its success. He wants students to enjoy their experience at Lehigh and serves as an ambassador. He exemplifies stellar leadership and has done so in moments of crisis.”
Sumona Basu ‘06 and Alexander Senchak ‘06 were honored with the University Service Award presented by President Gregory Farrington. The University Service Award honors seniors whose influence, ideals, and activities have been devoted unselfishly to serve the best interests of Lehigh and fellow students.
Basu was honored for her impressive accomplishments academically, as well as, for a variety of honors including the Class of 1904 award and the Vice Provost Award for Service. “While the list of activities she is involved with is impressive,” says one of her nominators, “it is the extra few minutes she spends making an ASA meeting agenda including positive feedback for each executive board member, talking to her one of her residents after a rough day or buying a small gift for the student she tutors through the STAR program that truly shows her selflessness.”
Senchak was honored for his both his academic accomplishments and for his involvement in groups such as Greek life, Theatre, Admissions, sexual violence prevention programs, and the Lehigh University EMS.
“His leadership is a keen ability to see the bigger picture,” says his nominator. “I know his leadership will be the catalyst for many good things to happen in Lehigh’s future.”
Seth Moglen, associate professor of English and advisor to the Black Student Union received the Faculty Advisor Award. Nominated by students as a faculty member who has made a significant difference in the organization and the lives of its members, Moglen, “has been a truly empowering force for not only the Black Student Union, but for other student organizations as well. The growth and success of the Black Student Union this year, has been in large part due to the great support and encouragement that he has provided.”
Alessandra Intili ‘06, Vera Ann Partem ‘06, Andrew Reid ‘06, and Brennan Wiggins ‘07 all received the Student Senate Leadership Award. The award was established by Lehigh’s Student Senate to recognize juniors and seniors who exhibit outstanding leadership skills in aspects of student life through student government, student organizations or athletics.
Hieu Nguyen ‘08 received the Residence Hall Association Character Award, which recognizes a student who has worked to improve student life at Lehigh in Residential Services or Residential Life. Hieu’s nominators say, “Hieu is a caring friend, a hard working and diligent student and a joyful individual.”
The Contribution to Student Life award recognizes Lehigh seniors who have significantly contributed to the improvement and quality of student life during their years at Lehigh. Each nominee was considered because of their involvement in campus activities, campus governance, community service, leadership within student organizations, academic initiatives and their pursuits to empower and support their peers. The recipients of the Contribution to Student Life Award were Samara Adler, Meredith Anderson, Monique Bair, Carolyn Banta, Sumona Basu, Thomas Blank, Kimberly Brown, Bradley Buyers, Kaloma Cardwell, Matthew Diana, Miranda Ford, Linda Hendrixson, Amanda Jasinowski, Sarah Jefferson, Harini Kasturi, Daniel Leon, Jason Malinowski, Vera Ann Partem, Michael Psathas, Anne Rapson, Andrew Reid, Rebecca Resnick, Alexander Senchak, David Thompson, Aneesh Varma, and Kip Wallen.
The Service Above Self Award honors students or student organizations who best exemplify the qualities of caring and concern for others through their participation in or coordination of volunteer and service activities. This year’s recipients were Allison Heinly ‘07 and Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority.
The Alumni Association awarded Sumona Basu, Mitch Gilfillan, Linda Hendrixson and Colin Keefe the Undergraduate Merit Award. Benjamin Gucciardi, Donald McCullough, Amey Senape, and Nathan Shank received the Graduate Student Merit Award. These awards recognize seniors and graduate students who by exemplary character, personality, scholarship and participation in extracurricular activities, represent the highest traditions of Lehigh University.
The Graduate Student Life Office awarded Hannah Dailey the Graduate Student Life Award. The award recognizes an outstanding graduate student leader who has shown exemplary scholarship, leadership and service to the Lehigh graduate student community.
The Student Life Leadership Award recognizes the extraordinary performance as a student leader at Lehigh. Five senior students were presented this award, judged by program development and implementation, for their work to bridge cultural differences and to enhance multiculturism, participation in student governance, and for their overall positive impact on Lehigh students. This year’s recipients were Samara Adler, Miranda Ford, Sarah Jefferson, Daniel Leon and Michael Psathas.
--Sarah Cooke
“This year’s award recipients are shining examples of what leadership and service looks like at Lehigh,” says John Smeaton, vice provost for Student Affairs. “Their countless efforts to positively impact the Lehigh community will stand as a lasting legacy of their time here on South Mountain. These are truly wonderful and special young men and women and I am very proud of each and every one of them.”
And the winners are…
The Fourth Annual Volunteer Recognition Awards Ceremony
The Fourth Annual Volunteer Recognition Awards Ceremony honored students, staff and faculty that helped to make a difference both on campus and in the surrounding areas.
Graduate student Amey Senape, Gemma Kite ‘07, Nayla Raad ‘07, Miranda Ford ‘06 and Brian Regan ‘06 were awarded the prestigious Vice Provost’s Award for Service. The award, established in 2004 by the Community Service Office, is a special and distinct way to recognize, reward and celebrate the contributions of those whose selfless giving represents the highest standard for service and volunteerism. Each recipient received an engraved medal of service and will have their name displayed on a plaque that will be prominently displayed in the campus community.
The Ibis of Service Award, created in 2005 and named for community services coordinator and the first recipient of the award, Carolina Hernandez, is given to a person that exhibits great dedication to a lifestyle of servant leadership. This year’s award recipient was Steve McAllister, Lehigh University Women’s Center’s Sexual Violence Prevention Coordinator.
Rebecca Merola ‘06, the Brian J. Lime award recipient, receives the award that is named after a Lehigh graduate and given to a student who leads by humble, consistent and selfless service.
Showing exceeding generosity, the Giving Tree award was given to Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority, whose members selflessly served the community on a regular basis.
The South Bethlehem Neighborhood Center received the Bridge Builder award for building bridges and sharing their knowledge of the community’s needs with the servant leaders at Lehigh in the hopes that the community as a whole is better served.
Reaching beyond their own circle of influence, the Branch Out awards were given to Kristen Opfer, assistant director of financial aid; The Office of Student Leadership Development; Kelly Grim, Center for Academic Success coordinator; Dale Townsend, assistant director of marketing and promotions for athletics; and Keith Schray, professor of chemistry for reaching out in outstanding support helping to fulfill the crucial needs of the Community Service Office.
The Starfish award, which honors single acts of service that can change lives and are given to students, staff and faculty who have frequently volunteered while emulating a true desire to improve the lives of those they are serving, were given to: Devin Tyman ‘09, Melinda Lepko ‘06, Sarah Thomas ‘07 and Albert Chiu ‘08.
The 24th Annual Multicultural Affairs Student Awards Banquet
The Multicultural Affairs Student Awards recognized the accomplishments of students of color from various classes who have made significant contributions to community life, academically and co-curricularly.
Daniel Leon ‘06 received the Ralph Albert Thomas ‘76 Leadership Award which recognizes a senior who has demonstrated tremendous achievement in their academic, personal and co-curricular involvement, while having a significant impact on the quality of life of other Lehigh students. Leon also received a Senior Award.
Kaloma Cardwell ‘06 received the MVP award, which recognizes a student who excels both athletically and academically.
The Community Award, presented to a student whose efforts made a difference by empowering others through service, volunteer activities and general community support, was awarded to Shaun Redwood ‘07.
The awards ceremony also recognized faculty and staff for their commitment to improving the quality of life for students of color. This year’s recipient was Jennifer Swann, associate professor of biological sciences.
The Asian Cultural Society and Kappa Alpha Psi were also honored as Student Organizations of the Year for impacting student life and for promoting cultural awareness.
Awards were also given to students from each class recognizing their leadership, academic excellence and contribution to enhance the quality of life for students of color and the Lehigh community. Graduate Student Awards were given to Hyo Y. Kim, Qing Ye and Shuailei Ma.
The Senior Awards were given to Meryl Glinton, Sarah Jefferson, Andrew Reid and Aneesh Varma. The Junior Awards were given to Devin Dobson and Nayla Raad. Nina Granberry, Veronica Nunez, Ahmed Salim and Calvin Smiley received this year’s Sophomore Award and Calinda Roberts received the First Year Award.
The 21st Annual Student Life Leadership Awards Banquet
The 21st Annual Student Life Leadership Awards Banquet ceremony recognized and celebrated the achievements of students who devoted their time and energy to improving and serving the Lehigh community
This year’s ceremony theme, “Leadership Jazz,” comes from the book by the same title by author Max DePree who says, “Leadership, like jazz, is a public performance dependent on so many things: the environment, the volunteers in the band, the need for everybody to perform as individuals and as a group, the absolute dependence of the leader on the members of the band.”
This statement, says Allison Gulati, assistant dean of leadership development, is such an accurate analogy of the way we define leadership at Lehigh that making it our theme this year was a natural choice.
“Many of our students will be leaving Lehigh in the near future to take their performance on the
road,” she says. “When they leave, we want them to know that their song has left their impression on all of us and that their music has made a difference.”
Provost Mohamed El-Aasser presented Kaloma Cardwell ‘06 and Kip Wallen ‘06 with the Bosey Reiter Leadership Cup. The award’s criteria is defined chiefly in terms of moral character and “a just regard for the rights of others, together with the unflinching determination to succeed, no matter what obstacles and barriers have to be beaten down.”
Cardwell, well-known and well-liked, was described as a determined leader on the athletic field and in the classroom, while working together with other members of the Lehigh community.
“He has overcome barriers for himself and helped to permanently break down those barriers for others while changing the cultural atmosphere at Lehigh University,” says his nominator. “Having been a two time captain of the football team and a four year participant of the C.O.A.C.H. Program, a member of the Black Student Union, and a member of the “Movement” Cardwell has truly shown his ability to play the music that Teddy Roosevelt wrote in defining leadership.”
Wallen has demonstrated his “Leadership jazz” through his involvement in his fraternity, Sigma Phi Epsilon, his involvement in the Office of Student Leadership, as an admissions ambassador and most visibly through his long standing membership in the Student Senate, culminating in his position as president during this academic year.
Says his nominator, “He is truly committed to Lehigh and its success. He wants students to enjoy their experience at Lehigh and serves as an ambassador. He exemplifies stellar leadership and has done so in moments of crisis.”
Sumona Basu ‘06 and Alexander Senchak ‘06 were honored with the University Service Award presented by President Gregory Farrington. The University Service Award honors seniors whose influence, ideals, and activities have been devoted unselfishly to serve the best interests of Lehigh and fellow students.
Basu was honored for her impressive accomplishments academically, as well as, for a variety of honors including the Class of 1904 award and the Vice Provost Award for Service. “While the list of activities she is involved with is impressive,” says one of her nominators, “it is the extra few minutes she spends making an ASA meeting agenda including positive feedback for each executive board member, talking to her one of her residents after a rough day or buying a small gift for the student she tutors through the STAR program that truly shows her selflessness.”
Senchak was honored for his both his academic accomplishments and for his involvement in groups such as Greek life, Theatre, Admissions, sexual violence prevention programs, and the Lehigh University EMS.
“His leadership is a keen ability to see the bigger picture,” says his nominator. “I know his leadership will be the catalyst for many good things to happen in Lehigh’s future.”
Seth Moglen, associate professor of English and advisor to the Black Student Union received the Faculty Advisor Award. Nominated by students as a faculty member who has made a significant difference in the organization and the lives of its members, Moglen, “has been a truly empowering force for not only the Black Student Union, but for other student organizations as well. The growth and success of the Black Student Union this year, has been in large part due to the great support and encouragement that he has provided.”
Alessandra Intili ‘06, Vera Ann Partem ‘06, Andrew Reid ‘06, and Brennan Wiggins ‘07 all received the Student Senate Leadership Award. The award was established by Lehigh’s Student Senate to recognize juniors and seniors who exhibit outstanding leadership skills in aspects of student life through student government, student organizations or athletics.
Hieu Nguyen ‘08 received the Residence Hall Association Character Award, which recognizes a student who has worked to improve student life at Lehigh in Residential Services or Residential Life. Hieu’s nominators say, “Hieu is a caring friend, a hard working and diligent student and a joyful individual.”
The Contribution to Student Life award recognizes Lehigh seniors who have significantly contributed to the improvement and quality of student life during their years at Lehigh. Each nominee was considered because of their involvement in campus activities, campus governance, community service, leadership within student organizations, academic initiatives and their pursuits to empower and support their peers. The recipients of the Contribution to Student Life Award were Samara Adler, Meredith Anderson, Monique Bair, Carolyn Banta, Sumona Basu, Thomas Blank, Kimberly Brown, Bradley Buyers, Kaloma Cardwell, Matthew Diana, Miranda Ford, Linda Hendrixson, Amanda Jasinowski, Sarah Jefferson, Harini Kasturi, Daniel Leon, Jason Malinowski, Vera Ann Partem, Michael Psathas, Anne Rapson, Andrew Reid, Rebecca Resnick, Alexander Senchak, David Thompson, Aneesh Varma, and Kip Wallen.
The Service Above Self Award honors students or student organizations who best exemplify the qualities of caring and concern for others through their participation in or coordination of volunteer and service activities. This year’s recipients were Allison Heinly ‘07 and Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority.
The Alumni Association awarded Sumona Basu, Mitch Gilfillan, Linda Hendrixson and Colin Keefe the Undergraduate Merit Award. Benjamin Gucciardi, Donald McCullough, Amey Senape, and Nathan Shank received the Graduate Student Merit Award. These awards recognize seniors and graduate students who by exemplary character, personality, scholarship and participation in extracurricular activities, represent the highest traditions of Lehigh University.
The Graduate Student Life Office awarded Hannah Dailey the Graduate Student Life Award. The award recognizes an outstanding graduate student leader who has shown exemplary scholarship, leadership and service to the Lehigh graduate student community.
The Student Life Leadership Award recognizes the extraordinary performance as a student leader at Lehigh. Five senior students were presented this award, judged by program development and implementation, for their work to bridge cultural differences and to enhance multiculturism, participation in student governance, and for their overall positive impact on Lehigh students. This year’s recipients were Samara Adler, Miranda Ford, Sarah Jefferson, Daniel Leon and Michael Psathas.
--Sarah Cooke
Posted on:
Wednesday, May 03, 2006
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