{"id":1460,"date":"2020-05-11T20:14:23","date_gmt":"2020-05-11T20:14:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/student-affairs\/?page_id=1460"},"modified":"2022-02-23T19:07:15","modified_gmt":"2022-02-23T19:07:15","slug":"2020-student-leadership-recognition-banquet-award-winners","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/student-affairs\/2020-student-leadership-recognition-banquet-award-winners\/","title":{"rendered":"2020 Student Leadership Recognition Banquet Award Recipients"},"content":{"rendered":"

*If you are an award recipient and would like your photo added or changed, please email Birte Pfitzner at<\/span> pfitznerb@wcsu.edu<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Inter-Residence Hall Association Awards<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/h2>\n

The awards are voted upon by the Inter-Residence Hall Association<\/strong>, which represents the residential student body. Announced by: James Lavery, IRHA President<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/h5>\n
\"Jomila<\/a>Resident of the Year<\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n

This award is given to a member of the residential student body who has served the campus community above and beyond the call of duty.\u00a0 This individual is an outstanding leader and motivator to all students, but particularly the residential students.<\/p>\n

Recipient:<\/span> Jomila Schand-Harris<\/u>\u00a0from Centennial Hall<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n
\"Jaclyn<\/a>Housing and Residence Life Staff Member of the Year – RA<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n

This award is given to a Resident Assistant, Academic Resource Mentor, or a member of the Department of Housing and Residence Life who has shown extreme dedication to Housing throughout the academic year.\u00a0 Through programming, office work, and showing support for the residents of Western Connecticut State University, the award , the award recipient is being honored for his\/her service.<\/p>\n

Recipient: <\/span><\/span>Jaclyn Bonomo<\/u>\u00a0<\/strong>from Grasso Hall – RA of the Year<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n
\"Tamia<\/a>Housing and Residence Life Staff Member of the Year – ARM<\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n

This award is given to a Resident Assistant, Academic Resource Mentor, or a member of the Department of Housing and Residence Life who has shown extreme dedication to Housing throughout the academic year. Through programming, office work, and showing support for the residents of Western Connecticut State University, the award recipient is being honored for his\/her service.<\/p>\n

Recipient<\/span><\/span>: Tamia Scott<\/u><\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong>from Litchfield Hall – ARM of the Year<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n
\"Anthony<\/a>Program of the Year\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n

This award is given either to a Hall Council, Resident Assistant, Academic Resource Mentor, or a member of the residential student body who has hosted a program that has best suited the university and the needs of the community.<\/p>\n

Recipient:<\/span><\/span>\u00a0Anthony “Fitz” Fiorenza’s BASH FALL<\/u><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n
\"Grasso<\/a>Hall Council of the Year\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n

This award is given to a Hall Council that has facilitated successful programming, has made an impact on their resident hall, and has ultimately coincided with the Department of Housing and Residence Life\u2019s C.U.L.T.U.R.E. program. The award is voted upon by the Inter-Residence Hall Association, which represents the residential student body.<\/p>\n

Recipient:<\/span><\/span>\u00a0Grasso Hall Council<\/u><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n

Program Activities Council Award<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/h2>\n

\"The<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

Awarded by the Program Activities Council. <\/strong>Announced by: Megan Waldrop, PAC President<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Outstanding Student Program<\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n

This award is presented to a student or group who is deemed to have initiated and executed the program, excluding PAC programs, that had the largest impact on the campus community during the year.<\/p>\n

Recipient:<\/span><\/span>\u00a0The Gallery<\/u><\/strong>\u00a0by It’s On Us<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n

Leadership, Compassion and Creativity Certificate Program Graduates<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

\"LCCC<\/a>The Leadership, Compassion and Creativity Certificate program is a leadership program that provides an opportunity for students to receive a certificate by exploring the values of leadership, compassion, & creativity across all Student Affairs disciplines and with people of all communities. This program takes a student’s co-curricular activities, leadership roles and community service hours and combines them into one leadership certificate. Announced by: Dennis Leszko, Director of the Center for Student Involvement<\/em><\/p>\n

The 2020 graduates of the program are:<\/p>\n

Caitlyn Barry\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n

Sengmuy Kouch<\/span><\/p>\n

Mariana Martins<\/span><\/p>\n

Heather Morey<\/span><\/p>\n

Erika Sabovik<\/span><\/p>\n

William Silvia<\/span><\/p>\n

LCCC leaders are those who are innovative and inspire others to find new and diverse ways to solve problems. They lead sympathetically by understanding that all people learn and succeed through different avenues of guidance. At the end of completing the LCCC, students are able to explain how they have become more compassionate and creative leaders; and explain how participation in LCCC has shaped their understanding of leadership.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

\n

Greek Council Awards<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/h2>\n
\"Matt<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n

Awarded by the\u00a0Greek Council. <\/strong>Announced by: Dennis Leszko, Director of the Center for Student Involvement<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

New Greek Member of the Year<\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n

This award goes to an individual who is new to the Greek community and has made a significant contribution to his\/her Greek organization, the Greek Council, and the university.\u00a0 Nominations were solicited from individuals and Greek organizations.<\/p>\n

Recipient:<\/span><\/span>\u00a0Matthew Zaffuto<\/u><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n
\"Jane<\/a>Outstanding Greek Member of the Year<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n

This award goes to the individual who has made a significant contribution to his\/her Greek organization, the Greek Council, and the university.\u00a0 Nominations were solicited from individuals and Greek organizations.<\/p>\n

Recipient:<\/span><\/span>\u00a0Jane Stock<\/u><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n
Highest GPA for a Greek Letter Organization<\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n
\"Sigma<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n

Awarded to the Greek organization with the highest cumulative grade point average at the end of the previous fall semester.<\/p>\n

Recipient:<\/span><\/span>\u00a0Sigma Delta Tau<\/u><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n

John Tamas Memorial Emerging Student Leader<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/h2>\n

\"Bella<\/a>Awarded by the\u00a0Division of Student Affairs. <\/strong>Announced by: Dr. Walter Cramer, Dean of Students<\/em><\/p>\n

This award goes to a Freshman or Sophomore who has demonstrated superior leadership capability and potential.<\/p>\n

Recipient:<\/span><\/span>\u00a0Bella DiMartino<\/u><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

The Emerging Student Leader Award committee met and, with a large number of outstanding first and second year students nominated, overwhelmingly chose Bella DiMartino to receive the John Tamas Emerging Student Leader Award for 2020. Bella started at WCSU in the Fall of 2019 and is majoring in Communications with a minor in Theater. She has been working as a Career Peer Leader in the Career Success Center where she has proven to be an invaluable asset to her peers and the center. She has drive, compassion and continuously adapts to the incredible changes in her own life and the lives of the students around her. Bella is also a member of PIBE, the WCSU coed a cappella group, as well as WIG (Western Improv Group). Bella is a member of the WCSU Honors Program and has been volunteering both on campus and in the community. Bella is a true leader at WCSU and takes pride in helping and mentoring her fellow students in any way she can.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

\n

SLRB Committee Student Organization of the Year Awards<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/h2>\n

Awarded by the\u00a0Student Leadership Recognition Banquet (SLRB) Committee. <\/strong>Announced by: John Murphy, Director of Event & Conference Management and SGA Advisor; Ryan Cooke, Assistant to the Director of Housing & Residence Life and Residence Director of Centennial Hall; Daryle Dennis, Assistant Dean of Students and Director of InterCultural Affairs.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"Western<\/a>Ancell School of Business \u2013 Student Organization of the Year\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n

This award is presented to a student organization that has shown outstanding commitment to its organizational goals and program planning, has made an impact on the campus and surrounding community, and the leadership development of its group members.<\/p>\n

Recipient:<\/span><\/span>\u00a0Western Marketing Association<\/u><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n
\"Student<\/a>School of Professional Studies \u2013 Student Organization of the Year\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n

This award is presented to a student organization that has shown outstanding commitment to its organizational goals and program planning, has made an impact on the campus and surrounding community, and the leadership development of its group members.<\/p>\n

Recipient:<\/span><\/span>\u00a0Student Nurses Association<\/u><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"Chemistry<\/a>Macricostas School of Arts & Sciences <\/span><\/span><\/strong>\u2013 <\/strong>Student Organization of the Year\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n

This award is presented to a student organization that has shown outstanding commitment to its organizational goals and program planning, has made an impact on the campus and surrounding community, and the leadership development of its group members.<\/p>\n

Recipient:<\/span><\/span>\u00a0Chemistry Club<\/u><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n
\"Western<\/a>School of Visual and Performing Arts \u2013 Student Organization of the Year\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/h5>\n

This award is presented to a student organization that has shown outstanding commitment to its organizational goals and program planning, has made an impact on the campus and surrounding community, and the leadership development of its group members.<\/p>\n

Recipient:<\/span><\/span>\u00a0Western Improv Group<\/u><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n
\"It's<\/a>General Interest and Community Service \u2013 Student Organization of the Year\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n

This award is presented to a student organization that has shown outstanding commitment to its organizational goals and program planning, has made an impact on the campus and surrounding community, and the leadership development of its group members.<\/p>\n

Recipient:<\/span><\/span>\u00a0It’s On Us<\/u><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n
\"Gender<\/a>Diversity \u2013 Student Organization of the Year\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/h5>\n

This award is presented to a student organization that has shown outstanding commitment to its organizational goals and program planning, has made an impact on the campus and surrounding community, and the leadership development of its group members.<\/p>\n

Recipient:<\/span><\/span>\u00a0Gender & Sexuality Alliance<\/u><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n

Student Government Association Awards<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/h2>\n

Awarded by the Student Government Association<\/strong>. Announced by: Paul Horkan, SGA President<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"John<\/a><\/p>\n

Macricostas School of Arts and Sciences \u2013 Outstanding Faculty Member\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n

This award is given to a faculty member from the Macricostas School of Arts & Sciences for outstanding contribution to WCSU students.<\/p>\n

Recipient:<\/span><\/span>\u00a0John Roche<\/u><\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

John Roche is a WCSU MFA Alumnus Class of 2012, MFA Mentor, and Author of Bronx Bound: A Novel. Following a 25-year career as an award-winning journalist, he continues to freelance for regional magazines and newspapers and is also a full-time faculty member in the WCSU Writing Dept., leading the undergraduate journalism program.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n
\"Louisa<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/h5>\n
School of Visual & Performing Arts \u2013 Outstanding Faculty Member\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n

This award is given to a faculty member from the School of Visual & Performing Arts for outstanding contribution to WCSU students.<\/p>\n

Recipient:<\/span><\/span>\u00a0Louisa Burns-Bisogno<\/u><\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Louisa Burns-Bisogno is an award-winning screenwriter, director, author, and international media consultant with over 100 on-screen credits. She is an \u201cO\u2019Neill\u201d playwright, a winner of the National Playwrights Conference, and teaches playwriting, screenwriting and writing for the web at Western Connecticut State University.\u00a0<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n
School of Professional Studies \u2013 Outstanding Faculty Membe<\/strong>r<\/span><\/h5>\n
\"April<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/h5>\n

This award is given to a faculty member from the School of Professional Studies for outstanding contribution to WCSU students.<\/p>\n

Recipient:<\/span><\/span>\u00a0April Moreira<\/u><\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

April Moira is a WCSU alum and earned her M.S.W. from Fordham University. She is passionate about helping others and has dedicated herself to the profession of social work and everything it represents. She is a full-time faculty member in the WCSU Social Work Department.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n
Ancell School of Business \u2013 Outstanding Faculty Member\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n

This award is given to a faculty member from the Ancell School of Business for outstanding contribution to WCSU students.<\/p>\n

\"Terrence<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/h5>\n

Recipient:<\/span><\/span>\u00a0Terrence Dwyer<\/u><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Terrence Dwyer retired from the New York State Police after a 22-year career, 17\u00bd years of which were as an Investigator in the Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI). His law practice has included several general practice areas and over the past several years Professor Dwyer has been involved in police litigation and disciplinary cases either as an attorney or as a consultant. He is a CSU Professor in the Division of Justice and Law at WCSU.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

\n
The Fernando & Alice Fernandes Award<\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n

Awarded to a member of the classified staff who has made significant contribution to student life.<\/p>\n

Recipient:<\/span><\/span>\u00a0Karla Gonzales<\/u><\/strong> (from Sodexo)<\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n
\"Cathy<\/a>Award of Merit<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/h5>\n

Awarded for outstanding service to the entire student body.\u00a0 A non-student member of the WCSU community whose dedication to the students and student life has gone far above and beyond his\/her obligations.<\/p>\n

Recipient:<\/span><\/span>\u00a0Cathy Kost<\/u><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n
\"Mariana<\/a>Student Award of Merit<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n

Awarded to a student who has dedicated him\/herself to outstanding service to the student body.<\/p>\n

Recipient:<\/span><\/span>\u00a0Mariana Martins<\/span><\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n
Outstanding Student Organization<\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n
\"Latin<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n

Awarded to a student organization that has excelled in all areas.<\/p>\n

Recipient:<\/span><\/span>\u00a0Latin American Student Organization (LASO)<\/u><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n
\"Photography<\/a>Outstanding New Student Organization<\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n

Awarded to a student organization that has formed this year and has shown outstanding progress, programming, and development.<\/p>\n

Recipient:<\/span><\/span>\u00a0WCSU Photography Club<\/u><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n
\"Olivia<\/a>Outstanding Senator<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/h5>\n

Awarded to a senator in the Student Government Association for outstanding service.<\/p>\n

Recipient:<\/span><\/span>\u00a0Olivia Geiger<\/u><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n
\"Emily<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n
Outstanding Representative<\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n

Awarded to a senator in the Student Government Association for outstanding service.<\/p>\n

Recipient:<\/span><\/span>\u00a0Emily Reyes<\/u><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n
\"Patty<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n
SGA President\u2019s Award (tie)<\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n

Awarded to a student or other member of the university community who has contributed to helping student organizations on campus.<\/p>\n

Recipient:<\/span><\/span>\u00a0Patricia Gillotti, WCSU Police Department<\/u><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/h5>\n
\"R<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/h5>\n

Awarded to a student or other member of the university community who has contributed to helping student organizations on campus.<\/p>\n

Recipient:<\/span><\/span>\u00a0Dr. R. Averell Manes, Department of Social Sciences<\/u><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n
SGA President\u2019s Award for Outstanding Student Leadership<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/h5>\n

\"Danny<\/a><\/p>\n

This award is presented to a student who has displayed outstanding leadership skills and has actively worked toward bettering the community and student life on campus during their time here at Western Connecticut State University.<\/p>\n

Recipient:<\/span><\/span>\u00a0Danny Men<\/u><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Jesse Lewis Compassion Award<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/h2>\n

\"Erika<\/a>Awarded by the Center for Compassion, Creativity & Innovation. <\/strong>Announced by: Dr. Christopher Kukk, Director of the Center for Compassion Creativity & Innovation, the Kathwari Honors Program, and Professor of\u00a0 Political Science; and Scarlett Lewis, mother of Jesse Lewis, and founder of the Jesse Lewis Choose Love Foundation<\/em><\/p>\n

This award is presented to a student whose compassion (actively helping others to solve or overcome their problems or suffering) knows no bounds.\u00a0 This award is in memory of Jesse Lewis, the 6-year-old Sandy Hook student who saved the lives of 9 other first graders on December 14, 2012.<\/p>\n

Recipient:<\/span><\/span>\u00a0Erika Sabovik<\/u><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Dr. Chris Kukk: “We are so proud to present this award to Erika Sabovik. Erika’s courage in helping so many LGBTQ students through so many trying times – she has earned an award just for that. But she is also the first Western Connecticut State University graduate with a Social Entrepreneurship degree – in other words, she is going to go out into the world, make it a better place for everyone!” <\/em><\/p>\n

Watch the full-length award video\u00a0here.<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

\n

Community Service Award<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/h2>\n

\"WestConn<\/a>Awarded by the Division of Student Affairs. <\/strong>Announced by Dr. Walter Cramer, Dean of Students.<\/em><\/p>\n

This award is presented to the club, organization or student that shows exemplary effort to volunteer and serve the community around them.<\/p>\n

Recipient:<\/span><\/span>\u00a0WestConn Athletic Teams<\/u><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

The 2019-20 academic year saw the WestConn Athletic Department contribute over 3,000 hours to the community through a variety of service activities. Each team participated in the 2019 WCSU Day of Service while also spending time throughout the year at local schools, food pantries, and with youth teams. Community service within the department is also led by the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) who hosted a Halloween event for more than 200 local children and participated in the holiday Adopt-a-Family program. As a result of this dedication to giving back, WestConn Athletics won the 2020 NCAA Team Works Challenge.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Outstanding Advisor (tie)<\/span><\/strong><\/a>\"Michele<\/a><\/h2>\n

Awarded by\u00a0Student Life\/Student Activities. <\/strong>Announced by Dennis Leszko, Director of the Center for Student Involvement<\/em><\/p>\n

Awarded to the Advisor that best promotes the growth potential of student organizations, assists with their maintenance, and stimulates the development of programs that not only enrich the campus but also aid the development of students.<\/p>\n

Recipient:<\/span><\/span>\u00a0Michele Hossan \u2013 Newman Club<\/u><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"Pano<\/a>Awarded by\u00a0Student Life\/Student Activities. <\/strong>Announced by Dennis Leszko, Director of the Center for Student Involvement<\/em><\/p>\n

Awarded to the Advisor that best promotes the growth potential of student organizations, assists with their maintenance, and stimulates the development of programs that not only enrich the campus but also aid the development of students.<\/p>\n

Recipient:<\/span><\/span>\u00a0Pano Koukopoulos \u2013 Adventure Club<\/u><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n

Alumni Association Outstanding Student Leader Awards (tie)<\/span><\/strong><\/a><\/h2>\n

Awarded by the\u00a0WCSU Alumni Association. <\/strong>Announced by: R<\/em>ay Lubus, President of the Alumni Association<\/em><\/p>\n

\"Danny<\/a><\/p>\n

This award is given each year to a student who has exemplified the qualities of a student leader.<\/p>\n

Recipient:<\/span><\/span>\u00a0Danny Men<\/u><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Danny Men, from Danbury, Connecticut, started in the Student Government Association as a Freshman Senator and has not looked back since. He has been SGA Vice President of Finance not just for one term but two terms, a feat that has not been achieved in over a decade. Danny took on the monumental task of reshaping the SGA budgeting process, and his impact on the organization has been gigantic. In addition, Danny is known for his dedication and fairness in his dealings with the student organizations on campus. Always polite, gracious, and kind, Danny is well known and liked amongst his fellow students, faculty and staff on campus. Besides being SGA VP, Danny is a Computer Science major, works in Information Technology & Innovation, and is enrolled in the ROTC program at Yale.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Awarded by the WCSU Alumni Association. <\/strong>Announced by Ray Lubus, President of the Alumni Association.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"Victoria<\/a><\/u><\/strong><\/span>This award is given each year to a student who has exemplified the qualities of a student leader.<\/p>\n

Recipient:<\/span><\/span>\u00a0Victoria Tralli<\/u><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Victoria (Tori) Tralli has given her all to WCSU from day one! A Bethel, Connecticut native and a natural leader, she decided she was going to be involved in everything that she could. And, as the saying goes, the rest is history. Tori, who is a graduating senior, works 2 jobs, is a full-time commuter student, HPX major, and is involved in promoting a healthy lifestyle and physical fitness. She is a 4 year member and Senior Tri Captain of the WCSU Cheer Team and was also elected President of the WCSU Commuter Student Organization. She served as an excellent Orientation Leader for several years and committed herself to being involved in both campus and community service projects. She has a wonderful energy about her that is special to be around and has an incredibly magnetic personality. Tori is a great role model and represents the true embodiment of a WCSU Student Leader.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

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Walter B. Bernstein Vice President\u2019s Award for Student Leadership\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/h2>\n

Presented by the Vice President for Student Affairs<\/strong>, Dr. Keith Betts<\/em><\/p>\n

This award is given each year to a student who has shown dedication, passion, and immense effort toward the improvement of Student Life throughout their tenure at WCSU.<\/p>\n

\"Eroka<\/a>Recipient:<\/span><\/span>\u00a0Erika Sabovik<\/u><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

The Walter B. Bernstein Vice President\u2019s Award for Student Leadership is given each year to a student who has shown dedication, passion and immense effort toward the improvement of Student Life throughout her tenure at WCSU. This year’s recipient is an extraordinary student leader, Erika Sabovik. Erika is President of the WCSU Gender & Sexuality Alliance, a member of the Kathwari Honors Program, a student worker in CSI and social media assistant, the student representative on the Campus Response and Resource Team (CaRRT) and a trainer and content developer with the Women’s Center for LGBTQ+ campus-wide trainings.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Perhaps more than anything Erika has taken on the major leadership role in responding to student and even faculty\/staff questions about supporting our LGBTQ+ students which led to the development with the Women\u2019s Center of a training program offered across campus. Erika has been seen as the \u201cgo to\u201d person \u200bamong her peers for support which placed a lot of responsibility on Erika’s shoulders. Despite the outstanding job Erika was doing, as a true leader \u200bshe knew this was bigger than her and reached out to campus leaders for support, to advocate for more recognition of the issues, for a PRIDE Center and for developing training programs. Erika has emerged as a leader at a time when the LGBTQ+ community and the WCSU community most needed someone to pull us together to address an important campus and societal issue.\u00a0 Erika rose to the challenge and has done an outstanding job! \u200bWe are so proud to have Erika as a part of our community.\u00a0<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\n

On behalf of the SLRB Committee, a great, big thank you to all of the student leaders who stepped up this year, whether you were recognized with an award or not. The same to all of the advisors to student organizations; all of your hard work is appreciated. And thank you to all of the presenters who found a way to record themselves or ventured on campus to be recorded and announce the recipients of this year’s awards. All recipients will be invited to next year’s awards banquet. Also a huge thank you to Christian Gagnier and the entire team of Media Services who worked very hard to put this video together.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Members of the 2020 Student Leadership Recognition Banquet Committee (alphabetical by last name): <\/strong><\/p>\n

Caitlyn Barry, Fraternity and Sorority Life Representative<\/p>\n

Subhatra Chelladurai, SGA Vice President of Student Relations<\/p>\n

Ashley Christensen, CSI Graduate Intern for Programming<\/p>\n

Ryan Cooke, Residence Hall Director<\/p>\n

Walter Cramer, Dean of Students<\/p>\n

Daryle Dennis, Assistant Dean of Students<\/p>\n

Virginia Diaz, Administrative Assistant in Student Affairs<\/p>\n

Carlos Dos Santos, CSI Graduate Intern for Clubs and Organizations<\/p>\n

Ryan Farrell, Residence Hall Director<\/p>\n

Oni Figueroa, Administrative Assistant in the Center for Student Involvement (unintentionally left off the video credits – sorry, Oni)<\/p>\n

Paul Horkan, SGA President<\/p>\n

Danielle King, Secretary for HPX and English Departments<\/p>\n

James Lavery, IRHA President<\/p>\n

Dennis Leszko, Director of CSI & SGA Advisor<\/p>\n

Kourtney McKinney, \u00a0CSI Graduate Intern for FSL and Leadership<\/p>\n

John Murphy, Director of Event & Conference Management & SGA Advisor<\/p>\n

Ellen Ober, Administrative Assistant in AccessAbility Services<\/p>\n

Birte Pfitzner, CSU Administrative Assistant in Student Affairs<\/p>\n

Jane Stock, Greek Council President<\/p>\n

Megan Waldrop, PAC President<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

*If you are an award recipient and would like your photo added or changed, please email Birte Pfitzner at pfitznerb@wcsu.edu. Inter-Residence Hall Association Awards The awards are voted upon by the Inter-Residence Hall Association, which represents the residential student body. …<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":44,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-1460","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/student-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1460","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/student-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/student-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/student-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/44"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/student-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1460"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/student-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1460\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/student-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1460"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}