Previous Award Recipients

2024 Award Recipients

  • Student Leader of the Year

    Gwenyth Fry, as nominated by Colleen Rittman and Emma Kasselman.

    This leader was able to successfully navigate the transfer of ownership of their organization's home while also navigating the transition of their house mother. They also led the initiative to rework officer procedures and document how the organization is operated for the first time. Through these efforts, the organization was able to grow through recruitment and develop a community filled with kindness, compassion, and respect. This leader as a key point person in the communication between the new owners of the house (alumni members) and the new director.

  • Student Organization of the Year

    Popenoe Entomology Club, as nominated by the Popenoe Entomology Club.

    This organization aims to promote activities to enhance interest and provide greater knowledge of the field through social events, public education and outreach, departmental social gatherings, and professional development workshops. This organization hosted over 60 events through 2024, which all accomplished parts of their mission. Throughout the Spring and Summer of 2024, their volunteer hours totaled over 400 hours between roughly 40 members. Overall, this organization has hosted numerous fundraisers to restore historic works of C.V. Riley (a famous entomologist in the 1800s) in the K-State Libraries Special Collections.

  • Student Organization Event of the Year

    Agricultural Education Club's Speech Contest, as nominated by Brandi Disberger.

    This event was able to provide hands-on authentic experience to students, opportunities for K-State students to work with youth to grow their leadership skills, and promoted K-State and the program to prospective students. It took months of planning and coordination between K-State, Manhattan, and the organization to facilitate a successful program. Through this program, participants were able to develop their professional growth, ethical decision making, and leadership while gaining a positive view of K-State, Manhattan, and the agriculture field as a whole.

  • Commitment to Inclusion and Belonging

    Pakistan Student Association, nominated by the Pakistan Student Association

    This organization spends resources and time on ensuring the transition to K-State's campus is smooth and not overwhelming for the student. This organization assists with various forms, financial support, and logistical support in order to ensure that no student is left behind due to a lack of support or information. This organization also supports its members by showcasing resources around campus such as Cats’ Cupboard, student health services, and ensuring a connection is made with their academic support networks. This organization has focused on creating a community where each student is supported, celebrated, and treated like the valuable members they are

  • Advisor of the Year

    Sara Kearns, nominated by the K-State Libraries Ambassadors.

    This advisor is a staunch supporter of the group. They are actively engaged in the event planning and approval process, which allows a streamlined experience for the members and officers. This advisor keeps the organization in check with reality, while pushing them to shoot for the stars. They uphold professionalism in everything they do and acts as a driving force in the organization. Outside of their advisor duties, this advisor makes it a point to check-in, advise, and support the students and organization through check-ins and meetings. The advisor sets time aside to meet with each officer, research new ways to make their wishes come true, and build a strong community within the organization.

2023 Award Recipients

  • Student Leader of the Year

    Alex Ozga of the Cyber Defense Club, nominated by advisors in the department of computer science.

    "One of Alex's major contributions this academic year has been Club financials. The organization's corporate support had lapsed during COVID, and this student leader led the effort to reestablish contact and renew the sponsorship. He has been especially proactive in reaching out to potential corporate sponsors to secure funding for future competition trips. Alex also runs organization meetings on their own, organizes workshops for club members to learn more about cybersecurity topics, and finds and schedules guest speakers, most recently, the U.S. Secret Service from their Kansas City Office."

  • Student Organization of the Year

    Hispanic American Leadership Organization, nominated by Israel Quinonez.

    "HALO aims to create student leaders who uphold the well-being of our community while maintaining academic excellence, providing a welcoming environment, and serving as a bridge to university resources and services. Our outreach initiative exemplifies our commitment to community service and member involvement. By encouraging members to propose and lead a community volunteering project, we empower them to take active roles in planning and executing initiatives that give back to the community. This approach not only fosters leadership skills among our members but also ensures that our efforts to support the local community are guided by the passions and insights of those within the organization. This member-driven approach to community service reinforces our dedication to supporting the communities that have nurtured the next generation of leaders. Additionally, this organization is committed to supporting academic excellence through partnerships with TRIO. Our members have access to tutoring while we also providing opportunities to scholarship resources. Overall, HALO has dedicated their efforts to fulfill their mission in promoting leadership, cultural awareness, and academic success within our community."

  • Student Organization Event of the Year

    The National Coming Out Day Celebration by Social Justice Alliance, nominated by Lily Smith

    "The goals we set for this event were simple: We wanted to provide an environment to remind students that they are safe and respected by the university, and we wanted to get our name out there as a student organization that strives to amplify unheard voices. This event was held on October 11th, and that early in the semester, many students don’t know very many other people and may be struggling to find groups and activities they want to participate in. We were hoping that by bringing a large group of people together to celebrate their identities, we would encourage an environment of positivity and togetherness, and people might get to know new friends."

  • Commitment to Inclusion and Belonging

    Sexuality and Gender Alliance, nominated by a former member.

    "The true beauty of this organization is truly in the diversity of people who come together to make the group as welcoming as they do each year. LGBTQ+ people represent all walks of life and this group is a great representation of that. SAGA recognizes and appreciates the uniqueness of individuals everyday. The LGBTQ+ community is a vibrant and colorful community with uniqueness coming out of the seems. Not every day do LGBTQ+ people get the chance to really embrace who they are, but this group consistently provides that affirmation and support."

  • Advisor of the Year

    Kevin Santos-Flores, advisor to and nominated by the Hispanic American Leadership Organization

    "His active participation in our general body events and direct interaction with members not only boosts morale but also bridges the gap between leadership and the community we serve. Furthermore, their knack for proposing innovative ideas has pushed us to continuously improve and learn in our journey to inspire the next generation of leaders. His presence is not just a show of support, but an active contribution to our discussions, providing valuable insights that guide our decision-making processes."

2022 Award Recipients

  • Student Leader of the Year

    Oluchi Amakoh, president of African Students Union, nominated by Abena Damuah and Oluchi Amakoh.

    “Oluchi believes that leadership is demonstrated best through actions and not just words and has countlessly dedicated her time to test the boundaries of her organization’s presence on campus. She seeks out new and creative ways to exploit our organization’s potential for greatness. She represents her organization at other on-campus events and meetings where she passionately advocates for and provides meaningful insight into some of the experiences of African and international students at K-State. She is a proactive and innovative leader that strives to treat everyone around her fairly and with the respect and dignity they deserve. Lastly, she recognizes that the responsibility of a leader comes with taking the back seat sometimes and giving others the opportunity to learn, succeed and sometimes even fail.“

  • Student Organization of the Year

    Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow, nominated by Molly Biggs.

    "The vision of this organization to be the leading collegiate organization in developing and strengthening their students through professional growth opportunities and educational programs. Their mission includes building relationships among professionals, college students and faculty, and providing professional and academic development for their members. This year, the organization decided to expand their officer team with the addition of a "Rookie Rep." This position could be held by anyone who was new to the club, wanted to get more involved and grow as a leader. They do not have any specific job duties, but this allows them to shadow the current officer team and their roles, with the hopes that they one day will fill the shoes of a current officer. As for the general membership, they are a relatively small club, but that allows for members to get involved in big ways, like with the implementation of committees, such as T-Shirts, outreach, and promotion where they create stickers and other promotional materials, and Open house where they can plan the clubs booth for the annual All-University Open house. Two members of this organization were finalists for the Forrest Bassford Award, a nationally recognized scholarship program."

  • Student Organization Event of the Year

    "The Miss Belleza Latina Pageant” hosted by the Hispanic American Leadership Organization, nominated by Maria Izquierdo.

    "This event is a scholarship event. We wanted to be able to give a scholarship to the first-place winner of $500, as well as provide leadership and development experience for contestants and committee members who helped successfully plan and execute the event. Before COVID, this event was held annually and was considered a staple event within the Hispanic student community. This pageant was student-led and required extensive planning."

  • Commitment to Inclusion and Belonging

    Crew, nominated by Anna Wagester.

    “Crew not only operates both a men’s and a women’s team but also offers coed options. All members practice together and compete in both individual sex and coed lineups. While there is still a separation between men's and women's races, both groups have equal opportunities to win and compete as individuals or as a group.”

  • Advisor of the Year

    Tamie Redding, advisor to Student Alumni Board, nominated by Emily Howard.

    "In meetings, she challenges members to think outside the box when it comes to developing ideas and encourages our members to “get comfortable being uncomfortable.” She never seems to complain and instead focuses on the positives in each situation. Each spring when it comes time to elect a new executive team, she sits down one on one with eligible members to discuss their leadership skills. She takes the time to find the role that best fits each member and pushes us to run for a position that will challenge us. She prioritizes getting to know everyone on a personal level and creates an environment where all members feel as if they can share their concerns, ideas, and feelings."

2021 Award Recipients

  • Student Leader of the Year

    Sierra Statz, member of Engineers Without Borders, nominated by Engineers Without Borders, Carley Phelps, Cassidy Hartig, Cohen Lyle, Danielle Larson, and Zachary Kelvington.

    "Sierra has demonstrated enthusiasm and inspiration at each event, meeting, and volunteering activity and knows every member by name. She has empowered other people to step into leadership and created an atmosphere that allowed for productive teamwork. Sierra devoted herself to the Kansas State chapter, ending her presidency with a record three international projects underway, more members within the organization than ever before, and having helped the chapter to raise over $20,000 in donations in 2021."

  • Student Organization of the Year

    Popenoe Entomology Club, nominated by Cameron Osborne

    "This past year, the organization engaged in numerous campus and community outreach education events. They have stepped out of the shadow of the pandemic to bring interactive outreach events back to campus and the larger community. They have also launched several initiatives to give back to their student members and campus, including raising funds to restore historical works housed in the library, modernizing their finances by launching a digital storefront, connecting students and faculty with research opportunities, and engaging with the community through social media."

  • Student Organization Event of the Year

    "Mental Health Awareness Hotdog Stand,” hosted by American Nuclear Society KSU Student Section, nominated by Broderick Sieh.

    "The idea behind the Hotdog Stand was to host an event that promoted the mental well-being of students and mental health awareness within the K-State community. However, the event went above and beyond that thanks to the comradery shared among the organization. The group’s happiness and positive attitudes were contagious to all those who stopped by throughout the day. Members were able to engage in valuable conversations with the students involved."

  • Commitment to Inclusion and Belonging

    Student Foundation, nominated by Delaney Kemp.

    "Student Foundation has a strong commitment to serving students across campus, even if they aren’t members of the organization itself. The organization also provides a unique opportunity for members to discover new facets of philanthropy, discover new career pathways, and build meaningful relationships."

  • Advisor of the Year

    Janine Duncan, advisor to Family & Consumer Sciences Education Organization, nominated by Mia Schindler and Morgan Paddock.

    "Janine has strived to put developing members’ knowledge and education at the core of her involvement within her student organization. She has also challenged members and officers to think about perspectives and experiences that differ from their own while also consistently reminding them that she isn’t just here during their college experience, but that she will be their biggest advocate once they graduate as well."

2020 Award Recipients

  • Student Member of the Year

    Cadence Ciesielski, member of Pre-Law Ambassadors, nominated by Tracey Lee.

    "Cadence is an outstanding member of the Pre-Law Ambassadors who goes above and beyond to create and deliver meaningful programming to students and to provide a welcoming and inclusive community for any K-Stater who wants to learn more about the law. Cade's goal is to help students meet their own career goals and was quoted to say, "If I help somebody in the program, then they can use their knowledge to help somebody else.""

  • Student Organization Event of the Year

    "Orgiami", hosted by the Math Club, nominated by Tahmineh Azizi.

    "Origami was hosted across 2-house where undergraduate and graduate students from all disciplines could network, learn, experience and tackle on of the most fun and amazing math challenges: origami. Students were able to take advantage of one of the best educational events and most interactive sessions at K-State and experience the greatest teamwork with other students to achieve the goal."

  • Outstanding Collaborative Event of the Year

    "Colin Ryan Financial Comedian: Manage Your Money. Reach Your Dreams.", hosted by the Union Program Council, Powercat Financial, K-State Proud, Personal Financial Planning, and the Wildcat Wellness Coalition; nominated by Baliegh Fry.

    "This event was organized to educate students about the ways to manage money effectively in college and to share information about the resources available on campus such as meeting with a Peer Financial Counselor at Powercat Financail to discuss budgeting, student loans, and evaluating job offers or applying for a Student Opportunity Award through K-State Proud."

  • Intercultural Event of the Year

    "ICC Food Festival", hosted by the International Coordinating Council, nominated by Tahmineh Azizi.

    "The ICC Food Festival let the campus community try native dishes from cultures around the world right in the middle of campus. This event was planned by students who dedicate themselves year-round to celebrating their own cultures and heritage. The event was hosted as part of an ongoing effort to incorporate diversity related themes in school culture."

  • Advisor of the Year

    Jordan Kocher, advisor to Interfraternity Council & Panhellenic Council, nominated by Michael Porter.

    "Jordan Kocher has been not only an exceptional advisor and advocate for IFC & PHC, but has also proven to be a figure of inspiration and strength for the Greek community here at K-State. During the COVID-19 outbreak, her leadership has proven to be invaluable as the councils navigate the uncertainty the virus brings. Despite the councils not knowing what will come next with the virus, they do know that they can always depend on Jordan to provide exceptional guidance, inspiration, and leadership."