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April 17, 2006 —
Representatives from many of SVSU's organizations and other staff and community members gathered together for the Student Life Awards on Thursday night.
The banquet was held at 6 p.m. and to start off the night, President Eric R. Gilbertson swore in Student Association's new officers and congratulated all that took new leadership positions. All nominees and nominators were then invited to join together for dinner.
Award winners are determined by a board made up of the director of Residential Life, the director and two assistant directors of Student Life, the coordinator of Campus Recreation, Student Life secretary, Student Association president, a student chosen by the Student Association president, and a member of the community.
The first of the awards were for individual students that demonstrated academic excellence and leadership to the University and community called the Who's Who Award. In all, 38 students were given this award.
The Salvation Army Award was presented to the organization that had done the most for the Salvation Army. Dave Bennett, Jon DiBartolomeo, Nick Frees, and Matt Wingblad represented Sigma Pi in accepting the award. Last fall, Sigma Pi raised $325, the most money of all organizations, in the "Answer the Bell" program.
Chelsea Robl and Mary Dieterle were the two recipients of the Rising Leaders Award. Robl has proven worthy by her involvement on campus and her commitment to organizations. Dieterle shows to be a rising leader through her involvement in organizations and through her presidency of the First Year Community Council.
The Outstanding Program Award was given to the organization that had put on a spectacular program during the course of the year. The Gay-Straight Alliance brought Judy Shepard to speak at SVSU, which earned them to win the award.
The Gilby Award is usually given to the student that has been an outstanding recreational athlete. This year, Rich Shealey won this award due to his outstanding performance in intramural basketball, volleyball, dodge ball, and flag football.
Many students at SVSU greatly show their red pride, so there is an award for the student who is proud of being a Cardinal and has displayed their Red Pride at many athletic events. This year, Jamie Haag was the winner of the Teresa M. George Red Pride Spirit Award.
This year, Up 'Til Dawn raised over $21,000 for St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital. Because they had worked so hard in raising so much money, and given so much of their time, they were chosen to win the Outstanding Organization Philanthropic/Service Award.
The SVSU Impact Award was given to Swenja Granzow for the impact that she had on many students through her hard work at the Writing Center and also for her leadership as president of Alpha Mu Gamma.
The Lacrosse Club was named the Most Improved Organization. In its first year at SVSU, the Lacrosse Club has gone through a lot, succeeding to establish itself on campus. They have raised $7,000 to travel to places such as Ball State, Michigan State, and Calvin College.
Leadership is an important and well represented part of SVSU. The Bob and Bobbi Vitito Student Leadership and Service Award was given to two students who have shown leadership skills and have given back to the community. Carly Toyzan and Bryan Sutherland showed these skills and won the award as well as a cash prize of $465.
The Organization of the Year Award is typically given to the organization who has succeeded in putting on programs that educate students on campus and fulfill their own mission. This year, the Abler's Club won the award for its work during the Cards Party and Street Fest. It also raised money for the Alzheimer's Association.
"Winning this award was a team effort, because everyone has the motivation towards a common goal," said Abler's Club president Shana Hollet.
Assistant Director of Student Life Jennifer Jackson won the Advisor of the Year Award. She has worked through the year to help her students with various activities.