Florida State University students, employees and organizations were honored for their commitment to student success at Leadership Awards Night on Tuesday, April 8.
The awards, hosted by the Office of Student Organizations and Involvement, are an annual recognition for campus members that epitomize the definition of leadership through achievement, service or organizational involvement.
The evening was accompanied by performances and art from the Jazz Combo, composed of four student musicians, the Belly Dancers at FSU and the Art Society at FSU.
The awards and their recipients are:
President’s Award – Elizabeth Lavitman
Recognizes an outstanding freshman who demonstrates service to the university and strong leadership potential.
Dean of Students Award: The Dean’s Cup – Mia Aviles, Kailen Christian and Malena Romero
Awarded to up to three students who exemplify commitment to the FSU community, strength of character and alignment with the university mission.
Bob E. Leach Award – Yasmin Gay
Presented to a student known for service-oriented leadership with a commitment to benefiting the lives of others.
Sean A. Pittman Award – Snailey Dol
Honors a student for outstanding leadership to the FSU and Tallahassee communities, with significant contributions to support of African American students.
J.R. Harding Award – John “Mitch” Tilmon
Celebrates a student who demonstrates resilience and determination in achieving educational goals while overcoming adversity.
Outstanding Leadership and Service Award – Shahin Alam, Sriya Chakraborty, Kailen Christian, Elizabeth Cordero, Sophia Ferraro, Kory Gehring, Lekayla Griffin, Kemari Kelly, Jiovann Lebron, Megan McEnery, Ashley Thompkins and Michael Waiters
Given to students who have made significant contributions to the FSU community through leadership and service.
The Prime Example Student Leader of the Year Award – Hailey Brock, Naomi Katumalla
Recognizes emerging leaders who embody involvement, innovation and serve as role models for their peers.
The Bridge Award – Hailey Thompson
Awarded to an outstanding transfer student who has made meaningful contributions to FSU and shows promise as a future leader.
The Pursuit Award – Sina Jangjoo
Honors a graduate student for exemplary leadership within student organizations and commitment to their field of study.
Mary B. Coburn Organization of the Year – Dance Marathon at FSU
Recognizes a registered student organization that significantly impacted the university through leadership, innovation and service.
Chauffeur of Change Award – Family Medicine Interest Group at FSU
Awarded to an organization that leads impactful change through advocacy, service or mission-driven programming.
Purposeful Programming Award – Undergraduate American Medical Women’s Association at FSU
Celebrates an organization that promotes civic engagement and student development through intentional, high-impact programming.
Impactful Partnership Award – STARS Alliance and Bangladeshi Student Association at FSU
Acknowledges two or more groups that have worked collaboratively on initiatives that created positive and lasting impact.
Faculty and Staff Leadership Award – Maribel Amwake, Kyanna Austin, Benjamin Smith, Heather Stitely, Jessika Valentine and Joseph Watso
Given to individuals who go beyond the expectations of their role to positively impact students and university life.
The Spotlight Award: Advisor of the Year – Tonja Guilford
Honors a volunteer employee advisor for their dedication, mentorship and guidance to a student organization.
The Achievement Award – Gregory J. Harris
Awarded to a faculty or staff member with 10+ years of service whose work has had a transformative, lasting impact on student organizations and FSU.
IGC Civic Leadership Award – Dakota Bages, Jordan Brown and Olivia McLean
Recognizes undergraduates who embody the values of civic leadership and addressing challenges through collaboration.
Undergraduate Humanitarian of the Year Award – Arantza Caudillo-Alvarez
Celebrates students who have made a major impact through leadership and service within and beyond the FSU community.
Global Citizen Award– Shihab Sharar, Lo Stark
Honors two students who show leadership in fostering intercultural understanding and a global community at FSU or abroad.
University Health Services Award – Matthew Stenberg
Awarded to a student or group dedicated to promoting health and wellness within the FSU community.
For more information, visit leadershipawards.fsu.edu.