Student Life Awards

Award Descriptions

Care For Community Award 
Presented to an organization for an excellent program that includes a volunteer, philanthropic or fund raising component.

Outstanding Educational Program 
Presented to an organization that has presented an exceptional educational program that addressed a topic or issue with the goal of educating the campus community. Programs should be well promoted and attended.

Outstanding Cultural Program 
Presented to an organization that has presented an outstanding program in the area of cultural diversity. The program should have dealt with a multicultural issue, and attracted a diverse group of students, faculty, and members of the community.

Collaboration In Programming 
Given to an organization that has excelled in the area of co-sponsorship with diverse number of student organizations and departments. The recipient of this award should have programmed more than one event with other organizations throughout the year.

Program of the Year 
Presented to an organization for a program that is recognized for its excellence. **All program nominations will be considered for this award.

Outstanding Financial Officer/Treasurer
Presented to individual(s) who have excelled as the Treasurer of an organization, through the use of leadership, stewardship of funds, and organization development. **Nominees must have served a full term as Treasurer by the end of the academic year.

Outstanding Vice President
Presented to individual(s) who have excelled as the Vice President of an organization, through the use of leadership and organization development. **Nominees must have served a full term as Vice President by the end of the academic year.

Outstanding President
Presented to individual(s) who have excelled as the President of an organization, through the use of leadership and organization development. **Nominees must have served a full term as President by the end of the academic year.

Jo Ann Litton Outstanding Advisor
Presented to student organization advisor(s) who are recognized for the outstanding job they have done. The nominee must be a volunteer advisor (one who is not an advisor due to their job description or payment given from the group). **Nominations should include information about the advisors style, commitment, and contributions to the organization.

Outstanding Faculty Member
Presented to a faculty member that has had a significant impact on student life & engaging student learning (not as an advisor).

Outstanding GVSU Department
This award is presented to the GVSU department that has contributed to the growth and development of student life at GVSU. The recipient must demonstrate a committed effort of collaboration with students/student organizations to help maintain and enhance a vibrant GVSU community.

Emerging Leader Award
Presented to a student leader who has been active in campus life and has made a commitment to improving the quality of life at Grand Valley. Nominees should have demonstrated involvement in such areas as residence life, student organizations, Laker Leadership programs, or other areas.

Laker Active Citizen Award
This award is for GVSU students who have been examples of active citizens who are committed to a life of community engagement and impactful partnership.

Best New Organization Award 
Presented to an organization that is new to campus life. The organization should have developed a solid and active membership, clear goals for the organization, and demonstrated involvement in campus life.

Art Hills Spirit 
Presented to an organization that has demonstrated outstanding school spirit. This award is named in honor of Art Hills who exemplified the enthusiasm for campus life at Grand Valley. Art retired in 1988 as Executive Assistant to the President. He wrote the Grand Valley Alma Mater and was always active in promoting a positive spirit at Grand Valley. Organizations should have demonstrated school spirit at campus events and participation in campus life activities.

Shelia Williams Outstanding Organization 
Presented to an organization that has made a significant contribution to campus life, has bridged gaps between organizations and individuals, and has demonstrated a commitment to service. Shelia Williams was an alumna of Grand Valley who, through her involvement in student organizations and campus departments, demonstrated an outstanding commitment to student life. Organizations applying for this award should have demonstrated a similar commitment.

Most Improved Organization 
Presented to an organization that has made significant improvements in the areas of membership, retention, and programming. The nominated organization should be able to prove a noticeable improvement from the prior semester or academic year.

Community Impact Award
This award is for GVSU student organizations that have been examples of active citizens and are committed to a life of community engagement and impactful partnership. 

Chapter President of the Year

Nominees for the Chapter President of the Year demonstrated exceptional leadership of their chapter during their term as Chapter President. Nominees must have completed/will complete their term by the end of Fall 2022 or Winter 2023.

Emerging Leader of the Year

Nominees for Emerging Leader of the Year are members of your chapter that do not currently serve on your Executive Board, but have demonstrated a commitment to being a part of the future leadership core of your organization.

New Member of the Year

Nominees for New Member of the Year must have been a new member during the Fall 2022 or Winter 2023 recruitment cycle. Nominees demonstrate a quick adherence to organization values and possess a deep understanding of the organization's ritual, and should possess strong leadership capabilities from the start of their new member/intake process.

Fraternity Member of the Year

Nominees for Fraternity Member of the Year must be current members of an IFC, MGC, or NPHC Fraternity. Nominees demonstrate a strong commitment to their fraternity's values and live every day with their fraternity's Ritual in mind.

Sorority Member of the Year

Nominees for Sorority Member of the Year must be current members of an MGC, NPHC, or Panhellenic Sorority. Nominees demonstrate a strong commitment to their sorority's values and live every day with their sorority's Ritual in mind.

Chapter of the Year

Nominees for Chapter of the Year demonstrate a strong commitment to developing members that live by the values of their organization, contribute to the greater Fraternity & Sorority Life Community, demonstrate tremendous impact toward their philanthropy, participate regularly in service opportunities, and provide an open and welcoming space for any person interested in learning more about their organization.

Most Improved Chapter of the Year

Nominees for Most Improved Chapter of the Year demonstrate a commitment to changing organization culture, have met necessary goals for improvement, and demonstrate improvement in FSL assessment measures.

Siblinghood of the Year Award

Nominees for Siblinghood of the Year demonstrate a strong commitment to forming values-based bonds between members of their organization through intentional siblinghood events, specifically without alcohol being present.

CommUNITY Award

Nominees for the CommUNITY Award demonstrate a commitment to creating space for members of all organizations to connect with their organization. Nominees may demonstrate cross-council collaboration in programming, may host events with the intention of bringing in students from across the community, and frequently attend other organization's programs.

 


2023 Student Life Awards Nominees & Award Winners

Programming

Best General Program

Self Care Club: Painting with Self Care

Bringing Together the World: Valentines Day

Mu Epsilon Delta: Painting Event, December Event, January Event, February Event

Alpha Kappa Psi: Holiday Sip n' Paint

You Beautiful Black Woman: YBBW Hair Show

Belly Dance Club: Winter Showcase

Dance Troupe: Cast Party

Campus Ministry: Downtown Coffee Crawl

Latino Student Union: S'mores Event

Alpha Kappa Psi: Sweeties Day Love

STAGE: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Renaissance Festival: 26th Annual Renaissance Festival

Panhellenic Association: Greek Welcome Back Block Party

Campus Ministry: Welcome Week Programming

Tabletop Gaming Club: Pride Prom

Ignite Dance Company: Ignite Dance Company Showcase

Winner: STAGE: Costume Contest

STAGE accepting award

Care for Community Award

Dance Troupe: "Don't Stop Be'Leafing" Fall Recital

Partners in Health Engage Team: How to be a Health Advocate

Miracle Dance Network Dance Marathon: LakerThon 2023

Dance Troupe: "Dancing for a Cure" Winter Recital

Iota Tau Alpha: Raising Funds for Wes Leonard Heart Foundation

Public Relations Student Society of America: CreatAthon

American Cancer Society: Relay for Life

Sigma Alpha Iota: A Capella Off

Alpha Kappa Psi: Service for the Served 

Winner: Vietnamese Cultural Association: Pho Night 2022

VCA posing with certificate

Outstanding Educational Program

Applied Math Club: Making Valentine's Day Crafts with Math!

American Association of Petroleum Geologists Student Chapter: Ray Donelick

Applied Math Club: Tech Interview and Resume Tips

Partners in Health Engage Team: How to be a Health Advocate

Real Estate Club: Eric Hoogstra

Panhellenic Association: Persist Woman's Empowerment Conference

Seidman IPO: Analyst Training Program

Public Relations Student Society of America: PR Thursdays

Alpha Kappa Psi: Professional Workshop Series

Alpha Kappa Psi: "Business Class" Resume Workshop

Alpha Kappa Psi: Well-Dress-Wednesday

Winner: Astronomy Club: Dr. Larry Molnar - Contact Binary Stars

Colin holding certificate

Outstanding Cultural Program

Bringing Together the World: What in the World 2023 - International Petals

La Tertulia - Spanish Club: In the Heights Watch Party

Native American Student Association: 22nd Annual Celebrating All Walks of Life Powwow

Black Student Union: Trap N Paint

Black Student Union: Cafe Mahogany

Indian Association: Diwali Celebration

Vietnamese Student Association: Pho Night 2022

Latino Student Union: Los Iconos de Musica Dance

Anthropology Club: Multi-Cultural Food Tasting

Campus Activities Board: Rocky Horror Picture Show

Winner: Asian Student Union: New Year Festival

five students with certificate

Collaboration in Programming

Asian Student Union, Asian Student Achievement Program, Office of Multicultural Affairs: Asian New Year Festival

American Association of Petroleum Geologists, Geology Department: Ray Donelick

Alpha Kappa Psi, Impact the Movement: Holiday Sip n' Paint

You Beautiful Black Woman, Delta Sigma Theta: YBBW Hair Show

Panhellenic Association, Fraternity & Sorority Life, National Pan-Hellenic Council, Multicultural Greek Council: Greek Welcome Back Block Party

Campus Activities Board, Alcohol and Other Drug Services, LGBT Resource Center: Rocky Horror Picture Show

Student Senate, Campus Activities Board: Presidents Ball

Alpha Kappa Psi, Speech Lab, Counseling Center: Managing Mental Health & Presenting in the Classroom

Filipinx American Student Association, Asian Student Achievement Program: FASAxASAP Sabroso Street

Alpha Kappa Psi, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.: Blu Tie You Know

Campus Activities Board, Laker Food Co., Recreation & Wellness, Housing: Sibs and Kids

Winner: Tabletop Gaming Club, In the Margins, Black Student Union, Swim Club, Organization for Professional Writers, LGBT Resource Center: Pride Prom

Program of the Year

Seidman IPO: Analyst Training Program

Campus Activities Board: Homecoming

Student Senate: Last Lecture

STAGE: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Student Nurses' Association: A Vital Affair

Public Health Society: GVSU Public Health Hosts Oral Health Education/Screening Event - An Interdisciplinary Community Partnership

Campus Activities Board: GV's Got Talent

Campus Activities Board: President's Ball

Campus Activities Board: Winterfest

Winner: National Pan-Hellenic Council: 2023 NPHC Icebreaker

Ben posing with the winner on stage

Individual

Outstanding Financial Officer/Treasurer

Hannah Kreun - Wildlife Biology Club

Lee Blumenauer - Student Nurses' Association

Camrie Roberts - Alpha Sigma Tau

Sydney Addington - Mu Epsilon Delta

Indya Miller - Alpha Kappa Psi 

Keane Ludovico - Filipinx American Student Association

Winner: Ben Biermacher - Student Senate

Ben with Gage on stage

Outstanding Vice President

Maya Ortiz - Sigma Lambda Gamma

Anna Cornell - Swim & Dive Club

Brianna Lee - Asian Student Union

Zachary Schmidt - Student Senate

Elettra Rizzo - Bringing Together the World

Elliot Van Pelt - Rowing Club

Clare Quirin - Public Relations Student Society of America

Lina Haas - Student Senate

Reniyah Curtis - You Beautiful Black Woman

Deja Shipp - Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.

Cianna Janicke - Society of Women Engineers 

Amber Maldag - Wildlife Biology Club

Max Tyree - Sigma Pi Fraternity

Anne Davey - Alpha Sigma Tau

Mallory Everly - Student Senate

Carrianne Calderon - Filipinx American Student Association

Winner: Elias Giannakopoulos - Real Estate Club

Outstanding President

Molly Kleinfeldt - Women in Business

Sydney Higgins - InterVarsity Christian Fellowship

Abigail De Meo - Phi Sigma Pi

Erin Marshall - Swim & Dive Club

Roy Henderson - Real Estate Club

Kathryn Thorton - Recreational Therapy Student Association

Mason Kolanowski - Subject to Change

Kathryn Fulton - Campus Ministry

Breezy Rusher - African Student Council

Amberly Dzimira - Public Relations Student Society of America

Zachary Kaiser - Enterprise Systems Student Union

Kayla Lett - Society of Women Engineers

Dominique Patterson - Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.

Jada Jennings - Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and You Beautiful Black Woman

Lydia Cooper - Student Nurses' Association

Faith Kidd - Student Senate

Sierra Gulli - Mu Epsilon Delta

Michelle Luciano - National Pan-Hellenic Council

Hannah Bekius - Renaissance Fair Club

Steven Lawerence - Campus Activities Board

Winner: Anna Miller - Asian Student Union

Anna and Evan on stage

Jo Ann Litton Outstanding Advisor

Dr. Mary Karpen - Women in Medicine and Science

Heather Calderone - Gamma Phi Beta

V'Lecea Hunter - You Beautiful Black Woman

Katie Perschbacher - Alpha Sigma Tau

Glenn Valdez - Filipinx American Student Association 

Winner: Adrienne Wallace - Public Relations Student Soceity of America

Outstanding Faculty Member

Dr. Paul Murphy

Kelly Machnick, MS, OTRL

Dr. Paul Keenlance

Alexis Schewe

Dr. Jakia Marie

Winner: Dr. Dawn DeVries

Dr. DeVries posing in the photo booth

Outstanding GVSU Department

Anthropology Academic Department

LGBT Resource Center

Recreational Therapy Academic Department

School of Communications - Advertising & Public Relations Program

Biology Academic Department

Winner: Office of Multicultural Affairs

OMA accepting their award

Emerging Leader Award

Megan Gragg

Joe Ohaeche

Alexia Frazzitta

Keasha Cargill

Maria Modaff

Katelyn Brnjac

Tanner Motley

Carmina Laster

Faith Simon

Winners: Brendan Gordon & Lina Haas

students pose on the stage with certificate holders

Laker Active Citizen Award

Jada Jennings

Rickesha Swanson

Mikaela Crute

Abraham Bingham

Winners: Joe Ohaeche & Patrick Byrne

Organization

Best New Organization Award

Aesthetics & Bodybuilding Club

Chess Club

Wildlife Biology Club

Juggling Club

Self Care Club

Winners: Women in Medicine & Science and Ignite Dance Company

Chad poses with winners

Art Hills Spirit

Winners: Student Senate & Campus Activities Board

Jenny poses with winners

Shelia Williams Outstanding Organization

Pi Kappa Phi

Delta Sigma Pi - Lambda Xi

Subject to Change

Gamma Phi Beta

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Filipinx American Student Association

Winner: Student Nurses' Association

Valerie posing with the winner

Most Improved Organization

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Student Nurses' Association

Filipinx American Student Association

Winner: Latino Student Union

Latino Student Union

Community Impact Award

Circle K 

Stars for Make-A-Wish

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Wildlife Biology Club

Sigma Alpha Iota

Mu Epsilon Delta

Alpha Kappa Psi

Sigma Lambda Gamma

Winner: Delta Tau Delta


2022 Student Life Awards Nominees & Winners


Programming

Care for Community Award Nominees

Alpha Phi Omega - Volunteer Service

PRSSA - Soft Skills Starter Pack

Winner: More Than a Meal - March for Meals

More Than a Meal

More Than a Meal - March for Meals

Outstanding Educational Program Award Nominees

CAB - Diversity, Equity, and Healthy Masculinity with Carlos Andrew Gomez

Laker Racing Formula SAE - Collegiate Design Competition Workshop & Mentorship Series

Winner: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. - Real Deal With the Doulas

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. - Real Deal With the Doulas

Outstanding Cultural Program Nominees

CAB - Dominican Dance Night

CAB - Seeing Red with Ebony Stewart

CAB - Diversity, Equity, and Health Masculinity with Carlos Andrew Gomez

Winner: Asian Student Union - Asian New Year Festival

Asian Student Union - Asian New Year Festival

Asian Student Union - Asian New Year Festival

Collaboration in Programming

Residence Housing Association/CAB/OSL/STAGE - Haunted Arboretum

CAB/Tabletop Gaming Club/Laker Food Co./RecWell - Winterfest

Winner: CAB/La Tertulia/Laker Food Co. - Dominican Dance Night

CAB/La Tertulia/Campus Dining - Dominican Dance Night

CAB/La Tertulia/Campus Dining - Dominican Dance Night

Program of the Year Award Nominees

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. - ProteKt Yourself

CAB - Homecoming

Pre-Dental Club - Manual Dexterity Night

Film Academy - Film Awards

CAB - Laker Kickoff

CAB - Welcome Week Tie Dye

Laker Formula Racing SAE - Collegiate Design Competition Workshop & Mentorship Series

Winner: Residence Housing Association/CAB/OSL/STAGE - Haunted Arboretum

Residence Housing Association/CAB/OSL/STAGE - Haunted Arboretum

Residence Housing Association/CAB/OSL/STAGE - Haunted Arboretum


Individual

Outstanding General Member Nominees

Andrew Tran - Asian Student Union

Garrett McGuirt - WHALE

Brynn Barckholtz - CAB

Chris Welmerick - Subject to Change

Jada Kaufmann - NSSLHA

Erin Westberg - CAB

Michaela Triemstra - Swim & Dive

Cody Theil - AIGA

Winner: Abraham Bingham - Filipinx American Student Association

Outstanding President Nominees

Amanda Paler - Dance Troupe

Brooke Keck - Alternative Breaks

Marian Reid - Asian Student Union

Autumn Mueller - Student Senate

Breezy Rusher - African Student Council

Taegen Byers - Students For Choice 

McKenzie Sandel - Rowing

Hayley Blair - Farm Club

Emma Fitzgerald - SWCS

Annabelle Kopcan - NSSLHA

Mason Kolanwoski - Subject to Change

Gretta Robbins - Delta Sigma Pi

Veronica Lidy - Swim & Dive

Maya Deciechi - Hunger & Homelessness

Emma Nelson - PRSSA

Jay Chapa - CAB

Jasmine Wilson - Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Joshua DeVries - College Republicans 

Winner: Dylan Clemons-Midgett - Alpha Kappa Psi

Outstanding Faculty Member Nominees

Kathryn Christopher

Anthony Spencer

Lorie Jager

Laura Schnieder

Darren Walhof

Adrienne Wallace

Thomas Pentecost

Mary Karpen

Kristin Renkema

Robin Spring

Karen Niemchick

Julia VanderMolen

Corrina Campau

Brittland DeKorver

Jeffrey Kelly Lowenstein

Winner: Quincy Williams

Emerging Leader Award Nominees

Katelyn Brnjac - Alpha Sigma Tau

Davon Whitfield - Impact the Movement

Steven Lawrence - CAB

Logyn Miller

MaryJo Buechler

Juston Wolters - W8GVU Amateur Radio

Erin Westberg - CAB

Winner: Lauren Stitt - PRSSA

Outstanding Financial Officer/Treasurer Nominees

Megan Lynch - Women's Club Lacrosse

Carolyn Morgan - Alternative Breaks

Ryan Forman - Esports

Keane Ludovico - Filipinx American Student Association

Jacob Joanis - Swim & Dive

Lauren Thomas - Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. 

Winner: Angela Iott - Gamma Phi Beta & Softball

Angela Iott - Gamma Phi Beta & Softball

Angela Iott - Gamma Phi Beta & Softball

Outstanding Vice President Nominees

Trevor Blood - College Republicans

Faith Kidd - Student Senate

Jesse Schmitt - PRSSA

Kyla Marquez - Filipinx American Student Association 

Samantha Sager - Swim & Dive

Krysta Rydecki - Data Science Society

Elias Giannakopoulos - Seidman IPO

RaKya Collins - Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Samuel "Sam" Jacobs - CAB

Brooklyn Chaffee - CAB

Winner: Lillian "Lilly" Baker - CAB

Lillian "Lilly" Baker - CAB

Lillian "Lilly" Baker - CAB

Jo Ann Litton Outstanding Advisor Nominees

Zach Jacobs - RHA

Melissa Baker-Boosamra - Student Senate

Katie Perschbacher - Alpha Sigma Tau 

Alexis Schewe - Pre-Dental Club

Katie Garrett - CAB

Dr. Adrienne Wallace - PRSSA

Winner: Dr. Nicholas Baine - Formula SAE Racing & W8GVU Amateur Radio

Dr. Nicholas Baine - Formula SAE Racing & W8GVU Amateur Radio

Dr. Nicholas Baine - Formula SAE Racing & W8GVU Amateur Radio


Organization

Best New Organization Award Nominees

QSTEM

More Than a Meal

Yarn Arts Club

Club 13

Students Feed Families

Women in Medicine & Science

Winner: Filipinx American Student Association

Filipinx American Student Association

Filipinx American Student Association

Art Hills Spirit Award Nominees

Women's Club Lacrosse

Swim & Dive

Winner: Campus Activities Board

Campus Activities Board

Campus Activities Board

Shelia Williams Outstanding Organization Award Nominees

Esports Club

PRSSA

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Winner: Alternative Breaks

Alternative Breaks

Alternative Breaks

Most Improved Organization Award Nominees

College Republicans

Women's Club Lacrosse

WHALE Radio

Habitat for Humanity

Swim & Dive

Winner: A Capella GrooVe!

A Capella GrooVe!

A Capella GrooVe!


Civic Engagement

Community Impact Award

More Than a Meal

American Cancer Society

Alternative Breaks

Winner: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. 

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. 

Laker Active Citizen Award

Jordan Stewart

Erin Brady

Samuel "Sam" Jacobs

Brooklyn Chaffee

Winner: Amiya Carreras

Amiya Carreras

Amiya Carreras



Page last modified April 17, 2023