Student Life Awards
Award Descriptions
PROGRAMMING AWARDS
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.
INDIVIDUAL AWARDS
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.
ORGANIZATION AWARDS
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.
GREEK AWARDS
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Art Hills Spirit
Winners: Student Senate & Campus Activities Board
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
Most Improved Organization
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Student Nurses' Association
Filipinx American Student Association
Winner: 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 - 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. - 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Art Hills Spirit Award Nominees
Women's Club Lacrosse
Swim & Dive
Winner: Campus Activities Board
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Campus Activities Board
Shelia Williams Outstanding Organization Award Nominees
Esports Club
PRSSA
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Winner: 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!
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.
Laker Active Citizen Award
Jordan Stewart
Erin Brady
Samuel "Sam" Jacobs
Brooklyn Chaffee
Winner: Amiya Carreras
Amiya Carreras