Stellar student leaders recognized at TU’s Student Affairs Leadership Awards
Division of Student Affairs award individual, organizational leaders during annual ceremony
By Casey Bordick '18 '24 on May 8, 2024
Towson University recognize its outstanding student leaders as TU’s Division of Student Affairs and Student Government Association (SGA) held the Student Affairs Leadership Awards in the University Union Ballrooms on May 2.
The awards celebrate individual students, student organizations and include faculty and staff awards that recognize their roles in working with student leaders.
This year there were 305 nominations, an increase from the previous year’s 170.
Nominees included student leaders and student organizations, representing academic programs, the arts, fraternity and sorority life, cultural organizations, campus employment and more.
The Student Affairs Leadership Awards is “one of the most memorable events that we have,” says Kelly Carpenter, assistant director for leadership in the Office of Student Activities. “It's the opportunity to really acknowledge students who are giving their time to the university and serving in many different ways, not just in leadership positions, but also through their actions and through their impact that they are making on the campus community.”
The awards ceremony included a special red-carpet experience for nominees, provided networking opportunities and activities, and featured a performance from one of TU’s acapella groups, “Untitled.”
Vernon Hurte, Ph.D., senior vice president for student affairs and university life, says, “There is nothing better than celebrating the accomplishments and positive impact of our students.” He says, “I’m constantly impressed by the leadership members of our community consistently provide to make lasting contributions to TU.”
Nominations are accepted in March each year and celebrated annually in May.
Students who are interested in getting involved are encouraged to learn more about leadership programs and workshops offered through TU.
Here are this year’s winners:
Individual Awards
The Marion Hoffman Ethical Leadership Award – Kenzy Elmasry, Colia Fletcher
The James R. Saxon Memorial Scholarship – Adrian Adlam, Brandon O’Rourke, Gabrielle Bruce, Nneka Onwudiwe
Dr. Maravene Loeschke Leadership Award – Jamie Voytsekhovska, Andrew Polun, Colia Fletcher
The Student Employee of the Year Award – Latavia Edwards
The Eco-Tiger Award – Taylor Byrd
The Outstanding Graduate Student Award – Paige Chase
The Mary Leeper Emerging Leader Award – Sydney Alexander
The Unsung Hero Award – Dareyon Clay
The Raft Woodus Social Activist Award – Jordan Colquitt
The SGA Dreamers Award – Audrea Cruz-Amaya
The SGA International Student Award – Victoria Akingbehim
The SGA Pride Award – Samuel Smith
The SGA Empowering Women Award – Catherine Geiger
The SGA Student Leader of the Year Award – Samuel Smith
The Tiger Pride Award – Jordan McConville, Keontria Wainwright
The Vice President of Student Affairs Award – Sydney Avelino, Matthew Meisel, Lauren Zelina, Latavia Edwards, Jai Devine, Eber Guzman-Cruz, Danielle McNerney, Alyssa McMullen
The Margie Tversky Adviser of the Year Award – Allison Frey
The Outstanding Campus Employer Award – Aliyah Gibson
The Outstanding Service-Learning Faculty Member Award – Audra McMullen
Organizational Awards
The New Organization of the Year Award – National Student Data Corps
The Outstanding Community Building Award – Zeta Beta Tau
The Hoke L. Smith Organization of the Year Award – Sisterhood
Program Awards
The Outstanding Multicultural Program Award – International Student Association International Cafe
The Outstanding Program Award – Zeta Beta Tau Green Light Gov