Millikin University recognized student organizations, leaders and faculty at the 9th annual Student Development Leadership and Scholarship Awards Ceremony on May 3. The event honors programs and individuals that went above and beyond making the academic year a success and providing the Millikin community with visionary leadership.
"We gave recognition to individuals and groups who left their footprints at Millikin as a legacy for future student leaders and organizations," said Molly Berry, director of inclusion and student engagement at Millikin. "We honored the outstanding student leadership that was displayed on and off campus all year by awarding individual, group, and programming awards."
The ceremony's individual awards are designed to honor the leadership and success of impactful individuals involved on campus. The following individuals were honored.
Athlete of the Year
Awarded to a student athlete on the roster for a team at Millikin who is a great teammate, and excels within the campus community.
Tim McElroy, a senior physical education secondary teaching major from Mt. Zion, Ill.
Millikin Coach of the Year
Presented to a Millikin NCAA Coach who has a strong belief in the team, serves as a role model, encourages the development of responsibility and leadership in students and the Big Blue, and in their efforts has a positive impact on Millikin University.
Dustin Forman, Millikin Head Men's and Women's Tennis Coach
Cesar Chavez Faculty and Student Awards
Awarded to a faculty or staff member and student who embodies the message of social justice on campus.
Kimberly Mungaray, assistant professor of accounting, and Ben Viette, a junior theatre major from Belvidere, Ill.
PACE Student of the Year
Given to a PACE student who shows exemplary achievement in the classroom and the PACE program.
Justin Burns, a senior organizational leadership major from Decatur, Ill.
Student Organization Advisor of the Year
Awarded to a student organization advisor who has a strong belief in the organization, serves as a role model, encourages the development of responsibility and leadership in students.
Amber Lusvardi, lecturer of political science, for Model Illinois Government.
Rising Student Leader Award
Awarded to a new leader within a student organization who has shown active involvement and the potential to grow into a strong leader.
Bryce Kapitzky, a sophomore business management major from Hawthorn Woods, Ill.
Greek Man of the Year
Presented annually to a fraternity man who has distinguished themselves in service to and participation in the Greek community.
Trey Pogue, a senior communication major from Marion, Ind.
Greek Woman of the Year
Presented annually to a sorority woman who has distinguished themselves in service to and participation in the Greek community.
Dana Caspar, a senior communication major from Sherman, Ill.
Outstanding First Year Long-Vanderburg Scholar
Given to a first year Long-Vanderburg Scholar who has high academic performance, leadership, and a commitment to success in the Long-Vanderburg Scholars Program by setting an example in the cohort of Exploring Identity and Societal Expectations.
Mehrangez Rahmatova, a first-year business management major from Tajikistan, Central Asia.
Outstanding 2nd Year Long-Vanderburg Scholar
Awarded to a student who exhibits high academic performance, leadership, and a commitment to success in the Long-Vanderburg Scholars Program by setting an example in the cohort of Developing Leaders through Service.
Maya Van Lysebettens, a sophomore human services major from Chicago, Ill.
Outstanding 3rd Year Long-Vanderburg Scholar
Given to a student who shows high academic performance, leadership, and a commitment to success in the Long-Vanderburg Scholars Program by setting an example in the cohort of Professional Development and Baccalaureate Advancement.
Joshua Miller, a junior theatre major from Flossmoor, Ill.
Outstanding 4th Year Long-Vanderburg Scholar
Given to a student who shows high academic performance, leadership, and a commitment to success in the Long-Vanderburg Scholars Program by setting an example in the cohort of Demonstrating and Living Scholarship Leadership and Service.
Haley Hogenkamp, a senior business management major from St. Henry, Ohio.
James Millikin Student Leader of the Year
Presented to one student who has excelled in leadership, is involved in a variety of activities, excels academically, and has a strong sense of service and character.
Hadisa Wali, a senior political science major from Kabul, Afghanistan.
Student Employee of the Year Award
Presented to a student worker who demonstrates professionalism, initiative and contributes to the success of the department.
Grace Piper, a senior theatre major from Palm Springs, Calif.
Student Employee Supervisor of the Year
Presented to a campus supervisor who supervises student workers and demonstrates a commitment to student employment opportunities and Performance Learning.
Sean Deener, Kirkland Fine Arts Center assistant technical director.
Community Impact Award
Awarded to a student organization that has engaged all of the Millikin campus and made a difference on Millikin's campus and/or in the greater Decatur community.
Big Blue Backpacks
Philanthropy Program of the Year
Awarded to a student organization that has increased awareness for a charitable organization and engaged the entire campus in the campaign.
Tau Kappa Epsilon for Tekes, Talent, and Tampons.
Inclusion Program of the Year
Awarded to a student organization for an outstanding program that engaged the campus on issues of social justice and diversity.
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. for the Women's Expo.
Small Program of the Year
Awarded to a student organization for executing an outstanding program for $500 or less.
Pi Beta Phi for the Alcohol Skills Training Program.
Large Program of the Year
Awarded to a student organization for executing an outstanding program for $500 or more.
University Center Board (UCB) for the 2016 Homecoming Parade.
Most Improved Student Organization of the Year
Recognizes a group which has made improvements over the past year specifically related to membership recruitment, involvement, campus programming, and community service.
The Organizational Leadership Club
Best New Student Organization
Awarded to a student organization that was created during 2016-2017 or has been on campus as a registered student organization for less than one year and has made a positive impact on campus life at Millikin University.
Panaoramic Artists Collective
Small Student Organization of the Year
Presented to an organization of under 20 members that has done an exceptional job of embodying the purpose of the organization while supporting Millikin University's mission.
Environmental Affairs Council
Large Student Organization of the Year
Presented to an organization of over 20 members that has done an exceptional job of embodying the purpose of the organization while supporting Millikin University's mission.
Collegiate DECA
Dean's Cup Award
Given to a student organization for excellence in campus programming, specifically programming which all groups of students attended.
Black Student Union
Student Development Partnership Award
Created to recognize one Millikin faculty or staff member who is outside of Student Development but whom works actively with staff to advance Student Development.
Dr. Michael Hartsock, associate professor of philosophy and director of the Millikin Honors Program.
Dean's Award for Exceptional Service
Honors a Student Development staff member who exudes and practices the five thrusts of Student Development in their everyday life at Millikin.
Tammy Morrison, Student Development administrative assistant and campus scheduler.