On April 26, the University of Hartford Division of Student Affairs hosted the Student Leadership Awards in the Gengras Student Union Café to honor individuals, groups or organizations for their accomplishments throughout the 2014–15 school year.
The most prestigious award, the Robert Hanley Award, was awarded to seniors Andrew Matte and Cassandra Fowlie. The award “recognizes a senior who has demonstrated a solid commitment to the University with their involvement in student organizations, and/or University programs, service to the community, having a positive impact and serving as a role model for other students.”
The Richard D. Keller Award was awarded to Charles “Chaz” Davis as it “recognizes a student with a physical disability that demonstrates initiative and perseverance in his/her involvement in University programs or student organizations.”
The M. Kevin Fahey Gengras Student Union Award was awarded to David Dorado for “recognizing a student who understands that as the “hearthstone of the campus” GSU contributes significantly through its operations, programs and services to the out-of-the-classroom educational experience.”
The Dean of Students Special Recognition Award was awarded to Jonathon Acampora, Jorden Howard, Colleen McLoughlin and Jordan Levi Nichelson.The Dean of Students Recognition of Service Award was selected on a student’s “ability to think and act independently on behalf of the organization; ability to inspire and motivate one’s fellow students; and demonstration of admirable leadership qualities.” The award winners were the Campus Activities Team, Justin Riley, Bhavin Shah, Andres Olarte, Celina Whitmore, Haley Rice and Hala Al-Khalil.
Student organizations were also recognized and awarded. The cleverly-titled Student Organization Awards “recognizes student organizations that have made the most significant progress since the beginning of the academic year based on a strong and active membership, successful programs and overall contribution to the University.” The awarded organizations were Delta Zeta, Connectivity Peer Education Theatre Ensemble, University of Hartford Gospel Choir and CAT’s Safety Street.
Programs that student organizations put on were also recognized. The Outstanding Program Award recognizes “a student, organization or groups of students who planned and implemented a University-wide program, which contributed in a significant way to the quality of student life, or to the enjoyment, understanding, knowledge or positive image of our University.” The program winners were SCA’s “Open Mic Night,” EKTA’s “Diwali,” Fenomena’s “Showcase,” Muslim Student Association’s “Friday Prayer,” SCA’s “Think Fast Trivia Series” and Hillel’s “Taste of Isreal.”The Community Service Awards were awarded to Alpha Phi Omega, Brittany Peck and Nateka Scafe for “Dance-a-Thon.” The award “recognizes student organizations or groups of students who have contributed most significantly to the community during the acadmeic year. Selection is based on the quality of project(s) or event(s) completed by the group, and contribution to the organization being served.”
Erin Wright and Elizabeth Nelson were selected for the First Year Student Awards for “demonstrating outstanding qualities in their achievements during their first year at the University of Hartford.”
Good Neighbor Awards were awarded to students who were “a responsible member of the University residential community who demonstrates civility and concern for others in his/her immediate living environment.” The “good neighbors” recognized were Andrea Barros, Brittney Curcio, Georgette Price, Faith-Marie Ortiz, Desiree Roberts, Myrani Alvarado, Marc Walker, Benedetto Borgesano, Angela Zaino, Patrick Hurst, Ashley Acosta and Robinson Damus.
As the school year comes to an end, and as familiar faces being to leave, while new ones arrive on-campus, the accomplishments and achievements of the current student body for the 2014–15 school year can not be understated.