Outstanding University of Louisville students, organizations and employees received recognition April 19 for achievement on campus and in the community.
The UofL Student Awards are in their 16th year. Using criteria of leadership, service and involvement, a committee selects recipients from student, faculty and staff nominations.
Michael Mardis, Dean of Students and Vice Provost for Student Affairs, said it’s important for the university as a whole to take a moment to recognize the hard work of students for their excellence both inside the classroom and outside.
“The University of Louisville is fortunate to have so many outstanding students deserving of recognition. It is pleasing to honor such a diverse group of students who have made meaningful contributions to the university, our community and the world,” Mardis said. “The kindness they demonstrate in serving others is inspirational, and their commitment and hard work has left a lasting impact.”
Mardis and Interim Provost Neville Pinto helped present the awards to students. Emcees were 2016 Mr. and Ms. Cardinal Kevin Grout and Amanda Allen and 2015 Homecoming Queen Lauren Lewis.
The awards were sponsored by Commonwealth Credit Union and Kentucky National Guard.
Winners are listed below. Photos from the awards ceremony available online: https://www.flickr.com/photos/uofl/.
DRC Student of the Year Award – Keith Auspland
Intramural and Recreational Sports Solid Performance Award – Ruby Aebersold, Shelby Fisk, Emily Hansen, Steven Russ and Samantha Taylor
REACH Tutor Award of Excellence – Kristian Conway
REACH Ambassador Award of Excellence – Zofia Hetman
REACH Ambassador Spirit Award – Samuel Stevens
ACC Top Six for Service Awards – Olivia Boesing, Taylor Bradley, Caitlin Gilmore, Isabela Habuda, Tim Kubel and Jerry Ramirez
Outstanding Metropolitan College Student Award – Crystal Krages
Profiles in Leadership – Robyn Blackman, Abigail Corder, Gabe Draper, Madison Duff, Emerald Dunn, Charron Elliot, Austin Ferrell, Kevin Grout, Bridgette Hildreth, Alicia Humphrey, Kevin Jacob, Jason Jewell, Kevin Lackey, X’Zashea Lawson-Mayes, Crystal Newman, Katie Olsen, Darren Porter, Mercedes Samuels, Kyle Schroader, Alexander Stewart, Savanah Treece, Karen Udoh, Dakota Waldecker, Madeline Weiner, Maya White and Chloe Zoeller
A&S Peer Advisor of the Year – Corey Feger
A&S Peer Advisor Rookie of the Year – Lauren Lewis
Most Outstanding Gen 101 Teaching Assistants -Kirtley Hall and Natalie Shields
Most Outstanding Orientation Peer Advisor – Aaron Vance
Cultural Center Advocacy Award – Caitlin Durgin, Demarcus George, Craig Nichols, Leonardo Salinas and Talesha Wilson
Cultural Center Celebration Award – Leticia Miguel Antonio, Tram Nguyen and Maya White
Cultural Center Engagement Award – James Alcantara and Aaisha Hamid
Cultural Center Scholarship Award – Rashon Sadler and Jalyn Shontee
Woodford R. Porter Scholar Service Award – Akram Abdulle, Kassidy Barnett, Christia Brown, Alexsis Carter, Thomas Gordon, Nia Johnson, Corey McKee, John Rhodes and Anoa Zakee
PEACC Keeper Award – Hannah Nausbaum
AVIATOR of the Year – Kianna Johnson
Spirit of AVIATOR Award – Destinee Germany
AVIATOR Tour Guide of the Year – Logan Sanderson
AVIATOR Recognition for Outstanding Service – Brittney Brown
Outstanding AVIATOR Intern of the year – Jamitra Fulleord
AVIATOR Legacy Award – J. Taylor Smith and Jasmine Wilkins
Interfraternity Council Chapter President of the Year – Dakota Waldecker, Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity
National Panhellenic Council Chapter President of the Year – Sydni Gordon, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority
Panhellenic Council Chapter President of the Year – Mary Elizabeth Young, Chi Omega Sorority
Katy Garrison LGBT Student Leadership Award – Ben Vivona and Talesha Wilson
Amber Carrier Student Ally Award for LGBT Service – Jenna Lyons
Outstanding Freshmen Student Award – Kyle D. Bilyeu and Nicholas Yates
Outstanding Sophomore Student Award – Kevin Jacob and Karen Udoh
Outstanding Junior Student Award – Hares Patel
Outstanding Senior Student Award – Jacquelyn Ha, Allen L.H. Rakotoniaina and Megan Seldon
Outstanding Student Awards for Graduate and Professional Students – Hossein Mirinejad, Femmy Rose, Douglas Saforo and Natalie Spiller
Spirit of Community (Individual) – Nicole Robertson
Spirit of Community (Student Group or Organization) – Delta Zeta Sorority
Spirit of Service (Individual) – Grace Flaherty
Spirit of Service (Student Group or Organization) – Cards Beyond Borders
Social Justice and Inclusion Award (Individual) – Brandi Jones
Social Justice and Inclusion Award (Student Group or Organization) – Best Buddies at UofL and Minority Association of Graduate Students (M.A.G.S)
Outstanding New Program – Cards Against Hunger by the Student Activities Board: Outreach Committee
Outstanding Program of the Year – Omit the Silence: Stand Up for Equality by the Student Activities Board: Diversity Committee
Collaboration Award – Graduate Student Council, Minority Association of Graduate Students and UofL Counseling Center
Outstanding Student Employee Award – Katie Connor, Ekstrom Library; Allison Cook, Athletics; Jacqueline Wandling, Office of Communications and Marketing
Advisor of the Year – Stephanie Passow, National Residence Hall Honorary
Harold Adams Award – Cathy Patus
Outstanding New Organization of the Year – College Mentor for Kids
Student Organization of the Year – Best Buddies at UofL
The Cardinal Award of Excellence – Scholar/Leader – Allen L.H. Rakotoniaina
The Cardinal Award of Excellence – Scholar/Volunteer – Jerome Soldo
