2021 Student Leadership Recognition Banquet Award Recipients
*If you are an award recipient and would like your photo added or changed, please email Birte Pfitzner at pfitznerb@wcsu.educreate new email.
Inter-Residence Hall Association Awards
The awards are voted upon by the Inter-Residence Hall Association, which represents the residential student body.
Announced by: Tamia Scott, IRHA President
opens IMAGE file Resident of the Year
This award is given to a member of the residential student body who has served the campus community above and beyond the call of duty. This individual is an outstanding leader and motivator to all students, but particularly the residential students.
Recipient: Jamar Nichols from Grasso Hall
“Jamar is an active and positive presence in the building and brings a lot of light wherever he goes. He made people happy and smile all of the time. He is funny and super friendly.”
opens IMAGE file Housing and Residence Life Staff Member of the Year – RA
This award is given to a Resident Assistant who has shown extreme dedication to Housing throughout the academic year. Through programming, office work, and showing support for the residents of Western Connecticut State University, the award recipient is being honored for his/her service.
Recipient: Shivam Soni from Litchfield Hall – RA of the Year
“Shivam shows that he truly cares for his residents and knows how to build a positive community. He made the residence hall for first year students fun and comfortable.”
Housing and Residence Life Staff Member of the Year – ARM
opens IMAGE file
This award is given to an Academic Resource Mentor who has shown extreme dedication to Housing throughout the academic year. Through programming, office work, and showing support for the residents of Western Connecticut State University, the award recipient is being honored for his/her service.
Recipient: Tamia Scott from Grasso Hall – ARM of the Year
“Tamia was chosen as ARM of the year because she is not only someone to go to for academic help, but she is also someone comfortable to talk to about anything. She also goes above and beyond in every position she holds. She is very friendly and had a lot of great programs to help the residents.”
Program of the Year
opens IMAGE file
This award is given either to a Hall Council, Resident Assistant, Academic Resource Mentor, or a member of the residential student body who has hosted a program that has best suited the university and the needs of the community.
Recipient: Nicole Gutierrez Alcaute’s Terrarium and Talk
“Nicole’s program was chosen because of how successful this program was. She had to do it twice to accommodate the residents. The residents loved this program. It allowed them to interact with each other safely while also doing something they loved, planting and decorating.”
Hall Council of the Year
opens IMAGE file
This award is given to a Hall Council that has facilitated successful programming, has made an impact on their resident hall, and has ultimately coincided with the Department of Housing and Residence Life’s C.U.L.T.U.R.E. program. The award is voted upon by the Inter-Residence Hall Association, which represents the residential student body.
Recipient: Newbury Hall Council
“The general care of the building that hall council seems to represent in Newbury is well deserving of an award. Newbury’s Hall Council had a positive impact on first year students, and thought about their overall well-being in residence halls. A lot of great programs that helped residents interact with each other.”
Program Activities Council Award
Awarded by the Program Activities Council
Announced by: Marisa Gueli, PAC President
Outstanding Student Program
This award is presented to a student or group who is deemed to have initiated and executed the program, excluding PAC programs, that had the largest impact on the campus community during the year.
Recipient: Dunkin Donuts Giveaway by Inter-Residence Hall Association
“The Dunkin Donuts Giveaway was chosen because it allowed many students to participate in a socially distanced event. It gave students the extra boost they needed by getting breakfast or coffee to help them through the day.”
Leadership, Compassion and Creativity Certificate Program Graduates
opens IMAGE file The Leadership, Compassion and Creativity Certificate program is a leadership program that provides an opportunity for students to receive a certificate by exploring the values of leadership, compassion & creativity across all Student Affairs disciplines and with people of all communities. This program takes a student’s co-curricular activities, leadership roles and community service hours and combines them into one leadership certificate.
Announced by: Dennis Leszko, Director of the Center for Student Involvement.
The 2021 graduates of the program are:
Anna Adebambo
James Cantafio
Courtney Demeglio
Anthony Fiorenza
Kayla Fischer
Marisa Gueli
Bakhtawar Izzat
Lycia Lopez Torres
Gina Poulin
Christina Szachon
LCCC leaders are those who are innovative and inspire others to find new and diverse ways to solve problems. They lead sympathetically by understanding that all people learn and succeed through different avenues of guidance. At the end of completing the LCCC, students are able to explain how they have become more compassionate and creative leaders; and explain how participation in LCCC has shaped their understanding of leadership.
Fraternity and Sorority Life Awards
opens IMAGE file Awarded by Fraternity and Sorority Life
Announced by: Lycia Lopez-Torres
New Greek Member of the Year
This award goes to an individual who is new to the Greek community and has made a significant contribution to his/her Greek organization, the Greek Council, and the university. Nominations were solicited from individuals and Greek organizations.
Recipient: Daniela Flores
“Daniela has already taken on multiple leadership positions within both FSL and other organization on campus, and we cannot wait to see what they accomplish next.”
opens IMAGE file Outstanding Greek Member of the Year
This award goes to the individual who has made a significant contribution to his/her Greek organization, the Greek Council, and the university. Nominations were solicited from individuals and Greek organizations.
Recipient: Mackenna Beirne
“Mackenna as been a leader in Greek Life as a President of her sorority, a Vice President of Panhellenic for multiple terms, and has worked to create positive changes in FSL such as a scholarship program as well as the installation of a new Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Chair. FSL is so sad to see her graduate this year, but we are all better because of the hard work she has put in.”
opens IMAGE file Outstanding Greek Letter Organization
This award goes to the organization that has made a significant contribution to the Greek Council, the university, and the greater community.
Recipient: Delta Gamma Phi
“Delta Gamma Phi has spent this unprecedented year sticking to their values and working to support their sisterhood as well as the whole community.”
John Tamas Memorial Emerging Student Leader
opens IMAGE file Awarded by the Division of Student Affairs.
Announced by: Dr. Walter Cramer, Dean of Students
This award goes to a Freshman or Sophomore who has demonstrated superior leadership capability and potential.
Recipient: “Lizzie” Elizabeth M. Hinds
Lizzie Hinds has been described by the person who made the nomination as “caring”, “compassionate”, “dedicated”, “passionate”, “the best I’ve seen in anyone in her position”, “does an AMAZING job”, “works toward the improvement of Student Life since she arrived on campus”. It is Lizzie’s work for Housing & Residence Life where she has earned all these accolades. She is said to have grown from a “shy/nervous Freshman” a year ago to someone who is “a champion of students success and professional support for her students”. She is said to “go beyond what is required of her within her job description.” She has previously been involved in the Newman Club on campus, has a proven track record of connecting her residents with various academic resources as well as the AccessAbility Services office, and has also been described as “the mom” of Litchfield Hall.
SLRB Committee Student Organization of the Year Awards
Awarded by the Student Leadership Recognition Banquet (SLRB) Committee
Announced by: Eden Edwards-Harris, Assistant to the Director of Housing & Residence Life and Residence Director of Centennial Hall; Caitie Barry, Graduate Intern for Fraternity and Sorority 
opens IMAGE file Life & Leadership, CSI
Ancell School of Business – Student Organization of the Year
This award is presented to a student organization that has shown outstanding commitment to its organizational goals and program planning, has made an impact on the campus and surrounding community, and the leadership development of its group members.
Recipient: Western Marketing Association
Despite the 2020-21 academic year still being affected by the Pandemic, many student organizations stepped up to the plate and managed to hold regular virtual membership meetings, brought presenters to campus, fund-raised, and even participated in community service. The Western Marketing Association impressed with the number of activities and events they managed to put on.
opens IMAGE file School of Professional Studies – Student Organization of the Year
This award is presented to a student organization that has shown outstanding commitment to its organizational goals and program planning, has made an impact on the campus and surrounding community, and the leadership development of its group members.
Recipient: Student Nurses Association
Despite the 2020-21 academic year still being affected by the Pandemic, many student organizations stepped up to the plate and managed to hold regular virtual membership meetings, brought presenters to campus, fund-raised, and even participated in community service. The SNA put on several successful events and advertised widely.
Macricostas School of Arts & Sciences – Student Organization of the Year
This award is presented to a student organization that has shown outstanding commitment to its organizational goals and program planning, has made an impact on the campus and surrounding community, and the leadership development of its group members.
Recipient: Pre-Physician Assistant Society
Despite the 2020-21 academic year still being affected by the Pandemic, many student organizations stepped up to the plate and managed to hold regular virtual membership meetings, brought presenters to campus, fund-raised, and even participated in community service. The Pre-Physician Assistant Society, despite being new, was especially active and impressed with campus outreach and commitment.
opens IMAGE file School of Visual and Performing Arts – Student Organization of the Year
This award is presented to a student organization that has shown outstanding commitment to its organizational goals and program planning, has made an impact on the campus and surrounding community, and the leadership development of its group members.
Recipient: Western Improv Group
Despite the 2020-21 academic year still being affected by the Pandemic, many student organizations stepped up to the plate and managed to hold regular virtual membership meetings, brought presenters to campus, fund-raised, and even participated in community service. W.I.G. was able to engage its members and the campus community with a number of virtual and in-person events.
General Interest and Community Service – Student Organization of the Year
This award is presented to a student organization that has shown outstanding commitment to its organizational goals and program planning, has made an impact on the campus and surrounding community, and the leadership development of its group members.
Recipient: Rotaract Club of WCSU
Despite the 2020-21 academic year still being affected by the Pandemic, many student organizations stepped up to the plate and managed to hold regular virtual membership meetings, brought presenters to campus, fund-raised, and even participated in community service. Rotaract particularly impressed with its commitment to community service.
opens IMAGE file Diversity – Student Organization of the Year
This award is presented to a student organization that has shown outstanding commitment to its organizational goals and program planning, has made an impact on the campus and surrounding community, and the leadership development of its group members.
Recipient: Gender & Sexuality Alliance
Despite the 2020-21 academic year still being affected by the Pandemic, many student organizations stepped up to the plate and managed to hold regular virtual membership meetings, brought presenters to campus, fund-raised, and even participated in community service. G.S.A. continued to engage it’s members and the campus community with a variety of virtual events that were advertised widely.
Student Government Association Awards
opens IMAGE file
Awarded by the Student Government Association
Announced by: Anna Adebambo, SGA President
Macricostas School of Arts and Sciences – Outstanding Faculty Member (tie)
This award is given to a faculty member from the Macricostas School of Arts & Sciences for outstanding contribution to WCSU students.
Recipient: John Roche
John Roche is a WCSU MFA Alumnus Class of 2012, MFA Mentor, and Author of Bronx Bound: A Novel. Following a 25-year career as an award-winning journalist, he continues to freelance for regional magazines and newspapers and is also a full-time faculty member in the WCSU Writing Dept., leading the undergraduate journalism program.
“Any student would be lucky to find themselves in Professor Roche’s class, but to join his class this semester has brought forward the reasons he deserves this award. Professor Roche does everything he possibly can to work with students and their individual needs, which (unfortunately) can be difficult to come by in a professor during these trying times.”
opens IMAGE file This award is given to a faculty member from the Macricostas School of Arts & Sciences for outstanding contribution to WCSU students.
Recipient: Dr. Oluwole Owoye
Dr. Oluwole Owoye teaches microeconomics, macroeconomics, monetary economics, labor economics and economic development. He has presented research in these areas at national and international economic conferences. Owoye, who holds a Ph.D. from Northern Illinois University, has published numerous articles in periodicals such as The Journal of Developing Areas, Global Economic Review and The Journal of International Trade and Economic Development.
“Dr. Owoye is a person who showed passion and dedication in his teachings despite the virtual setting. Between engaging students in his lessons as well as effective communication with his students, Dr. Owoye is an example of what a WCSU professor should be and is well-deserving of an award.”
opens IMAGE file School of Visual & Performing Arts – Outstanding Faculty Member
This award is given to a faculty member from the School of Visual & Performing Arts for outstanding contribution to WCSU students.
Recipient: Jurg Lanzrein
Jurg Lanzrein was born in Switzerland, studied Dance and became a professional Ballet Dancer with major European Ballet Companies. In 1976 his interest turned to Ceramic Design where his love of dance was translated as rhythm and movement in his work. He designed and produced for individual clients as well as Tiffany & Company where his production was prominently featured in The New Tiffany Table Settings, published by Doubleday & Co. His work was also featured in Architectural Digest and has been extensively exhibited in the USA and Europe. He is currently working on murals and dimensional abstractions.
“Jurg is a person who has gone above and beyond for the students on campus. His flexibility with helping students finish projects and humor is refreshing in a time where things can get stressful.”
opens IMAGE file School of Professional Studies – Outstanding Faculty Member
This award is given to a faculty member from the School of Professional Studies for outstanding contribution to WCSU students.
Recipient: Dr. Deneen Harris
Dr. Deneen Harris is a graduate of Southern Illinois University, Carbondale. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Administration of Justice, and a Master’s of Social Work Degree. She received her Ph.D. in Social Work from the University of Alabama at Tuscaloosa. Dr. Harris is a child welfare practitioner that has served as a child welfare consultant and a quality assurance reviewer. Her areas of research include child welfare practice and policy, social work education, and HIV infection among older African-Americans.
“Dr. Harris is the Social Work Chair and the advisor to Black Social Workers’ Association and Speak Truth to Power. She works tremendously to support students with their studies, internships, and initiatives over many years. She has also contributed as a member of the Racial Justice Coalition.”
Ancell School of Business – Outstanding Faculty Member
This award is given to a faculty member from the Ancell School of Business for outstanding contribution to WCSU students.
Recipient: Donna Coelho
Donna Coelho holds a BS in Education and Psychology from Southern Connecticut State University, and a Master’s in Management from Albertus Magnus University. She serves on the National Collegiate Council for the American Marketing Association, is a member of the Academy of Marketing Sciences, and the American Marketing Association. She is on the Editorial Board of the International Journal of Business Education. She has been Co-Advisor of WCSU’s Collegiate Chapter of the American Marketing Association for the last ten years. This chapter has consistently been ranked in the top 10% of all collegiate chapters in National AMA competitions for the last seven years. She also chairs numerous national collegiate competitions for the American Marketing Association.
“I’ve had the pleasure of working with Professor Coelho in and outside of the classroom this past year. Having the opportunity to be in Professor Coelho’s classroom as well as working with her in the WMA has made my transition so much easier.”
opens IMAGE file The Fernando & Alice Fernandes Award
Awarded to a member of the classified staff who has made significant contribution to student life.
Recipient: Susie Peterson
Susie Peterson is a member of the Sodexo staff on campus.
“Susie greets every student she meets at WCSU’s cafeterias with kindness and warmth. She is always available for a sweet word or a quick piece of advice. Even when managing an injury, she has established herself as a supportive and congenial presence on campus and contributes to the best of WestConn’s community.”
opens IMAGE file Award of Merit
Awarded for outstanding service to the entire student body. A non-student member of the WCSU community whose dedication to the students and student life has gone far above and beyond his/her obligations.
Recipient: Jessica Lin
Jessica Lin is Assistant Director in the Honors Program and currently getting her Master’s Degree. She graduated from WCSU in 2015 with with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and dual minors in Conflict Resolution and Psychology. Jessica is also a past Barnard Award winner, and remains very actively involved with activities in and around campus.
“Jess Lin has had to overcome a lot because of not only the pandemic, but the changing of staff within the honors program. She makes the effort to learn every student’s name and wants to know their interests.”
opens IMAGE file
Outstanding Student Organization
Awarded to a student organization that has excelled in all areas.
Recipient: African Caribbean Student Association
“The ACSA has shown to be active on campus both virtually and in-person. When the pandemic posed the greatest threat to their signature events, they stepped up to make sure they can safely bring their members and students together along with BSU and BSWA.”
opens IMAGE file Outstanding New Student Organization
Awarded to a student organization that has formed this year and has shown outstanding progress, programming, and development.
Recipient: Pre-Physician Assistant Society
“They are very active in hosting informative events, always on top of everything like paperwork and emails. overall, they are a great club with a good amount of members and have great outreach for the university.”
opens IMAGE file Outstanding Senator
Awarded to a senator in the Student Government Association for outstanding service.
Recipient: Carly Mengler
“As a new member, Carly has contributed greatly. Her hard work in committees is reflected by her participation in senate and informative/insightful contributions. Carly has demonstrated above and beyond commitment in SGA through consistent communication and taking initiative to make sure tasks get done in a timely and efficient manner.”
opens IMAGE file Outstanding Representative
Awarded to a senator in the Student Government Association for outstanding service.
Recipient: Laiba Qureshi
“Laiba has been a Senator since her freshman year. She moved to Representative since he could no longer attend Senate and has continued to represent students and be an excellent team player whilst juggling a full-time courseload and a part-time job.”
opens IMAGE file Achieve Through Adversity (Resilience) Award
Students who have experienced adversity and have continued to push through and excel during these challenges. Students do not have to hold any specific position to be eligible for this award.
Recipient: Karla Matos
Karla’s story: “I consider myself a WARRIOR, and so do most people who know what I have been going through. To begin, I am a new mom, and although I am a young and healthy female, I had a high-risk pregnancy and had to spend most of my pregnancy on bed rest. During my pregnancy, I received therapy on my legs because I had so much pain that I could barely walk or move. Since I was pregnant and high-risk, my doctors believed that it was sciatica nerve pain, and no further testing was “required”. Long story short, after delivering my baby, I started falling out of nowhere, getting leg cramps while driving, walking, etc. I suffered many falls before getting the right diagnosis for my condition. All this happened during the Spring 2020 semester, and I managed to get straight A’s and be on the Dean’s list for the second year in a row.
Time went by, and the Fall 2020 semester came; around mid-semester, my mom fell down the stairs, and while getting an MRI done, doctors discovered a massive tumor in the uterus, and she had urgent surgery. A few days later, my grandfather was admitted to the hospital with COVID, went into a coma, and had a heart attack (luckily, he survived). After my mom’s long recovery, I began having random falls and hurt myself multiple times; I could not carry my son, stand up, sit on the toilet, or shower on my own without falling or feeling any pain. I went to three specialists. After getting over 4 MRIs done, multiple X-rays, drug treatment, and physical therapy, it was not until January 2021 that I was diagnosed with Avascular Necrosis Stage III. My hips were on the verge of collapsing. I had urgent surgery three days after my doctor got the MRI results; this was a day after the Spring 2021 semester started.
I just started walking again 4 weeks ago, I am still unable to carry or play with my now one-year-old son, but I am still pushing through to become a nurse. Although I could not attend nursing classes this semester, I decided to pursue a minor in holistic health to help me with my nursing career and future patients. As of right now, I am not getting any better, but I am not falling. I am currently getting tested for cancer and autoimmune diseases because my bloodwork results show many abnormalities.
Even if I don’t win this award, I want students and people to know my story and know that if I could do it, they could do it too. My life has become a rollercoaster that does not seem to go back up, but I am not giving up. I just registered for nursing classes, and I am hoping to get back to campus and fulfill my dream of becoming a nurse.”
opens IMAGE file Acts of Service Award
Awarded to students who have actively contributed to the improvement of the campus through multiple positions and activities. Students must have excelled in at least two positions, activities, or areas. This includes, however is not limited, to clubs/organizations, student worker positions, university committee student representatives, university representatives at conferences, etc.
Recipient: Bakhtawar “Baki” Izzat
“Baki is an outstanding person. She worked as a Peer Leader and Resident Assistant, making herself available for students and is always delighted to help. Her spirit and energy is very encouraging. She is a very determined and committed leader on campus.”
opens IMAGE file Equity and Justice Award
Awarded to students who consistently speak up and step up, using their knowledge and spheres of influence to inspire equity and justice from the student body up to administration or beyond. Students do not have to hold any specific position to be eligible for this award.
Recipient: Harrison Tagnidoung
“Harrison is the President of the Black Student Union and is a part of ACSA and SGA as well. He has spoken up at multiple rallies and protests on campus. He’s also organized a recent protest as well as used his Instagram account as a platform to talk about the injustice that he’s seen and faced on campus.”
opens IMAGE file Unsung Hero Award
Awarded to students who did not hold any specific positions on campus yet have demonstrated significant contributions or initiative. Students who hold an executive position for a club or organization are not eligible.
Recipient: Hope Johnsky
“Hope has always been able to keep her head held high, but in the adversity of the last year she has spread constant positivity to everyone around her. She still remains active around campus, works for WCSU Recreation and is a record-breaking WestConn swimmer.”
opens IMAGE file Student Award of Merit
Awarded to a student who has dedicated him/herself to outstanding service to the student body.
Recipient: Audrey Nielsen
“Audrey has always gone out of her way to make sure that students feel welcomed and heard. In her positions as an ARM in Pinney and the VP of SGA, Audrey has shown tremendous contributions to the student population. Her dedication to the students of this university can clearly be seen through her personalized one-on-one help that she gives as an ARM and welcoming approach to conversing with students on-the-go.”
SGA President’s Awards (tie)
Awarded to a student or other member of the university community who has contributed to helping student organizations on campus.
Recipient: Dr. Rée LeBlanc Gunter
Dr. Gunter is a clinical psychologist. She received her Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in Psychology from The Pennsylvania State University. Dr. Gunter has experiences working in community outpatient clinics, private practice and university counseling centers. Dr. Gunter’s areas of special interests are multicultural counseling, as well as consultation and outreach. She is also a member of the UndocuAlly Taskforce and of the Racial Justice Coalition on campus.
“Dr. Gunter works tirelessly to counsel members of our campus community and has brought us together to stand up for racial justice by co-founding the Racial Justice Coalition with Dr. Carina Bandhauer.”
opens IMAGE file
Awarded to a student or other member of the university community who has contributed to helping student organizations on campus.
Recipient: Pano Koukopoulos
Pano Koukopoulos is the Director of Emergency Management on campus, adjunct professor, and advisor to the Adventure Club.
“Pano is not only the Director of Emergency Management, but also a professor and advisor to numerous on-campus members, students, faculty, and staff alike. He makes sure to check in on everyone around him and prioritizes the needs of our campus, and always has a smile on his face when doing so. He and his awesome team has gone out of his way during COVID to ensure the safety of the students, staff, and faculty on campus.”
opens IMAGE file SGA President’s Award for Outstanding Student Leadership
This award is presented to a student who has displayed outstanding leadership skills and has actively worked toward bettering the community and student life on campus during their time here at Western Connecticut State University.
Recipient: Samuel Sigman
“Sam is a very welcoming presence around campus who is constantly helping those around him. His vast amount of knowledge and his willingness to help others make this campus a better place and have allowed others to succeed in things they otherwise might not have even considered doing. If more people were as compassionate and helpful as he is, this school would be a better place, if not the whole world.”
Jesse Lewis Compassion Awards (tie)
Awarded by the Center for Compassion, Creativity & Innovation
Announced by: Scarlett Lewis, mother of Jesse Lewis, and founder of the Jesse Lewis Choose Love Foundation
This award is presented to a student whose compassion (actively helping others to solve or overcome their problems or suffering) knows no bounds. This award is in memory of Jesse Lewis, the 6-year-old Sandy Hook student who saved the lives of 9 other first graders on December 14, 2012.
opens IMAGE file
Recipient: James Cantafio
“James Cantafio is an aspiring science educator. His science journey began with a deep fascination with the weather in his backyard. During his time at WCSU, this fascination blossomed into an appreciation for the power that science has to change lives and society for the better. He is an Honors Assistant, a Career Peer Leader, and a PASS (Promoting Academically Successful Students) Mentor at WCSU, as well as a former teaching assistant for HON 100: The Nature of Inquiry. Through these roles as well as his daily life at WCSU, he has shared his passion for lifelong learning with his peers and encouraged and contributed to growth-centered approaches that empower students to become more creative critical thinkers and more compassionate problem-solvers as they enter the professional world. In his career as an educator, he aspires to continue contributing to such efforts and to positively impact the lives of students through inclusive and engaging educational experiences.”
This award is presented to a student whose compassion (actively helping others to solve or overcome their problems or suffering) knows no bounds. This award is in memory of Jesse Lewis, 
opens IMAGE file the 6-year-old Sandy Hook student who saved the lives of 9 other first graders on December 14, 2012.
Recipient: Hao Nguyen
“Hao is an aspiring professional in the STEM fields, with interests and experiences in Mathematics, Computer Science, and Chemistry. Even as an incoming student, he was highly involved at WCSU and the Greater Danbury community, by participating in and coordinating numerous community events and humanitarian services. During his time at WCSU, he served as an Honors Assistant, an SGA senator, the treasurer for the Chemistry Club, the President of the Rotaract club, and tutored for the Math Clinic. Hao, in his free time and at any and all hours of the day, is often caught in the act of helping others. His dream is to continue to work with a creative and compassionate mind, to integrate technological and scientific advances for social benefits, while minimizing industrial environmental impacts.”
Community Service Award (tie)
Awarded by the Division of Student Affairs
Announced by Dr. Walter Cramer, Dean of Students.
This award is presented to the club, organization or student that shows exemplary effort to volunteer and serve the community around them.
While the Pandemic caused us to pause our annual WCSU Day of Service, many student organizations still found ways to engage and volunteer hours for community service in and around the Greater Danbury Area. Those that stood out are being honored with the Community Service Award.
Recipient: Rotaract Club of WCSU
This award is presented to the club, organization or student that shows exemplary effort to volunteer and serve the community around them.
Recipient: Western Marketing Association
Alumni Association Outstanding Student Leader Award
Awarded by the WCSU Alumni Association
opens IMAGE file
Announced by: Elaine Salem, Lifetime Member of the Alumni Board of Directors
This award is given each year to a student who has exemplified the qualities of a student leader.
Recipient: Audrey Nielsen
Audrey is currently the vice president of the SGA and the chair of the BOR Student Advisory Committee, representing all the State University students on the Board of Regents. She is also responsible for restarting The Echo Newspaper becoming its editor -in-chief. Prior to that, she was the Black & White: Journal for the Arts vice president, Student Publications Board president and one of the founders, and vice president for the Torch Student Magazine. Audrey is a Professional Writing major with an impressive GPA and works as a computer lab manager.
Her nominators have described her as able to multitask, cares about students, and always wanting to give back. She is an amazing resource for students/staff alike, extremely hardworking and works within high ethical standards.
Walter B. Bernstein Vice President’s Award for Student Leadership
opens IMAGE file Presented by the Vice President for Student Affairs, Dr. Keith Betts
This award is given each year to a student who has shown dedication, passion, and immense effort toward the improvement of Student Life throughout their tenure at WCSU.
Recipient: Myckland Cothias
This year’s recipient is a justice and law major who has been on the dean’s list several times. He is currently the SGA Vice President of Finance, and was a SGA senator for many years before. He is a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity, a member of the Men’s Tennis Team, a Resident Assistant for Housing and Residence Life, and was the BOR Student Advisory Committee representative for WCSU. As a member and Vice President of the Newman Club he attended three alternative spring break trips with other WCSU students to the Dominican Republic and Jamaica to work with school children.
A Special Thank You:
Bakhtavar Izzat and Anna Adebambo – for emceeing the event
Event & Conference Management – for setting up the O’Neill Center
Fraternity & Sorority Life – for sponsoring the gift baskets
Inter-Residence Hall Association – for the candy
Media Services – for putting the video together
Program Activities Council – for organizing the screen
SLRB Committee – for putting on this entire event
Student Government Association – for your sponsorship
Last but not least, on behalf of the SLRB Committee, a huge thank you to all of the student leaders who stepped up this year, whether you were recognized with an award or not. The same to all of the advisors to student organizations; all of your hard work is appreciated. And a special thank you to all of the presenters who found a way to record themselves or ventured on campus to be recorded and announce the recipients of this year’s awards.
Members of the 2021 Student Leadership Recognition Banquet Committee (alphabetical by last name):
Caitie Barry, Graduate Intern for Fraternity and Sorority Life & Leadership, CSI
Ashley Christensen, Graduate Intern for Programming, CSI
Walter Cramer, Dean of Students, Student Affairs
Daryle Dennis, Assistant Dean of Students, Student Affairs
Virginia Diaz, Administrative Assistant, Student Affairs
Eden Edwards-Harris, Residence Hall Director, Housing & Residence Life
Ryan Farrell, Residence Hall Director, Housing & Residence Life
Oni Figueroa, Administrative Assistant, CSI
Marisa Gueli, President, Program Activities Council
Danielle King, Secretary, HPX and English Departments
Dennis Leszko, Director, CSI & SGA Advisor
Lycia Lopez-Torres, President, Panhellenic Council
Patrick Moody, Senator, Student Government Association
John Murphy, Director, Event & Conference Management & SGA Advisor
Ellen Ober, Administrative Assistant, AccessAbility Services
Birte Pfitzner, CSU Administrative Assistant, Student Affairs
Keith Purdie, Digital Media Assistant, Media Services
Tamia Scott, President, Inter-Residence Hall Association