Kansas State University

MANHATTAN -- Kansas State University's Black Student Union has done it again. For the sixth time in the last eight years the student organization has been awarded the Clarence Wine Award for Outstanding Big 12 Council of the Year.

The Black Student Union, or BSU, received the award at the 36th annual Big 12 Conference on Black Student Government, Feb. 28 to March 3, at Kansas State University.

Presented annually to an outstanding undergraduate black student government or council in the Big 12 Conference, the award recognizes an organization that has demonstrated a serious commitment to unity, academic achievement, scholarship, campus programming and community service.

"To BSU, this award isn't about winning the title for bragging rights or to become vain about our organization. It's something that helps show other campus organizations, current students and future K-State students that we work extremely hard to make a difference not only on this campus, but across the nation," said Anita Easterwood, president of the Black Student Union and senior in fine arts from Kansas City, Kan.

In addition, the Black Student Union's freshman class was named the Most Outstanding Freshman Action Team for the first time. This award is given to black student government or council in the Big 12 Conference whose freshman class has showcased the most activism within the community as well as commitment to academics.

Three Kansas State University students received individual awards at the conference. Brittany Garcia, junior in psychology, Garden City, received the Barbara Jordan Political Action Award; Marcus Bragg, senior in management information systems, Kansas City, Kan., received the Most Outstanding Senior in the Big 12 Conference award; and Justice Davis, freshman in business administration, Kansas City, Mo., received the Dyric Burt Most Outstanding Freshman in the Big 12 Conference.

"These awards demonstrate the consistent commitment to the leadership development of our students and the cultural advocacy that they give to the university," said Bryon Williams, assistant director of admissions for Kansas State University and an adviser to Black Student Union. "As I work every day with these students, I find that I learn more from them than I ever expected. Our university attracts humble, hardworking and culturally competent students every year. Their desire to constantly improve speaks directly to the character of these awards."

The Black Student Union sponsors many events throughout the year to spread cultural awareness and help students adjust to college life. It also has weekly educational meetings.

"We always put academics first in everything we do," Easterwood said. "We remind students of the real reason why we are here -- to graduate."

The Black Student Union has approximately 60 active members working to continue improving the organization and the tradition of earning the award in the future.

"Every year BSU grows to new levels," Easterwood said. "I'm so proud of this organization because I can only imagine the amazing things that are to come."