Kansas State University

Student Programs and Involvement recognizes and celebrates the recipients of the 2023 Student Organization Awards.

Student organizations help shape the culture and experience of the shared community at K-State. Thank you to everyone who took the time to recognize and nominate your peers for the outstanding work they have done.

The 2023 Student Organization Awards recipients are:

Advisor of the Year: Kevin Santos-Flores, advisor to and nominated by the Hispanic American Leadership Organization

"His active participation in our general body events and direct interaction with members not only boosts morale but also bridges the gap between leadership and the community we serve. Furthermore, their knack for proposing innovative ideas has pushed us to continuously improve and learn in our journey to inspire the next generation of leaders. His presence is not just a show of support, but an active contribution to our discussions, providing valuable insights that guide our decision-making processes."

Commitment to Inclusion and Belonging: Sexuality and Gender Alliance, nominated by a former member.

"The true beauty of this organization is truly in the diversity of people who come together to make the group as welcoming as they do each year. LGBTQ+ people represent all walks of life and this group is a great representation of that. SAGA recognizes and appreciates the uniqueness of individuals everyday. The LGBTQ+ community is a vibrant and colorful community with uniqueness coming out of the seems. Not every day do LGBTQ+ people get the chance to really embrace who they are, but this group consistently provides that affirmation and support."

Student Leader of the Year: Alex Ozga of the Cyber Defense Club, nominated by advisors in the department of computer science.

"One of Alex's major contributions this academic year has been Club financials. The organization’s corporate support had lapsed during COVID, and this student leader led the effort to reestablish contact and renew the sponsorship. He has been especially proactive in reaching out to potential corporate sponsors to secure funding for future competition trips. Alex student also runs organization meetings on their own, organizes workshops for club members to learn more about cybersecurity topics, and finds and schedules guest speakers, most recently, the U.S. Secret Service from their Kansas City office."

Student Organization Event of the Year: The National Coming Out Day Celebration by Social Justice Alliance, nominated by Lily Smith.

"The goals we set for this event were simple: We wanted to provide an environment to remind students that they are safe and respected by the university, and we wanted to get our name out there as a student organization that strives to amplify unheard voices. This event was held on October 11th, and that early in the semester, many students don’t know very many other people and may be struggling to find groups and activities they want to participate in. We were hoping that by bringing a large group of people together to celebrate their identities, we would encourage an environment of positivity and togetherness, and people might get to know new friends."

Student Organization of the Year: Hispanic American Leadership Organization, nominated by Israel Quinonez.

"HALO aims to create student leaders who uphold the well-being of our community while maintaining academic excellence, providing a welcoming environment, and serving as a bridge to university resources and services. Our outreach initiative exemplifies our commitment to community service and member involvement. By encouraging members to propose and lead a community volunteering project, we empower them to take active roles in planning and executing initiatives that give back to the community. This approach not only fosters leadership skills among our members but also ensures that our efforts to support the local community are guided by the passions and insights of those within the organization. This member-driven approach to community service reinforces our dedication to supporting the communities that have nurtured the next generation of leaders. Additionally, this organization is committed to supporting academic excellence through partnerships with TRIO. Our members have access to tutoring while we also providing opportunities to scholarship resources. Overall, HALO has dedicated their efforts to fulfill their mission in promoting leadership, cultural awareness, and academic success within our community."

Congratulations to all of this year's nominees, especially the award recipients. Student Programs and Involvement thanks you for your hard work in making your organizations, and therefore K-State, a welcoming, active and inclusive community through your leadership and support.

Student Programs and Involvement is excited to recognize and celebrate the recipients of the 2022 Student Organization Awards!  

Student organizations help shape the culture and experience of our shared community at K-State. Thank you to everyone who took the time to recognize and nominate your peers for the outstanding work they have done.   

On March 7th, 2023, Student Programs and Involvement announced the following 2022  Student Organization Awards recipients during a live ceremony in the K-State Student Union Courtyard.  

The 2022  Student Organization Awards recipients are:   

Advisor of the Year  

Tamie Redding, advisor to Student Alumni Board, nominated by Emily Howard.  
 
"In meetings, she challenges members to think outside the box when it comes to developing ideas and encourages our members to “get comfortable being uncomfortable.” She never seems to complain and instead focuses on the positives in each situation. Each spring when it comes time to elect a new executive team, she sits down one on one with eligible members to discuss their leadership skills. She takes the time to find the role that best fits each member and pushes us to run for a position that will challenge us. She prioritizes getting to know everyone on a personal level and creates an environment where all members feel as if they can share their concerns, ideas, and feelings." 

Commitment to Inclusion and Belonging  

Crew, nominated by Anna Wagester.  

“Crew not only operates both a men’s and a women’s team but also offers coed options. All members practice together and compete in both individual sex and coed lineups. While there is still a separation between men's and women's races, both groups have equal opportunities to win and compete as individuals or as a group.” 

Student Leader of the Year  

Oluchi Amakoh, president of African Students Union, nominated by Abena Damuah and Oluchi Amakoh. 

“Oluchi believes that leadership is demonstrated best through actions and not just words and has countlessly dedicated her time to test the boundaries of her organization’s presence on campus. She seeks out new and creative ways to exploit our organization’s potential for greatness. She represents her organization at other on-campus events and meetings where she passionately advocates for and provides meaningful insight into some of the experiences of African and international students at K-State. She is a proactive and innovative leader that strives to treat everyone around her fairly and with the respect and dignity they deserve. Lastly, she recognizes that the responsibility of a leader comes with taking the back seat sometimes and giving others the opportunity to learn, succeed and sometimes even fail. “  

Student Organization Event of the Year  

"The Miss Belleza Latina Pageant” hosted by the Hispanic American Leadership Organization, nominated by Maria Izquierdo.  
 
"This event is a scholarship event. We wanted to be able to give a scholarship to the first-place winner of $500, as well as provide leadership and development experience for contestants and committee members who helped successfully plan and execute the event. Before COVID, this event was held annually and was considered a staple event within the Hispanic student community. This pageant was student-led and required extensive planning." 

Student Organization of the Year  

Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow, nominated by Molly Biggs. 

"The vision of this organization to be the leading collegiate organization in developing and strengthening their students through professional growth opportunities and educational programs. Their mission includes building relationships among professionals, college students and faculty, and providing professional and academic development for their members. This year, the organization decided to expand their officer team with the addition of a "Rookie Rep." This position could be held by anyone who was new to the club, wanted to get more involved and grow as a leader. They do not have any specific job duties, but this allows them to shadow the current officer team and their roles, with the hopes that they one day will fill the shoes of a current officer. As for the general membership, they are a relatively small club, but that allows for members to get involved in big ways, like with the implementation of committees, such as T-Shirts, outreach, and promotion where they create stickers and other promotional materials, and Open house where they can plan the clubs booth for the annual All-University Open house. Two members of this organization were finalists for the Forrest Bassford Award, a nationally recognized scholarship program."  

Congratulations to all of this year's nominees, and especially to the award recipients. Student Programs and Involvement thanks you for your hard work in making your organizations, and therefore K-State, a welcoming, active, and inclusive community through your leadership and support.  

Student Programs and Involvement is excited to recognize and celebrate the recipients of the 2021 Student Organization Awards! 

Student organizations help shape the culture and experience of our shared community at K-State. We know this has been a challenging year for many organizations as we continue to navigate a global pandemic and strive to maintain our community's health and safety as a top priority. Thank you to everyone who took the time to recognize and nominate your peers for the outstanding work they have done.  

On February 17, 2022, Student Programs and Involvement announced the following 2021 Student Organization Awards recipients during a live ceremony in the K-State Student Union Courtyard. 

The 2021 Student Organization Awards recipients are:  

Advisor of the Year 

Janine Duncan, advisor to Family & Consumer Sciences Education Organization, nominated by Mia Schindler and Morgan Paddock. 

Janine has strived to put developing members’ knowledge and education at the core of her involvement within her student organization. She has also challenged members and officers to think about perspectives and experiences that differ from their own while also consistently reminding them that she isn’t just here during their college experience, but that she will be their biggest advocate once they graduate as well. 

Commitment to Inclusion and Belonging 

Student Foundation, nominated by Delaney Kemp. 

Student Foundation has a strong commitment to serving students across campus, even if they aren’t members of the organization itself. The organization also provides a unique opportunity for members to discover new facets of philanthropy, discover new career pathways, and build meaningful relationships. 

Student Leader of the Year 

Sierra Statz, member of Engineers Without Borders, nominated by Engineers Without Borders, Carley Phelps, Cassidy Hartig, Cohen Lyle, Danielle Larson, and Zachary Kelvington. 

Sierra has demonstrated enthusiasm and inspiration at each event, meeting, and volunteering activity and knows every member by name. She has empowered other people to step into leadership and created an atmosphere that allowed for productive teamwork. Sierra devoted herself to the Kansas State chapter, ending her presidency with a record three international projects underway, more members within the organization than ever before, and having helped the chapter to raise over $20,000 in donations in 2021. 

Student Organization Event of the Year 

"Mental Health Awareness Hotdog Stand,” hosted by American Nuclear Society KSU Student Section, nominated by Broderick Sieh. 

The idea behind the Hotdog Stand was to host an event that promoted the mental well-being of students and mental health awareness within the K-State community. However, the event went above and beyond that thanks to the comradery shared among the organization. The group’s happiness and positive attitudes were contagious to all those who stopped by throughout the day. Members were able to engage in valuable conversations with the students involved. 

Student Organization of the Year 

Popenoe Entomology Club, nominated by Cameron Osborne 

This past year, the organization engaged in numerous campus and community outreach education events. They have stepped out of the shadow of the pandemic to bring interactive outreach events back to campus and the larger community. They have also launched several initiatives to give back to their student members and campus, including raising funds to restore historical works housed in the library, modernizing their finances by launching a digital storefront, connecting students and faculty with research opportunities, and engaging with the community through social media. 

Congratulations to all of this year's nominees, and especially to the award recipients. Student Programs and Involvement thanks you for your hard work in making your organizations, and therefore K-State, a welcoming, active, and inclusive community through your leadership and support. 

The Center for Student Involved is excited to recognize and celebrate the recipients of the 2020 Student Organization Awards!

Student organizations help shape the culture and experience of our shared community at K-State. We know this has been a challenging year for many organizations as we navigate a global pandemic and strive to maintain our community's health and safety as a top priority. Thank you to everyone who took the time to recognize and nominate your peers for the outstanding work they have done. 

Awards nominees were recognized on Student Programs and Involvement's Twitter and Instagram accounts. On November 17, 2020, Student Programs and Involvement, in partnership with Blue Key Senior Honor Society, announced the 2020 Student Organization Awards recipients via Instagram Live. Watch a recording of the announcements. 

The 2020 Student Organization Awards recipients are: 

Outstanding Collaborative Event of the Year

"Colin Ryan Financial Comedian: Manage Your Money. Reach Your Dreams.", hosted by the Union Program Council, Powercat Financial, K-State Proud, Personal Financial Planning, and the Wildcat Wellness Coalition; nominated by Baliegh Fry. 

This event was organized to educate students about the ways to manage money effectively in college and to share information about the resources available on campus such as meeting with a Peer Financial Counselor at Powercat Financail to discuss budgeting, student loans, and evaluating job offers or applying for a Student Opportunity Award through K-State Proud. 

Intercultural Event of the Year

"ICC Food Festival", hosted by the International Coordinating Council, nominated by Tahmineh Azizi. 

The ICC Food Festival let the campus community try native dishes from cultures around the world right in the middle of campus. This event was planned by students who dedicate themselves year-round to celebrating their own cultures and heritage. The event was hosted as part of an ongoing effort to incorporate diversity related themes in school culture. 

Student Organization Event of the Year

"Orgiami", hosted by the Math Club, nominated by Tahmineh Azizi. 

Origami was hosted across 2-house where undergraduate and graduate students from all disciplines could network, learn, experience and tackle on of the most fun and amazing math challenges: origami. Students were able to take advantage of one of the best educational events and most interactive sessions at K-State and experience the greatest teamwork with other students to achieve the goal.

Advisor of the Year

Jordan Kocher, advisor to Interfraternity Council & Panhellenic Council, nominated by Michael Porter. 

Jordan Kocher has been not only an exceptional advisor and advocate for IFC & PHC, but has also proven to be a figure of inspiration and strength for the Greek community here at K-State. During the COVID-19 outbreak, her leadership has proven to be invaluable as the councils navigate the uncertainty the virus brings. Despite the councils not knowing what will come next with the virus, they do know that they can always depend on Jordan to provide exceptional guidance, inspiration, and leadership. 

Student Member of the Year

Cadence Ciesielski, member of Pre-Law Ambassadors, nominated by Tracey Lee. 

Cadence is an outsanding member of the Pre-Law Ambassadors who goes above and beyond to create and deliver meaningful programming to students and to provide a welcoming and inclusive community for any K-Stater who wants to learn more about the law. Cade's goal is to help students meet their own career goals and was quoted to say, "If I help somebody in the program, then they can use their knowledge to help somebody else."

Congratulations to all of this year's nominees, and especially to the award recipients. Student Programs and Involvement thanks you for your hard work in making your organizations, and therefor K-State, a welcoming, active, and inclusive community through your leadership and support.