Students Honored at FSU’s Leadership and Engagement Awards Celebration

May 8, 2023 8:00 AM

Dedicated Students Recognized for Their Contributions to the University

On Thursday, May 4, a myriad of Frostburg State University students was honored at the 2023 Leadership and Engagement Awards reception for their dedication and contributions to the University’s leadership. This eclectic group of individuals tirelessly serve the campus community in a variety of capacities, lending their time and talents to everyone they encounter.

Robert “Coop” Cooper, FSU’s assistant vice president of Student Engagement, noted, “We are pleased to honor and recognize these Bobcats for their commitment to helping us live out our values. Though our backgrounds, identities and experiences are diverse, we are all united through our earnest desire to serve.”

The process for nominating a student for an award is open to anyone who has witnessed exceptional leadership and service of a scholar, peer, mentor or friend. Selection committees ultimately chose the award recipients after thoughtful review of the submissions.

The evening’s student award winners are as follows: Outstanding Cultural Programming Award, the 2023 Iota Stroll Comp hosted by Iota Phi Theta; Outstanding Social Programming Award, Evelyn Shanholtz for her efforts with the Trunk or Treat; Outstanding Educational Programming Award, Stella Beerninik for the Women’s Health Fair; Emerging Leader Award, Jamie Roberts; Unsung Hero Award, Kristina Thompson; Student Government Association Outstanding Senior Service Award, Ariyana Ward; 2023 Derek Thomson Sheely Leadership Award, Ciera Davisson; Student Employee of the Year, Kyujin Milstead; Social Change Award, Amber Greenbaum; the Father Ed Hendricks Award, Zachary Arnold; and the William Mandicott Pillar of the Community Award, Rachael Michalski.

Additionally, the 2023-2024 President’s Leadership Circle (PLC) members were introduced. This small, selected cohort of senior student leaders will be exposed to personal and professional development leadership opportunities facilitated by FSU’s president, Dr. Ronald Nowazcyk, and the Division of Student Affairs. New PLC members include Onaopemipo Baiyeshea, Ashlyn Cave, Kourtlan Copeland, Maree Dieterich, Mychael McKay, Elizabeth Perry, Ayden Robert, Jacob Stocker, Nicholas Trey and Aisa Wrights.

As part of the evening’s awards, Dr. Artie Travis, FSU vice president of Student Affairs, presented awards to several individuals who have made an impact on and contributed to the effective operations of FSU’s Division of Student Affairs. Recipients included Robin Wynder for her outstanding contributions to the Division of Student Affairs, Tim Pelesky and the FSU Information Technology team for their outstanding service to Student Affairs, Peyton McDonald for her outstanding contributions as a “Rising Star,” and the Evergreen Heritage Center for its outstanding contributions to civic engagement.

Special recognition should be given to the program’s speakers and presenters. Amber Greenbaum, current PLC member, opened the reception with a reflection on her time as a member of this year’s PLC cohort, and Al Delia, FSU vice president of Regional Development and Engagement, gave the keynote address.

Award presenters included Pauline Pascariello, program management specialist; May Reyno, student; Melanie Moore, director of the Cultural Event Series; Carrie Saunders, assistant athletic director; Allen Flanagan, director of Student Auxiliary Services; Ceonay Dannelley, ’22-’23 student affairs chair for the Student Government Association; Tim Magrath, director of the J. Glenn Beall Institute for Public Affairs; Katie Weir, assistant director of Residence Life; Ashley Daniels, associate director of Civic Engagement; and Jamie Winters, assistant director of Fraternity and Sorority Life. Travis and Cooper also made presentations.

Thanks to the FSU Student Engagement staff and the Division of Student Affairs for planning and implementing this year’s event; to the Lane University Center and staff and Chartwells Catering Services for hosting the event, providing tech support and for hospitality and catering; and to the Leadership and Engagement Awards selection committee, the Derek Thomson Sheely Leadership Award selection committee, the SGA Outstanding Senior Service Award selection committee, and the President’s Leadership Circle search committee.