Leadership Banquet

Last week, student leaders across campus took time out of their busy schedules to celebrate their achievements. Student Affairs hosted the 13th annual Leadership Banquet in the Amsler Campus Center Gym, recognizing over 40 students and organizations with awards for their hard work this year.

“The quality of student leadership at MCLA reverberates within the campus,” said Dean of Students Charlotte Degen. “The quality of leadership, more than any other factor, determines the success of an organization.”

The evening began with an opening speech by Degen, followed by a photo slideshow of student leaders at various events throughout the year. After the dinner, provided by ARAMARK’s catering service, and a welcome by both President Mary Grant and Board of Trustees member Dick Lamb, the awards were handed out.

As is tradition at the Student Leadership Banquet, Administrative Assistant Judy Ozlins sang a song about the College and its student leaders to the tune of “YMCA.” She had students and faculty on their feet, singing along and spelling out “MCLA” high over their heads.

Quite untraditionally, one faculty member was presented an award that was not written in the program. Diane Collins, Student Government Association (SGA) Office Manager, received an award for her 25 years of service to SGA.

“In the fall, SGA will celebrate its 100^th anniversary. That means [that Diane has] been with SGA for a quarter of its existence,” said senior Mark Richards, who presented the award. “[She] will never understand the impact she has had on... so many lives here at MCLA.”

Throughout the night, sophomore Monique Symes became quite accustomed to the stage, accepting three awards. Symes is a Resident Adviser, coordinator of the Pathways program with the Center for Service, and president of the Nexxus step team, among other activities. She was presented the Lorraine B. Maloney Community Service Award for her work with the Center for Service, and received the Heather B. Fischlein Memorial Scholarship from Residential Programs and Services. Along with other Nexxus members, Symes accepted the Club/Organization Excellence Award from the Student Government Association.

            Richards, SGA Events coordinator and a former Student Trustee, among many other positions at the College, received the Dean’s Medallion, an award not always presented annually.

 “The Dean’s Medallion represents extraordinary leadership and/or service to MCLA and the surrounding community. Serving as an exemplary model for his continuing development of services or programs, the recipient of this award has contributed significantly to the MCLA community throughout his/her tenure,” the banquet’s program explained.

Last year, Michelle Hansen received the award, and in 2006, Kristen Hurley was presented with it.

Other highlights from the night include the presentation of the Executive Board Member of the year award, given to Student Activities Council president Marcelle Bastille, who accepted it in tears. When presenting the award, Dayne Wahl described Bastille as a president who puts her club before all else, tirelessly attending every event.

Marlene Romero, who is involved with several Center for Service programs, was the recipient of the Rising Star award, which is awarded to a student with 60 credits or less and has potential for leadership.

“I know her as a quiet power, almost like a volcano,” said Center for Service Coordinator, Spencer Moser, when presenting the award.

Wahl, Larissa Huda and Barbara DeNucci received the Outstanding Senior Awards, and sophomore Michael Obasohan received the Behind the Scenes Award. Beta Lambda Sorority was honored with the Inter-Greek Council Chapter of the Year award for having the cumulative highest grade point average among the Greek organizations, and senior Kevin DeSantis, president of Pi Upsilon Pi fraternity, received the Greek of the Year award.