Lander University conducted its annual Student Life Awards Ceremony recently, recognizing students for cocurricular achievements during the 2014-15 academic year, and presenting top students and student organizations special awards for service.
Lander University President's Award: Cameron Hayley Miller, of St. Matthews. The President's Award is given annually to recognize service to the university community. Miller is a member of Lander's Student Nurses Association, the Honors Council and president of the Student Government Association (SGA) for the just-concluded and the coming academic year. She was also the student representative on Lander's Presidential Search Committee, which interviewed candidates to succeed Dr. Daniel Ball, who will retire as president on June 30.
Samuel and Laura Lander Man and Woman of the Year Awards: Tyler Griffin, of Simpsonville, and Mary-Katherine Tipp, of Charlotte, N.C. Named after Samuel and Laura Lander, the awards recognize students who demonstrate the true spirit of Lander and encourage others to pursue excellence in all aspects of collegiate endeavors. Recipients should also exhibit high aspirations and noble humanitarian qualities of character in all aspects of campus life.
Griffin, a student in Lander's Honors College, served as a Presidential Ambassador and on many college committees. He is a member of the Blue Key National Honor Society and the university's Baptist Collegiate Ministries, and served as SGA vice president.
Tipp is a Dean's List student in Lander's Honors College, a Presidential Ambassador, SGA vice president and president of her sorority. She was also named to Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges and is the 2015 Lander Homecoming Queen
Greek Woman of the Year Award was presented to Carleisha Gilliam, of Boiling Springs, president of Delta Sigma Theta sorority. The award is presented to a junior or senior member of the university's Greek chapters who has demonstrated a commitment to excellence and betterment of the Greek community as a whole. Gilliam was described by nominators as "dependable, dedicated and determined," whose leadership has impacted other Lander Greek organizations
Other awards presented at the ceremony were:
The American Democracy Project (ADP) Student Organization of the Year for Civic Engagement: Presented to Zeta Tau Alpha for fundraising to benefit charitable causes, donating school supplies and performing more than 700 hours of volunteer service to several organizations. Lander has an active ADP chapter, which is a nonpartisan initiative to encourage student civic engagement and interest in public affairs.
Presidential Ambassador Awards: Presented to Avery Keith Wood, of Gray Court, a dual degree major in electrical engineering and mathematics, and history major Tyler Griffin, of Simpsonville. The awards recognize outstanding leadership, superior work ethic, and service above and beyond the expectations of the Presidential Ambassador program. Recipients demonstrate enthusiasm, friendliness, courtesy and the ability to work well with others.
Partners in Health Care Award: Presented to Lance Cpl. Tony Keller, of the South Carolina Highway Patrol. The Partners in Health Care Award recognizes individuals who have assisted the university's Wellness Center in contributing to the health and well being of Lander's students. Keller was cited for participating in a variety of safety awareness campaigns at Lander and for making a difference in the lives of students.
Resident Assistant of the Year Award: Presented to Andrea Hall, of Spartanburg, a mass communication major and vice president of the Residence Hall Association. Nominators described her as a hard worker, willing to help out wherever needed and someone who shares mutual respect with residents.
Campus Recreation Student Employee of the Year Award: Presented to Paul "Tripp" Smith, of Gilbert. The award is presented to the individual who best personifies the mission and vision of the campus recreation department, and who exceeds job responsibilities for the betterment of students and the Lander community.
Campus Recreation Intramural Participant of the Year Award: Presented to Denzel Myers, of North Charleston. The award is presented to an individual who participates at the highest level within the intramural program, taking advantage of the numerous intramural sports offered each year.
Intramural Team of the Year Award: Presented to the team with the unlikely name, "Duh-nuh-nuh, Duh-nuh-nuh." This is a new award, which goes to a Lander team or its members who always seem to be competing for championships in several events.
Community Impact Award and Excellence in Programming Award: Presented to Delta Sigma Theta. The Community Impact Award recognizes the campus group that, through service to the community, has reflected ideals of good citizenship and demonstrated support for Lander, Greenwood and the surrounding community. The Excellence in Programming Award is presented to a group in recognition of exceptional creativity, planning and execution of a university program. Award criteria include appeal to a broad cross-section of the university community, and originality and participation by members in all phases of the effort. During the academic year, Delta Sigma Theta contributed hundreds of hours of service to the campus and community, including the Greenwood Soup Kitchen and Meg's House. Their on-campus efforts included sponsoring programs to inform students about academic resources at Lander, life after college, financial planning, time management and self-defense.
Lander University Adviser of the Year Award: Presented to Jalysa O'Conner, of Aiken, adviser to the Resident Hall Association. The award goes to a faculty or staff member for significant voluntary involvement in cocurricular activities and for advising, guiding, and supporting the organization and its members. O'Conner was described as hard working, and someone who presents new ideas to attract student interest.
Lander University Organization of the Year Award: Presented to Phi Mu for striving for excellence in all areas of campus life, including academics, personal involvement and service. Members have performed over 500 hours of community service and raised over $3,000 for philanthropic causes. Phi Mu also maintains the highest grade point average of all Greek organizations at Lander. The award is based on the number and quality of campus events held, the amount of community service performed, involvement with campus events, and the initiative to further advance the education of Lander's students beyond the classroom.
James "Curtis" Harkness Diversity Award: Presented to Marcus Brown, of Camden. The award is named after Lander alumnus Curtis Harkness, who served as team captain of the 1982-84 Lander men's basketball team and later worked in Student Affairs, developing diversity programs and trainings that had a positive influence on many students. The award recognizes a junior or senior who has typified model citizenship, outstanding student leadership and high academic achievement, and who has been the most effective in advancing the concerns of multicultural students.
New Student Leaders Award: Presented to Wesley Hamilton, of Irmo, and Anna Elizabeth Reeps, of Simpsonville. The award recognizes first-year freshmen or transfer students who have been actively involved in contributing time and energy to learning leadership and serving the Lander community.
Transfer Student Award: Presented to Lindsey Hoffmann, a junior exercise science major from Spartanburg. The award recognizes the unique role of transfer students to the Lander community. It is given to students who transferred with sophomore standing or above and have completed a full year of study at Lander. The recipients must demonstrate a quick, successful, seamless transition to the institution and take full advantage of his or her time spent at Lander. Hoffmann's nominator wrote that she is very active on campus and volunteers her time in the community with the Connie Maxwell Children's Home and raising awareness for breast cancer research.
The Betty Williams Unsung Hero Award: Presented to Steven "Sonny" Nodine, of Clemson. Named in honor of Lander alumna and former librarian Betty Williams, the award is presented to students who, through their behind-the-scenes involvement in student life, exemplify a commitment to enhancing Lander campus life. Nodine is a Head Resident Assistant, a 2015 EXPO leader; president of Bearcat Nation, the new student spirit support group, and a Presidential Ambassador.
Hall of Leaders: Presented to a select group of seniors who have demonstrated outstanding involvement with campus life and extracurricular activities, and who have exemplified a commitment to the positive enhancement of the Lander campus. Students selected for this award have given selflessly of their time and leadership to campus organizations, have made a significant contribution to the campus community and have encouraged and motivated others in their organizations. The 2015 Hall of Leaders Award recipients were: