The Bearcat community gathered to celebrate students' achievements during the 2020-21 school year at Lander University's annual Student Life Awards, hosted by the Division of Student Affairs, on Wednesday, April 24. "We would like to offer special recognition to many of our outstanding student leaders," said Dr. Boyd Yarbrough, vice president for Student Affairs, during the ceremony's welcome. "These students provide integral services to our university and we appreciate them."
President's Award: Taylor Haigler, of Florence. The President's Award is a service award given annually by the President of Lander University in recognition of unique exemplification of the spirit of service to the Lander community. Yarbrough said Haigler has "so much passion for Lander University that it can't be compared. She is gracious, humble and often credits her successes to the support of others."
Samuel and Laura Lander Man and Woman of the Year: Ryan Murdock, of Blackville, and Taylor Gordon, of Ridge Spring, respectively. This pair of awards is given each year to two students who demonstrated the true spirit of Lander University, offering significant involvement in co-curricular activities, both on campus as well as in the community during the 2020-21 academic year.
Greek Leaders of the Year: Taylor Gordon (Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.), of Ridge Spring, and Rick Dilleshaw (Delta Sigma Phi), of Greenwood. This award is presented to Greek life leaders who have contributed to the Greek community while exhibiting the characteristics and values of Greek life, including scholarship, brotherhood/sisterhood, leadership and community service.
Presidential Ambassador Awards:
Presidential Ambassador awards recognize the ambassadors with outstanding leadership, superior work ethic and service that goes above and beyond the expectations of the Presidential Ambassador Program. Recipients have demonstrated enthusiasm, friendliness, courteousness the ability to work well with others.
James "Curtis" Harkness Diversity Award: Jenasia "Jen" Jones, of Greenwood. James "Curtis" Harkness was captain of the men's basketball team from 1982-84 before beginning his career in Student Affairs at Lander University, where he showed commitment to developing diversity programs and trainings. This award is given to a junior or senior who has typified model citizenship, outstanding student leadership, high academic achievement and has been the most effective in advancing the concerns of multicultural students.
Betty Williams Unsung Hero Award: Hannah Towns, of Aiken. This award is named after Betty Williams, Lander College graduate and former Lander librarian. It is given annually to students who exemplify a commitment to enhancing campus life through their behind-the-scenes involvement.
Hall of Leaders: Gemma Perez, of Simpsonville; Eddie Mattocks, of Greenwood; D'Mitris Singleton, of Laurens; Marielle Fallon, of Simpsonville; Christopher Williams, of Lexington; Alex Mercer, of Waxhaw, North Carolina; Kaylee Baggott, of Moncks Corner; and Kylie Turner, of Blythewood. This award is presented to a select group of seniors who have demonstrated outstanding involvement with campus life and extracurricular activities, and who, through this service, have exemplified a commitment to the Lander Campus.
Student Government Association (SGA) Member of the Year: Taylor Haigler, of Florence. The award is presented to someone who shows enthusiasm towards the organization, donates their time to SGA and personifies SGA's mission.
University Programming Council (UPC) Member of the Year: Lauren Levesque, of Taylors. The UPC Member of the Year is given to a student who exemplifies consistency, leadership, commitment and respect. Recipients actively facilitate events, work well within the team and show strong leadership skills.
Transfer Student Leader Award: Angelina Vita, of Honea Path. This student leader award recognizes the unique role of transfer students within the campus community. "She has taken the initiative to rebuild Lander's English Club, as well as serving on the History Club's executive board," said Amanda Morgan, director of Career Services. "She's always positive while she continues to think outside the box and push the limits of what works for her organizations."
New Student Leader Award: Aaron Groomes, of Enoree; Catherine Arbogast, of Barnwell; and Lillian Strawn, of Clarks Hill. This award is given to first year (freshman or transfer) students who have actively contributed time and energy to learning leadership skills, and has contributed to the Lander community.
Career Peer Mentor Award: Sierra Hevel, of Tega Cay. A relatively new program, the Career Mentor Program was created two years ago by the Office of Career Services and Student Employment. Career Peer Mentors each oversee groups of approximately 100 freshman students who they provide career readiness information and support for. This award was created to honor mentors who represent Student Life and Engagement core values of professional responsibility, autonomy, accountability and efficacy.
Academic Success Center (ASC) Mentor of the Year: Abby Pilgrim, of Ware Shoals. The ASC Mentor of the Year award is given to someone who has had an impact not only on their peers, but on the overall working environment in the ASC, as well.
Tutor of the Year: Jacob Buzzetti, of Elgin. This award takes into consideration student feedback, number of appointments and a tutor's ability to connect with students. To become a peer tutor, a student must hold at least a 3.0 GPA, have faculty recommendation and have earned an "A" in the course they wish to tutor.
Resident Assistant of the Year: Sydney Stanley, of Elgin. This award is presented annually to the RA who goes above and beyond in engaging students through personal contact, community events and connecting them to campus resources.
Civility Champion Award: Ivonne Barbe, of Laurens. This annual award recognizes a student who strives to maintain the standards personal character and academic integrity, exemplified respect for all persons, valued diverse opinions and encouraged collaboration, and expressed genuine concern for individuals through acts of kindness and compassion.
Organization of the Year: Visions of Women, which provides extracurricular activities and education on topics such as domestic violence, bullying and mental health issues. Organization of the Year is given annually to a student organization, which, through its activities and projects, has had the most significant positive influence on Lander and the surrounding community.
Excellence in Programming: Zeta Tau Alpha's service project providing baby blankets for Self Regional Hospital; 2020 Lander Panhellenic Council's Mr. Lander Pageant; XLR Lander University Radio's radio drama, "Historitorical"; and Spill the Tea's Unity Walk. Considering the extenuating circumstances surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic in the past year, the Co-Curricular Committee felt it necessary to award all nominees the Excellence in Programming award for their innovation and perseverance throughout the past year.
Advisor of the Year: Dr. Lauren Adams, Kappa Delta Pi Honor Society, Chi Delta Chapter Counselor. This award recognizes a faculty or staff member for their voluntary involvement in co-curricular activities for advising, guiding and support of the organization and its members. Her nominator, a transfer student, said they "struggled adjusting to Lander, but she welcomed me and helped me to make Lander my home."
CAMPUS RECREATION AWARDS: