Goldstein Auditorium was transformed Tuesday night into a banquet hall donned with black and gold balloons in honor of The 44 Stars of Excellence Gala and Celebration.
Tables packed with students in their best business-casual wear snacked on tray passed hors d’oeuvres and feasted on a buffet dinner of steak, chicken, vegetable-filled couscous, mashed potatoes and pasta as The Office of Student Activities highlighted the achievements of numerous students and organizations on campus.
The Office of Student Activities [5], along with co-sponsors Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s and Careers after College, welcomed Mehegan Murphy, graduate assistant in the Office of Student Affairs and Aaron Hudson, graduate of the iSchool and the Kappa Chapter, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, as the night's emcees.
In addition to the tasteful dinner prepared by Schine Catering and the presentation of awards, the night featured special performances by Syracuse University’s exclusively first year student acting group, First Year Players [6], and its renowned a cappella group, Groovestand [7], both of which were the recipients of this year’s “Musical Performing Group of the Year” Award.
The night concluded with the presentation of the “Senior Vice President Award for Outstanding Senior Leadership," considered one of the most prestigious awards given at Syracuse University. This honorary award is given to two graduating seniors who have consistently shown dedication to improving themselves and Syracuse through their involvement and leadership in the classroom and in student organizations. This year’s awards were presented to Paul Stanley, a marketing and advertising major, and Jessica Santana, an accounting and finance.
And the winners are:
The Division of Student Affairs' Leadership Institute of Citation Distinction Award:
Individual: Queen Chambliss
The Mary Ann Shaw Center for Public Community Service Awards:
Individual: Sierra Fogal; Organizations: Orange Seeds, SOPHIE, and Comm.UNITY
The Award for Outstanding Philanthropy Programming:
Organizations: Muslim Student Association and Phi Iota Alpha
The Student Activities Award for Creativity and Ingenuity:
Individual: Amy Tinn; Organization: Alpha Phi Alpha
The Macy's Rising Star Award:
Individual: Nick Haas; Organization: She's the First
The Student Association SU Orange Spirit Award
Individual: Adam McMonagle; Organization: Traditions Commission
The Student Centers and Programming Services Award for Excellence in Programming:
Organizations: Omega Phi Beta, Mu Sigma Upsilon, Multiracial Experience
The Division of Student Affairs Award for Collaboration:
Organizations: Omega Phi Beta and Phi Beta Sigma, Pride Union
The Associate Vice President Award for Positive Advocacy:
Individual: Jonathan Chan; Organizations: Delta Sigma Theta and Habitat for Humanity
The Lillian Emanuel Slutzker Center for International Services Award for Cultural Diversity:
Individual: Jessica Santana; Organization: SCOPE
The Public Affairs Award for the Most Outstanding Media or Publication:
Organization: JERK Magazine
The Student Activities "Live It" Award for Excellence in Leadership:
Individuals: Emily Allen, Michael Weiss, Matan Fishman Cafri, Allie Forbes and Amy Tinn
The Career Services Emerging Leadership Award
Individual: Alyssa Brennan
The Class of 2011 Citizenship Award
Individual: Justin Cole
The Award for Excellence by and Organization President:
Individuals: Samantha Lifson, Andrew Beyda, Na'Tasha Webb Prather
The Musical Performing Group of the Year Award:
Organizations: Groovestand and First Year Players
The Bloomingdale's Entertainers of the Year Award:
Organizations: Raices Dance Troupe and University Union
The Senior Vice President Award for Outstanding Senior Leadership
Individuals: Paul Stanley and Jessica Santana
