A cornucopia of club leaders, academic achievers, sorority and fraternity members and community volunteers came together in the dimly lit Union Ballroom on Tuesday night for the third annual Student Life Leadership Awards.
"It's a token of how we feel about the good work they do during the academic year," said Fred Watson, assistant director for the Department of Student Life.
More than 100 people attended the event, which included a dessert reception. While some students were notified beforehand of their awards, others found out at the event.
"I'm happy this many students can find time out of their tremendously busy schedules today to celebrate with us their experiences in and outside the classroom," said Cathy Neuman, assistant director of the Department of Student Life.
Though this is only the third year of the event, it is actually an extension of a previous event.
"The Student Organization Awards became more leadership-focused three years ago to go along with our department redefining who we are as far as goals as an organization," Neuman said.
Jane Olsen was on the committee that decided whom to award.
"We felt really pleased with the caliber of candidates that allowed us to make such great selections," she said.
Students at the event were dressed up and many attended with friends and fellow group members.
"It's nice to be able to see what everyone else is doing, because everyone has so many different interests and talents," said Amanda McClure, a physiology and human biology senior.
The first Walter Adams Advisor of the Year Award was given to adviser Judith Schwinghamer. The award was named after MSU's 13th president this year.
"It meant so much to me because his students meant so much to him," his wife Pauline Adams said.
Two students were honored with the Student Leader of the Year Award.
Nutritional sciences senior Erin Ruth and supply chain management senior Dejuan Lever both received the award. The Emerging Student Organization Award went to the Eli Broad School of Business.
For more information, contact the Department of Student Life at (517) 355-8286.
