Collegiate Times

Student leaders and organizations were recognized for a wide variety of achievements, ranging from program of the year to advancing women at Thursday night's University Student Leadership Awards.

The ceremony began with opening remarks from Zenobia Hikes, vice president for student affairs. Mary Connerly, an associate professor was the guest speaker and remarked about leadership in a multicultural context, and learning through experience.

?When I hear, I forget. When I see, I remember. When I do, I understand,? Connerly said, quoting Confucius.

Twelve awards were presented, covering both individual and organizational accomplishments. The winners included Kori Harrow, for the Alan A. Baird award for most outstanding contribution to residence life.

Jen Butler and Katie Ownby both won for the Advancing Women Award, presented by the Women's Center.

Elizabeth Zabora won Outstanding Achievement by an individual, and Phi Gamma Delta won Outstanding Achievement by an organization for their $35,000 raising Virginia Tech Run Across Virginia.

Outstanding Community Outreach went to the Student Government Association for their administration of the Big Event, Relay for Life and Hokies United. David Lee Robinson, a graduate student, won the award for Outstanding Service to Campus for his concept of the Hooptie Ride, a designated driver service for students. Bonnie Rosen of Chi Omega won Outstanding New Member.

Outstanding Program of the Year was awarded to the YMCA at Virginia Tech for their Alternative Thanksgiving Break to help out with Hurricane Katrina.

Lynn Nystrom, from the College of Engineering, won Adviser of the Year. Outstanding Graduate Student Leader was awarded to Jory Zmuda Ruscio and Outstanding Undergraduate Student Leader was awarded to Christina Royal, regimental commander of the Corps of Cadets, the highest-ranking position in the Corps.

?Christina is the first African-American female to hold this position,? Hikes said.

Both Hillel at Virginia Tech and Virginia Tech Union won for Student Organizations of the Year.

?VTU is the longest running student organization at Virginia Tech - we've been holding events for students since 1969,? said junior mining engineering major Jon Hardage, director of concerts for VTU. ?This past year has been one of VTU's best.?

Benjamin James Thomas, Shelby Elaine McDonald, Shivakumara Siddaramappa and Nicole James, Virginia Tech Man and Woman of the Year and Graduate Man and Woman of the Year, respectively, were also recognized at the ceremony.

Students could nominate themselves or others by filling out nomination packets. Nomination packets were then reviewed and scored by a committee of eight students, faculty and staff from student affairs, including representatives from Greek life, military affairs, residence life, recreational sports, student activities and multicultural programs and services said Amy Smith, coordinator of leadership development for university unions and student activities.

?The awards are open to any organization, adviser or student leader who meets the criteria of the nomination process,? Smith said.

Nominees are judged by the extent to which they have contributed to the university community through leadership, service and involvement, Smith said.

?Score is based on their nomination letter, any recommendations they included, as well as the overall relevance of their packet to the criteria of the award. They are scored individually, and then I'll tally scores and we meet as a group. Each of the groups will then be able to review each application together,? Smith said.

Student organizations can reap many benefits from winning these awards.

?A lot of the organizations feel it's a great way to get their name out, to have people recognize the great things they're doing for this campus and the community as well,? Smith said.