By: Jenna Beresheim News Editor
In honor of “May the Fourth,” the 24th annual Leadership Recognition Night portrayed the theme of “Leadership Awakens” – celebrating in true “Star Wars” style.
The evening was an invitation-only event that celebrates specific students from campus who have gone above and beyond expectations. Awards are both peer-selected and staff-selected, with only a few handpicked students making it past a campus committee to win larger awards, such as the Klush Tum Tum, Distinguished Student Leader, Julia McCulloch Smith Outstanding Graduating Student, and Delmer Dewey Outstanding Graduating Student awards.
To follow the “Star Wars” theme, giant balloon lightsabers created the stage backdrop, cardboard cut-outs of characters lined the walls, and even the food was themed. There was Jedi Juice, Obi-Wan Kabobs, and Princess Leia Cinnabuns.
Megan Haberman, the assistant director for Student Leadership and Activities, has hosted the event for seven years with the help of other staff and faculty members around campus.
“Usually my position announces assigned awards, but this year I swapped with my partners to announce the winners that I knew personally because their accomplishments meant so much to me,” Haberman said.
“My assistant, Jordyn Ducotey, helped me so much and took the creative reins when it came to decorating and setting up for the event, I knew I could trust her to do an amazing job,” Haberman said.
Among the winners, Molly Hinsvark, a senior education major, received the Who’s Who award, which recognizes individuals for their involvement within the community.
“This year I’ve been really challenging myself to better the LGBT*Q+ community,”said Hinsvark, “I’ve been at Stonewall for three and a half years, and put on four programs this year alone.”
Specific awards, such as the Klush Tum Tum, are awarded to students who stand out overall on campus.
This award focuses on a student who personifies “the heart of [Western],” meaning this individual goes above and beyond for organizations both on and off campus. The term is borrowed from the Chinook jargon, meaning “heart for people.” The award also attempts to highlight a student who may slip under the radar for being seen as outstanding – recognizing someone who truly works hard because they are passionate and devoted.
The winner of the Klush Tum Tum award this year was Kevin Alejandrez. John Goldsmith won the Delmer Dewey Outstanding Graduating Student award and Han Nguyen won the Julia McCulloch Smith Outstanding Graduating Student.
Finally, the Distinguished Student Leader awards went to Emmi Collier and Bryan Kelley.
For a full list of award recipients, paper handouts can be found at the Information Desk in the Werner University Center.
Contact the author at Jberesheim11@wou.edu or on Twitter @WOUjournalnews
