2021 Student Organization Award Recipients
On Tuesday, April 13, 2021, Student Engagement and the Student Government Association had the opportunity to recognize student organizations and student organization members for their dedication and hard work to better the student experience at Fort Hays State University. This year's winners are listed below with their respective awards.
The following awards are presented:
Individual Awards
Rising Star Member
Outstanding Student Leader
Diversity Ally
Outstanding Advisor
Program Awards
Best New Program
Outstanding Community Service Project
Best Program
Group Awards
Volunteer Organization of the Year
Civic Engagement Award
Most Improved Organization
Student Organization of the Year
Individual Awards
Rising Star Member
A successful student nominee for this award will be a new member (not necessarily a freshman) of the organization, who has already made a significant contribution to the organization. This could be demonstrated through the following:
- Service to others.
- Outstanding leadership skills.
- Planning a program or activity that benefits students.
- Helping to make the organization and campus culture a positive experience for students.
- Going beyond what other students are contributing to campus.
2021 Winner: Demetrius Chance, Black Student Union (BSU)
Demetrius has gone above and beyond for their organization. He has exceeded the expectations through his dedicated hard work and commitment to making the Fort Hays campus even better. Demetrius has created unique partnership events, such as his ongoing Can You See Me campaign, and can be found giving his time to the local students at TMP as an educator. He has taken on the role of publicity chair for the Black Student Union increasing their advertising, marketing, and promotion for all engagement events.
Outstanding Student Leader
A successful student nominee for this award will have gone above and beyond in representing their student organization. This could be demonstrated through the following:
- Outstanding academic achievement motivated and inspired others and exemplified integrity in words and actions.
- Provided exemplary service, commitment, and strong leadership to Fort Hays State University community and demonstrated ongoing flexibility, creativity, and perseverance in efforts.
- Made a meaningful contribution to students, University, and surrounding communities while working with and for others.
- Willingness to address existing problems and valued feedback from others.
- Made herself/himself available to group members and brought out the strengths of individual group members.
- Demonstrated initiative by seeking ways to positively impact the future.
2021 Winner: Beatrice Walsh, Criminal Justice Club
Beatrice brings an unmatched and contagious level of energy and enthusiasm to every room she walks into. She is constantly requiring and motivating others in a way that other officers are unable to. Her dedication to the organization, leadership, and passion for the Criminal Justice Club has not gone unnoticed. From cheering on the members of the organization, promoting events, and encouraging freshmen to join the organization bettering their FHSU experience, and creating a positive experience for all involved.
Diversity Ally
A successful student nominee for this award will have enhanced, supported or celebrated diversity within the Fort Hays State University community. This could be demonstrated through the following:
- Recognizing absent or neglected perspectives.
- Trained or educated leaders, members, and peers on diversity.
- Recognizing systems and structures of privilege, specifically related to social identity groups.
- Advocating for social justice.
2021 Winner: Sofi Tisacerno, Spanish Club
Sofi has been an advocate for Hispanic students at Fort Hays State University and in her local communities. She has helped to show all members of the organization the importance of diversity, by educating them about Mexican traditions and always bringing and sharing her cultural background to the Spanish Club event. She has been a key player in teaching Hispanic dance lessons as part of the organization’s community outreach throughout this semester.
Outstanding Advisor
A successful advisor nominee for this award will have displayed significant effort for the improvement of the organization and provided continuous support for the group. This could be demonstrated through the following:
- Allowed students to take responsibility for their own learning and understanding of the organization while providing advice, encouragement, and support to all students.
- Made himself/herself available to others, and was approachable and open to new ideas.
- Valued initiative and student input.
- Utilized different and creative approaches to educating and assisting members.
- Served as a positive role model.
- Helped organization reach their goals.
*Student Engagement Staff are not eligible for this award.
2021 Winner: Derek Edwards, Sigma Alpha Epsilon
Derek has been involved with the organization for two years now. He understands the values, traditions, and customs of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. He has been able to identify the organization’s strengths and areas of improvement while making himself available to any member of the group in need of guidance or collaboration. His upbeat personality and dedication to the chapter are appreciated by all members.
Program Awards
Best New Program
A successful program/event nomination for this award should be a new program during the 2019-2020 academic year that made a meaningful contribution to the Fort Hays State University community. This could be demonstrated through the following:
- The program enhanced the Fort Hays State University community by utilizing a creative and unique approach.
- Explored and fostered innovative and efficient ways of reaching and involving diverse student audiences.
- The program was well planned and open to all University students.
- This award will be presented to the organization that coordinated and managed the event.
2021 Winner: Spanish Club's Virtual Talent Show
The pandemic caused many groups to adapt and think outside of the box when it came to programming and engagement. This year’s best new program is one that took on the challenge of the virtual world, encouraging others to showcase their talents, while bringing together the FHSU community near and far. The group spent numerous putting together this virtual showcase to provide a unique source of entertainment in trying times.
Outstanding Community Service Project
A successful program/event nomination for this award should have been a thoughtful and meaningful program that made a positive impact on the Fort Hays State University or the surrounding community. This could be demonstrated through the following:
- The program addressed an existing community need.
- Regardless of whether the project was a single day or long-term, it addressed a single need.
- Volunteers were educated and actively involved in addressing the community's needs.
- There is evidence this project benefited a group or groups of people.
2021 Winner: Thankfully Giving: Adopt-A-Family Thanksgiving Dinner Program by Black Student Union
The COVID-19 pandemic was hard on everyone, especially those who are poverty-stricken. Recent statistics show that 18% of people live below the poverty line in Ellis County, a number that is 13.1% higher than the national average. This year’s winner goes to the Black Student Union, which sponsored 20 low-income families by providing them with a complete Thanksgiving dinner. This dinner included a turkey, ham, side dishes, dessert, beverages, and disposables.
Best Program
A successful program/event nomination for this award should have made a meaningful contribution to the Fort Hays State University community. This could be demonstrated through the following:
- The program enhanced the Fort Hays State University community by utilizing a creative and unique approach.
- Explored and fostered innovative and efficient ways of reaching and involving diverse student audiences.
- The program was well planned and open to all University students.
- This award will be presented to the organization that coordinated and managed the event.
2021 Winner: Disability Awareness Week, sponsored by Fort Hays Honor Society
The focus of Disability Awareness week is to create a more welcoming space for diverse people and educate the community about what it is like to live with a disability. Fort Hays Honor Society believes that an educated community is a key to building strong relationships with one another.
Group Awards
Volunteer Organization of the Year
Awarded by Tigers in Service, this award is presented to the student organization that has logged the most service hours during the academic year. No application is necessary for this award.
2021 Winner: Circle K International
Civic Engagement Award
The successful organization for this award demonstrates excellence in the areas of leadership and service and seeks to apply these abilities in innovative ways to improve the lives of others. A strong application would also display a commitment to equity and inclusion. This could be demonstrated through the following:
- Leaders and members participated in activities that are designed to develop civic knowledge, skills, and values
- Identified and acted on community or campus issue(s).
- The action was taken that had a direct impact on the quality of life in the community.
- Created public policy change or other positive changes for the campus or community.
- Developed a plan for continued work on identified problems or issues.
*Projects in the Center for Civic Learning are not eligible for this award.
2021 Winner: Spanish Club
Spanish Club has hosted Hispanic dance sessions throughout the semester focusing on educating the community about Hispanic culture. Through these dance sessions, the organization has been able to increase the knowledge, skills, and values of members as well as the community on the importance of celebrating Hispanic culture.
Most Improved Organization
The successful organization for this award will have displayed significant effort for the improvement of the organization and therefore exhibited considerable progress in the development of the group. This could be demonstrated through the following:
- Revitalized membership (by improving recruitment and retention of new and diverse members)
- Improved focus on the organization's mission and internal operation
- Creation or improvement of programs or events
- Intentional collaboration with other student organizations or University departments
- Established a plan to ensure continued organizational growth and sustainability of the organization.
2021 Winner: Graduate Association for Students in Psychology
GASP has dedicated a great deal of time to new fundraisers and finding collaborative efforts with local organizations. This year the group was able to raise money for children at the KVC hospital, to purchase games, craft supplies, and Christmas gifts. They also had donation boxes for the Hays community to drop off items to donate as well. The group also collaborated with many local community partners, and organizations on campus to educate participants on mental health-related topics. They have also worked incredibly hard on ensuring the future stability of the organization for the years to come
Student Organization of the Year
The successful organization for this award will have displayed significant effort and have made a meaningful contribution to Fort Hays State University students. This could be demonstrated through the following:
- Leaders and members participated in development opportunities (Student Organization Leadership Retreat, Peer Mentor Institute, TigerLink Curriculums, etc.)
- Offered personal development programming to members on a consistent basis.
- Demonstrated consistent flexibility, initiative, creativity, and perseverance.
- Attracted members from different backgrounds, life experiences, and diverse perspectives.
- Worked in collaboration with other organizations on campus to enhance the organization's goals.
- Developed a responsible transition plan for the continued success of the organization.
2021 Winner: Christian Challenge
Christian Challenge has changed the way group typically gathers, and worships. Instead of gathering in large numbers, they have created smaller groups for students to still could come together and worship within the Life Groups. The group has created their own conferences and retreats when everything else was being canceled around them recognizing how crucial these are to the growth of the organization and experience for all members. Although some of their traditional events were not able to take place, they were able to adapt and explore new territory in programming and engagement events.