Students’ achievements spotlighted at annual Night of Recognition

Columbia College students, faculty and staff honored student leaders for their contributions on and off campus this school year during the annual Night of Recognition hosted by Student Affairs on Tuesday, April 11, inside the New Hall Event Center.

Dean for Student Affairs Dave Roberts opened the evening by recognizing student leaders and department personnel who played a pivotal role in past Night of Recognition celebrations. The conclusion of each school year at Columbia College brings a wave of emotions, including joy, sadness, excitement and gratitude. As graduating students depart CC and begin new personal and professional chapters, a fresh wave of students is right behind them, eager to create their own legacies.

Photos by Columbia College Photographer & Graphic Designer Abigail Wade

This year’s Night of Recognition fell within National Student Employee Appreciation Week, and Roberts gave a special shout-out to campus student employees, work-study and work-program participants, resident assistants and first-year mentors. These individuals are tasked with boosting personal growth among their student peers, while also experiencing a rewarding leadership opportunity of their own.

Following personal introductions from Student Affairs staff members, additional student organization groups were recognized. Leaders from Residential Life, Campus Activities Board, TRiO Student Support Services, Student Government Association and the Student Homecoming Crew were each spotlighted and received a round of applause from attendees.

Next, the official awards portion of the event kicked off, as faculty and staff members took the stage to announce each honor’s respective nominees and winners. In all, 12 total awards were presented to exemplary students, faculty and staff who have made a lasting impact.

Congratulations to all of the honorees at the 2023 Columbia College Night of Recognition. A breakdown of each award and its respective nominees and winner is below:

* bold denotes award winner

Service Project of the Year

* Cougars Against Trafficking, presented by Columbia College Marketing Association (CCMA)
Criminal Justice Association

Service Project of the Year: Cougars Against Trafficking. Photo by Columbia College Photographer and Graphic Designer Abigail Wade.

Program or Event of the Year

CS Jam
Defend Your Den – Miller Hall RA Program
Halloween Party – Forensic Science Club
Ice Cream Social – Homecoming Crew
Paint the PAWS – Homecoming Crew
Cougars Against Trafficking – CCMA
* Cougars Care – New Hall Fourth Floor RA Program

Student Organization of the Year

Computer Science Club
Student Nurses Association
Mock Trial
Forensic Science Club
* Science and Pre-Health Club
Queers and Allies

Student Organization of the Year: Science and Pre-Health Club. Photo by Columbia College Photographer and Graphic Designer Abigail Wade.

Advisor of the Year

Advisor of the Year: Dr. Yihsiang Liow and Andi Kenuam. Photo by Columbia College Photographer and Graphic Designer Abigail Wade.

Friend of Student Affairs Award

Senior Director of Campus Safety Dave Heffer and the Campus Safety Department
* Associate Director of Athletics Drew Grzella
Program Specialist Jared Clark
Associate Professor of Social & Behavioral Sciences Department Dr. Aurelien Mauxion
Aladdin Food Service
Visiting Assistant Professor of Language/Communication Studies Amy Enderle
Human Resources Coordinator George Eilers

Friend of Student Affairs Award: Associate Director of Athletics Drew Grzella. Photo by Columbia College Photographer and Graphic Designer Abigail Wade.

Inclusion and Advocacy Award