The Student Leadership Awards were held on April 13, 2015. I was nominated for one, along with my fellow class officers and many of my fellow classmates. Nichols College develops leaders and if I had to choose just one important accomplishment to have made after four years at Nichols, it would be the ability to lead others. From my short time here, I can already tell that Nichols will aid me in becoming a great leader.
The night was organized and directed by Beth Gionfriddo, Assistant Director of the Center for Student Involvement. Beth is known all around campus as someone who cares about the students and their involvement on campus. She is amazing at organizing events, and this event showcases that. As a matter of fact, this year she organized the first ever BisonFest, and it was one of the greatest events I have attended on campus so far.
Before we walked into the award ceremony, PJ Boggio, Dean of Students, and Brian Quinlan, Director of Student Involvement, handed out marbles to all of the students. They told us that we were participating in a surprise for Beth Gionfriddo. The surprise was initiated when Brian asked Beth to stand at the podium; PJ proceeded to present Beth with a very nice vase. Autumn Hicks, SGA President, started the movement by getting up first. Then all of the students followed and placed our own marbles into the vase. Placing a marble in the vase signified that Beth had affected each of our lives in a positive way. Beth was so emotional by this grand gesture, and we could all tell how happy she was. When we all sat down, Brian made a joke, “This was harder to organize than you think considering Beth does everything.” We really do appreciate all that Beth does for us here on the Hill and we are all so lucky to have her!
Here is a list of the awards and winners:
Student Organization of the Year-Anime Club
Program of the Year-2018 Family Fun Fair
Residence Life Social Programmer of the Year-Stephen Chlapowski
Residence Life Educational Programmer of the Year-Amanda-Lee Healy and Alley Euglow
Residence Life Rising Star-Paul Angelucci
Residence Life Unsung Hero-Chad Strattman
RA of the Year-Katie Tupaj
Writing Fellow of the Year-Jess Frank
Tutor of the Year-Ben Davis
Cheryl Alderman Memorial Award-Matt San Clemente
Jimmy Gahan Dedication Award-Anthony Champagne
Rita Gatzke Appreciation Award-Kathy Sandstrom
Emerging Leader Award-Fallonne Fanfan
Outstanding Leader, Class of 2018-Liz Gagnon
Outstanding Leader, Class of 2017-Mary Daly
Outstanding Leader, Class of 2016-Irving Eggleston
Outstanding Leader, Class of 2015-Matt SanClemente
Shining Star Award-Autumn Hicks