Students Honored at FSU’s Leadership and Engagement Awards Celebration
May 7, 2024 8:00 AM
Dedicated Students Recognized for Their Contributions to the University
On Thursday, May 2, a myriad of Frostburg State University students was honored at the 2024 Leadership and Engagement Awards reception for their dedication and contributions to the University’s leadership. This eclectic group of individuals tirelessly serve the campus community in a variety of capacities, lending their time and talents to everyone they encounter.
The process for nominating a student for an award is open to anyone who has witnessed exceptional leadership and service of a scholar, peer, mentor or friend. Selection committees ultimately chose the award recipients after thoughtful review of the submissions.
The evening’s student award winners are as follows: Outstanding Cultural Programming Award, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, for “Hop Into Your Hair-itage”; Outstanding Social Programming Award, The Wise, Open-Minded, Motivated, Empathetic Noble (WOMEN) for multiple events that bring the University campus together; Outstanding Educational Programming Award, Chase Connor and Dustin Muir for the Active Assailant training video; John C. Armor Jr. Memorial Outstanding Student Organization Award, Sigma Alpha Epsilon; Emerging Leader Award, Marissa Thomas; Unsung Hero Award, Brianne Helmstetter; Civil Citizen Communication Award, Hailie Toro; Student Government Association Outstanding Senior Service Award, Caleb Heller; Derek Thomson Sheely Leadership Award, Laura Gilford; Student Employee of the Year, Kaitlyn Custer; Social Change Award, Kayla Donaldson; the Father Ed Hendricks Award, Rachael Michalski; and the William Mandicott Pillar of the Community Award, Jamie Roberts.
Additionally, the 2024-2025 President’s Leadership Circle (PLC) members were introduced. This small, selected cohort of senior student leaders will be exposed to personal and professional development leadership opportunities facilitated by FSU’s president and the Division of Student Affairs. New PLC members include Ashlynn Cooper, Hayden Crowe, Sophia Dispirito, Carson Lawrence, Reagan Mangum, Michalski, Lydia Nebiolo, Ava Rankin, Hailey Unger and Rebecca West.
As part of the evening’s awards, Dr. Artie Travis, FSU’s vice president of Student Affairs, presented awards to several individuals who have made an impact on and contributed to the effective operations of FSU’s Division of Student Affairs. Recipients included the 7-Eleven store in Frostburg in recognition of positive service to FSU students; Corrine Donoway in recognition of her creativity and inclusion; and Lisa Clark, director of ASTAR AmeriCorps, in recognition of her community engagement and service at FSU. Additionally, FSU’s Student Government Association made a special presentation to Robert “Coop” Cooper, assistant vice president for Student Engagement, for his commitment to Bobcats and Belongingness.
Special recognition should be given to the program’s speakers, including current PLC member, Daniel Baiyeshea, Al Delia, acting president and vice president of Regional Development and Engagement, and keynote speaker, Dr. Nancy S. Shapiro, associate vice chancellor for Education and Outreach for the University System of Maryland.
Award presenters included Jamie Winters, Pauline Pascariello, Dr. Sharman Siebenthal, Robert Cooper, Clark, Dr. Katie Weir, Travis, Dr. Elesha Ruminski, Crowe, Carrie Saunders, Dr. Michael Flinn, Ashley Daniels, Michalski and Father Ed Hendricks.