Student Affairs Honors Campus Leaders

Many campus organizations spent Monday night, April 18 at the home of President and Mrs. O'Brien, where they were recognized for their achievements within their respective organizations. "The Student Affairs Banquet is always a delight because you see a great group of students being recognized for their leadership and service," said Brent McLemore, director of Student Activities.

The biggest award of the night, Student Leader of the Year went to Marilee Betz. Betz has served on countless committees with Baptists Collegiate Ministries (BCM), as well as had positions with Eagle Production Company (EPC) and Student Ambassador Association (SAA).

Student Ambassador Association won the Organization of the Year. SAA organized the (re)Action philanthropic competition between organizations.

Rachel Rogers received the Appalachian Outreach Student Volunteer of the Year Award. The Baptist Collegiate Ministries Servant Spirit Award was awarded to Marilee Betz. The James and Irene Murphy Missions Scholarship went to Megan Hurst and Kali Freels. The Outstanding Service Award from the Safety and Security director was given to Caley Needham.

Jaime Fitzgerald was awarded the First Year Student Commitment Award. She also received the Star Student of the Year from EPC. Ricke Hester was awarded the Star Supporter of the Year for his support of EPC.

Catherine Stewart was recognized as the Ambassador of the Year for her work with SAA. Baptist Collegiate Ministries was named the winner of the (re)Action project and thus was named the Student Philanthropy Organization of the Year. (re)Action raised over $2,500 dollars for charities in the community.

Chris Coleman received the Most Valuable Student Advocate Award and the President's Excellence Award for his work with SGA. The award for The Student Government Association's Volunteerism Award went to Lee Ewing.

The most valuable committee went to the Chase-Barton Commission for Constitutional Revision. Tyler Engle and Mitch Barton accepted that award.

April Carroll was awarded the Resident Assistant of the Year. Hannah McCown was given the McDougal Cup for the programming she did as a Resident Assistant in Appalachian Commons on breast cancer awareness and spring break safety. She was also awarded received the B.O.L.D. Student Worker Service Award.

The presidents of the Big 4 organizations, Marilee Betz (Baptist Collegiate Ministries), Caitlin Nichols (Eagle Production Company), Brad Qualls (Student Government Association) and Madison Wampler (Student Ambassador Association) were recognized for their leadership during the past year.

Chad Hartsock, Assistant Professor of Religion, was awarded the Advocate of the Year, for the work he does with students such as serving as an intramural basketball coach. The Staff member of the year went to Tommy Clapp, Director of Conferences and First Year Services for the work he does such as reaching out to new students.

Ryan Gladwin, Cory Pierson and Matt Lusk received the Senior Intramural Service Recognitions. Logan Hester received the Intramural Soaring Eagle Award for competing in the most intramurals during the 2010-2011 school year.