On April 15, 2023, the recipients of the University’s 2022–2023 Student Leadership Awards were announced. The annual awards celebrate individuals and organizations that have demonstrated outstanding leadership and positively impacted the campus community. Congratulations to this year’s winners.

Jaime Awards

This honor is awarded to a Student Life professional who has provided exemplary service to the division, students, and the University community. The recipients display an exemplary commitment to undergraduate student development, outstanding character, and serve as role models for other professionals.

Student Life Professional: Stefanie Alvarez

Police Professional: Donald Klepac

Maintenance Professional: Michael Sedwick

 

Diversity Impact Award

The recipient of the Diversity Impact Award sets an example of Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in the Southwestern community. The recipient strives to elevate the voices of underrepresented populations of historically marginalized individuals and cultivate a community of belonging.

Outstanding Diversity Impact: Kellie Henderson ’23

 

The Distinguished First-Year Leadership Award recognizes first-year students who have taken the initiative to get involved at Southwestern University. These students have shown their potential as leaders and their potential for future contributions to campus vibrancy at Southwestern University.

First-Year Leader of the Year: David Salvania ’26

 

The Distinguished Sophomore Leader Award recognizes students with outstanding involvement in campus life. Through their involvement, these students have contributed to the quality of life on the Southwestern University campus. In addition, they have begun taking on leadership positions within their organizations and have shown great potential for future achievement.

Sophomore Leader of the Year: Vanessa Villarreal ’25

 

The Distinguished Junior Leader Award is given to students who have significantly enhanced the Southwestern University campus environment through their demonstrated leadership abilities, personal growth, and community service. These students, who are more established in their college careers, have taken on the challenge of holding leadership positions in organizations and developing new initiatives to increase campus vibrancy.

Junior Leader of the Year: Brigit Reese ’24

 

The Emerging Leader Award recognizes a current student who has demonstrated tremendous growth and leadership promise through their campus involvement and contributions to the Southwestern community. The nominee for this award has made a significant and noteworthy contribution to the campus community by developing meaningful relationships, exhibiting a commitment to social responsibility, creating a positive campus culture, and actively engaging in the campus community. The contribution can be made through a single significant program/event or a series of leadership engagements.

Emerging Leader of the Year: Catherine Burkhart ’23

 

5 Points of Pirate Pride Award The 5 Points of Pirate Pride award is the highest honor the Division of Student Life and the Student Government Association bestows upon a graduating student. Only five graduating students may be enshrined each year. The awards are designated based on scholarship, leadership, campus involvement, service, and other achievements. Each recipient exemplifies the University’s core values of academic excellence, promoting lifelong learning and a passion for intellectual and personal growth, fostering diverse perspectives, being true to oneself and others, respecting the worth and dignity of persons, and encouraging activism in the pursuit of justice and the common good.

5 Points of Pirate Pride Award Winners: Eugenia Gabrielle Agobe ’23, Caden Cox ’22, Luke Markey ’23, Rachel Thompson ’23, and Lauren Wheat ’23

 

Organization of the Year: Student Foundation

 

Outstanding Contribution to Civic Engagement: Josh Tenorio ’23

 

Outstanding Fraternity-Sorority Chapter Academic Grade Average: Delta Delta Delta - Kate Sarahan ’23

 

Outstanding Fraternity-Sorority Wellness Initiatives: Kappa Sigma - Josh Tenorio ’23 and Jeremy Harper ’24

 

Outstanding Fraternity-Sorority Philanthropy & Community Service: Alpha Delta Pi - Kylee Nichols ’23

 

Outstanding Fraternity-Sorority Staff Leader in Service: Derek Timourian, Associate Dean & Director, Office of Student Activities

 

Outstanding Fraternity Advisor: Steve Raben ’63, Pi Kappa Alpha General Advisor

 

Outstanding Sorority Advisor: Kendall Olmstead ’83, Delta Delta Delta General Advisor

 

Outstanding Fraternity-Sorority President of the Year: Luke Markey ’23, Kappa Alpha Order and Cole Peck ’23, Phi Delta Theta

 

Outstanding Fraternity Member of the Year: Cole Peck ’23, Phi Delta Theta

 

Outstanding Sorority Member of the Year: Grace Johnson ’23, Zeta Tau Alpha

 

Outgoing SGA President: Katya Piekarski ’24

 

Outgoing Greek Presidents:

Alpha Delta Pi - Kylee Nichols ’23

Alpha Kappa Alpha - Taylor Williams ’23

Alpha Xi Delta - Abby McGee ’23

Delta Delta Delta - Kate Sarahan ’23

Kappa Alpha Order - Luke Markey ’23

Kappa Delta Chi - Aspen Coriz-Romero ’24

Kappa Sigma - Josh Tenorio ’23

Kappa Sigma - Jeremy Harper ’24

Phi Delta Theta - Cole Peck ’23

Pi Kappa Alpha - Conor Beckett ’23

Zeta Tau Alpha - Lauren Wheat ’23