Student Organizations Honored for Service, Leadership

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Posted on May 25, 2016

Joy Washington

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The University of South Alabama held its Student Organizations Awards luncheon to showcase and honor organizations and individuals for exemplifying outstanding service to the campus and community. The following organizations and students have made a huge impact this academic year: 

• Outstanding Student Program of the Year: Alpha Epsilon Delta. This organization hosted “Mega Musical Chairs.” The winning program engaged not only the USA community, but also the greater Mobile area. The fundraiser saw participants play for their favorite charity by combining childhood games, competition and promoting philanthropic engagement in our community.
• Emerging Leader of the Year: Yousef Omar of the Muslim Student Association. Omar, a sophomore, hosted the largest sponsored dinner his organization has coordinated, fostering community connections through creating partnerships with other student groups. He also volunteered countless hours serving and feeding the community.
• Outstanding Student Leader of the Year: Mayank Patel of the Indian Student Association. Mayank, a junior, has served as the president of this organization, with a great initiative to increase philanthropic efforts as well as spread cultural awareness among the Mobile community.
• Graduate Organization of the Year: The University of South Alabama Student-Run Free Clinic. Since March 2014, the members have provided more than 300 homeless individuals in the Mobile community with access to health care. These students can be found every Saturday at the 15 Place homeless shelter downtown, enhancing wellness among the Mobile’s underserved and vulnerable populations.
• Student Organization of the Year: The University of South Alabama Chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers. The members actively seek to make an impact in the community by volunteering with the Boy Scouts of America, Girl Scouts of America, Gulf Coast Exploreum and Wilmer Hall. This organization is currently boasting more than 650 community service hours in total.

According to Brigette Soderlind, assistant director of Student Activities, the mission of South’s Student Activities is to connect students with organizations, services and programs that will enhance their interests and passions while complementing academic development.

“Congratulations to all our winners for your dedication and hard work,” said Skye McLeod, graduate assistant for Student Activities. “We want you to go back to your organizations to reflect and continue to develop innovative ways to make a great impact on the campus and local community.”

The mission encourages both individual and group experiences that foster interpersonal relationships, promote the application of practical and useful skills, and enhance the academic learning environment. Student Activities values experiences that inspire leadership, cultivate diversity, encourage campus and community engagement, and clarify individual values.

 

As part of the Division of Student Affairs, Student Activities seeks to provide students with developmental opportunities beyond the scope of the classroom. A current list of organizations is available on the USA website.

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