44 Stars of Excellence Awards Honor Members of Campus Community

The 44 Stars of Excellence Awards acknowledge students, advisors and recognized student organizations (RSOs) who demonstrate outstanding dedication and commitment to their organization and its mission. The Gala honoring the 2019 nominees was hosted April 18.

The 2019 44 Stars of Excellence Award recipients were:

Associate Vice President’s Award for Positive Advocacy and Awareness
Presented to students and registered student organizations who have been the most effective in promoting social justice and raising awareness for a cause, whether on campus or in the greater community, in a timely and relevant manner.

• Mariah Bermeo ’19
• Vishwas Paul ’21
• Students Advocating for Sexual Safety and Empowerment
• Delta Sigma Theta

Award for Diversity and Inclusion
Presented to students and registered student organizations who have demonstrated a sincere commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion by serving as advocates for awareness on campus and in the community.

• Maggie Peng ’21
• Shazif Shaikh ’19
• Muslim Student Association
• La Lucha

Award for Excellence by an Organization/Chapter President
Presented to registered student organization presidents who have demonstrated outstanding dedication and service to their organization. Presidents should not only have enhanced their individual organization but also the Syracuse University community through their leadership and service.

• Jackson Giampino ’19
• Anhtu Nguyen ’20
• Rebecca Spraggins ’19
• Santita Ebangwese ’19 

Award for Excellence by an Organization/Chapter Advisor
Presented to student organization advisors who demonstrate outstanding commitment to an organization by providing mentorship to the organization and its leadership, supporting organizational programs and events, as well as ensuring successful leadership transitions within the organization.

• Bryan Dosono, Ph.D. candidate in information science and technology
• Marq Houston, graduate assistant for leadership (Ernie Davis Hall), Office of Student Living

Irma Almirall-Padamsee La Fuerza Community Enhancement Award
Presented to graduating students in recognition of their outstanding contributions and commitment to diversity. These individuals have used their energy, spirit and leadership in initiating and implementing actions that help our campus community go beyond tolerance to create dialogue among people from diverse cultural groups.

• Abigail Covington ’19
• Bryan Dosono, Ph.D. candidate in information science and technology

Unsung Hero Award
This award is presented to individuals who have helped their organization achieve success. Recipients may not be in a formal leadership position but have gone above and beyond what is typical for a general member.

• Hunter Acone ’19
• Kaitlyn Ellsweig ’19
• Kyla Perlman ’19

Best New Event or Initiative
Presented to registered student organizations that have implemented a new event/initiative for the first time in the 2018-19 academic year. The organization(s) made a conscious effort to promote, plan, implement and introduce innovative programs/initiatives that have not been addressed by previous planning.

• Lambda Alpha Upsilon
• Slow Food

Entertainer of the Year
Presented to registered student organizations who made the most significant contributions through their quality performances in support of the performing arts.

• Black Reign Step Team
• First Year Players

One University Award
Presented to students and registered student organizations who have recognized “the whole is greater than the sum of parts.” These students and organizations aim to bring University stakeholders together for a common purpose. They embody the mission of One University by efficiently and effectively working toward cultivating a collaborative campus community.

• Mackenzie Mertikas ’20
• Tyler Louis-Jeune ’19
• Alpha Kappa Alpha
• Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC)

Outstanding Media or Publication
Presented to registered student organizations that consistently produce publications or media that represent the organization in a positive manner, appeal to their intended audience and fulfill a specific niche on campus.

• WERW
• The Globalists

Award for Public and Community Service
Presented to students and registered student organizations who have exhibited exceptional effort in planning and implementing significant service projects within the University and Syracuse community.

• Kendra Guerrero ’19
• Alexander Mercado ’19
• Student Athlete Advisory Committee
• Ottothon

SU Spirit Award
Presented to students who have demonstrated pride in Syracuse University by promoting, attending and being involved in a variety of student organizations and events, demonstrating to other students the importance of being part of the Orange Nation.

• Cleo Hamilton ’20
• Audra Linsner ’19

Jason Morales Rising Leader Award
Presented to students and registered student organizations who have exhibited significant potential in their work and leadership within the last academic year, and improved their overall time management and follow through, or the organization’s normal operations and overall programming.

• Anhtu Nguyen ’20
• Anthony Licata ’20
• Student Association
• Delta Sigma Theta

Award for Excellence in Programming
Presented to registered student organizations that have demonstrated excellence in programming through their successful efforts in planning and implementing a variety of events for students. Attendance at the program(s) was a key factor in this category.

• University Union

Greek Man of the Year/Woman of the Year
The Greek Woman of the Year and Greek Man of the Year awards are presented to extraordinary individuals who have shown outstanding leadership within the Greek and campus communities.

• Jazzi-Blue Baker ’19
• Justin Bachman ’19
• Jeffrey Albelo ’19

Senior Vice President’s Award for Outstanding Senior Leadership
Presented to students who have demonstrated dedication to developing themselves, others and the University through their involvement and leadership in the classroom and student organizations. These students are strong academically, active in the community and serve as role models to their peers.

• Kyle Rosenblum ’20
• Jayla Goodloe ’19

For more information on the 44 Stars Gala, visit the 44 Stars website or call 315.443.2718.

Story by Division of Enrollment and the Student Experience communications intern Currie Murch Elliot ’19.