44 Stars of Excellence Celebrate Students, Student Organizations

Each year, the Office of Student Activities celebrates and honors student leaders, staff and faculty advisors, fraternity and sorority chapters, and recognized student organizations (RSOs) during the 44 Stars of Excellence Awards. The awards highlight the outstanding dedication and commitment students and advisors have given to their organization and its mission.

Winners of the 2021 44 Stars of Excellence Awards are:

Award for Diversity and Inclusion
Presented to a student and RSO who have demonstrated a sincere commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion by serving as advocates for awareness on campus and in the community. Nominees intentionally recognize and incorporate intersectionality in their work to better support people in making meaning of their lives, perspectives, and experiences.

• Karen Chow
• Diversity and Inclusion Student Athlete Board

Award for Excellence by an Organization/Chapter Advisor
Presented to RSO 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.

• Jimmy Luckman (OrangeSeeds)
• Mark Trumbo (Student-Athlete Advisory Board)

Award for Excellence by an Organization/Chapter President
Presented to RSO presidents or chapter/council presidents who have demonstrated outstanding dedication and service to their organization. Presidents not only have enhanced their individual organization, but also the Syracuse University community through their leadership and involvement.

• Kristen Siermachesky
• Chelsea Stern

Award for Outstanding Senior Leadership
Presented to graduating seniors 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.

• Grace Asch
• Hunter Gorick
• Kimberly Ng
• Victoria Vega

Award for Positive Advocacy and Awareness
Presented to a student and RSO 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. Nominees demonstrate a commitment to continuous self-awareness and broad societal awareness, especially in working with people with marginalized identities.

• Tessa Pulgar
• Asian Students in America (ASIA)

Award for Public and Community Service
Presented to an RSO that has exhibited exceptional effort in planning and implementing significant service projects within the University and Syracuse community.

• Diversity and Inclusion Student Athlete Board

 Best New Event or Initiative
Presented to a student and RSO who have implemented a brand new event/initiative for the first time in the 2020-21 academic year. They have made a conscious effort to promote, plan, implement and introduce innovative programs/initiatives that have not been addressed by previous planning.

• Gustavo Eumana
• Traditions Commission

Greek Man of the Year/Woman of the Year
The Greek Man of the Year and the Greek Woman of the Year awards are presented to extraordinary individuals within the Greek community.

• Greek Man of the Year: Rolando Cabral
• Greek Woman of the Year: Victoria Vega

 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.

• Justine Hastings
• Kimberly Ng

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

• Globalists

Rising Leader Award
Presented to a student who has 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.

• Desjah Altvater

 SU Spirit Award
Presented to a student who has 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.

• Megan Nguyen

Unsung Hero Award
This award is presented to an individual who has 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.

• Eve Miserlian

The Vitamin C Scholar and Leadership Award
This award recognizes a student who demonstrates excellence in both scholarship and leadership, a positive attitude and an above and beyond commitment to their organization and its activities.

• Alec O’Del