44 Stars of Excellence Awards Celebrate Leadership and Engagement

Each year, Student Engagement acknowledges and honors student leaders, staff and faculty advisors and registered student organizations (RSOs) through 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 2023 44 Stars of Excellence Awards are:

One University Award 

Presented to a student or RSO that recognizes that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts and aims to bring University stakeholders together for a common purpose. These students embody the mission of One University by efficiently and effectively working towards cultivating a collaborative campus community.

• Orange After Dark Event Board

Award for Positive Advocacy and Awareness 

Presented to a student or RSO who has 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.

• Alison Gilmore

Award for Excellence by an Organization Leader 

Presented to an RSO leader who has demonstrated outstanding dedication and service to their student organization. Leaders should not only have enhanced their individual organization, but also the Syracuse University community through their leadership and involvement.

• Sophia Lucina (pictured on the right)

Unsung Hero Award 

Presented to individuals who have helped their organization achieve success.  This person may not be in a formal leadership position but goes above and beyond what is typical for a general member.

• Lily Braden

Award for Diversity and Inclusion 

Presented to a student or RSO who has 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.

• Jordan Beasley

Award for Public and Community Service 

Presented to a student or RSO who has exhibited exceptional effort in planning and implementing significant service projects within the University and Syracuse community.

• Angel Medina

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.

• Bailey Klemm

Award for Excellence by an Organization Advisor 

Presented to an RSO advisor who demonstrates outstanding commitment to an organization by providing mentorship to the organization, supporting organizational programs and events, as well as ensuring successful leadership transitions within the organization.

• Mary Custer (Phi Eta Sigma)

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.

• Enrique Prejula

Innovation Award

Presented to an RSO that has created a brand-new organization, event, or initiative, making a conscious effort to promote, plan, implement and introduce innovative programs/initiatives that have not been addressed by previous planning or organizations.

• Mexican Student Association

Orange Award: Best SU Spirit

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.

• Ronny Ditchek

44 Stars Award: RSO of the Year 

Presented to an RSO that has contributed to offering an unsurpassed student experience. This RSO has demonstrated excellence in collaboration with their advisor, Student Engagement and any other governing offices they routinely interact with. The RSO of the Year has also provided opportunities for each student, equitably, to become involved in their organization, contributing to a positive campus culture.

• OrangeSeeds

Story by Student Experience communications intern Wanshi Zhang ’23