Awards Banquet Booklet 2021

T HE A NNU A L

YSU STUDENT

AWARDS BANQ UE T

2021

YOUNGSTOWN STATE

ANNUAL AWARDS

THURSDAY APRIL 29 6:00 PM

CHESTNUT ROOM, KILCAWLEY CENTER SPONSORED BY STUDENT GOVERNMENT, STUDENT AFFAIRS, AND STUDENT ACTIVITIES

One University Plaza,Youngstown, Ohio 44555 Office of the President 330.941.3101 Fax 330.941.7169

Welcome to this year’s annual YSU Student Awards Banquet, and congratulations to all of the students being recognized for their service and leadership.

The students at this banquet represent the very finest of achievement that can be obtained in our YSU student experience. While demonstrating excellence in the classroom and the laboratory, these students also took full advantage of community service opportunities, leadership positions, and much of what YSU has to offer. We are proud to be associated with such engaged, intelligent and forward-thinking young people – the leaders of tomorrow.

YSU is a better place thanks to participation, collaboration, and efforts of our fine honorees. You have created a momentum that will serve us for years to come. Thank you for being Penguins, and we look forward to seeing the great impact that you will make in the future.

MACTE VIRTUTE…increase your excellence…increase your merit: mission accomplished…and if you are a senior, come back to campus SOON and OFTEN!

James P. Tressel President

www.ysu.edu

PRESENTATION OF

YOUNGSTOWN STATE

AWARDS

ANNUAL AWARDS Masters of Ceremonies Welcome

Justin Shaughnessy, SGA President Avery Howard, SGA Executive Vice President

Greeting

Joy Polkabla Byers, Associate Vice President of Student Experience

The Orion Award Presenter:

Leslie Page, Director, First Year Student Services

Recipient:

Guinathon Samantha Neral, Executive Director

The Constellation Award Presenter:

Leslie Page, Director, First Year Student Services

Recipient:

Guins Against Cancer “YSU Relay For Life” Devan Snyder, President/Event Lead

The Nova Award Presenter:

Dr. Alison Kaufman, Assistant Director, Institute for Teaching and Learning

Recipient:

Muslim Student Association Layali Kusuni, President

Club Sport of the Year Presenter:

Domonique Sak, Coordinator of Club Sports and Summer Camps, Campus Recreation

Recipient:

Tennis Club Niki Spencer, President

Club Sports Member of the Year Presenter:

Domonique Sak, Coordinator of Club Sports and Summer Camps, Campus Recreation

Recipient:

Abigail Sharpless, President, Fencing League

Libra Award Presenter:

Galena Lopuchovsky, Vice President, Order of Omega

Recipient:

Carrie Anderson, Associate Director, Student Activities

Mentor of the Year Presenter:

Francine Hazy, Graduate Associate for Leadership, Student Activities

Recipient:

Dr. Kristin Bruns, Assistant Professor, Counseling, School Psychology, Educational Leadership

Kocinski Award Presenter:

Dr. Alison Kaufman, Assistant Director, Institute for Teaching and Learning

Recipient:

Dagmar Stahl

Hirsch-Satrum Leadership Scholarship Presenter:

Carissa Renninger, Catering Director & Chick-Fil-A Retail Manager, Chartwells

Recipients:

Galena Lopuchovsky Donquail Mims Hannah Shively Devan Snyder

Multicultural Leadership Award Presenter:

Erin Hungerman, Assistant Dean of Students, Division of Student Affairs

Recipient:

Aniket Kumar Singh

The Sirius Award Presenter:

Stephanie Baker, Kilcawley House Coordinator, Housing & Residence Life

Recipient:

Veronica Erjavec

The Gina Tenney Memorial Scholarship Presenter:

Erin Driscoll, Executive Director, Student Experience & Residence Life

Recipients:

AVI Leadership Scholarships Presenter:

Esther Reed, Director of Retail, Oberlin College/AVI Foodsystems, Inc.

Recipients:

Sydney Lewis Clay Miller Minh Nguyen

Mason Ciesielski Ryan Flemming Andriy Lassowsky

The Bernadine Marinelli Memorial Scholarship Presenters:

Stephanie Baker, Kilcawley House Coordinator, Housing & Residence Life Michael Cardwell, Assistant Director, Retail Operations, Kilcawley Center

Recipients:

Riley Campbell Carmel Cerimele Patrick Donofrio Maguire Franko Jordan Record Lydia Self Cailey Tingler Reilly Todd

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The Emerging Leader Program Presenters:

Francine Hazy, Graduate Associate for Leadership, Student Activities Carrie Anderson, Associate Director, Student Activities

Recipients:

Oluwatumininu Adeeko Austin Angus Joseph Atkinson Balakrishna Brahmandam Brooke Crissman Sarah Crowe Jwad Eleyan Alexandra Galantis Jason Gibson Hunter Gladin Alexis Huffman Cierra Jones Sophia Lallo Mackenzie Lewis Galena Lopuchovsky Katelyn Luther LaQuinta McDonald Trang Nguyen Muhammad Riaz Kamryn Rudolph Paige Stewart Rachael Thomas Erin Urbaniak Michael VanSuch Theresa Wasylychyn Reece Wilson Daniel Yoder

The Student Service Award Presenter:

Elaine Ruse, Associate Vice President, Student Enrollment and Business Services

Recipients:

Sherri Hrusovski, Director, STEM Professional Services Tom Totterdale, Food Service Director, Chartwells Dr. Jeff Tyus, Professor, Communication Department

The Edna K. McDonald Cultural Awareness Award Presenter:

Joy Polkabla Byers, Associate Vice President of Student Experience

Recipients:

Avery Howard Keith Prestley Cassandra Smith

The Gillespie-Painter Award Presenter:

Dr. Nicole Kent-Strollo, Dean of Students and Ombudsperson

Recipients:

Dr. Justin Edwards, Director, Career and Academic Advising Michael Hanni, Student Conduct Coordinator & Cafaro House Coordinator Jacob Haskins, Lyden House Coordinator, Housing & Reidence Life

The Dr. Luke N. Zaccaro Memorial Award Presenter:

Justin Shaughnessy, SGA President

Recipients:

Avery Howard Kennedy Romeo

The John J. Gocala Service Award Presenter:

Justin Shaughnessy, SGA President

Recipient:

Joy Polkabla Byers, Associate Vice President of Student Experience

Martin T. “Marty” Manning Award

Presenter:

Justin Shaughnessy, SGA President

Recipient:

Erin Driscoll, Executive Director, Student Experience & Residence Life

Harry M. Meshel Legacy Award

The Dr. Charles A. McBriarty Award Presenter:

Presenter:

Avery Howard, SGA Executive Vice President

Recipient:

Donquail Mims

Recipient:

Passing of the Gavel

The Smith-Murphy Award

Presidential Mentors

Avery Howard, SGA Executive Vice President Dr. Alison Kaufman, Assistant Director Institute for Teaching and Learning

Justin Shaughnessy / Avery Howard Nicholas Koupiaris / Gianna Battaglia

Presenter:

Presenter:

Recipient:

Recipients:

Justin Shaughnessy, SGA President Dr. Kristin Bruns, Assistant Professor, Counseling, School Psychology, Educational Leadership

Rebecca Banks Spirit Awards Presenter:

Avery Howard, SGA Executive Vice President

Recipients:

Elsa Khan Emily Vero

The President Cynthia E. Anderson Lifetime Achievement Award Presenter:

Avery Howard, SGA Executive Vice President

Recipient:

Justin Shaughnessy, SGA President

James P. Tressel, President Walter Allen Kaylea Dillon Sunny Do Edward DuPonty Veronica Erjavec Francine Hazy Julianna Johnson Cody Joseph Mark McKenzie Clay Miller Daniel Naples Chelsea Olson McKenah Peters Lauren Rager Kennedy Romeo Samora Savage Deepil Tiwari Olivia Wall

The YSU Pin Award Presenter:

James P. Tressel, President

Recipients:

Natalie Chambers Mark DeAngelis Alexis Heldreth Kennedy Romeo Brooke Schaefers

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ORION AWARD Guinathon

For Outstanding YSU Student Organization

About the Orion Award Purpose

The Orion Award recognizes an exceptional student organization for its outstanding leadership and service to the university community during the current academic year.

“Guinathon was created to unite our college campus and community in the fight to end childhood illness by spreading awareness and raising funds for Akron Children’s Hospital of the Mahoning Valley. We strive to instill hope that one day we will be able to dance in celebration, but until then we will dance for the kids who can’t. We work throughout the year to spread our mission across campus to inspire others to join us in our fight.

Typically, in February we hold an 8-hour dance marathon that celebrates the hard work of our dancers, miracle families, and the YSU community throughout the year, it also is a symbol of creating more birthdays, more chances, and giving back to local kids who face hardships some could not begin to imagine.

With this year being unlike any other, we dodged all obstacles and still managed to put together a mostly virtual main event week to continue this tradition and pulled off a highly successful drivein final reveal to ensure our senior members still got to experience that feeling for the final time.”

Guinathon’s goals and objectives for the academic year were the following: 1. Virtual Dance Marathon Leadership Conference in July: Many of our members were able to brainstorm with dance marathon leaders across the country to learn essential skills for growing our program, to engage our campus community, and how to make our event more successful.

2. Participated in Welcome Week and the Student Leadership Summit: We held a Build a Buddy on campus with stuffed animals that students could construct and send to the kids.

3. Community Small Business team up with MandaBees Headbands: We cocreated designs for headbands and 10% of each Miracle Network Headband sold went straight to our efforts.

4. Food Truck Fundraiser: We had multiple food trucks over the week on campus and they donated part of the proceeds to our cause.

5. September - Childhood Cancer Awareness Month: We teamed up with Guins Against Cancer and allowed students to make cards to send to cancer patients in Akron Children’s Hospital.

6. October - Miracle Week: On Child Health Day, our team held a balloon raffle and a match day to boost the momentum for the rest of the school year. This special week allows us to spread the passion for ending childhood illness across the YSU campus.

7. November - Prematurity Awareness Month: We shared stories of our Miracle Children that were born premature and blog posts from Akron Children’s Hospital Mahoning Valley that highlighted the NICU. 8. Mini Dance Marathon with MCCTC Shield Academy. We teamed up with a teacher in the Nursing Academy to lead a team of students that worked year-round to raise funds and awareness totaling $3,841.03.

9. Basket Raffles and Miracle Family Art Auction: In partnership with the hospital, we created a website platform where we uploaded the raffle baskets and miracle kid art for bidding and ticket purchasing.

10. Match Day and Fundraising Challenge: We challenged our color teams to a competition to see who could raise $1,000 first. This allows different student groups to work together, meet

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Criteria

• Nominees must be currently registered YSU student organizations.

• Nominees will have demonstrated success in the accomplishment of their goals and objectives.

• Nominees will have an outstanding record of service to and inclusion of the university community.

Selection

The Student Awards Committee selects the student organization to be awarded the Orion Award from the applications and materials submitted. others, and unite to raise funds for the kids.

11. Drive-in Style Final Reveal: With family, friends, President Tressel, and miracle families showing up we were able to showcase our morale dance, give out the basket raffle prizes, and jam out safely in our cars with DJ Kickdrum. Socially distanced and masked up, we revealed $55,764.49 FOR THE KIDS! Guinathon Officers: Executive Director: Samantha Neral External Director: Morgan Brandt Internal Director: Taylor Phillips Event Operations Managers: Mike Kuhns and Da’Veona Blair Family Relations Manager: Maddie Murray Dancer Relations Manager: Anna Pleso Morale Manager: Jenna Guthrie Mini DM Manager: Jaycie Wyatt Finance Manager: Kira Bowman Fundraising Manager: Lillian Ramsey Corporate Sponsorship Manager: Erin Heaton and Jade Swietzer

CONSTELLATION AWARD O U -W P Guins Against Cancer

YOUNGSTOWN STATE

ANNUAL AWARDS

utstanding

niversity

ide

rogram

YSU Relay For Life

“The purpose of the 2020 YSU Relay For Life was to raise awareness on campus and across the Youngstown community for the American Cancer Society. Our organization possesses many goals, however, the primary goal is to maximize our campus and community outreach by raising social awareness about the detrimental, indiscriminate effects of cancer. This event presented the opportunity for all kinds of people from all over the community to come participate in a fun, yet meaningful way. Our original fundraising goal was $68,470, representing one dollar for every newly diagnosed case of cancer in Ohio as of 2018. The onset of the pandemic brought unprecedented fundraising difficulties, altering our goal to 50 cents for every newly diagnosed case of cancer in Ohio ($34,235).

“After countless hours of meetings, our Event Leadership Team put on a fantastic virtual Relay For Life event on April 18, 2020 that consisted of our typical ceremonies, team introductions and themed ‘laps’ along with new activities and mission moments. This virtual opportunity allowed us to connect with more people through social media than what our normal event would have. In fact, one of our posts had reached 11,632 people!

“Nonetheless, thanks to tremendous campus and community involvement and support, our organization persevered and raised over $38,793.09 which was $7,188.83 more than in 2019! Our group worked exceedingly hard throughout the year to create a strong foundation of fundraising and advocacy that made our switch to a virtual event a huge success.

How did this event contribute to the cultural or social awareness of the university and/or community?

“This event contributed to the cultural and social awareness of the university and community because our event itself shows that cancer does not discriminate. There are different people from all over Youngstown who come to participate in our event.

We reached out far and wide to every student organization on our campus and different groups throughout the Youngstown Community to become a part of our mission. This alone helped us create a more diverse and successful event. In addition, our organization hosted several fundraisers such as at hockey games and restaurant takeovers, allowing others to see how widespread cancer truly is since many of our members have been touched by cancer either directly or indirectly themselves,” shared Caitlyn Risley, Build the Fun Event Lead.

Guins Against Cancer Officer and Advisory Teams:

Build the Fun Committee: Event Lead: Caitlyn Risley Advisor: Leslie Page, Director, First Year Student Services Fund the Mission Committee: Event Lead: Devan Snyder Advisor: Jessica Gaskell, Assistant Director, First Year Student Services Bring the People Committee: Event Lead: Julia Helke Advisor: Carrie Clyde, Wellness Coordinator, Office of Human Resources Logistics Committee: Event Lead: Dan Yoder Advisor: Kati Hartwig, Coordinator of Social Media & Digital Marketing, Office of Marketing Communications

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About the Constellation Award Purpose

The Constellation Award recognizes an outstanding university-wide event sponsored by a registered YSU student organization. Programs winning this award are distinguished by their inclusion of the university community and contribution to the quality of student life.

Criteria

• Nominated program will have occurred during the past academic year.

• The program will have been sponsored by a registered student organization.

• The program will have been distinguished by its quality and inclusion of the university community.

• The program will contribute to the cultural or social awareness of the community.

Selection

The winner of the Constellation Award is selected by the Student Awards Committee based upon the submitted applications.

NOVA AWARD M P N C O Muslim Student Association ost

romising

ew

ampus

rganization

What has this organization done to positively impact student life on campus this year?

“The Muslim Student Association (MSA) seeks to promote unity, brotherhood, and joint action among the YSU community and spread awareness regarding Muslim students. During our first semester, we have connected with so many students on campus all with different backgrounds. Our meetings and activities have allowed our students to connect with one another, become more culturally and religiously diverse, and come together to make a positive impact on campus. As an organization we hope that we can help one another by coming together to embrace our differences and similarities. MSA is not only a club, but a family that offers support in a time of need. Our organization helps students connect to others and build long lasting friendships.

Successes and challenges this organization has experienced since its founding.

“When we first started talking about creating an MSA, we were worried about getting other members to join. Within a few weeks of talking about the idea with fellow students on campus, we were astonished to see so many people were interested in getting involved! We currently have 32 members that have joined our organization, which is our biggest success so far.

“Since we started our organization amidst a global pandemic, it has been challenging planning activities that will allow our group members to stay active, while following CDC guidelines. This has allowed our board members to get creative with meetings and activities. We modified our first meeting by making it virtual and invited a guest speaker from John Carroll University to discuss the two books he authored. Our speaker shared a great perspective about unity and similarities amongst different religions, which is one of our organizations biggest messages. This was a great opportunity for our organization because it was very informative to hear his stories as well as his teachings. He was able to spark great debates amongst our group members and really got About the Nova Award the discussion going. This meeting allowed our members to become more comfortable with each other.

Purpose Recognizes a newly registered student “Another challenge we have as a club is how to raise money. We have a lot of organization exhibiting initiative in exciting ideas and activities in the works for when funding becomes available. organizational development and strong As a club, we understand we will have to do fundraisers as well as try to get potential to contribute to the quality of life sponsors. By participating in the Virtual Spring Student Organization Fair, we as a recognized student organization at were selected to win the $200 for our video submission. We plan to use this Youngstown State University. money to provide t-shirts for our members. Overall as a club we have some Criteria great successes, but the biggest one was getting started! We have also had • Contribution to the overall YSU our challenges, but MSA makes the challenges seem little when there are community (i.e., students, staff, faculty, such great rewards and opportunities on the horizon,” shared Layali Kusuni, programs) President.

• Contribution to the community through service projects Muslim Student Association Officers: • Contribution to the development of its President- Layali Kusuni members Vice President(s)- Nora Habo and Elsa Khan • Demonstrated commitment to the Secretary- Julianna Sandine organization’s purpose and those served Treasurer- Dean Esmail by it Event Coordinators- Hasan Kusuni, Noelle Abuoraq, Mya Blanco • Communication with related YSU Advisor- Taci Turel, Professor, Hospitality Management and Merchandising departments and other student organizations YOUNGSTOWN STATE

ANNUAL AWARDS 6

Selection

The Nova Award is selected by the Student Awards Committee based upon application materials submitted.

About the Club Sport of the Year Award Purpose

Recognizes a club sport that has not only had success on and off the field of play but has shown positivity and good sportsmanship week after week.

Criteria • • • • • • •

Success on both on and off the field of play Demonstrates club culture Excels in community service and outreach Strong student leadership Communication with Club Sports Administration Competes at a high level Shows good sportsmanship

CLUB SPORT OF THE YEAR P C R :O C B resented by

ampus ecreation utstanding and off the Field of Play

lub

oth on

Tennis Club Why is this organization deserving of recognition?

"Tennis Club has exceeded our expectations as a first-year club! They have been working very hard the past few semesters to recruit new members to become a stronger organization. They are also very interactive and engaging on social media platforms. Their officers are always more than willing to help with on campus events such as the National Tennis Day Tournament. They set a great example for other clubs and really show what it means to be a club sport through their leadership, passion, and hard work."

- Samantha Johnson, Graduate Assistant of Club Sports and Summer Camps

Selection

This award is selected by the Campus Recreation Club Sports Coordinator and his/her designee(s) based on nomination materials submitted.

About the Club Sports Member of the Year Award Purpose

The Club Sports Member of the Year Award recognizes an athlete with strong leadership skills that demands the admiration and respect of their fellow club members as well as the rest of the club sport community.

Criteria • • • • • •

Demonstrates excellent leadership skills Assist in the development of the club Good sportsmanship Excels in community involvement Demonstrates excellence in practice and within the classroom Abides by the policies set by Club Sports and the University

Selection

This award is selected by the Campus Recreation Club Sports Coordinator and his/her designee(s) based on nomination materials submitted.

CLUB SPORTS MEMBER OF THE YEAR P C R :F A S resented by ampus ecreation or an Leadership Skills and the Respect of their Peers

thlete with

trong

Abigail Sharpless HOMETOWN: Moon Township, Pennsylvania MAJOR: Forensic Science CLUB SPORT: Fencing League/Ultimate Frisbee Club NOMINATOR’S THOUGHTS: “Aside from the work she has done as Secretary for the Abigail Sharpless Ultimate Frisbee Club - from being organized, helping to recruit, updating our social media, and being friendly towards new members - Abby stepped into the role of President of the Fencing Club very quickly. She got down to business right away while still being able to keep up her academic work and maintaining a meaningful role with the Ultimate Frisbee Club. I found that quite impressive.”

- Juan Saylor, President of the Ultimate Frisbee Club

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YOUNGSTOWN STATE

ANNUAL AWARDS About the Libra Award Purpose

The Libra Award is presented to the outstanding faculty/staff advisor of a registered student organization. This award is designed to recognize the contributions and commitment to furthering student leadership development made by advisors.

Criteria

• Organizations nominating an advisor must be currently registered.

• Advisors nominated must be a YSU faculty or staff member.

• Advisors nominated must demonstrate outstanding service in support of their organization.

Selection

The Libra Award is given by the Student Awards Committee based upon the submitted applications.

LIBRA AWARD O A A Carrie Anderson utstanding

dvisor

Associate Director, Student Activities

In the words of nominator Galena Lopuchovsky: “Carrie has dedicated her life to serving the campus community at YSU; it is clear that she wants nothing more than to see her students succeed. Throughout a year of uncertainty, there were many times that we wanted to give up. Virtual life and virtual programming is hard; however, Carrie never gave up hope with anything. She spent countless hours between early mornings and late nights on Zoom calls, to ensure that all aspects of Greek Life continued. From Recruitment Roundtables to one-on-one meetings, she was never short of ensuring that members from every council had their voices heard.

“Last spring, she still made sure that we had an award ceremony and celebrated our accomplishments. Under her guidance and support, she motivated us to transform Greek Week into an entirely virtual format.

Another aspect of Greek Life that Carrie has been working tirelessly to Carrie Anderson maintain is the annual Greek Sing Competition. Determined to find a way to maintain a sense of normalcy and not skip another year, Carrie spent countless hours meeting with Stambaugh Auditorium to work out a way to ensure that Greek Sing was recorded in segments and available for viewing virtually. She set forth a plan to host the event safely in order to preserve the sense of community and belonging within our organizations.”

“Carrie’s devotion to the Greek Life Community is invaluable. Her goal of helping fraternity men and sorority women is clear by the actions she takes every single day to provide them with opportunities, connections, and resources to enhance their skills as they grow in their respective leadership roles.”

MENTOR OF THE YEAR Dr. Kristin Bruns

Assistant Professor, Counseling, School Psychology, Educational Leadership “Dr. Bruns’ impact is multifaceted. She is compassionate and empathetic of students and their experiences, always looking to do right by them and honor where they are at.

She is a sounding board for ideas, and willing to provide necessary feedback to support our aspirations. She proposes new ideas, and gives space for us to explore them as an organization knowing that if it is not the direction we want to go, she respects that decision.

She is willing to be as involved as needed, and demonstrates a desire to build connection for us and with us, however that may look. She is thoughtful and honest, and willing to trust and try new things that her students suggest.” – Cassie Smith, second-year Student Affairs graduate student, SALSA President

Dr. Kristin Bruns

ward

About the Mentor of the Year Award Purpose

The Mentor of the Year Award honors the faculty or staff mentor who has contributed the most during the past year to the development of a YSU student.

Criteria

Nominees must have served as a faculty/staff mentor during the current academic year.

Selection

The Mentor of the Year is selected by the Student Awards Committee based upon the written application provided by the nominating student.

“Within the next several months, many of us in the Student Affairs program will be applying for jobs, interviewing, and ideally starting our careers at higher education institutions across the country. As we look back on our experience in this graduate program, we have no doubt that we will remember Dr. Bruns as the defining reason why we all feel excited - as opposed to feeling anxious or unprepared - about the road ahead. She has gone above and beyond what is expected of a typical professor, she never fails to model thoughtfulness and honesty, and she has become the best role model for anyone entering the field of student affairs, college counseling, or higher education. We are honored to learn from Dr. Bruns, and we cannot wait to see all that she will continue to accomplish in her career!” – Francine Hazy, second-year Student Affairs graduate student, SALSA Vice President

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YOUNGSTOWN STATE

ANNUAL AWARDS

KOCINSKI AWARD

Dagmar Stahl

The Kocinski Award is given annually to the outstanding senior in dance who exemplifies academic integrity, leadership and demonstrated talent as a dancer, choreographer and teacher in the field.

Dagmar Stahl is currently working to obtain her Bachelor of Arts degree in Dance Management from Youngstown State University. She serves as treasurer for the YSU Dance Ensemble and is a member of Alpha Psi Omega, the National Theatre Honor Society. Dagmar's selection to receive the Kocinski Award for the second time this year is a reflection of the level to which the Theatre and Dance faculty feel she exemplifies the skill, artistry, and leadership that are at the core of the YSU Dance Dagmar Stahl Management Program. She has not only excelled in her coursework in the program but has also distinguished herself as an insightful choreographer and facile performer, has served her peers as a dedicated officer in the Dance Ensemble, has mentored younger students with kindness and respect, and has demonstrated an excellent standard of professionalism as an ambassador for the YSU Dance Program in the Youngstown community.

About the Kocinski Award The Kocinski Award is given in honor of Marilyn Kocinski, who taught dance at YSU in the Department of Human Performance and Exercise Science from 1960 to 1983.

Her family was responsible for instituting the award in the late 1990s in her memory and the award is presented to a senior student who has played a significant role as a student leader in the YSU Dance Ensemble and who demonstrates academic integrity as well as artistry and creativity in the dance area.

A Year of Memories at YSU

Student Organization Fair 9

Sydney Lewis YOUNGSTOWN STATE

ANNUAL AWARDS

AVI

LEADERSHIP

SCHOLARSHIPS for Outstanding Undergraduate Campus Leaders

Purpose

The AVI Leadership Scholarship, established in 2013, recognizes outstanding students for their contribution to and leadership in campus activities. Each year up to three students are awarded $600.00 for Fall tuition and fees.

Criteria •

• • •

Candidates must have demonstrated leadership, character and integrity in their participation in YSU campus life.

Candidates must be planning to attend YSU for the upcoming year.

Nominated students must be current, full-time undergraduate students in good standing.

Reference(s) from faculty/staff advisor (minimum one, maximum three).

Selection

Students are selected for the AVI Leadership Scholarship by the Student Awards Committee.

AVI Foodsystems, Inc. takes great pride in originating the AVI Student Leadership Scholarship to support the recognition of outstanding individual achievements within the University.

HOMETOWN: Canfield, Ohio MAJOR: Biology (Pre-Medical) MINOR: Chemistry CAMPUS INVOLVEMENT: Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority (Ritual Chairman/Executive Council, 2021-Present; Greek Sing Committee Director of Stage Presence, 2021-Present; Historian-Reporter/ Executive Council, 2020-2021; Social Chairman/ Programming Council, 2019-2020; Recruitment Committee, 2019-2020; Member, 2018-Present) • Youngstown State Coalition Against Human Trafficking (Member, 2018-Present) • Area Health Education Center (Scholar, 2020-Present) • Social Media Guinfluencer Sydney Lewis (2020-Present) • Biology Intern/Research (Fall 2020) • National Society of Collegiate Scholars (2020-Present) • Squirrel Watching Club (2019-Present) IN SYDNEY’S WORDS: “They say you do not just become a part of an organization, it becomes a part of you. In my past three years as a student leader, I have discovered the confident, passionate, and determined woman I was always meant to become. When I first arrived at Youngstown State University, I was overtaken by fears. Since finding my passions within student organization membership, the voices of these fears have fallen silent and I have transformed into an individual who looks adversity in the face and challenges it. The values of each organization that were presented to me as the shy, nervous freshman have since changed my character to reveal a respected, tenacious, and bright leader on YSU’s campus.

“If it weren’t for the faith my colleagues had in my abilities, I would have never gained the courage to take initiative to take on leadership responsiblities. As I look back at the challenges and obstacles I encountered as a leader, I realize each one was there to shape me into the individual I have come to be. My leadership duties have built a foundation for me to utilize in my future endeavors. Lastly, the love that flows through the heart of this university is a source of support and encouragement when any need may arise. YSU has given me a group of people who share the common purpose of becoming the best version of themselves.

Each of them has ignited my passions, and in return, I have fueled theirs. Without the voice, the support, and the love that this university has given me, I would not have discovered the confidence in myself to chase down a crazy idea, embrace mistakes but always have the courage to keep trying, and most of all, believe in others but most certainly in myself.”

ADVISOR’S THOUGHTS: “When you meet Sydney, the conversation never stops, and her genuine care for others emerges. She's vibrant and passionate about subjects that interest her. Sydney engages others by listening, challenging static answers, and poses possible solutions to change situations that impact our world and healthcare with confidence and the knowledge to back it up. Our future healthcare workforce is bright with students like Sydney!”

– Maureen Drummond, Eastern Ohio AHEC Director

AVI has awarded 35 scholarships to date and three scholarships will be awarded this evening. Being a leader is a result of commitment. For AVI at YSU, the scholarship program, which has now awarded nearly $22,800 in scholarship money, is one of several commitments that identify us with tomorrow’s leaders.

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Clay Miller HOMETOWN: Wooster, Ohio MAJOR: Integrated Math Education MINOR: Economics CAMPUS INVOLVEMENT: Sigma Tau Gamma Fraternity (President, Fall 2019-Fall 2020; Standards Board Member, Fall 2020-Present; New Member of the Year Award, 2019-2020; Leadership Conference Attendee) • Order of Omega (Secretary, May 2020-Present) • Interfraternity Council (Vice President of Membership Development, Fall 2020-Present) • Residential Housing Association (President, Spring 2020-Present; National Communications Coordinator, Spring 2019-Spring 2020; Director of Marketing, Spring 2020; President of Cafaro Residence Hall, Fall 2018-Spring 2019; Leadership Conference Attendee) • Beeghly College of Liberal Arts and Social Science Dean’s Dozen (Chair, Spring 2020-Present; Secretary, Spring 2019-Spring 2020; Professional Education Council Clay Miller Member) • Presidential Residence Hall Leaders (President, Spring 2020-Present; Secretary/ Recorder, Spring 2019-Spring 2020) • Presidential Mentors (Member, Fall 2020-Present) • Mental Health Advisory Board (Member, Fall 2020-Present) IN CLAY’S WORDS: “I believe that being a student leader at YSU has helped me in many ways throughout my college career. I believe that it has increased my depth as a person and widened my interests by exposing me to a lot of new people, opportunities, and ideas. Specifically, Residential Housing Association has allowed me to travel to a couple of new places around the country and meet a lot of new people. Also, I think that being involved in so many organizations has sharpened the soft skills necessary to become an effective leader. Within Sigma Tau Gamma Fraternity, I learned how to effectively lead a group of 30 men by being actively engaged, forward thinking, and a practical voice within the group. Although I may have not always made the most popular choices amongst my brothers, I did what I believed would uphold the integrity of our institution and keep our men safe. This will serve me well in my future careers whenever I inevitably have to make some challenging decisions.

“This semester I had another new opportunity to serve on the YSU Mental Health Advisory Board. I have really grown as a leader during my time with the group, and I am happy to say that I have been an effective voice representing our YSU student body. I learned that anyone regardless of their status or experience can be a leader. Some of my fellow undergraduates, including myself, have really stepped up despite being lowest on the totem pole in terms of knowledge and skills. I am grateful that the senior staff have given us room to grow and freely speak our minds. Overall, I have had many opportunities to grow and develop as a leader here at YSU. I hope that these experiences continued to enrich my time here, but I also look forward to my future careers and how these skills will set me apart from my competitors.”

ADVISOR’S THOUGHTS: “Over the course of the last academic year, most of my courses have been remote and discussion-based. In these virtual settings, I rely on my students’ willingness to engage in the daily class discussions to ensure the course is responsive to the needs of the students. Given this new reality, many students have been reluctant to participate in online class discussions and prefer sit and observe. Clay used this reluctance on the part of his classmates to his advantage by raising many interesting ideas and thought-provoking questions. In addition, Clay attended all scheduled virtual class meetings and was always prepared to participate in our class discussions and activities. He works extremely well with other colleagues in the class and assumed leadership roles during many group activities and class projects.

– Dr. Patrick Spearman, Associate Professor, Department of Teacher Education

11

Minh Nguyen HOMETOWN: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam MAJOR: Marketing Management MINOR: Advertising & Public Relations CAMPUS INVOLVEMENT: Pi Sigma Epsilon (Vice President of Professional Development, Spring 2020-Present) • Minority Education Association (Presenter, Spring 2019-Fall 2019) • Vietnamese Student Association (Vice President, Spring 2019-Present) • Honors College (Member, Fall 2020-Present) • WCBA Leadership Council (Member, Fall 2020-Present) IN MINH’S WORDS: “For me, the experience of being a student leader provides me with activities and projects that shape the way I see the world and those who live in it. For example, as the Vice President of the Vietnamese Student Association, and with my involvement in numerous multicultural events with the International Programs Office, I have had the opportunity to work with individuals from Minh Nguyen different backgrounds and regions. Working with those who have different identities have given me understanding about the role of leaders in creating constructive dialogue about diversity, inclusion, and cultural competence. In addition, my leadership opportunities also help boost my management skills, teach me the value of teamwork, and as well as inspire networking.

“Experience in student leadership opportunities exposed me to a fast-paced work environment that could benefit me in the future. Moreover, I developed a strong work ethic, positive and professional attitude, and exceptional organizational skills. And last but not least, it offers me an excellent opportunity to give back to the community in numerous ways. For instance, as the Vice President of Professional Development of Pi Sigma Epsilon, I have the opportunity to design and run two charity projects that attracted 152 participants and helped raise about $3,200 for the Valley Rescue Mission in 14 days.

This inspired me to design and run another charity project called Caritas Miles in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, which attracted 20,000 participants and helped raise about $10,000 for the city food bank in just 50 days.”

ADVISOR’S THOUGHTS: “Growing professionally and being a leader is a part of being a successful business student. Minh has been active in the WCBA and across campus since starting at YSU. She is always looking for an opportunity to grow professionally and provide leadership to her fellow students. Minh is dedicated to her academics and is able to successfully balance her leadership roles in student organizations.”

– Christina O’Connell, Director, WCBA Center for Career Management

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Galena Lopuchovsky YOUNGSTOWN STATE

ANNUAL AWARDS

HIRSCH-SATRUM LEADERSHIP SCHOLARSHIPS for Outstanding Undergraduate Campus Leaders

Courtesy of Charwells Dining Service About the Hirsch-Satrum Leadership Scholarships Purpose

The Hirsch-Satrum Leadership Scholarship is named in honor of Phil Hirsch and K.J. Satrum who first opened the doors of Kilcawley Center in 1974 as the original administrative team. Phil was Kilcawley’s director, and his first hire was K.J. Satrum as assistant director. They enhanced and expanded student services and activities on campus.

This scholarship was established to recognize their commitment to and support of YSU’s student leaders. In the 1980s they instituted the original Arby’s Leadership Scholarship, in partnership with the campus food service vendor. The scholarship has been granted to campus leaders for nearly three decades.

Up to four students are awarded $600 toward their fall tuition.

Criteria • • • •

Candidates must have demonstrated leadership, character and integrity in their participation in YSU campus life.

Candidates must be planning to attend YSU for the upcoming year.

Nominated students must be current, full-time undergraduate students in good standing.

Reference(s) from faculty/staff advisor (minimum one, maximum three).

Selection

Up to four students are selected for the scholarships by the Student Awards Committee.

HOMETOWN: Poland, Ohio MAJOR: Industrial and Systems Engineering CAMPUS INVOLVEMENT: Emerging Leader Program (Member, Fall 2020-Present) • Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority (Third Vice President: Membership, Spring 2020-Present; Think Pink Chair, Spring 2020-Fall 2020; Member, Fall 2019-Present) • First Year Student Services (Peer Leader, Fall 2020-Present; Freshguin Leader, Fall 2019-Spring 2020) • Panhellenic Council (Vice President of Communications, Fall 2020; Vice President of Finance & Administration, Spring 2020-Fall 2020) • Social Media Ambassador Galena Lopuchovsky (Spring 2020-Present) • Board of Trustees (Student Trustee, Spring 2020-Present) • Order of Omega (Vice President, Spring 2020-Present) • Honors College Trustees (Member, Fall 2019-Spring 2020) • Spirit and Tradition Committee (Member, Fall 2019-Spring 2020) IN GALENA’S WORDS: “There were things I knew I would get out of YSU; I knew I would learn a lot in my classes, make some new friends, network with professors, graduate one day, and find a job. There was also another aspect I knew I wanted, but did not know where to look. I found the outlet I was looking for the first time I stepped onto campus as a student at IGNITE. I found the Greek Life table, so I signed up for sorority recruitment. From that point on, door after door of opportunity opened up for me on campus.

Student activities gave me an outlet to become the leader I wanted to be on campus. My leadership experience has directly influenced my college experience.

"I have found myself doing things I never imagined possible; dancing for over 8 hours at Guinathon to raise over $60,000 for Akron Children's Hospital, teaching myself social media marketing techniques for sorority recruitment, discovering my hidden talent of video production, running a philanthropy event that raised $5,850 in one month for breast cancer education and awareness, mentoring first year students as a Peer Leader, and my proudest moment this far at YSU; receiving a phone call from the office of Ohio Governor Mike DeWine to inform me that I had been appointed to serve a 2 year term as the student trustee on the Youngstown State University Board of Trustees. Becoming involved as a leader in my student organizations has led to newfound passions; this year, I started taking courses towards the Nonprofit Leadership Certificate.

I was inspired by the activities I took part in on campus to learn more about the work nonprofit organizations do to better the community.

From my participation in Guinathon, Relay for Life, Zeta Tau Alpha, and the Emerging Leaders Program, these organizations have inspired change within me. My goal in life is to find a balance between my career and my passions in order to make the community a better place for all.”

ADVISOR’S THOUGHTS: “Galena’s passion and dedication is very evident in anything she chooses to take on and she has shown a strong sense of commitment.

She is always authentic and exudes self-confidence in whatever she encounters. Galena is involved in multiple organizations, works in three different offices on campus, and was selected as a student trustee which is one of our most important leadership roles a student can hold on campus. She truly exemplifies what it means to be a sorority woman, has proven herself to be a selfless and humble leader and one who truly works hard for the greater good and unity of our Greek Community.”

– Carrie Anderson, Associate Director, Office of Student Activities

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HIRSCH-SATRUM LEADERSHIP SCHOLARSHIPS, continued

Katharine D onquail M Repetski ims HOMETOWN: Youngstown, Ohio MAJOR: Social Work MINOR: Developmental Psychology CAMPUS INVOLVEMENT: Student Advisory Board (Member, 2021) • Black Student Union (Member, 2020) • Summer Bridge (Resident Counselor, 2020; Member, 2019) • Upward Bound (Tutor, 2020) • Emerging Leader Program (Member, Fall 2019-Spring 2020) • First Year Student Services (Freshguin Leader, 2019) • Academic Senate (Member, 2019) • Bridges Out of Poverty Student Union (President, 2019) IN DONQUAIL’S WORDS: “I am currently a Junior growing up in Youngstown where most kids don't even go to college. They don’t go to college because they are not prepared with the skills to succeed. Education, overlooked by most students, maybe the only chance in their life to increase their opportunity for success. I live in an inner-city where educational test scores are the lowest in Ohio. That only represents half Donquail Mims of the challenges kids growing up in Youngstown face. Understanding this is a crucial factor sheds light on the reason behind the economic crisis in America. This inspired me to choose social work as my career. From being in this program I learned that ‘I don’t lose, I win or I learn.’ On this journey called life I will not get everything I want or be the best in everything. Any failures are instead lessons that will help me grow and face whatever life may bring.”

ADVISOR’S THOUGHTS: “Donquail works tirelessly at raising the awareness of what YSU can offer to the minority and to the marginalized population of the Mahoning Valley. During his first year, he approached the Upward Bound team desiring to give back to the program. He shared with the High School participants his story of determination and perseverance, and began mentoring and tutoring them. His positive experiences show the benefits of an education and how YSU can positively affect the trajectory of your life.”

– Kenneth Pugh, Director and Grant Manager, Upward Bound

Hannah Shively HOMETOWN: Westerville, Ohio MAJOR: Instrumental Music Education CAMPUS INVOLVEMENT: Presidential Residence Hall Leaders (Vice President and Communications Chair, Fall 2018-Present) • Honors College (Member, Fall 2018-Present) • Campus Crusade for Christ (Worship Coordinator and Primary Cellist, Fall 2018-Spring 2019) • CCO (Primary Cellist, Fall 2019-Present) • Emerging Leader Program (Member, Fall 2019-Spring 2020) • Her Campus (Co-Campus Correspondent and Content Writer, Spring 2020-Present) • Strings Guild (Vice President, Fall 2020-Present) • Students Motivated by the Arts (Student Assistant and Music Teacher, Fall 2020-Present) IN HANNAH’S WORDS: “Throughout the course of five semesters at YSU, I have learned some key points regarding virtuous leadership: believe that you can and will do something; ethically align your thoughts, words, deeds, Hannah Shively and actions to best serve your people and communication. As a future teacher, I will be in a position of leadership and authority. Participation and leadership through the organizations listed above has done two major things in my development. First, they have solidified that I’m exactly where I’m meant to be here at YSU and within my major. Second, I have a lot of room to grow as a leader. Through failing forward, I have certainly discovered some weaknesses that I have yet to work on, including seeing a vision through to fruition, resolving conflict, and managing stress.

“My mentors throughout the past two and half years have taught me so much about myself and the world around me. It is my hope and intention to instill these values in those around me as I continue to lead and teach and grow.”

ADVISOR’S THOUGHTS: “During her residency, Hannah has been an extraordinarily busy young woman. She plays in orchestra, chamber music groups, sings in the choir, is incredibly involved in her church and its outreach group, and in spite of this busy schedule, she has maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA! I am extremely confident that Hannah will soon make her mark on the profession; her skill, desire, and talent will provide the basis of her eventual success.”

– Dr. Stephen Gage, Director of Bands & Orchestra/Professor of Music, Dana School of Music

14

Devan Snyder HOMETOWN: Wooster, Ohio MAJOR: Biology MINORS: Chemistry & Psychology CAMPUS INVOLVEMENT: Relay For Life/Guins Against Cancer (Event Leader, Spring 2019-Present; Social Media Chair, Fall 2018-Spring 2019) • Pre-Genetics Club (Founder and President, Fall 2020-Present) • Honors College (Pen Pal, Fall 2019-Spring 2020; Ambassador and Trustee, Fall 2018-Spring 2019) • Alpha Lambda Delta (Member, Spring 2019-Present; Scholarship Nominee, Spring 2020) • Biology Club (Member, Fall 2018-Present) • Penguin Positivity (Member, Spring 2020-Present) • STEM Leadership Society (Member, Spring 2019-Present) • Cafaro Floor Advisory (Floor Representative, Fall 2018-Spring 2019) • Janitorial Services (Desk Attendant, Spring 2020-Present) • Rich Center for Autism (Classroom Assistant, Spring 2019-Spring 2020) IN DEVAN’S WORDS: Devan Snyder “Being an event lead for Relay For Life has been the single most important, stressful, and rewarding experience of my life. When I first joined Relay my freshman year, I started out as the social media chair and I quickly realized I had no idea what I was doing. Sitting at our meetings, I didn’t say much because I was intimidated by the upperclassmen around me and wasn’t really sure what was going on. However, as the semester went on, I realized everyone was just as lost as I was! As our event neared in April, I started becoming much more comfortable with my role in the organization and would volunteer to do anything that needed done. When the event was over and they were looking for event leads for next year, I knew it was something I had to do. With our event being only a month away after everything went virtual, my team and I worked tirelessly to pull together a great Relay For Life. Despite the circumstances, we managed to raise over $30,000 for the American Cancer Society.

“Between Relay For Life and the Genetics Club, I truly found my place here at YSU. By being a student leader, I learned to broaden my horizons, correctly prioritize my life, adapt to obstacles, and be the person I’ve always known I could be. Along this journey, I met incredible classmates and role models that I otherwise would not have had the pleasure to meet. These experiences have shown me that no obstacle is too big and no idea is too small.”

ADVISOR’S THOUGHTS: “When asked about a campus leader that gives their all, Devan Snyder is one of the first that comes to mind. In the past three years that I've worked with Devan, her work ethic, commitment, and ability to work with others has continually impressed me. In her role as Event Lead for Relay For Life, she has impacted our campus and the greater community more than even she can imagine. She's raised at least $3,000 herself, recruited many students to the cause, and shared moments of inspiration at weekly meetings. We are better people for having Devan on our campus and I am thrilled to get to work with her.”

– Leslie Page, Director, Office of First Year Student Services

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MULTICULTURAL LEADERSHIP AWARD Aniket Kumar Singh About the Multicultural Award Purpose

The Multicultural Leadership Award recognizes one minority students who has achieved academic success and demonstrated effective leadership in promoting cultural awareness to the campus and community.

Criteria •

• •

Currently enrolled Multicultural student with a GPA of 3.0 or higher and good disciplinary standing Evidence of leadership in community and/or campus cultural awareness events One to three references

Selection

A recipient is chosen by the Student Awards Committee based upon the completed application and input from references.

HOMETOWN: Birgunj, Nepal MAJOR: Computer Science MINOR: Mathematics & Data Analytics CAMPUS INVOLVEMENT: International Student Organization (President, 2019-Present) • Honors Trustees (Member, 20182020) • Summer Camp (Activity Leader, 20182019) • Enactus (Member; BirB Project Technical Assistance) • International Orientation Leader (2018-2020) • iPals Community (Vice President of Membership Recruitment, 2017-2018) Aniket Kumar Singh IN ANIKET’S WORDS: “I am an international student from Nepal – a country with an exceptionally diversified populace – and I consider myself extremely fortunate to have had the opportunity to grow up in such a diverse cultural and religious ambiance. The student population here at YSU, to me, is somewhat reminiscent of home. We have students from all over the globe with their very own set of practices and beliefs. I believe that the richness, as was with home, needs to be celebrated and nurtured.

Being a student leader for University Housing, being the President of the International Student Organization (ISO), and being involved with almost every International Program Office event, I have received the opportunity to be a part of every culture we have at YSU.

“Being involved with people from different countries, I have allowed myself to understand the world in a better way. I have tried to promote international culture and make the YSU community more aware of what I have and what other students like us have to offer. Keeping the same idea of the promotion of cultural awareness in mind, the ISO organized International Education Week in 2019 which included volunteers from various countries who tutored their language to domestic students at YSU. Also, we organized International Prom night, to make International students learn about the American Prom culture which almost none of the International Students experience. We organized the Lunar New Year event which is an Asian New Year and one of the biggest festivals in some Asian countries. Through events such as these, I have endeavored to bring students from various cultures together and that has helped to foster diversity on campus. It has been a matter of fortune to have had the opportunity to contribute.”

ADVISOR’S THOUGHTS: “Over his years of attendance at YSU, I have seen Aniket grow into a true leader. He is compassionate and a true advocate for all international students on campus. His leadership of the ISO through the pandemic was vital to ensuring our students stay connected and engaged. Aniket has left his footprint on YSU making it a better place than he found it.”

– Carly Devenburgh, Assistant Director International Student Services, International Programs Office

YOUNGSTOWN STATE

ANNUAL AWARDS

16

THE SSIRIUS AWARD E Y tudent

mployee of the

ear

Veronica Erjavec

About the Sirius Award Purpose

This award recognizes student employees who have made outstanding contributions to their employers.

Criteria •

• •

The nominated student should have worked in an area for a period of at least one semester, and be a full-time, undergraduate student at YSU. Demonstrated skills and commitment that go above and beyond expectations Demonstrated growth or competency in the following areas: Reliability, Initiative, Uniqueness of Contribution, Adaptability, Quality of Work, Professionalism, Community and Campus Service and Disposition/Attitude

Selection

The Sirius Award recipient is selected by the Student Awards Committee based on the evaluation by the employer as indicated on the nomination form.

HOMETOWN: Bristolville, Ohio MAJOR: Interpersonal Communications Resident Assistant (RA), Office of Housing and Residence Life In the words of nominator Stephanie Baker: “I have supervised Veronica for the past three years as a Resident Assistant (RA) in the Office of Housing and Residence Life. During that time, I have seen Veronica not only grow in her role as an RA and through engaging residents, but have also seen her passion for working in Higher Education grow with her Veronica Erjavec involvement in several organizations. She has become a true leader on campus.

“Veronica goes above and beyond in many aspects of the job. She has stepped up not only by taking on the role of advisor for our Hall Council but has been willing to help us increase our presence on social media to reach more prospective and current residents. She has taken on both of these roles and excelled at them. As an advisor, she has done a great job of motivating the members to plan building-wide programs that help the residents build community, meet others, and plan programs that educate our residents on basic life skills to help them achieve in college and beyond. Veronica excels in building connections with residents and in turn is able to help residents build those same connections with others on the floor. She has the ability to instill trust and build a relationship that allows the residents to feel comfortable going to Veronica with any questions or concerns.

“Veronica has not contributed to our community here in Housing and Residence Life but on campus as well. She was a member of the Spirit and Tradition Committee last year where she helped plan events that celebrated YSU traditions. This year she is a member of the Presidential Mentors and Student Conduct Board. Veronica is a role model to her residents, showing them how getting involved on campus can help them expand their development and find their own passions. Without these opportunities for involvement and her role within the department, Veronica may have never found her true passion. She is overall just a bright face and spirit that makes residents and guests feel welcomed. It has been a pleasure working with Veronica and I look forward to watching her grow even more over the years. I know with great confidence that she will make a lasting impact in the world of Higher Education no matter where she goes.”

YOUNGSTOWN STATE

ANNUAL AWARDS

17

GINA TENNEY MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP YOUNGSTOWN STATE

ANNUAL AWARDS About the Gina Tenney Memorial Scholarship Gina Tenney was one of Youngstown State University’s best and most dedicated students.

Before her untimely death in 1985, Gina had been actively involved in campus life and had achieved an excellent academic standing. She was a member of our Student Government Association, serving as Vice-President of Student Council and was a student assistant in the Students Serving Students program.

In addition, she served as a costumer and assistant director during the University Theater’s 1985 season.

To honor Gina’s memory, the Gina Tenney Memorial Scholarship Fund was established in January 1986 by the members of S.G.A.

Mason Ciesielskisielski HOMETOWN: Lower Burrell, Pennsylvania MAJOR: Music Performance – Jazz Track CAMPUS INVOLVEMENT: Jazz Ensemble • Jazz Combo • Jazz Society • Saxophone Studio • Honors College • Relay For Life IN MASON’S WORDS: “As a student, I am excited to have the amazing opportunity to spend several hours each day practicing, learning about music, and meeting others through campus organizations and volunteer work. Music has always been the center of my life, and I am grateful to have this opportunity to pursue a degree in something I love so much. Music gave me the confidence to speak up, take chances, and be myself.

Being both a musician and a scholar is challenging, but I have done well with balancing classes and extracurricular activities.

Mason Ciesielski “I am an active member of the Honors College. Despite this challenges of the pandemic, I have become actively involved in many events and organizations on campus and in the surrounding community. I am a dedicated member of the YSU Saxophone Studio and the YSU Jazz Society. I was selected by audition for the Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Combo, and I am extremely devoted to both. I canvassed my neighborhood to collect money and food donations for an Honors College Hubbard Supply Pantry food drive. I recorded music to be used for the 2020 Honors College Arrival Ceremony. I continue to be a featured saxophone soloist for Sunday services at my church. I devote several hours each week to supporting the charities that mean so much to me, even if that means performing on a street corner to earn tips for those in need. I truly enjoy performing, and I am always grateful to have the chance to help others through music.

“I have many goals for my future! I plan to finish my Music Performance degree at YSU and to attend graduate school to study music education and recording. I will continue with my charity work, and I plan to dedicate a great deal of time to improving music education in some of the less privileged regions of Pennsylvania and Ohio."

ADVISOR’S THOUGHTS: “Mason is one of the most talented students in our program. His skills on the saxophone grow by leaps and bounds on a weekly basis. Mason has a highly developed ear for pitch and rhythm, and his transcriptions, analyses, and performances are of the highest quality. In addition, I have found him to be professional, courteous, curious, and well prepared in all of my dealings with him. He has a warm personality, a great sense of humor, and he is a joy to be around.”

– Dr. Kent Engelhardt, Coordinator of Jazz Studies and Professor Jazz Studies/Clarinet/Saxophone, Dana School of Music

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Ryan Flemmingsielski HOMETOWN: Kinsman, Ohio MAJOR: Music Performance with Emphasis in Music Recording MINOR: Entrepreneurship CAMPUS INVOLVEMENT: Honors College • Transcribing Club • Dana Chorale • Dana Piano Guild • Penguin Productions IN RYAN’S WORDS: "Being a musician means that I am hard-working and dedicated to the craft I am involved in. Just like any other artist, I strive to reach the highest quality of work I can produce and will continue to dedicate hours from each day in order to improve. As a musician I am compassionate and I will dedicate my time and skills to help others realize their potential as well as to help others through my own music. I volunteer my skills and knowledge to help those around me that are in need. Throughout my life, music has always been there for me."

“As a student, I am currently a member of the Dana Piano Guild and the Dana Chorale as well as Penguin Ryan Flemming Productions, which is in charge of arranging musical events all across campus. I have also been involved in a recording internship that has given me opportunities to work with recording recitals, ensembles, and other events on campus.

Currently, I am a part of a number of independent recording projects in order to gain an even better understanding of the professional aspects of working in music production. I hope in the coming months, as life returns to normal after the pandemic, I am able to be involved in even more activities in the Dana School of Music, within the Student Government Association and throughout campus.”

ADVISOR’S THOUGHTS: “Ryan is a very conscientious student and his dedication to piano practice and to the university is exemplary. Ryan has been involved with the Piano Guild and with Penguin Productions, he is member of the Dana Chorale, an Honors Student, and an intern for our recording area. Ryan has participated in most of our master class offerings and workshops throughout the pandemic and in spite of the necessary distance learning protocols. Ryan's growth as a person and as a pianist is quite exciting. He is a caring and intelligent student with a wonderful sense of humor.”

– Dr. Caroline Oltmanns, Head of the Piano Department, Dana School of Music

Andriy Lassowskysielski HOMETOWN: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania MAJOR: Music Education – Flute CAMPUS INVOLVEMENT: Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia • YSU Flute Ensemble IN ANDRIY’S WORDS: “In short, my entire life has, does, and always will revolve around music-- especially its performance, interpretation, history, and the means of sharing it. Before college, I began to take a much more "Do-It-Yourself' approach and began to make early wind instruments in my garage. I also used my tooling skills to repair and restore a variety of used and broken instruments that I acquired via eBay and other inexpensive means.

The ultimate goal is to apply additive manufacturing technology (3D printing) to instrument manufacturing in order to produce more durable and hygienic wind instruments, as well learn as much about the acoustic principle of wind, brass, and string instruments and how to model those properties mathematically as a means of having greater control over their playing properties as to make them easier to play and more versatile. I have Andriy Lassowsky devoted much of my time, energy, and resources to researching instrument design, use, orchestration, and pedagogy and intend to continue to do so here at Youngstown State and beyond.

“My ultimate goal is to incorporate all of my interests into my career path. That being said, I believe that my best chance at doing so would be as an educator at the college or high school level (after completing a master's and doctoral degrees), where I could continue researching music while teaching subjects such as music history, pedagogy, theory, and maybe even instrument repair. I cannot think of a more fulfilling field that allows one to help other people shape their futures while being able to craft and refine one's own methods and understanding of their field.”

ADVISOR’S THOUGHTS: “I have worked with Andriy for nearly two years as his flute professor and have great respect for his abilities as a musician and scholar. Andriy has perfect pitch, a clear sense of musical style, and beautiful musical expression. He greatly enjoys being part of a musical performing ensemble, working with other students to perfect the concert repertoire. Andriy enjoys the historical as well as technical aspects of music and makes valuable observations and contributions within the classroom setting. Andriy Lassowsky is kind and generous in his dealings with others and is definitely an asset to our university community.”

– Dr. Kathryn Thomas Umble, Professor of Music – Flute, Dana School of Music

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YOUNGSTOWN STATE

ANNUAL AWARDS

BERNADINE MARINELLI MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP The Bernadine Marinelli Memorial Scholarship is awarded to an outstanding student supervisor within Student Experience in memory of an exceptional educator and student advocate. Ms. Marinelli, the first female high school principal in the Youngstown City School District, was a dynamic person who helped many students to reach their potential.

Carmel Cerimele

Riley Campbell HOMETOWN: Stow, Ohio MAJOR: Nursing

HOMETOWN: Youngstown, Ohio MAJOR: Integrated Mathematics Education

In Riley’s Words: “My experience as a student supervisor for Adventure Recreation has helped me grow both personally and professionally.

Two years ago, I was offered the opportunity to become a Certified Climbing Wall Instructor. This threeday certification course gave me the confidence and skills to teach a small group of climbers the more technical aspects of rock climbing. Overall, my role Riley Campbell as a student supervisor has helped me to become more comfortable speaking in front of people because I have experience speaking on topics that are important and interesting to me. Serving in this role has also given me confidence to effectively teach my patients in the clinical setting.”

In Carmel’s Words: “Being able to hold a leadership position lets me go beyond everyday tasks to learn new procedures which help me become a more effective and knowledgeable member of the team every day. The position of Desk Manager has fueled the passion within me for helping, and has given me an immeasurable amount of respect for Carmel Cerimele all of our staff. When I look back at my time spent at YSU, this is the experience I loved the most. Not only has being a Desk Manager changed my life and created countless memories, skills, and relationships, but it has shaped my educational experience and the person I am today.”

Supervisor’s Thoughts: “Riley has taken the time to master the art and sport of climbing, but she sees it as her duty to share this with others. Though she is on track to become a nurse for her profession, her passion and skill for educating others is unmatched and she demonstrates this each day she works at the climbing wall. Riley is very responsible, organized, and genuinely cares about her peers and those around her.”

– RJ Markowitz, Adventure Recreation Coordinator, Department of Campus Recreation

Supervisor’s Thoughts: “Carmel has shown maturity beyond her years and a real dedication to professionalism in all of her endeavors. She is extremely conscientious and organized both essential in order for her to maintain her impressive GPA as she balances her role as Desk Manager. More significant than that, Carmel displays a loyalty to our staff that is immeasurable. Carmel has proven she truly has the heart of a caring leader.”

– Olivia Cupp, Interim Director, Housing & Residence Life

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BERNADINE MARINELLI MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP, continued

Maguire Franko

Patrick Donofrio

HOMETOWN: Youngstown, Ohio MAJOR: Finance

In Patrick’s Words: “Within Campus Recreation I have been blessed with great people around me to support me in being the best supervisor I can be. Working as a supervisor has Patrick Donofrio greatly enhanced my education in so many ways, such as the importance of taking initiative, learning new perspectives, building strong relationships with the people around me, and going above and beyond for our patrons. Being a supervisor enables me to make friendships with everyone in our building! Strong relationships with coworkers, bosses, and patrons make work more enjoyable, improve overall trust, and allow me to fully be myself while being around them.”

In Maguire’s Words: “Through my time being a Resident Assistant (RA) I have learned how to manage a group of individuals, build a community, and work with others.

My floor offers me a very diverse group of individuals each with their own morals, ethnic backgrounds, and stories. I enjoy the process of giving my residents a second place that they can call their home, because I now Maguire Franko know just how difficult that transition can be. My job as a RA has taught me so much, afforded me so many opportunities, and given me people skills I wouldn’t have learned from the classroom. Getting to work alongside my peers is very rewarding and they have been helpful every step of the way.”

Supervisor’s Thoughts: “Patrick has grown a lot in his time with Campus Rec. He is one of the most friendly and engaging staff that we have. He is always connecting with our patrons and staff building strong relationships along the way. He sets a good example for other staff, is willing to take on tasks even when they are not the most fun things to do and always with a smile on his face.”

– Cameron Adams, Assistant Director of Operations and Guest Services, Department of Campus Recreation

Supervisor’s Thoughts: “Since I have known Maguire, he has demonstrated a deep commitment to his students on multiple occasions. He took time to get to know his residents and immediately made them feel comfortable coming to him with their problems. I couldn't have asked for a better person in terms of empathy and positivity for the role. I am excited to see what he can do next year as well.”

– Jacob Haskins, Housing Coordinator, Lyden House

Jordan Record

Lydia Self

HOMETOWN: Youngstown, Ohio MAJOR: Marketing Management

HOMETOWN: Hubbard, Ohio MAJOR: Communication Studies – Interpersonal/Organizational Track

HOMETOWN: Rome, Ohio MAJOR: Middle Childhood Education, Science and English Language Arts

In Jordan’s Words: “Being a student lead in Penguin Productions is no simple task. It requires accountability, leadership, and organization. My positions have helped me improve these aspects of myself and utilize effective communication skills and concepts. Without my experience with Penguin Productions, I would not understand these concepts as well, and I do not think I would be as prepared for Jordan Record life after graduation. This organization has helped me academically and professionally to ensure that I am ready to jump into my eventplanning career upon graduation.”

In Lydia’s Words: “As a Resident Assistant, I have been given the opportunity to grow in the skills it takes to lead, build and foster these relationships with students outside of a classroom setting, which has forever changed the way I approach this same topic in my own field of study.

Nothing I have learned in my education courses could have prepared me for the challenge of leading a hall, and someday Lydia Self a classroom, quite like being an RA. I will forever be thankful to my residents, team members, and student leadership position for the impact it has had on my educational experience and the tools I will carry with me into the classroom.”

Supervisor’s Thoughts: “Jordan has demonstrated her growth and ability to thrive under pressure. She is incredibly reliable and trustworthy and I can say with confidence that she succeeds in leadership positions. By networking and creating relationships, she continues to grow our events for students and community members. She also supervises new team members in her responsibilities by making sure tasks are completed. Jordan is an absolute joy to work with and she truly cares about Youngstown State University.”

– Carolyn Jesko, Assistant Director of Student Programming, Student Activities

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Supervisor’s Thoughts: “Lydia helps set the mood for our Lyden staff. Without her, our staff dynamic would not be the same. Since I have known Lydia, she has demonstrated a deep commitment to her students on multiple occasions. She took time to get to know her residents and immediately made them feel comfortable coming to her with their problems. Lydia challenges me and helps me make sure we are giving students the best experience possible in Lyden House.”

– Jacob Haskins, Housing Coordinator, Lyden House

Cailey Tingler

Reilly Todd

HOMETOWN: Hubbard, Ohio MAJOR: Biology Pre-Medical

HOMETOWN: Canfield, Ohio MAJOR: Finance

In Cailey’s Words: “My position as a student manager for Pete's Treats has truly immersed me in getting the fullest educational experience that l could achieve while in college. It has provided me with responsibilities and situations that are further developing my skills to prepare me for my future education and eventually my advancement into the workforce. As student manager, I Cailey Tingler have to keep track of how well various items are selling while also making sure that the store is never running out of necessary supplies. Not only has my position allowed me to develop skills that have been applied to my schoolwork, but I have also gained more communication skills.”

In Reilly’s Words: “Being a Kilcawley Student Director drives me to become the mentor I have always wanted to be. I am highly aware, disciplined, structured, and geared towards detail. In short, this job has shaped me into a more improved version of myself. In just a few years, I have grown and will forever be grateful for being a team role model for Kilcawley Center. This Reilly Todd job has also taught me how to be open-minded in a continually changing environment, which is not usually learned in the classroom.”

Supervisor’s Thoughts: “During his time at Kilcawley Center, Reilly has demonstrated an extremely high and consistent level of work. He has excelled at working with the other student employees and his communication with his managers has been outstanding. He has a strong work ethic, never complains, has a positive attitude and always shows up for work on time. He goes above and beyond and often times completes job duties that may not be in his job description. He has flexibility with his work schedule and he often times picks up extra shifts to help us out. Reilly is very personable and leads by example in providing quality customer service to all patrons of Kilcawley Center.”

– Vaughn Myers, Associate Director, Kilcawley Center

Supervisor’s Thoughts: “Cailey’s leadership improved the efficiency and culture of how our store operated during these unprecedented times. She stands out amongst the other student workers because I could trust her with a great deal of responsibility. When Cailey was left in charge, I was confident that our vendors had a positive experience. She learns and adapts quickly yet she is grounded enough to know when to ask questions or seek assistance to be efficient in the use of time and resources.”

– Michael Cardwell, Assistant Director of Retail Operations, Kilcawley Center

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YOUNGSTOWN STATE

ANNUAL AWARDS

YOUNGSTOWN STATE UNIVERSITY

EMERGING LEADER PROGRAM DEVELOPING LEADERS TODAY TO LEAVE A LEGACY TOMORROW!

The vision of the Emerging Leader Program is to cultivate a spirit of leadership development that inspires students to act with passion and lead with integrity as a means of transforming our communities.

The Emerging Leader Program (ELP) is a structured, self-paced program designed to strengthen leadership knowledge and skills. ELP is built on the understanding and expectation that leadership can truly be learned, practiced and utilized by all individuals. In fact, the program defines and is committed to the perspective that “leadership is a dynamic process of self-discovery that fosters a passionate vision, collaborative relationships and congruency between values and actions directed at empowering positive change in our communities.”

Upon completion of the ELP, each student receives a notation on his/her academic transcript; an official leadership transcript; an ELP medal and certificate at the Annual Student Awards Banquet.

More importantly, each student has further developed the qualities and skills that are needed in order to be successful, to create a better community, to empower others, and to leave a positive legacy.

2021 EMERGING LEADERS

Oluwatumininu Adeeko

Jason Gibson

LaQuinta McDonald

Austin Angus Joseph Atkinson

Hunter Gladin Alexis Huffman

Trang Nguyen

Muhammad Riaz

Balakrishna Brahmandam

Brooke Crissman

Sarah Crowe

Jwad Eleyan

Alexandra Galantis

Cierra Jones

Sophia Lallo

Mackenzie Lewis

Galena Lopuchovsky

Katelyn Luther

Kamryn Rudolph

Paige Stewart

Rachael Thomas

Erin Urbaniak

Michael VanSuch

Theresa Wasylychyn

Reece Wilson

Daniel Yoder

To become a part of the program, call 330-941-3575 or email studentactivities@ysu.edu for further information.

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THE STUDENT SERVICE AWARD

Sherri Hrusovski Director, STEM Professional Services

The Student Service Award recognizes an outstanding individual who has demonstrated exceptional commitment to the students of Youngstown State University. All faculty, staff (excluding all members within Student Affairs) and members of the University community are eligible for this award.

Dr. Jeff Tyus

Tom Totterdale

Professor, Communication Department

Food Service Director, Chartwells

EDNA K. McDONALD CULTURAL AWARENESS AWARD Avery Cassandra Howard Smith

Keith Prestley

The Edna K. McDonald Cultural Awareness Award recognizes an outstanding individual who has made a lasting contribution to encouraging and increasing awareness of cultural diversity at Youngstown State University. All faculty, staff, students, and members of the extended University community are eligible for this award.

YOUNGSTOWN STATE

ANNUAL AWARDS 24

THE GILLESPIE-PAINTER AWARD Dr. Justin Jacob Edwards Haskins Lyden House Coordinator, Director, Career and Academic Advising

Michael Hanni Student Conduct

Housing & Residence Life

The Gillespie-Painter Award recognizes outstanding achievement in support of Student Affairs at YSU beyond the scope of assigned duties. All members within Student Affairs are eligible for this award.

Coordinator & Cafaro House Coordinator YOUNGSTOWN STATE

ANNUAL AWARDS

IN MEMORIAM This semester, YSU lost a part of our Penguin family. Michael Hanni, Coordinator for Student Conduct and Cafaro House Coordinator, passed away on Tuesday, February 16, 2021.

Michael began his career at Youngstown State in September of 2019. Though officially hired as a Coordinator for Student Conduct, Michael quickly became a part of the fabric of many additional components of student life on our campus.

Michael served as advisor for the Residential Housing Association (RHA) and for Theta Chi Fraternity, as well as elections board advisor for Student Government Association.

In the summer of 2020, Michael took on the additional responsibilities of serving as the Housing Coordinator for Cafaro House, overseeing the operations of the residence hall and supervising resident assistants and desk attendants in their service and support of Cafaro House residents.

During his time on campus, Michael built relationships with students and staff throughout our community.

He was always up for a conversation, whether about his beloved Pittsburgh Steelers, The Office, or his latest meaningful interaction with a student. He also put his culinary skills to work for the good of the community in his “At Home with Hanni” videos, which will provide us with lasting memories of him for years to come.

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STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION AWARDS DR. LUKE N. ZACCARO MEMORIAL AWARD

SMITHMURPHY AWARD

This award is given each year to a student in memory of the late Luke N. Zaccaro, Chair of the Math Department.

It is presented to a YSU student who may or may not be a member of the Student Government Association.

The individual should have done something exceptional for the University, Student Government Association or his/her fellow students during the course of the current year.

The Smith-Murphy Award is presented to one full-time faculty member each year.

The recipient must possess the qualities of Lester Smith and Gratia Murphy; the aforementioned for whom the award is named and they must show a genuine concern for the well-being and success of the students he/she teaches.

Dr. Kristin Bruns

REBECCA BANKS SPIRIT AWARDS Avery Howard

The Rebecca Banks Spirit Award was renamed during the 2019-20 academic year, the award recognizes the outstanding spirit and continued involvement of Ms. Rebecca Banks during her time as a student at Youngstown State University and within the Youngstown community.

Kennedy Romeo

DR. CHARLES A. MCBRIARTY AWARD

Its intent is to identify a member of the campus or Youngstown Metropolitan community who has displayed the same level of enthusiasm for the work of the YSU Student Government Association or campus community as Rebecca.

Established by the Student Government Association during the 1992-1993 academic year, the award recognizes and remembers the commitment and contributions of Dr. Charles McBriarty to students and Student Services during his tenure as VicePresident for Student Affairs.

Its intent is to recognize individuals within the university community who Dr. Alison Kaufman have a reputation for being exceptionally student-oriented and who possess the traits, ethics and friendly style exhibited by Dr. McBriarty.

A maximum of one full-time employee from administration, the professional/administrative staff and/or the classified staff shall be presented this award each year.

A maximum of two awards are given each year to a student, staff or faculty member, alumnus, administrator, or private citizen.

Elsa Khan

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Emily Vero

STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION AWARDS

YOUNGSTOWN STATE

ANNUAL AWARDS

JOHN J. GOCALA SERVICE AWARD

PRESIDENT CYNTHIA E. ANDERSON LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

The John J. Gocala Service Award was established by the Student Government Association during the 2008-09 academic year to recognize the commitment and contributions of John J. Gocala during his tenure as YSU Police Chief.

The intent of the award is to recognize one individual within the university community who has gone and still continues to go above and beyond the call of duty to serve the first-class Joy Polkabla Byers reputations and traditions of Youngstown State University.

The individual must truly work to preserve the best interests of the YSU campus and community.

The recipient of the Cynthia E. Anderson Lifetime Achievement Award shall have exhibited an extended commitment and dedication to serving the student body through various positions in the Student Government Association.

A maximum of one full-time student per year is given the award.

Justin Shaughnessy

THE HARRY M. MESHEL LEGACY AWARD

DR. MARTIN T. “MARTY” MANNING AWARD

The Harry M. Meshel Legacy Award, established during the 2017-2018 academic year by the Student Government Association, is in honor of the late Mr. Harry M. Meshel.

An influential political figure, Mr. Meshel made immense contributions to the valley simply cannot be measured.

This award is in recognition of the values of: public service, civics, education, culture, and dedication to one’s hometown, Donquail Mims each of which he brilliantly possessed.

This award is bestowed upon a Youngstown State University student, who may or may not be a member of the Student Government Association. The individual must have displayed the qualities Mr. Meshel encompassed, specifically the commitment to public service for the Greater Youngstown Community.

The Martin T. “Marty” Manning Award, established during the 2010-2011 academic year by the Student Government Association, is in honor of the late Dr. Martin T. “Marty” Manning. The award is in recognition of the superior student-mentoring abilities of Dr. Manning.

The award shall be conferred to a full or part-time student, administrator, faculty or staff member, or alumnus Erin Driscoll who has exemplified the student-mentoring capacity that Dr. Manning so avidly displayed throughout his Youngstown State University career.

This award shall be conferred no more than one time per academic year.

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YOUNGSTOWN STATE

ANNUAL AWARDS

PRESIDENTIAL MENTORS 2020-21

The students that are selected to serve as Presidential Mentors are an excellent group of student leaders; a leadership team that meets and mentors both the President and executive administrators of the President’s cabinet once each month throughout the academic year.

The purpose of the program is to interact with a broad, cross-section of University students, all the while encouraging those students to provide input at the Presidential and executive levels on important social, cultural, educational and political matters.

Youngstown State University has some of the finest students in American Higher Education and that fact is evidenced by the Presidential Mentors’ contribution to the University and the Greater Youngstown Community.

The student-mentors gain meaningful insight into the intricacies of American Higher Education and build interpersonal relationships that establish a model of leadership for the entire campus community.

This year’s group of Presidential Mentors follows:

Walter Allen

Kaylea Dillon

Sunny Do

Edward DuPonty

Veronica Erjavec

Francine Hazy

Julianna Johnson

Cody Joseph

Mark McKenzie

Clay Miller

Daniel Naples

Chelsea Olson

McKenah Peters

Lauren Rager

Kennedy Romeo

Samora Savage

Deepil Tiwari

Olivia Wall

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YSU PIN AWARD

for

Outstanding Graduating Student Leaders

Purpose

YOUNGSTOWN STATE

ANNUAL AWARDS

Since 1948, the YSU Pin Award has been a distinguished part of Youngstown State University’s rich tradition. It recognizes up to five graduating seniors annually who have achieved academic success and demonstrated outstanding leadership, motivation and creativity in university and community activities.

Criteria • • • • • •

Candidates must be graduating between December 2020 and December 2021.

Candidates must have demonstrated outstanding leadership in YSU campus life through participation in a variety of campus activities and community-wide service projects.

Candidates must have demonstrated character and integrity in their role as a YSU student leader.

Candidates must have a minimum accumulative GPA of 3.0 and maintained good disciplinary standing for the previous two years.

Candidates are eligible to be awarded the YSU Pin only once.

Candidates must provide a minimum of one, no more than three, references.

Selection

Up to five students graduating in the current academic year are selected by the Student Awards Committee. Candidates are evaluated based upon their application and references.

Natalie Chambers HOMETOWN: Warren, Ohio MAJOR: Financial Management MINOR: Marketing CAMPUS INVOLVEMENT: Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority (President, Fall 2019-Spring 2020; Slate Committee Senior Representative, Fall 2020; Pink Ribbon Cheer Classic Documentary Interviewer, Spring-Fall 2020; National Convention Delegate, Spring 2020; Officer Leadership Academy Attendee, Fall 2018 and Fall 2019; Vice President of Membership, Spring 2019-Fall 2019; Academic Achievement Chair, Spring 2018-Fall 2018; Greek Sing Co-Chair, Spring 2018; Philanthropy Chair, Spring 2018; Judicial Committee Member, Fall 2017-Spring 2018; Member, Fall 2017-Present) • Honors College (Member, 2017-Present) • iPals Community (Member, Fall 2017-Spring 2018) • Order of Omega (Member, Spring 2020-Present) • Emerging Leader Program (Member, Fall 2018-Spring 2019) • First Year Student Services (Ignite Ambassador, Fall 2020; Peer Leader, Fall 2019-Spring 2020) • WCBA Leadership Council (Member, Fall 2018-Spring 2019) COMMUNITY SERVICE HIGHLIGHTS: Pink Ribbon Cheer Classic • Greeks in the Streets • Pink Pancakes • Pink Out Week • Crown Classic Natalie Chambers Volleyball Tournament • Welcome Week • Guinathon • A Case of Love • Akron Children’s Hospital Mahoning Valley • Youngstown Press Club • Relay For Life • Penguin PenPal • Charity Miles • Junior League • Second Harvest Food Bank • Crucial Catch Football Game • Angels for Animals • Park Vista • American Red Cross IN NATALIE’S WORDS: “When reflecting on my four years at YSU, being a student leader is something that is the center of my experience. As a Freshman, I was unsure of so many things, including my major. I was a commuter student who came to class and went home.

It wasn’t until I started getting involved on campus that I saw my story change so drastically. Starting small and gaining minor leadership roles on campus opened the doors to many possibilities outside of my organizations. It helped me to find what interested me and I changed my major. I felt so connected to campus I never wanted to leave, so I moved into an on-campus apartment. My student organizations saw me as more than just a name and looked to me to step up and lead. My role as a student leader has helped to shape me into the individual I am today. Once, I was someone who was not confident and unsure of my capabilities. Through taking the leap and getting involved on campus, I have been able to accomplish things that I did not think were possible! I have blossomed into a confident woman who knows what her leadership style is, who knows what she wants to do in her future, and who did become the President of a student organization and led them to success during a global pandemic. My positive college experience was as a direct result of getting involved. As a Peer Leader, I encouraged students that no matter how big or small the organization is, if you are passionate, get involved! You never know what possibilities could be out there for you. My experience as a student leader has enhanced my academic success. I am proud to say that being a leader at YSU has given me the tools to be competitive in the job market and will continue to positively impact me for years to come.

This campus has given me so much in these four years and I cannot wait to give back to it as an alumnus.”

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YSU PIN AWARD

for

Outstanding Graduating Student Leaders

Natalie Chambers, CONTINUED ADVISOR’S THOUGHTS: “Natalie is a high achieving student in the YSU Honors College who is always engaged in class and in helping others. She is a wonderful role model for younger students, demonstrating an ability to balance academic success, involvement on campus, a commitment to serving, and a part-time job off campus. Perhaps most importantly, Natalie exudes kindness and a willingness to help others, skills that will serve her well no matter where her bright future takes her.”

– Mollie Hartup, Associate Director, Honors College “Natalie is motivated, intelligent, hardworking and most of all, kind. I have always been impressed with how others have gravitated toward Natalie because she is a natural leader in all the right ways. When I worked closely with Natalie as her advisor, I never had to worry about anything because she was always on top of things. If there was ever a problem, she handled it fairly and maturely. She always makes others feel accepted and heard, even if the circumstances weren’t the best.”

– Jessica Gaskell, Assistant Director, First Year Student Services

Mark DeAngelis HOMETOWN: Champion, Ohio MAJOR: Mechanical Engineering MINOR: Mathematics CAMPUS INVOLVEMENT: Robotics Club (President, Spring 2020-Present) • College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (Teaching Assistant, Summer 2020-Present) • Mats for Mahoning (Supply Coordinator, Spring 2018-Spring 2020; Vice President, May 2020-Present) COMMUNITY SERVICE HIGHLIGHTS: NASA Lunabotics Competition • Life Enrichment Activities Program • Mats for Mahoning • Champion High School FIRST Robotics Team IN MARK’S WORDS: “Being a student leader has been the defining aspect of my academic career at YSU. As the President of the YSU Robotics Club, I have gotten to lead a multidisciplinary project with much Mark DeAngelis more responsibility than I have previously experienced; this included overseeing two senior design projects, writing grants, and communicating with sponsors. While this has allowed me to work with a variety of students (and sponsors) who I would normally not have gotten the chance to interface with – and build stronger relationships with all of them in the process – it has also made me a stronger leader and student. I have certainly achieved more as the leader of the NASA Lunabotics competition team than I thought I was previously capable. From coordinating with eleven other students (and a dozen sponsors) on the same project to working with external companies to have components manufactured, I have learned more than I ever could have in the classroom. Similarly, as the teaching assistant (TA) for three classes, I have received a broader perspective on education by seeing how professors teach their classes. This will be especially useful to me in my future in graduate school in two ways: as experience for when I have to be a TA for or possibly teach other classes, and by reinforcing the concepts I previously learned in the class. Finally, as a member of the NASA Lunabotics team and a student leader for Mats for Mahoning, I have had volunteer opportunities to work with members of the community and benefit the underserved citizens of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley. This has allowed me to give back to the local area, as well as gain a deeper sense of gratitude for my education and upbringing. Overall, while at YSU, I have grown both as a person and student because of the opportunities provided to me as a student leader. I can confidently say that I am significantly more prepared for any of my future endeavors because of these experiences here at YSU.” ADVISOR’S THOUGHTS: “Mark is an extremely accomplished undergraduate student. In addition to excelling in the classroom, he has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills on campus and in the community. He treats all of his peers with respect, has an admirable work ethic, and shows a wonderful passion for learning. Mark also dedicates time to community service by mentoring a local high school FIRST Robotics Team, volunteering with L.E.A.P. to enrich the lives of handicapped young adults, and serves as Vice President of Mats for Mahoning – a volunteer service supporting the homeless community.”

– Dr. Jason Walker, Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering

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YSU PIN AWARD

for

Outstanding Graduating Student Leaders

Alexis Heldreth HOMETOWN: Lake Mary, Florida MAJOR: History, Religous Studies MINOR: Jewish Studies CAMPUS INVOLVEMENT: Youngstown Coalition Against Human Trafficking (Founding Member, Fall 2018-Present; Treasurer and Fundraising Committee Chair, Spring 2019-Fall 2020) • Phi Alpha Theta Honor Society (Member, Spring 2019-Present) • History Across the Humanities (Awards Committee Undergraduate Representative, Present) • Honors College (Member, Fall 2017-Present) • Knit Together, Stitch Together (Member, Spring 2018-Present) • United Way (Report Card Mentor, Fall 2017-Spring 2018) • Room of Requirement (Member, Fall 2017-Fall 2019) • Sigma Alpha Lambda (Member, Spring 201-Present) • Club for Jewish Culture (Fall 2019-Fall 2020) COMMUNITY SERVICE HIGHLIGHTS: Mats for Mahoning • Penguin Pen Pal • Canfield High School Speech and Debate • Austintown Girls Softball League

Alexis Heldreth

IN ALEXIS’S WORDS: “Writing and reflecting on these experiences felt extremely nostalgic, because the person I was when I started at YSU in the fall of 2017 would never have believed herself capable of any of it. I was quite shy (and am still naturally introverted and quiet).

If I were to ask to describe myself back then, the word “leader” never would have come to mind. However, my time at YSU constantly pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best possible way. From the beginning, the Honors College required engagement with new people and programs. Meeting these amazing and inspiring people, who soon became some of my best friends, inspired me to speak up more and fight for causes I care about. I became excited about, rather than terrified of, new experiences. Founding Y‐CAHT was something I had absolutely no experience in doing. It was the first time I had ever worked with a group to build something from scratch and it was my first official leadership experience at YSU. There were certainly challenges and frustrating moments. I made plenty of mistakes in that role, whether not communicating plans to the fundraising committee well enough, not marketing events correctly, or not being effective enough in campaigning fundraisers, but these mistakes also made me a better leader.

“My leadership roles have taught me about myself and my capabilities. They have also taught me how to be an effective communicator, as well as the importance of patience, selflessness, and admitting when I make mistakes. I was not a natural leader when I came to YSU. Rather, early opportunities at YSU made me a person who was willing to take on new roles, to see challenges and problems within our community and have the initiative to work towards something better. YSU molded me into a leader and my experiences here were made so much better because of it. I am by no means perfect and I still have a lot to learn in terms of leadership. I have a lot of growing yet to do, but my leadership experiences at YSU made me a better person and set me on the right track. I love it here and I always take every opportunity to talk to the people in my life about why YSU was the best option for me when I graduated high school and why it is the best decision I have ever made. I am so grateful for every opportunity and the experiences that have shaped the past four years of my life.”

ADVISOR’S THOUGHTS: “Alexis is that rare student who does not see her role in YSU as simply someone taking and passing courses. Rather, she has worked to integrate herself into the YSU communities she works with (in this case, History Program, History events and student organizations) in order to make significant and outstanding contributions, and to establish herself as a natural leader and go-to person in these areas. Alexis has made a wonderful impression and impact on our program. She has been nominated multiple times over the past year or two as an unofficial Ambassador for History.”

– Dr. Brian Bonhomme, Professor, Department of Humanities and Social Sciences

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YSU PIN AWARD

for

Outstanding Graduating Student Leaders

Kennedy Romeo HOMETOWN: Youngstown, Ohio MAJOR: Philosophy & Sociology MINOR: Nonprofit Leadership CAMPUS INVOLVEMENT: Presidential Residence Hall Leaders • Presidential Mentors • Student Government Association (Vice President for Assessment and Enrichment) • Youngstown Coalition Against Human Trafficking (Vice President) • Sociology Club (Secretary) • Student Diversity Council (Hospitality Manager) • Philosophy Club • Honors College (Member and Trustee) • Facilities Maintenance (Office Assistant) • First Year Student Services (Peer Leader) COMMUNITY SERVICE HIGHLIGHTS: Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corporation • St. Vincent de Paul Society • Catholic Charities • United Way

Kennedy Romeo

IN KENNEDY’S WORDS: “I feel that by being a student leader on campus I have added to my list of skills that I am able to take with me to future endeavors. Personally, the advisement and mentoring that I have received from faculty and staff has been exceptional and I will be forever grateful for the impact they have had on me. My leadership roles have exposed me to new ways of thinking and a varied demographic of both students and administrators which has helped to expand my approach and solutions to different situations.

“I believe I will leave a legacy of greatness and inclusivity at YSU. I hope that I will be remembered for helping to expand and solidify the Penguin Pantry as a necessary and long‐term resource for students. I also hope that I will be remembered for promoting inclusivity and an environment where students from all backgrounds can come and feel at home in. I am so very happy that my time at YSU has allowed me the environment that helped to create who I am today.”

ADVISOR’S THOUGHTS: “Kennedy volunteers for multiple social service and religious organizations within the community, including the Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corporation and United Way. She aspires to establish a non-profit organization that ‘supports and uplifts children of single-parent, low-income households’ one day. I have no doubt that Kennedy will achieve whatever she sets her sights on. Her hard work, determination, optimism, and compassion garners much respect from her classmates, co-workers, mentors and professors. She makes us all Y and Proud!”

– Dr. Denise Narcisse, Associate Professor, Department of Humanities and Social Sciences “It has been a pleasure to work with Ms. Romeo over the last few years. She is the kind of student that professors hope to have— one who plans to apply the knowledge she learns in the classroom to the real world. She is passionate about trying to make the world a better place. I wish her all the best in her future endeavors, both academic and otherwise.”

– Dr. Alan Tomhave, Associate Professor and Chair, Department of Humanities and Social Sciences

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YSU PIN AWARD

for

Outstanding Graduating Student Leaders

Brooke Schaefers HOMETOWN: Butler, Pennsylvania MAJOR: Biological Sciences MINOR: Environmental Studies CAMPUS INVOLVEMENT: Marching Pride (Feature Twirler, Fall 2017-Present; Captain, Fall 2020-Present; World Two-Baton Finalist) • Honors College (Member, Fall 2017-Present; Teaching Assistant, Fall 2019-Present; Recruitment Team Member, Spring 2020-Present) • Honors Trustees (Tours Of… Committee Member, Fall 2017-Spring 2019; Tours Of… Committee Co-Chair, Fall 2019-Spring 2020; Vice President, Fall 2020-Spring 2021) • First Year Student Services (FreshGuins Leader, Fall 2017-Spring 2018; FreshGuin Mentor, Fall 2018-Spring 2020; Senior FreshGuin Mentor, Fall 2020-Spring 2021; Ignite Leader, Fall 2018; Ignite Intern, Fall 2018-Spring 2020) • Delta Zeta Sorority (Member, Fall 2018-Present; Historian, Spring 2019-Fall 2019; Head of Invitation, Spring 2019-Fall 2019; Recruitment Counselor, Spring 2020-Fall 2020) • Order of Omega Honor Society (Member, Fall Brooke Schaefers 2018-Present; President, Fall 2019-Present) • Alpha Lambda Delta (Founding Member, Fall 2018-Spring 2019) • Phi Kappa Phi (Inductee, Spring 2019) • Emerging Leader Program (Member, Fall 2018-Spring 2019) • AVI Leadership Scholarship Recipient (Spring 2019) • Hirsch-Satrum Leadership Scholarship Recipient (Spring 2020) • College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (Teaching Assistant; Galapagos Island Research Student) COMMUNITY SERVICE HIGHLIGHTS: Dorothy Day House • Rescue Mission • Second Harvest Food Bank • Youngstown City Schools • OH WOW! • YMCA • Wick Park • GIVE Organization Volunteer Trip to Tanzania, Africa • Veteran Center • Vacation Bible School Camp IN BROOKE’S WORDS: “Having the opportunity to be a student leader here at YSU made my entire undergraduate experience. Through all my leadership roles I’ve held, I have seen myself grow more confident with each position. When I started here at YSU, I honestly did not know what would be in my path. I never really imagined back then to be where I am now. All the opportunities and leadership programs I have been a part of have given me the resources to be the best version of myself. With each position I’ve held, I saw myself emerge out of my shell even more. I have always struggled with my confidence in a variety of matters including academics, leadership, and overall personality. While it was a big step for me to get my hands on my first position, that was the first moment I felt confident in my body. It was then on from that moment that I realized I enjoyed that feeling of being a leader and being someone, people look up to. As I moved up the ladder and started to branch out into other organizational roles, my true self started to take form. When I think about my past four years, I don’t instantly think about the classes I took, but rather the relationships and moments I have created in my student experience. YSU has so much to offer its students and I was lucky enough to take those opportunities head‐on. Being a student leader made my YSU experience complete. I know wherever my next adventure takes me, all my experience being a student leader on campus has prepared me to take on any challenge and to stand confident in myself. I’m so thankful for all the leadership experiences and opportunities I have been given. I believe one statement that I hold near and dear to my heart is what will get me through this transition. Once a Penguin, always a Penguin.”

ADVISOR’S THOUGHTS: “Brooke exemplifies such a level of maturity and leadership in her courses and student activities that she encourages other students to higher levels of achievement. During the pandemic, she was outstanding as a role model for students and one of our finest examples of Penguin Pride.”

– Dr. Gregg Sturrus, Professor and Chair, Department of Physics, Astronomy, Geology, and Environment Sciences “I am 100% certain that Brooke is in not in the top 1% of honors students I have encountered in the past six years but rather the top 0.1% because of her drive, persistence, enthusiasm, and sheer love for learning and serving others. Hiring her is one of the best things I have ever done, and though I am so grateful to have been her mentor the past four years, she has probably left an even greater impression on me than I did on her. The energy and enthusiasm she brought to Youngstown State will no doubt translate and grow at the University of Miami next year, but I do suspect, however, that she will always bleed red and black and that she will always be YSU’s #1 fan.”

– Lexi Rager, Assistant Director, Honors College

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2020 -21

YSU STUDENT GOVERNMENT President / Executive Vice President Justin Shaughnessy Avery Howard

Executive Committee Jeffrey Senediak

VP for Financial Affairs

Kennedy Romeo

VP for Assessment and Enrichment

Tess Emerson VP for Student Life

Nadine Jones Parliamentarian

Gianna Battaglia Chief of Staff

Faith Marscio VP for Public Relations

Student Trustees Galena Lopuchovsky Victoria Woods

Representatives BCLASSE

Emily Crawford Julia Carson Michael Cline Angelo Elia Michael Factor Niko Mastorides

Graduate Studies Shantia Cox Jason Ehrenberg Francine Hazy Sophia Witt

Freshman

CCCA

Kyle Zimmerman

Elsa Khan Dakota Obermiyer Emily Vero

STEM

SGA Advisors

Austin Browne Balakrishna Brahmandam Bristen Evans Elie Louisa Kayla Slattery Dylan Straley Mariko Vaughn

BCHHS

Summer AbuHashim Meara Jones Austin Lattea Haley Lowe Lauren Myers Ashley Newton Dante Smith Cassidy Unger

WCBA

Thomas Almasy Andrew Montgomery Dominic Rodino

Ms. Erin Driscoll Dr. Alison Kaufman Dr. Brien Smith Dr. Chet Cooper

Academic Senate

Balakrishna Brahmandam, STEM Derek Randolph-Bettura, WCBA Katharine Donnachie, STEM Jonquil Fenton, CCCA Taylor Honsaker, STEM Avery Howard, Ex Officio Nicholas Koupiaris, WCBA Karlis Larson, WCBA Brendan McEvoy, CCCA Daniel Naples, WCBA Mark Pompeo, WCBA Michael Sacco, BCLASSE Justin Shaughnessy, Ex Officio Mariko Vaughn, CLASSE Danyelle Weidow, BCHHS

Youngstown State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, disability, age, religion or veteran/military status in its programs or activities. Please visit www.ysu.edu/ada-accessibility for contact information for persons designated to handle questions about this policy.