Annual Leadership Awards ceremony takes new shape

This year’s Leadership Awards looked a bit different than years past, but the achievements and contributions of Ohio University students were honored with gusto. The virtual event was hosted by the Division of Student Affairs and the Division of Diversity and Inclusion.

Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Jenny Hall-Jones emceed the program, noting the altered environment. 

“Usually, we cap attendees at 500 maximum, since that is the Baker Center Ballroom’s capacity. But we are not bound by those limitations tonight. For our awardees this means more family and friends are able to share this moment with you. This means that we will be able to see the faces and hear the voices of our individual awardees – something time usually doesn’t allow us to do.”

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The first series of awards were presented by Dr. Gigi Secuban, vice president for the Division of Diversity and Inclusion. Secuban acknowledged the number of challenges students have faced this past year and commended student leaders’ commitment to diversity and allyship. 

“Thank you for reaching out to each other to offer support and solidarity,” Secuban said. “Thank you for carrying the heavy mantle of leadership through this critical time. Thank you to those allies who have recognized their own shortcomings and worked to be better bystanders and engaged citizens. The world is better because of you, and we are lucky to have you at OHIO.”

Each of the 17 award categories was introduced by a video that provided background for the award and those who contributed to it. The awards recognize students and student organizational leadership that showed commitment creating the best experience possible for Bobcats during an unpredictable year. The theme, Make OHIO Strong, represents the adaptability and resiliency of students to quickly pivot programming, mentorship, jobs and relationships to fit the ever-changing environment. 

“These students didn't just stand at the front of the pack and claim recognition, they were in the trenches. They fought for equality, addressed food insecurity and advocated for their communities at the highest levels to bring about change,” said Hailee Tavoian, director of strategic student communications and co-chair for the Leadership Awards Committee. “I am always impressed by the honorees celebrated at the Leadership Awards, but this group is truly the best of the best.”

Molly Davis, a community and public health major, was the recipient of the Eyes of Freedom Award. Davis shared that “this university has given me so many opportunities to be who I am and to grow as a leader” and expressed her gratitude for the many organizations she has gotten to be a part of including Student Senate and Sorority and Fraternity Life.  

Sedric Granger was one of the recipients of the Martha Jane Hunley Blackburn/Donald A. Spencer Achievement Award. Granger, a journalism news and information major, shared how he has made OHIO strong through his involvement as a first-year student which “allowed me to be able to connect with a lot of people on campus ... and gave me the connections to be able to take part in the anti-racism efforts in Athens.” 

Through these efforts, Granger was able to explain how students and community members can better serve as allies. Granger said though it was difficult to get involved as his first semester was virtual, he did not let the online environment stop him from finding organizations to join and forging new networks. 

University President Dr. M. Duane Nellis closed out the evening with the final awardees as well as the announcement of the student trustee, who is the only student member of the Ohio University Board of Trustees. Nellis praised OHIO students for all that they were still able to achieve this year.

“All of us at Ohio University feel a deep connection to this singular institution and to our fellow Bobcats,” Nellis said. “That connection is a crucial part of what it means to be a Bobcat, and it is true whether we are meeting in person or online. The distance between us does not define our connection.”

A complete list of winners can be found on the Leadership Awards Gala website as well as below. 

2020-21 Leadership Awards Gala Recipients:

Arnold Allyship Award

Wendy-Marie Martin

Martha Jane Hunley Blackburn/Donald A. Spencer Achievement Award 

Jennifer Ayarkwa
Nia Dumas
Sedric Granger
Maya Meade
Andrew Williams

Charles J. Ping International Leadership Award

Majed ZailaeeLaura Ndoigo

Edwin L. Kennedy Leadership Award for Outstanding Community Service 

International Student Task Force
Julianna Yates

Eyes of Freedom Scholarship 

Molly Davis

Francine Childs Diversity Leadership Award

Betty Miller

John Newton Templeton Outstanding Senior Leader Award

Jalen Warren

Kerrigan Family Scholarship

Caylah Awls

Latino Heritage Achievement Award

Daniela Grijalva
Isabel Alvarez
Analee Davis

LGBT Center Student Hart Award

Gabriela Grijalva
Andy Figueroa

Outstanding Graduate Student Leader

Faustina MensahAmal Shimir

Outstanding Programming

Humanism in Medicine Club
Ebony Minds
Alpha Phi Alpha

Outstanding Senior Leader Award

Farah Chidiac
Allison Shryock
Suzy Aftabizadeh
Taylor Bradshaw

Rudy Leadership Award

Faith Laughlin

Stonewall Leadership Award

Luvina Cooley
Gene Dockery
ALLIES

Student Affairs Academic Excellence

Tyra Huxley
Jordan Schmitt
Jacob Levin

Student Affairs Excellence in the Workplace

Cassidy Dummitt
Brooke Klopfenstein
Samuel Carryer

Women's Issues Leadership Award

Lexi Jones