The Pillars of Leadership Awards

• This award honors two students completing their undergraduate studies who have demonstrated a philosophy of servant leadership through their service and investment in the growth and development of others. These students empower their peers and are motivated to lead from a desire to serve others.
  
• Students must be eligible for graduation in May 2024, December 2024, or January 2025. 
  

• This award celebrates the exceptional accomplishments of a first-year or second-year student who has demonstrated a remarkable ability to lead and inspire others within the campus community. A recipient should exemplify outstanding leadership qualities, such as vision, creativity, resilience, and effective communication skills, and leverage these skills to promote and advocate for the needs and interests of diverse communities. Their leadership has inspired positive change, encouraged collaboration, and cultivated a sense of belonging among their peers and the broader campus community.
• Only first-year or second-year undergraduate students are eligible.
  

• This award recognizes the exceptional achievements of a junior or senior student who has demonstrated outstanding leadership qualities through their active engagement and participation in various campus activities and initiatives. A recipient should represent the pinnacle of leadership excellence on campus, embodying the qualities of vision, inspiration, collaboration, and commitment to diversity, social justice, and advocacy. Their exceptional achievements and leadership qualities serve as an inspiration to the entire campus community, and their contributions have made a lasting impact on the campus and the wider community.
• Only junior or senior undergraduate students are eligible.
  

• This award is given to the student with the highest impact on the team that they competed on.
  
• Must be a member of one of our varsity, junior varsity, or intramural esports teams and be in good standing with the university.

• The Innovative Leadership Award celebrates the exceptional achievements of two student leaders that have demonstrated remarkable creativity, originality, and ingenuity in developing and implementing an innovative program or event that has made a significant impact on the campus community. A recipient should demonstrate a commitment to thinking outside the box and finding new and innovative ways to address complex challenges and opportunities faced by the University at Buffalo. Their remarkable achievements serve as an inspiration to the entire campus community, demonstrating the importance of innovation, collaboration, and leadership in creating positive change and promoting a culture of excellence at the University at Buffalo.
• All students (undergraduate and graduate) are eligible.
  

• This award honors one undergraduate and one graduate student that have given their time and energy to strengthen partnerships between UB and the Buffalo community. These students have demonstrated a deep commitment to mutually beneficial collaborations with local nonprofit organizations that address community issues through asset-based community development initiatives.
  
• All students (undergraduate and graduate) are eligible.

• This award is given to students within the UB Greek community in recognition of their leadership skills, academic accomplishments, dedication and service to the UB Greek, University and Western New York communities.
  
• Must be a member of a university-recognized Greek-letter organization and be in good standing with their chapter and the university.

• This award is given to students within the UB Esports community in recognition of their leadership skills, academic accomplishments, dedication, and service to the UB Esports community.
  
• Must be a member of the Student Gaming Association or hold a spot on one of our four varsity esports teams and be in good standing with the university.

• The Service Above Self Award recognizes one student and one faculty or staff member that have shown exceptional commitment and dedication to promoting mental health services and advocacy on campus. Recipients will have been instrumental in promoting and inspiring positive change in mental health stigma, engaging and educating the university community to promote responsibility in mentally positive behaviors. Their outstanding leadership, outreach, and dedication to cultivating a culture of connectedness and belonging serve as an inspiration to the entire university community, demonstrating the importance of mental health advocacy and services in creating a supportive and inclusive campus environment.
• All students (undergraduate and graduate) and faculty/staff are eligible.  
  

• This award recognizes a member of the executive board of a recognized student organization that has demonstrated exemplary leadership in fulfilling the goals of their organization. This individual has positively impacted the organization, serving as a model to their organization members and UB community.
• Must have held a position on their student organization's executive board within the last academic year.

• This award goes to one student completing their undergraduate studies and one student completing their graduate studies who are devoted to the UB community and strive to make it better for all students. These students are active on campus and have taken advantage of a wide range of opportunities. Beyond benefiting from a high level of involvement, these students have made sure that they have made a lasting impact on their peers and upon UB. Their spirited involvement is often a catalyst for others to become more engaged and upon graduating, their absence is widely felt. This student is the epitome of “True Blue”.
  
• All students (undergraduate and graduate) are eligible as long as they are graduating in spring, summer, or winter of 2024.

• This award honors one undergraduate and one graduate student that have demonstrated compassion, perseverance, courage, and leadership by engaging in the difficult work of fostering human dignity and common humanity through projects, programs, initiatives, and visions that promote cross-cultural learning, interaction, and education.
  
• All students (undergraduate and graduate) are eligible.

• This award is given to the student with the highest impact on the team that they competed on.
  
• Must be a member of one of our varsity, junior varsity, or intramural esports teams and be in good standing with the university.

• The Innovative Leadership Award celebrates the exceptional achievements of two student leaders that have demonstrated remarkable creativity, originality, and ingenuity in developing and implementing an innovative program or event that has made a significant impact on the campus community. A recipient should demonstrate a commitment to thinking outside the box and finding new and innovative ways to address complex challenges and opportunities faced by the University at Buffalo. Their remarkable achievements serve as an inspiration to the entire campus community, demonstrating the importance of innovation, collaboration, and leadership in creating positive change and promoting a culture of excellence at the University at Buffalo.
• All students (undergraduate and graduate) are eligible.

• This award honors one undergraduate and one graduate student that have given their time and energy to strengthen partnerships between UB and the Buffalo community. These students have demonstrated a deep commitment to mutually beneficial collaborations with local nonprofit organizations that address community issues through asset-based community development initiatives.
  
• All students (undergraduate and graduate) are eligible.

• This award is given to students within the UB Esports community in recognition of their leadership skills, academic accomplishments, dedication, and service to the UB Esports community.
  
• Must be a member of the Student Gaming Association or hold a spot on one of our four varsity esports teams and be in good standing with the university.

• The Service Above Self Award recognizes one student and one faculty or staff member that have shown exceptional commitment and dedication to promoting mental health services and advocacy on campus. Recipients will have been instrumental in promoting and inspiring positive change in mental health stigma, engaging and educating the university community to promote responsibility in mentally positive behaviors. Their outstanding leadership, outreach, and dedication to cultivating a culture of connectedness and belonging serve as an inspiration to the entire university community, demonstrating the importance of mental health advocacy and services in creating a supportive and inclusive campus environment.
• All students (undergraduate and graduate) and faculty/staff are eligible.  

• This award recognizes a member of the executive board of a recognized student organization that has demonstrated exemplary leadership in fulfilling the goals of their organization. This individual has positively impacted the organization, serving as a model to their organization members and UB community.
  
• Must have held a position on their student organization's executive board within the last academic year.

• This award goes to one student completing their undergraduate studies and one student completing their graduate studies who are devoted to the UB community and strive to make it better for all students. These students are active on campus and have taken advantage of a wide range of opportunities. Beyond benefiting from a high level of involvement, these students have made sure that they have made a lasting impact on their peers and upon UB. Their spirited involvement is often a catalyst for others to become more engaged and upon graduating, their absence is widely felt. This student is the epitome of “True Blue”.
  
• All students (undergraduate and graduate) are eligible.

• This award honors one undergraduate and one graduate student that have demonstrated compassion, perseverance, courage, and leadership by engaging in the difficult work of fostering human dignity and common humanity through projects, programs, initiatives, and visions that promote cross-cultural learning, interaction, and education.
  
• All students (undergraduate and graduate) are eligible.

• These 4 awards honor faculty, professional staff members, and graduate assistants/interns who have shown an outstanding commitment to mentoring, developing, supporting, and positively impacting undergraduate and graduate students through their participation, support, and active engagement. 
  
• Awards will be given to graduate assistants/interns, new faculty/professional staff members, mid-level faculty/professional staff members, and senior-level faculty/professional staff members.

• The Service Above Self Award recognizes one student and one faculty or staff member that have shown exceptional commitment and dedication to promoting mental health services and advocacy on campus. Recipients will have been instrumental in promoting and inspiring positive change in mental health stigma, engaging and educating the university community to promote responsibility in mentally positive behaviors. Their outstanding leadership, outreach, and dedication to cultivating a culture of connectedness and belonging serve as an inspiration to the entire university community, demonstrating the importance of mental health advocacy and services in creating a supportive and inclusive campus environment.
• All students (undergraduate and graduate) and faculty/staff are eligible.  

• This award goes to a UB employee, serving as an organization advisor, that showed an estimable dedication to the well-being of the organization and its members. This advisor constantly goes above and beyond in their role as the organization advisor, behaving as a guide and mentor for the students and demonstrating a strong commitment to furthering the mission and values of the organization.
  
• Must have served as an organization's advisor within the last academic year.

• This award honors and celebrates a campus and community partnership that not only makes an exceptional impact on the local community but also creates a space for learning through collaboration with University at Buffalo students, staff, and faculty.
  

Please note that only recognized student organizations and organizations that have not been found in violation of any University policies during the past academic year are eligible to win student organization awards.

• This award is given to a recognized student organization that hosted an on-campus event during the previous school year. The Event of the Year award recognizes the development and execution of an event/program that significantly enhanced the social, recreational, educational, and or cultural life of students and the general community. The award specifically recognizes events or programs that are collaborative, innovative, and unique, reach a wide audience on campus and have clearly stated outcomes. This winning program is one which student leaders can look to as an example of both community and leadership.
  
• This event or program must have been held within the last academic year.

• This award honors a newly recognized student organization that was chartered during the current academic year. The winning organization has put forth the effort to enhance the UB community and has maintained strong and consistent operations and has already made an impact on the UB community through its mission and values.
  
• The university-recognized student organization must have been newly founded within the last academic year.

• This award is presented to a recognized student organization that has demonstrated a significant impact in furthering its purpose through contribution to the University at Buffalo. This award recognizes the student organization that embodies the UB spirit through its commitment to leadership development, collaboration among groups, and efforts to enhance the quality of campus life at UB. Furthermore, this club has taken specific actions, including creating programs or leading initiatives, that have made a positive impact on the UB community. This award honors one recognized student organization that has enhanced the University, student community, the development of their organization members, and has continued to be reputable and have a strong presence on UB’s campus.
  
• All university-recognized student organizations are eligible.

• The Outstanding Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Initiative Award is presented to a recognized student organization that demonstrates an active commitment to our campus community in the area of equity, diversity, and inclusion. This award recognizes an organization whose educational or social initiative demonstrated (a) sustained initiative(s) to promote diversity, build community, raise awareness, and create a more inclusive and equitable atmosphere at UB.
  
• All university-recognized student organizations are eligible.

• This award is presented to the recognized student organizations that planned and provided the most outstanding co-sponsored program that positively impacted students on campus and demonstrated collaboration and teamwork among organizations.
  
• All university-recognized student organizations are eligible.

• This award acknowledges a recognized student organization that takes what its members learn in the classroom and applies the knowledge and skills to assist others in the UB or expanded community. This organization exemplifies experiential learning through the informed acts of serving others.
  
• All university-recognized student organizations are eligible.

This recognition opportunity celebrates the exceptional achievements of students who have invested in their personal and professional growth and development as emerging leaders through Leadership House. They have demonstrated a deep understanding of the importance of leadership, teamwork, and collaboration in achieving shared goals, and they have shown a commitment to making a positive impact on their communities.  
 
Their accomplishments serve as an inspiration to their peers, demonstrating the importance of leadership development and the transformative power of investing in one's own growth and development. 

The award recognizes the 2023-2024 graduates of the Student Engagement Ambassador internship class for their dedication and service to the Student Engagement Office and the University at Buffalo. They have volunteered to work over 100 hours this academic year to serve as peer mentors, conference facilitators, workshop presenters, and administrators for our micro-credential program, among other things.  They have encouraged UB students to get involved and helped them make the most of their UB experience, all while building out their resumes. 

A special thank you to our ambassador interns for their hard work and commitment to Student Engagement and to making the UB community a better place. 

This award recognizes students who have performed and tracked 500 hours of community service during their time as UB students. These students have demonstrated a strong commitment to giving back to their community. Through their volunteer work, these students have made a significant positive impact on the lives of others and have gained valuable skills and experiences that will serve them well in their future endeavors. Their dedication and hard work are a testament to the values of the university and the importance of service to others.

This recognition opportunity celebrates the outstanding accomplishments of students who have successfully completed a comprehensive leadership development program designed to help them discover and develop their full leadership potential. Through the Virtual Leadership Academy, students have learned what it means to be a leader and how to leverage their unique strengths and capabilities to make a positive impact on their communities.

These students have demonstrated a deep commitment to their own growth and development as emerging leaders and have shown a willingness to invest their time, energy, and resources in achieving their full potential.

Luke Hess’s commitment to service extends beyond participation, as he actively supports and guides fellow students, encouraging critical thinking and reflection on their service experiences. Luke embodies the essence of a servant leader through his unwavering dedication and mentorship within the student community.

Elnaz Amini has exemplified servant leadership by dedicating herself to the growth and development of her peers, both within and outside the classroom. She volunteers at her local library, where she assists community members as a translator to ensure access to essential resources. Her genuine passion for helping and empowering others is evident in her commitment to bridging language barriers and inspiring individuals to make positive impacts in their communities.

Sam Daponte co-founded the Buffalo Community Lab, an interdisciplinary social justice organization aimed at addressing the needs of historically disenfranchised communities by partnering with UB students through various programs. He is also co-founding a social justice affinity group aimed to unite Honors scholars, advance the community lab's mission, and foster lasting change within the Honors, UB, and Buffalo communities.

Gina Mersereau has consistently shown a strong dedication to engaging with underserved communities and using her skills to tackle important health issues. Gina's involvement in these initiatives not only underscores her outstanding leadership abilities, but also demonstrates her sincere passion for creating a positive impact in the lives of others.

The Crisis Services Advocate Program has partnered with UB's Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Unit for over a decade, providing a Campus Based Advocate who offers critical services to UB students, faculty, and staff. These services encompass case management, advocacy, referrals, counseling, crisis intervention, safety planning, and coordination with relevant on/off-site resources, offering survivors of sexual violence confidential support to navigate complex systems within UB and the broader community.

Annayah Noorani & Sarah Bukhari co-founded the Ignite Ilm Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to addressing educational disparities in Pakistan. Through strategic planning, outreach, community partnerships, and donation coordination, they actively work to combat these injustices and support communities close to their hearts. Their sustained commitment to volunteering and advocacy for educational equality exemplifies their deep sense of responsibility towards others.

Julian Livingston has served as an Alternative Break Team Leader for the LGBTQIA+ Rights program and as a community leader at Alliance House on campus, advocating for the interests and needs of his peers. Through his leadership, he has assisted residents with food insecurity, election day transportation, and access to resources tailored to the queer community's needs at UB.

Mala Mccormick-Cisse is engaged in research evaluating alternative programs to incarceration, focusing on their effectiveness for individuals with substance use disorders, which informs courts and policy makers. She also teaches within the criminal justice system as an adjunct professor with the Bard Prison Initiative, contributing to the educational advancement of incarcerated individuals and promoting equity and social justice through her work.

Shengming Cheng, also known as Wenzi, is a senior who has been a long-standing member of our varsity League of Legends roster. While Wenzi is our highest-ranking player, what makes him our MVP is his dedication, level headedness, and consistently showing the other players what it takes to be a professional. The best way his leadership is summed up is during tryouts, immediately after one of his matches concluded, he was already looking at a professional playing the same character trying to find ways that he could have played better.

Fern Hernandez recently took over as the president of the Student Gaming Association. Despite only leading the club for one semester, people who know him in this position can say with confidence that it feels like he has been around much longer than that. From helping register students for intramurals, to organizing events himself and helping other students organize their events to helping put out metaphorical fires, the club and community would be very different without him.

Outstanding Service to the UB Greek Community Awards are given to students within the UB Greek community, members of one of UB’s Greek-letter, social, fraternal organizations, in recognition of their demonstrated leadership skills, academic accomplishments, and dedication to service and philanthropic pursuits that benefit charitable organizations and causes within the University community and Western New York.  These students have been chosen because they are one of the first to extend their hand to assist others and exemplify their founding principles. Thank you for your service, leadership and going above and beyond.

Grayson Cary – Phi Sigma Sigma
Zaria Gibson-Stevenson – Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Cole Fredericks – Lambda Chi Alpha

Matthew Agurto demonstrates excellent mentorship through his dedication to supporting first-generation college students. His commitment to guiding and advising students within the TASS program has led to remarkable academic achievements and personal growth. Additionally, his involvement as a teaching assistant and passion for extracurricular activities exemplify his holistic approach to mentorship, making him an invaluable asset to the university community.

Dr. Nitasha Sehgal has an unwavering commitment to guiding and supporting students. As a professor, she goes above and beyond to create an inclusive and nurturing learning environment, fostering personal and academic growth even in large classes. Dr. Sehgal's dedication extends beyond the classroom, as she actively engages in mentoring students from diverse backgrounds and provides invaluable support, both academically and personally. Her exceptional mentorship approach not only empowers students to excel but also instills in them a sense of confidence and resilience, making her a truly deserving recipient of this award. Her nominator said “her mentorship goes beyond mere instruction; it inspires mentees to reach their full potential and instills in them a sense of confidence and resilience.”

Thomas Vane shows an outstanding dedication to guiding and nurturing future leaders. His genuine passion for empowering students and ensuring their success shines through his unwavering support and commitment to their growth. Tom's attentive and empathetic approach fosters a supportive environment where students feel valued, understood, and encouraged to push beyond their limits. His leadership, compassion, and dedication make him a truly deserving recipient of this esteemed award, enriching the lives and futures of those he mentors. His nominator said “under their mentorship I have found my true passion for serving others and making a meaningful impact. His dedication, guidance, and unwavering support have not only helped me grow both personally and professionally but have also inspired me to strive for excellence in all that I do.”

Dr. Alina Vereshchaka is celebrated for her exceptional commitment to guiding, nurturing, and empowering her students. With a holistic approach to mentorship, she prioritizes their professional, personal, and academic development, fostering an environment of growth and success. Through her dedicated efforts, Dr. Vereshchaka has not only facilitated invaluable connections and opportunities for her students but has also demonstrated genuine care and support for their well-being. Her excellence in teaching, coupled with her unwavering dedication to continuous improvement, inspires a passion for learning and critical thinking among her students, earning her widespread recognition and acclaim. Dr. Vereshchaka's profound impact and enduring legacy make her a truly deserving recipient of this prestigious award, enriching the lives and futures of all those she mentors. One of her nominators had this to say about our winner “they invested significant time in nurturing my skills and confidence, providing guidance that has been instrumental in my development.”

Dr. Kristen Moore has a true dedication to nurturing, supporting, and advocating for students. As Associate Dean for Equity and Inclusion, Dr. Moore's tireless efforts have not only made students feel heard and included but have also led to tangible opportunities and achievements. Through her unwavering accessibility, swift problem-solving skills, and remarkable leadership, she has facilitated transformative experiences for students, such as spearheading initiatives like the $40,000 program that empowered over 50 engineers from underrepresented backgrounds to attend the National Society of Black Engineers Conference. Dr. Moore's genuine care, unwavering support, and exceptional commitment to student success make her an invaluable asset to the UB community, deserving of this prestigious recognition. Her nominator had this to say “She is truly a rarity and a gem in our UB faculty and deserves her due recognition for her outstanding commitment to mentoring, developing, supporting, and positively impacting undergraduate students through her participation, support, and active engagement.”

Lori Chiarilli has dedicated herself to mentoring others through unwavering support, guidance, and advocacy. Lori's commitment to mentorship transcended boundaries, as she invested her time and expertise in empowering others throughout her time at UB. Her mentorship, characterized by meaningful check-ins and strategic guidance, fostered long-term growth and development, instilling in mentees a deep appreciation for accessibility and inclusivity in marketing. Lori's genuine care, approachable demeanor, and willingness to listen created an environment conducive to seeking advice and exploring new ideas. Her impact extends beyond technical skills, shaping conscientious and compassionate professionals committed to promoting accessibility and inclusivity.

Chirag can be considered a true visionary leader and advocate within our campus community. His dedication to fostering inclusivity and addressing diverse needs has been exemplified through various roles, including SUNY Student Assembly Delegate and Treasurer of the Quant Club. Chirag's initiatives extend beyond campus borders, as seen in his co-founding of Clean Campus, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting cleanliness and responsibility. His achievements, including winning the World Trade Center International Case Competition, reflect his resilience, creativity, and commitment to positive change. Chirag's journey from India to the United States is a testament to his transformative growth, and his ongoing efforts inspire others to make meaningful contributions to our community.

Daysia stands for leadership excellence and advocacy within our campus community. Through her unwavering commitment to addressing societal inequities, Daysia has made a profound impact, notably founding the UB Women’s Healthcare & Wellness Association to raise awareness of women's health issues and combat disparities. Her leadership extends beyond campus borders, as evidenced by her mentorship in the UB Upward Bound Program, where she empowers underrepresented high school students to pursue their dreams in higher education. Daysia's dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion is exemplified in her digital marketing endeavors, where she utilizes her skills to advocate for change and amplify the voices of marginalized communities. As she embarks on a career in genetic counseling, Daysia remains steadfast in her commitment to fostering equitable access to healthcare resources and combating systemic inequalities, showcasing her dedication to exemplary leadership and social responsibility.

Jason Jiang epitomizes the spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation at UB. Through his dynamic ventures and unwavering determination, Jason has transformed ideas into reality, inspiring others to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams. As a CoLab member and WNY Prosperity Fellow, he has demonstrated a commitment to driving change and fostering collaboration, notably through initiatives such as volunteering for the Tool Library and running their first 3D Printing Workshop for community members. Jason's leadership also extends beyond entrepreneurship, as seen in his involvement in Leadership House and dedication to mentoring peers. His remarkable journey exemplifies the transformative power of innovation and serves as an inspiration to the entire campus community, showcasing the importance of thinking outside the box and pushing the boundaries of possibility to create positive change.

Jason Jiang epitomizes the spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation at UB. Through his dynamic ventures and unwavering determination, Jason has transformed ideas into reality, inspiring others to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams. As a CoLab member and WNY Prosperity Fellow, he has demonstrated a commitment to driving change and fostering collaboration, notably through initiatives such as volunteering for the Tool Library and running their first 3D Printing Workshop for community members. Jason's leadership also extends beyond entrepreneurship, as seen in his involvement in Leadership House and dedication to mentoring peers. His remarkable journey exemplifies the transformative power of innovation and serves as an inspiration to the entire campus community, showcasing the importance of thinking outside the box and pushing the boundaries of possibility to create positive change.

Nicole Gerdes shows an exceptional commitment to promoting mental health services and advocacy on campus. Her selfless actions, from offering unwavering support to peers to prioritizing the well-being of others, reflect her innate dedication to serving a greater purpose. Nicole demonstrates a thoughtful and idealistic approach to leadership with a commitment to making a positive impact and fostering a culture of connectedness and belonging within the university community. Her compassionate leadership and unwavering dedication serve as an inspiration to us all, highlighting the importance of mental health advocacy and services in creating a supportive and inclusive campus environment.

Dr. Elizabeth Bartelt embodies exceptional dedication to promoting mental health services and advocacy on campus. As a health educator specializing in sexual and gender minority reproductive health, Dr. Bartelt's research and teaching efforts have been instrumental in inspiring positive change and reducing stigma surrounding mental health. Her outstanding leadership and commitment to cultivating a culture of inclusivity and belonging serve as an inspiration to the entire university community, emphasizing the crucial role of mental health advocacy in creating a supportive campus environment.

Selin demonstrates a spirit of dedicated service and exemplary leadership within the UB community. Through her unwavering commitment to social justice, advocacy, and education, Selin has made a lasting impact on her peers and the wider community. From her role as a Team Leader in the Alternative Break program, where she led immersive volunteer experiences focused on pressing social issues, to her extensive involvement in various community engagement initiatives, Selin's dedication to positively influencing others through servant leadership shines through. Her remarkable leadership skills, emotional intelligence, and academic excellence underscore her commitment to making a difference and serving as a catalyst for positive change within the UB community and beyond. Selin's tireless efforts and genuine passion for service truly make her the epitome of "True Blue" and a deserving recipient of this award.

As a fourth-year medical student and Rwandan refugee, Trinithas has had the opportunity to spearhead numerous leadership and service initiatives, from leading fundraising events to coordinating community outreach programs. Her advocacy for underrepresented communities, involvement in curriculum development, and co-founding of the Global Surgery Student Alliance chapter highlight her commitment to fostering inclusivity in leadership and making a global impact. Trinithas's enduring contributions and exemplary leadership truly embody the "True Blue" spirit, leaving a lasting legacy of positive change at UB and beyond.

Phi Alpha Delta Pre-Law Chapter has tripled in size since returning from the pandemic and had an exceptional focus on philanthropy this past year – collaborating with ECMC, Buffalo General Hospital, Buffalo Veterans Association Center, and participating in a cancer walk, a canned food/clothing/and blanket drive, and contributing to the SPCA. They’ve also worked with the Food Recovery Network, where the club donated their time in recovering food from C3 to donate to the unhoused. They have expanded their role of the Head of Professional Development which has focused on providing events and opportunities for their members to prepare for their careers, including “how to” seminars covering dressing professionally, writing cover letters and resumes, and LSAT presentations and tutoring. On top of that they’ve focused on improving their knowledge around DEI by inviting speakers from the Intercultural and Diversity Center and Health Promotion. The Phi Alpha Delta Pre-Law Chapter has shown how organizations can grow, succeed, and give back to their members and the community, which has awarded them Organization of the Year.

By bringing in medical tech representatives and resident volunteers, ENT-SIG providing hands-on experience with actual equipment used in practice, the event fostered a collaborative environment where many students were able to receive hands-on experience using strategies that have not been done before.

President of the Asian American Student Union (AASU), Hanna has embodied exemplary leadership through her approach of creating a culture of collaboration and inclusion. During her tenure she has fostered open communication, mutual respect, and a shared sense of purpose in advancing and celebrating the mission of AASU. Through strategic planning and diligent execution she has overseen the coordination of over 30 events and prioritized mentorship within AASU, recognizing the strengths in the collective efforts of its members. In my opinion, the most impressive feat of Hanna’s is her creation of a comprehensive club handbook to be used by future executive board members. It is easy to comprehend and incredibly comprehensive, I think any club could use something like that. With this in mind, including Hanna’s dedication, vision, and commitment to her organization and the UB community, we’re proud to award Hanna as Officer of the Year.

The Graduate Planning Student Association spearheaded numerous impactful initiatives, the most significant being the “Planning for All” campaign, a groundbreaking endeavor to promote diversity and inclusivity within the planning program. Under this campaign, GPSA has demonstrated a sustained dedication to promoting diversity, fostering community engagement, and raising awareness through social and student-driving activities including reading room takeovers where GPSA involved students, faculty, and staff, in meaningful dialogues, fostering understanding and celebrating diverse perspectives within the planning discipline.

Through a series of events and initiatives, both independently and in collaboration with other student organizations, NMDP Chapter at UB has successfully achieved their goals of recruiting donors, spreading awareness, and fundraising for their cause. One of the greatest achievements this past year has been recruiting over 250 potential marrow donors. Their commitment to this cause has also been evident through their dedication to community service, accumulating over 120 hours of service to date.

Although AASU’s nomination mentioned collaborating with so many different student organizations that I would be here all day if I told you them all, it was the collaboration with over 18 organizations for the AASU Night Market that stood out. This signature event not only showcased the rich diversity of Asian cultures but also provided a vibrant platform for different clubs to share their missions and engage with the broader UB community.

During the Spring semester the club has already arranged a tour focused for its students at the Linde Corporation, arranged an industry panel for alumni to share their experiences with its members, arranged a similar academia panel of our alumni, and has planned an R programming workshop and sessions to help new PhD students prepare for their qualifying exams. In addition to their academic works they’ve worked with the International Institute of Buffalo to make Western New York a better place for immigrants and refugees. The club has completed various service projects and outreach initiatives, as well as pro bono projects for community members.

Hannah Giarrizzo's consistent support and guidance have significantly contributed to the success and functionality of UB Circle K. Her proactive approach in assisting the club during meetings and events showcases her dedication and commitment to its growth and development. Moreover, her accessibility and approachability, along with her willingness to offer any resources she has, creates a supportive environment where members feel comfortable seeking assistance and advice. Additionally, her ongoing support and encouragement of club members, as well as her role in recommending potential recruits, highlight her dedication to the club's long-term success and sustainability.