• 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 2023, December 2023, or January 2024. 
  

• 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 honors employees in the Here to Career program. We want to recognize the outstanding contributions and achievements of students who work while attending college. It is with gratitude and joy we recognize these students for their achievements in their student employment positions. The monthly award-winners for the academic year will be invited to apply for the Here to Career Employee of the Year award. Their nominators will also be asked if they want to supplement their original nominations.
• Must have been a Here to Career Employee of the Month winner in the last academic year to be nominated.

• 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.

• 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.

• This award honors employees in the Here to Career program. We want to recognize the outstanding contributions and achievements of students who work while attending college. It is with gratitude and joy we recognize these students for their achievements in their student employment positions. The monthly award-winners for the academic year will be invited to apply for the Here to Career Employee of the Year award. Their nominators will also be asked if they want to supplement their original nominations.
• Must have been a Here to Career Employee of the Month winner in the last academic year to be nominated.

• 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.

• 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.

• This award honors supervisors in the Here to Career program. We want to recognize the outstanding contributions and achievements of supervisors who work with student employees to help them make the most of their student employment experience. It is with gratitude and joy we recognize these supervisors for their achievements.
  
• Must have been a Here to Career Supervisor of the Month winner in the last academic year to be nominated.

• 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 2022-2023 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.

Julian Livingston, a second-year psychology student in the College of Arts and Sciences, is an outstanding candidate for the Here to Career Employee of the Year Award. He has excelled in his role as a greeter at the front desk for Health Promotion for two semesters, displaying stellar customer service and time management skills. In addition to his campus job, Julian is a resident advisor for the Alliance living-learning community and a research assistant in the SCOPE lab. Despite balancing multiple responsibilities, Julian actively listens to everyone he interacts with, responds compassionately, and has developed key problem-solving skills on the job. He is an ally and an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community on campus, demonstrating his passion for helping others and his exemplary character. Julian's commitment to his studies and his work on campus makes him a deserving recipient of this award.

Delaney McNulty is a highly accomplished and dedicated graduate student who is being recognized for her exceptional work as the Student Employment Graduate Assistant in the Career Design Center. Delaney has been instrumental in creating and implementing the student employment program, which has served over 30 students each academic year. She has also been a crucial mentor to student staff, providing constant support and guidance to help them achieve their academic and work goals. Through her innovation, Delaney has helped to democratize student employment within the Career Design Center and foster greater equity through various community-building initiatives. Despite her busy schedule as a doctoral-path student and volunteer, Delaney always exceeds expectations and inspires her fellow student employees to utilize every opportunity available to them. She is a shining example of resilience, adaptability, and authenticity.

Nancy Schimenti is an accomplished supervisor of student employees at the University at Buffalo, where she has been working since 2003. Her passion for working with students and helping them succeed has been the driving force behind her career, and she has made a significant impact on the student employment program at UB. Nancy has been instrumental in providing guidance, coaching, and professional development opportunities to student employees, which has resulted in a high level of engagement, investment, and inspiration among them. She has also collaborated with the UB HR training group to create and present a three-hour class on student supervision, which is now required for all supervisors who hire students through Bullseye powered by Handshake. Nancy's commitment to her work and her students has led to positive outcomes and enriched her life in many ways.

Brian Morreale has made an outstanding commitment to mentoring and positively impacting undergraduate and graduate students. As a course co-coordinator for the fall 2022 semester, Brian's dedication to mentoring fellow graduate students has been instrumental in the success of the graduate-level course RPG599: Techniques and Analyses for Cancer Sciences (TACS). Brian's mentorship activities extend beyond the classroom and laboratory settings, including mentoring research assistants in the laboratory and coordinating immunology events with the department representative. Brian's passion for providing mentorship, which emerged as early as undergraduate school, has proven to be highly valuable, making him a highly valuable mentor and teacher.

Dr. Catherine Jampel, a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Geography at the University at Buffalo, has been nominated for the Exemplary Mentorship Award. Although a new faculty member at UB starting in fall 2022, Dr. Jampel has already made a significant impact on her students. As a professor for GEO 102: Introduction to Human Geography, she is intentional about getting to know her 170 students individually, making them feel like more than just a number. Dr. Jampel goes above and beyond her duties, providing her students with academic and professional advice and guiding them in the right direction while equipping them with critical thinking and leadership skills. Her mentorship has inspired her students to be the best versions of themselves every single day.

Dr. Stephen Santa-Ramirez is a dedicated Assistant Professor of Higher Education at the University at Buffalo, with an unwavering commitment to the betterment of his students and the education community as a whole. His remarkable achievements in the field of education are demonstrated by the numerous articles and book chapters he has published in recent years, and his work has earned him recognition as a Diamond Honoree for the American College Personnel Association. Dr. Santa-Ramirez's impact extends beyond his faculty role, as he supervises multiple research teams and advises over six master's and doctoral students. His mentorship and guidance have earned him high praise from his students, who describe him as an inspiring, compassionate, and caring leader who has helped shape their academic journeys. The University at Buffalo is fortunate to have Dr. Santa-Ramirez as a faculty member, and his contributions have made it a better and more welcoming place for all.

Josh Sticht is an outstanding member of the University Police Department and an exceptional mentor to his colleagues. He is highly dedicated to supporting the growth and development of his colleagues, both within the department and across the university. Josh is also an exemplary model of dedication to supporting students as they engage in free speech events, exemplifying his unwavering commitment to upholding the values of the university. His leadership and mentoring have made a significant positive impact on the University Police department and the wider university community.

Kamya Shah is an outstanding and dedicated student with a double major in neuroscience and biomedical sciences, who has made a significant impact on the University at Buffalo community. She has been involved in many organizations and has served as a Student Engagement Ambassador intern, WISE mentor, First-Generation peer mentor, Research Assistant, and Teaching Assistant, among other things. Kamya has volunteered over 500 hours through UB the Impact Challenge with various groups and organizations at UB and in the broader community, including Luna Medical Care as a scribe, Global Medical Brigades in Guatemala, and Pre-meds without Borders, Buffalo. Kamya has facilitated workshops on subjects like time management, public speaking, and communication for leaders and has helped students get involved in clubs and organizations. Her energy and enthusiasm can be felt by the students who come to her for advice and the other peer mentors she works with. Kamya's legacy will inspire upcoming students to continue her work as a servant leader at UB.

Kevin Corrales is a senior in Engineering and the elected president of the Latin American Student Association (LASA) at UB. He led the planning and successful execution of the club's 17th annual heritage banquet, which celebrated Latino culture and brought the Latine community on campus together. When a new policy was passed restricting clubs like LASA from subsidizing non-student tickets to their events, Kevin led a successful protest on campus, which raised awareness for other issues affecting the Latino community. As a mentor in the UB Sound and Vibration Lab, he has provided guidance and advice to undergraduate students of color. Kevin's motives are driven by love and compassion for his community, and he sees it as his obligation to support students however he can.

Adam Ghraizi is a remarkable student from Lebanon who has made a significant impact in his community and beyond. He co-founded Oxygène, a nonprofit organization that has provided critical assistance during the pandemic and after the Beirut Blast. Oxygène has also initiated reforestation projects and food and donation drives to support underserved communities and refugee populations. Despite being in the United States for only four years, Adam has been an active volunteer in his local community, including at Buffalo General Hospital, the Avenue D Recreational Center, and the Sunset House Hospice. He has even extended his service to children in Yemen by creating a fundraiser and recording educational videos during the pandemic. Adam's servant leadership philosophy and dedication to serving others make him a deserving winner of this award.

Catherine Lawton, a student at UB’s Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, has been selected for the Innovative Student Leadership Award for her work on the JSMBS adaptive ski program. Inspired by her personal experience as an adaptive skier, Catherine partnered with Holimont’s Phoenix Adaptive Ski Program to create a volunteer opportunity for medical students to assist instructors and adaptive athletes on the slopes. Under her leadership, the program saw 26 JSMBS volunteers, including six leadership positions, rotating to volunteer every Saturday for the entire ski season. This program provided medical students with the opportunity to engage with people with disabilities outside of a clinical setting and was a reminder that there is life after injury/diagnosis. The program has been a huge success and will continue to be an enriching partnership for years to come.

The Seneca-Babcock Community Association in Buffalo, NY is a leading organization in the human and social services sector in Western New York. Their work is centered around providing comprehensive and inclusive programs that support the well-being of the communities they serve. With a focus on six key areas of development, including sports and recreation, education, arts and media, health and wellness, workforce development, and character and leadership, the association provides training and support to families that promote healthy homes and futures. Through partnerships with residents, elected officials, and program partners, the Seneca-Babcock Community Association continues to foster a strong sense of community and a brighter future for all.

Daysia Augustin is a junior at the University at Buffalo studying neuroscience with a minor in psychology. Despite facing challenges with her health and adjusting to college life, she persevered and discovered a passion for addressing sex-specific healthcare disparities. She founded the Women’s Healthcare & Wellness Association on campus, an inclusive organization dedicated to educating and empowering women with sex-specific health information. As the President of WHWA, Daysia has organized various events and initiatives, including a food drive for the Buffalo City Mission and a list of emergency resources for students. By centering the club on intersectional feminism, she has created a sense of community and encouraged conversations that broaden perspectives on healthcare disparities. Her work has made a positive impact on the UB community.

Qui’Essence Harris is an exceptional leader who has made a significant impact through various programs. She currently serves as the President of the Black Law Student Association (BLSA) and has established the DEI Council, a pioneering student organization that aims to bridge the gap between all affinity groups on campus. Under her leadership, the DEI Council has created projects and programs that promote diversity, foster interaction between different student groups, and encourage a sense of community among students. Qui’Essence has also demonstrated her commitment to civil rights and transparency by participating in a clinic focused on these issues. Her exceptional achievements can be seen through her contributions to BLSA and the DEI Council, as well as her involvement in the civil rights clinic.

Jonathan Abraham is the deserving recipient of the Fraternity & Sorority Life Outstanding Service Award at UB. As a member of Lambda Chi Alpha, he has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills, academic achievements, and a deep commitment to service and philanthropy. His dedication to benefiting charitable causes within the University community and Western New York is truly inspiring. Jonathan is known for always extending a helping hand to others, and his actions exemplify the founding principles of his organization. His outstanding service and leadership have gone above and beyond, making him a true asset to the UB community. 

Temilayo Anthony is a deserving recipient of the Fraternity & Sorority Life Outstanding Service Award, given to outstanding members of UB's Greek community who demonstrate exceptional leadership skills, academic achievements, and dedication to service and philanthropy that benefit charitable organizations and causes within the University community and Western New York. As a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Temilayo exemplifies her founding principles through her tireless efforts to serve her community. She has shown an unwavering commitment to improving the lives of those around her, whether by volunteering with local charities or leading her organization's philanthropic initiatives. Temilayo's leadership, dedication, and selflessness make her a true asset to both the Greek community and the University as a whole.

Cameron Kiner is an exceptional student leader who has made significant contributions to his campus community. He was elected as the President of Spaulding's Hall Council, served as a conference delegate for the Northeast Affiliate of College and University Residence Halls Regional Leadership Conference, and was part of the G14 Leadership Summit Planning Committee. Cameron is also a Student Association Senator, a member of the Honors College, a member of Leadership House, and an administrative assistant for a local assemblyman. Cameron's passion for leadership, dedication to his fellow students, and unique leadership style make him a deserving candidate for the Emerging Student Leader Award.

Madison Nitsche is a second-year undergraduate student with exceptional leadership qualities and an ability to inspire positive change in the campus community. As a Senator for Governors Complex and the Director of Sustainability for the Residence Hall Association, she collaborated with the Office of Sustainability on various programs, including Trick-or-Trash. Madison's outstanding leadership skills and adaptability led her to serve as the interim RHA Vice President of Engagement, and she was later elected officially by the RHA Senate. She redefined programming for RHA, leading the record-breaking RHA Sex Series, where over 600 students attended the four programs in a week. Madison's leadership skills have also been recognized and sought after in the SUNY Student Assembly, where she is currently the Executive Director of Communications, overseeing all external communications for the assembly. Madison's passion for making a difference in the lives of others is inspiring, and her outstanding achievements make her an exceptional emerging leader who deserves the Emerging Student Leader Award.

Maxine Dupuis is an exceptional student who has transformed the NY Nu chapter of Tau Beta Pi as its Chapter President while also competing as a Division I athlete. She has fostered a sense of community within the membership, resulting in the chapter's successful coordination of large-scale events that have benefited the entire University at Buffalo School of Engineering and Applied Sciences community. Maxine has motivated her fellow executive board members to execute their responsibilities and they fully back her vision. In addition to her leadership role, Maxine competes for the University at Buffalo as a member of the Division I cross country and track and field teams. She advocates for the LGBTQIA+ community within the athletics programs, promotes initiatives on athlete mental health, and supports the next generation of runners through community service.

A.J. Franklin is a senior psychology major with a minor in entrepreneurship who has achieved remarkable accomplishments during his time at UB. He serves as the UB Council Student Representative, chair of the Council of Advocacy and Leadership, an assistant editor for The Spectrum, and a DJ in his free time. A.J. has been working hard to make a difference in the university by joining 12 committees, senates, councils, and advisory boards, where he has successfully managed a $457,000 programming fund, diversified food options on campus, and worked towards better Wi-Fi reliability. A.J.'s proudest achievement so far has been working towards a university-wide academic calendar change, which will likely have a positive impact on hundreds of thousands of future UB students. A.J.'s leadership has been recognized by various members of the UB community, including President Tripathi who called it “excellent.”

Maahi Muntaqa and Kartike Chaurasia are two computer science students who were part of a volunteer team that created an ADA-compliant website to gamify the Next Level Leadership Mentoring Conference. Maahi was the front-end designer who ensured that the website not only looked good but was also compliant with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2) international standard, while Kartike was the back-end code writer who built the website framework and supported the gamification. They collaborated with Susan O'Rourke and Mary Hennessey to bring their ideas to life. The website was used by over 100 unique users at the conference, and UB's School of Management has already inquired about using the technology in its programs. Maahi and Kartike's hard work and leadership have promoted a culture of excellence at UB and have helped students and mentors participate in an innovative program without barriers.

Catherine Lawton, a student at UB’s Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, has been selected for the Innovative Student Leadership Award for her work on the JSMBS adaptive ski program. Inspired by her personal experience as an adaptive skier, Catherine partnered with Holimont’s Phoenix Adaptive Ski Program to create a volunteer opportunity for medical students to assist instructors and adaptive athletes on the slopes. Under her leadership, the program saw 26 JSMBS volunteers, including six leadership positions, rotating to volunteer every Saturday for the entire ski season. This program provided medical students with the opportunity to engage with people with disabilities outside of a clinical setting and was a reminder that there is life after injury/diagnosis. The program has been a huge success and will continue to be an enriching partnership for years to come.

Iryna Dovirak is an outstanding student who has dedicated herself to promoting wellness and mental health outreach. As a medical student, she understands the importance of taking care of oneself in order to best care for others. Iryna is known for promoting wellness in her school as a member of the executive board for the Wellness Committee at the Jacob's School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. She has gone above and beyond to promote mental health in her extracurriculars, including working with the Human Rights Initiative to address women's health and mental health of torture victims seeking asylum. Additionally, Iryna is a Peer Educator for first-year medical students and always offers wellness and community opportunities for her peers to de-stress. Her dedication to addressing mental health needs in any group she serves is why she is most deserving of the Service Above Self Award.

Dr. Colleen Balukas is a highly esteemed faculty member at the University at Buffalo who has been awarded the Service Above Self Award for her exceptional dedication to her students' well-being. As a coordinator for the Research Literacy Lab (RLL), she provides her students with not only academic guidance but mental health support as well. Dr. Balukas promotes a healthy work-life balance and prioritizes her students' self-care by providing resources and check-ins during meetings. Her efforts have helped to create a positive and engaged community of students who feel supported and valued. Dr. Balukas is an outstanding educator and mentor who has made a lasting impact on the University at Buffalo, and her commitment to student's mental health and well-being is truly exceptional.

Aiona Lawrence is an exceptional international student who has made a significant impact on the university community through her leadership and dedication to service. As a participant and a leader in two separate volunteer trips, Aiona has demonstrated a remarkable passion for service and the concept of agency. She has also shown exceptional leadership skills by confidently and eloquently explaining concepts to increase the engagement of participants on the trip and coming to the aid of a student in need. In addition to her volunteer work, Aiona has also been very committed to her field of study in Management Information Systems and Data Analytics, where she consistently demonstrates a strong work ethic and a dedication to excellence. As a Community Advisor for Campus Living, Aiona has created a space for students to thrive via the residential education curriculum every day in South Lake Village. Overall, Aiona's exceptional leadership skills, passion for service, and dedication to her peers make her an excellent representative of the values and mission of the University at Buffalo.

Jada Mowatt is an accomplished campus leader and community builder. She has served as a Resident Advisor and worked with Campus Living for three years, including as an Engineering Academic Assistant in 2020-2021 and as a Resident Advisor in the Daniel Acker Scholars’ Living Learning Community since 2021. She is also a First Impressions Student Assistant and Graduate Student Ambassador for Dean Kemper Lewis of the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS). As President of SEAS’ UB STEMinism organization, she has created a supportive space for women of color in STEM majors. Additionally, she worked for the Orientation, Transition, and Parent Programs office for three years and has always gone above and beyond to help others. She prides herself on being a positive role model and lending a helping hand to anyone in the UB community.

The UB Chapter of the Food Recovery Network (FRN) has become a movement of student leaders, volunteers, and community members dedicated to reducing food waste on the University at Buffalo campus and beyond. Since April 2021, FRN has recovered 14,255 lbs of food, bringing the total to 22,469 lbs, or 18,725 meals. Through weekly food recoveries at the university-operated dining halls, off-campus Starbucks, and university events, FRN has engaged 195 unique students, and its partnerships with student organizations, such as Vegan Club and Rotaract, have been instrumental in expanding its reach. The organization has also hosted innovative events, such as a spelling bee and a cooking demo, to build a sense of community among its members. Through its partnerships with DoorDash and seven nonprofit organizations, FRN has been able to donate hundreds of pounds of food each week and provide volunteer opportunities for students. FRN's recognition of its volunteers, including its pin system, award ceremony, and graduation stoles, demonstrates the organization's commitment to appreciating its members' hard work.

The University at Buffalo's Human Rights Initiative (HRI) has been making strides since its founding in 2014 by providing medical and psychiatric evaluations to survivors of torture or persecution seeking asylum in the Buffalo area. In August of 2022, HRI hosted a groundbreaking virtual, interdisciplinary conference on Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) featuring speakers from prestigious universities and organizations such as Harvard University and the University of Pennsylvania. Attendees from various medical and professional schools across the United States participated in a problem-solving session to brainstorm ways to improve awareness and access to reconstructive surgeries for survivors of FGM/C. The conference's success was measured by an Institutional Review Board-approved pre- and post-event survey study, and its findings were presented at prestigious conferences. The HRI's Interdisciplinary Conference on FGM/C deserves recognition for its unique and necessary efforts to raise awareness and advocate for positive community changes.

Vaishali Maheshkar is a second-year Ph.D. student in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at UB. As the President of the Graduate Indian Student Association (GISA), she has helped fellow students with various issues such as phone call scams and email fraud, and coordinated a meeting with a representative from International Student Services (ISS) to address concerns faced by students. She also successfully requested the installation of ambient/warm drinking water units in the Lockwood library and other libraries, to promote healthy hydration habits and aid students who spend long hours studying. Vaishali has organized and conducted various events for graduate students such as Diwali, Holi, and Dance Dilse, which were well attended and provided a sense of connection and homely feeling to students. She collaborated with local organizations like the India Association of Buffalo for events like Republic Day and secured funding for the upcoming Holi event, which promises to be grand and fun. With her many achievements and contributions, Vaishali deserves to be recognized as the Student Organization Officer of the Year.

The UB Women’s Healthcare & Wellness Association has had a successful first year as an on-campus organization, dedicated to promoting the healthcare and overall wellness of all women. With a focus on education and advocacy, they have worked to de-stigmatize female sexual pleasure, provide female-focused sex education, advocate for contraception availability and reproductive rights, and spread awareness about medical care disparities. In addition, the organization has created an inclusive environment that celebrates diversity, with male members and people from different sexualities, ethnic backgrounds, and religious beliefs. They have accomplished a lot, including holding fourteen general body meetings and hosting various events to promote community amongst its members while spreading awareness about different health subjects. Moreover, the organization has created several service opportunities for its members to support the greater Buffalo community. Overall, their efforts have had a positive impact on the UB community and have earned them the Outstanding Equity, Diversity, & Inclusive Initiative Award.

The Hindu Students Council (HSC) at UB has been awarded the New Student Organization Award due to its exceptional achievements in promoting Hinduism and cultural awareness on campus. Since being officially approved in January of this year, HSC has held several successful events, including the inaugural Ganesh and Saraswati Aarti, a Mahasviratri event, a Tilak Holi event, and a Krishna Aarti. The organization also has an active Instagram account where they share Hindu festivals, Sanskrit words, and important historical Hindu figures. HSC's dedication to community service is evident through its donations to the HSC of WNY and its efforts to help establish HSC chapters at other universities. Their impact has been significant, providing a space for Hindu students to connect with their cultural identity and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusivity on campus.

Late Night at UB, a co-sponsored program between the Residence Hall Association (RHA), the Student Association (SA), the UB Stand-Up and Laugh Club, and the UB Musicians, has been awarded the Student Organization Collaboration Award. This event is a testament to the exceptional teamwork and collaboration among student organizations, resulting in a program that positively impacts the University at Buffalo community. The SA provided marketing and media production support, while the UB Stand-Up and Laugh Club contributed creative input and writing assistance for comedic segments, and the UB Musicians added a layer of professionalism and energy as the house band. Additionally, Late Night at UB has showcased other student organizations such as LASA, FASA, UB Improv, the Buffalo Chips, and the Enchords. Late Night at UB has had three successful shows this academic year, highlighting the power of collaboration between student organizations.

The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) at UB is a student organization that has achieved excellence in academics and service. SAE is composed of two competition teams, Mini-Baja and Clean Snowmobile, as well as other projects such as Battlebots and Electric Baja. Through their participation in these competitions, SAE members apply the knowledge they have gained in their mechanical engineering classes to design, fabricate, and test vehicles and present their findings in engineering and sales presentations. SAE also participates in community events such as K-12 STEM initiatives and tabling at the Buffalo Science Museum, helping to make a positive impact on the community while developing valuable skills. Overall, SAE is a testament to the application of classroom learning to real-world projects and community engagement.