ALAMOSA (April 2) – A dinner of uncommon cuisine, live music in the background, and well-dressed students are aspects of the annual Adams State University Leadership Awards Banquet. Matthew Martinez ‘13, Adams State veterans’ coordinator and master of ceremonies, greeted students and guests. He congratulated the students who go “above and beyond.”
The keynote speaker, Adams State Board of Trustee Kathy Rogers, shared her love of service. “Be a servant leader, someone who won’t make others do what they themselves would not do.”
Adams State alumnus Ken Marquez ’87 ‘94, vice president of student affairs, presented the 2014 Dean of Student Affairs Award to Isabella Whitten. Recalling his experience as a new freshman, arriving on campus with trepidation and uncertainty, Marquez said his resident assistant took him under his wing, helped him become involved and eventually thrive in the collegiate atmosphere. “That guy with that type of passion is why I love being the dean of students.” He congratulated Whitten for being a student leader who inspires others.
For six years, the event recognizes outstanding student leaders on campus. Aaron Miltenberger, assistant director of student life and leadership, remembers the inaugural banquet, an idea Jeni Carter ’09 ’12 saw to fruition with guidance from Miltenberger. He said this year nearly 100 responded they would attend and the amount of awards has doubled since its inception in 2009. “Many departments on campus appreciate the opportunity to recognize their student leaders.”
Throughout the evening, presenters said the following about the award recipients: “personify the award,” “sense of humor,” “persistent through personal and academic issues,” “people turn to him for assistaance,” and “has grown over the years and now is focused.”
Recipients included Gia Johnson, Admissions Leadership Award; Skyler Choice, AS&F Club Leadership Award; Ben Evans, AS&F Student Government Leadership Award; Kaylee Gomez, CASA House Leadership Award; Jordan Barker, Counseling and Prevention Services Leadership Award; Adrian Reyes, Emerging Leader Award; Isabella Whitten, Exemplary Service to ASU and Community Award; Ashley Favela, Grizzly Activity Board Leadership Award; Kyle Reinhardt, Resident Assistant Leadership Award; Seth Clock, Student Life and Recreation Leadership Award; Isabella Whitten, United Campus Ministry Leadership Award; and Ronnie Medina, Student Support Services Leadership Award.
Rising Star Awards included Kayla Angeloff, Nick Blazon, Grant Brown, AJ Harris, Raquel Kemm, Erica Norton, Kayleen Peretto-Ortega, and Chris Peterson.
Spirit of Student Support Services award recipients included Qiana Barfield, Soledad Dominguez, Bryanne Gallegos, Shelby Glammeyer, Laurel Heimstra, Haley Lanier-Pratt, Jeremiah Medina, and Lance O’Dowd.
What’s Been Said…