Outgoing SGA Prestident Stephanie Travis and Suraj Ayer stop and
pose with their Outstanding Woman and Man of the year awards. 
The Lion's Roar / Morgan Ledet

The Division for Student Affairs had their 35th Convocation and awarded students for their accomplishments this school year.

The DSA Convocation was held Tuesday, April 28 in the Student Union Ballroom at 7 p.m. 

The evening started with the inauguration of the new Student Government Association President and Chief Justice. The new Chief Justice, Stephanie Travis, was sworn in by 2014-15 Chief Justice Tim Reling. As the new Chief Justice, Travis swore in 2015-16 Vice President Bradley Watson and President Alexis Quackenbush.

“I was really excited but also really nervous before I was inducted,” said Quackenbush. “I want to continue everything Stephanie has started, and I want to be a voice for the students.” 

The award ceremony continued with the awarding of the Green “S” Awards. The Green “S” is presented annually to those students who have contributed to student life at Southeastern Louisiana University. There were a number of students who were presented with this award and the next award, The Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges.

This award program recognizes our nation’s leading college students.

The Alumni Association Outstanding Senior Award was presented to this year’s outstanding senior Justin Williamson. This award is based on the student’s GPA and activities both in and out of the classroom.

“Receiving this award validates the feeling that I have made valuable connections and a meaningful impact through my actions and service,” said Williamson.

Student Engagement gives numerous awards to student organizations and staff based on their community involvement and commitment to their school. The Student Organizations Award of Excellence was given to Alpha Omicron Pi Fraternity, Delta Tau Delta Fraternity, Phi Mu Fraternity and Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority. The Faculty/Staff Advisor of the Year was awarded to Julie Perise. 

The Outstanding Chapter Award acknowledges one chapter from each of the three Greek Councils who go above and beyond in many area of Greek Achievement. The women of Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. and Theta Chi Fraternity were awarded the Outstanding Chapter award. 

The biggest awards for Student Engagement are Greek Man and Woman of the Year. These two students are selected by the Greek community based on their involvement in and outside of their fraternity or sorority. Greek Woman of the Year was awarded to Randi Olivier of Phi Mu and Greek Man of the Year was awarded to Chad Mouledous of Delta Tau Delta.  

The Division for Student Affairs gave out the final awards for the evening. The Distinctive Service Award was given to Keith Kennedy, the DSA Service Award was given to Dr. Mike Asoodeh, the Female Outstanding Freshman Award was given to Megan McCormick and the Male Outstanding Freshman Award was given to Seth Leto.

The highest honors given out this evening are the 2015 Outstanding Woman and Man of the Year. The two students awarded are recognized for their dedication to the university and the DSA. The Outstanding Woman of the Year was awarded to Travis. 

“I was very shocked to receive this award, and I wasn’t expecting it at all,” said Travis. “I feel so thankful to the individuals that nominated me, to those who spoke on my behalf and to all those who congratulated me. It’s overwhelming to feel so supported and loved by my Southeastern family.”

The 2015 Outstanding Man of the Year was awarded to Suraj Ayer. His response to the honor reflected the sentiments of many award-winners at the event.

“I was very shocked,” said Ayer. “It’s the most prestigious award of our university, and I didn’t expect to get the award. As I was walking to receive my award, I was thinking about my parents, my professors, my friends and all the other people who help me all this time to get to this point.”

For more information on the Division for Student Affairs, check out their page on the university website.

 

Jim McHodgkins (left), assistant vice president of student affairs,
along with Dr. Marvin Yates, vice president of student affairs,
congratulates Lion Traxx driver
Keith Kennedy (right) on earning the Distinctive Service Award.
The Lion's Roar / Morgan Ledet