{"id":10235,"date":"2018-02-16T23:55:14","date_gmt":"2018-02-17T03:55:14","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.kzoo.edu\/news\/?p=10235"},"modified":"2024-09-17T15:09:11","modified_gmt":"2024-09-17T19:09:11","slug":"senior-leadership","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kzoo.edu\/news\/senior-leadership\/","title":{"rendered":"Senior Leadership Recognition Awards Honor Exceptional Service"},"content":{"rendered":"

Already widely known on campus for their invaluable contributions to the community, 25 seniors have been honored with Kalamazoo College Senior Leadership Recognition Awards. They include talented athletes, outstanding students, dedicated resident assistants, members of the President\u2019s Student Ambassadors and leaders of student organizations<\/a>. In many cases, they fall into more than one of these categories. Senior leadership nominations came from faculty<\/a>, coaches and staff throughout the College.<\/p>\n

\"2018
Senior Leadership Award winners Friday were (front row, from left) Sean Peterkin, Elyse Tuennerman, Erin Butler, Emily Good, Lia Williams and Sep\u2019tisha Riley; (second row, from left) Cindy Xiao, Sivhaun Sera, Hannah Berger, Laetitia Ndiaye and Skyler Norgaard; (third row, from left) Leah Finelli, Khusbu Patel, Danielle Simon, Mary Burnett and Alexandrea Ambs; and (back row, from left) Andre Grayson, David Vanderkloot, Emily Kozal and Griffin Hamel. Not pictured: Elan Dantus, Alexandria Oswalt, Benjamin Rivera, Rumsha Sajid and Kiavanne Williams.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u201cKalamazoo College students are, by definition, outstanding,\u201d said President Jorge G. Gonzalez<\/a>, who hosted the senior leadership awards dinner Friday for the honored students and their parents. \u201cTo be chosen for a Senior Leadership Recognition Award is to achieve a superlative distinction.\u201d<\/p>\n

Here are the senior leadership honorees and statements from their nominators:<\/p>\n

Alexandrea Ambs<\/strong><\/a> (nominated for a senior leadership award by Jay Daniels \u201913<\/a>, swimming and diving<\/a> coach)
\n\u201cLexi is a great teammate and leader \u2026 Almost everyone younger than her on the team were hosted by Lexi or she played a role in them choosing to swim at K \u2026 Always leads the team by positive example and has been committed.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hannah Berger<\/strong> (nominated by the Rev. Elizabeth Candido \u201900, chaplain and director of Religious and Spiritual Life<\/a>)
\n\u201cI\u2019ve watched Hannah grow and develop into someone who is articulate, confident and able to work across difference to bring about a great result. \u2026 She is an ego-less, diligent servant leader who moves the job forward.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mary Burnett<\/strong> (nominated by Ashley Knapp, Residential Life<\/a> area coordinator)
\n\u201cMary has worn many hats as an RA, peer leader, orientation program assistant, Index writer and more. \u2026 She truly cares for her community invests in developing fellow students and creating a positive experience for all.\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin Butler<\/strong> (nominated by Sandy Dugal, associate director, Kalamazoo College Fund<\/a>)
\n\u201cErin has been a president\u2019s student ambassador since her sophomore year. \u2026 She has been actively involved in issues of student representation and student voice. \u2026She strives to make K a richer community where everyone has a voice.\u201d<\/p>\n

Elan Dantus<\/strong> (nominated by Mark Riley \u201982<\/a>, men\u2019s tennis<\/a> coach)
\n\u201cElan is a co-captain of our tennis program and a two-time first-team All-MIAA selection. \u2026 Also a departmental student adviser and has earned many academic awards. \u2026 Kind, thoughtful and successful on and off the court.\u201d<\/p>\n

Leah Finelli<\/strong> (nominated by Knapp)
\n\u201cLeah serves as a senior resident assistant and is an exemplary role model who has always been considered a go-to person. \u2026There is no one I know better who lives their life in such a way that I believe exhibits enlightened leadership.\u201d<\/p>\n

Emily Good<\/strong> (nominated by Candido)
\n\u201cEmily has been a dedicated participant and volunteer in Religious and Spiritual Life<\/a> all four years and now is an intern. \u2026I never hesitate to leave her in charge of a program, meeting or group. \u2026 Diligent, responsible and thorough.\u201d<\/p>\n

Andre Grayson<\/strong> (nominated by Amy MacMillan, L. Lee Stryker professor of business management<\/a>)
\n\u201cAndre is in the top 5 to 10 percent of students I have taught. \u2026 He stands out for internal drive, analytical skills and the ability to get people to see things from a different perspective. \u2026 He has an inner fire that drives him to go above and beyond.\u201d<\/p>\n

Griffin Hamel<\/strong> (nominated by MacMillan)
\n\u201cGriffin has really stepped up as a leader in the classroom who takes initiative. \u2026In any project he will work hard and dig in extensively to learn and share credit with those around him. \u2026 He remains positive even after tough feedback.\u201d<\/p>\n

Emily Kozal<\/strong><\/a> (nominated by Katie Miller, assistant athletic director and women\u2019s basketball<\/a> coach; and Dugal)
\n\u201cEmily is a dedicated leader in the classroom, on the court, in the community and as a President\u2019s Student Ambassador. \u2026 A force on the basketball team and in the MIAA. \u2026 Amazing role model, brings a tremendous work ethic.\u201d<\/p>\n

Laetitia Ndiaye<\/strong> (nominated by Brittany Lemke, Residential Life<\/a> area coordinator)
\n\u201cLaetitia has done wonderful work in the K community as a senior RA, as well as in Model UN, Latinx Student Organization and Kalama-Africa. \u2026 She is a fun, energetic, caring, inspiring and extremely kind person who takes great pride in her work.\u201d<\/p>\n

Skyler Norgaard<\/strong><\/a> (nominated by Riley)
\n\u201cSkyler has been a responsible, independent and motivated person as he leads our team. \u2026 As a co-captain, he is positive, respectful and an excellent listener while also challenging his teammates with his thoughtful intellect.\u201d<\/p>\n

Alex Oswalt<\/strong><\/a> (nominated by Mark Murphy, women\u2019s tennis<\/a> head coach)
\n\u201cAlex is one of the hardest workers I have ever coached. \u2026 Highly accomplished academically. \u2026 As a captain, she is a great communicator. \u2026 Upon graduation she will be sorely missed for her leadership, humility, kindness and heart.\u201d<\/p>\n

Khusbu Patel<\/strong> (nominated by Bruce Mills, professor of English; and Alison Geist, Teresa Denton, Moises Hernandez \u201917, Emily Kowey \u201917 and Paulette Rieger, Mary Jane Underwood Stryker Center for Civic Engagement<\/a>)
\n\u201cKhusbu possesses exceptional abilities to convene, guide and enrich fellow students, classrooms and\/or civic engagement settings. \u2026 Biology major<\/a> involved in Sisters in Science as well as on the Frisbee team and Frelon.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sean Peterkin<\/strong> (nominated by Lemke)
\n\u201cSean is a senior RA and such a motivating, goal seeking and respectful individual. \u2026 He pays attention to detail, always has a smile and never stops trying his best. \u2026Everyone around him, including me, learns so much from him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sep\u2019Tisha Riley<\/strong> (nominated by Geist, Denton, Hernandez, Kowey and Rieger)
\n\u201cSep\u2019Tisha has demonstrated leadership, deep dedication and skill as she has worked to promote educational equity and youth empowerment \u2026 also a student worker for the Registrar\u2019s Office and very active in the Theatre Department.\u201d<\/p>\n

Benjamin Rivera<\/strong> (nominated by Amy Newday, director, Writing Center<\/a>)
\n\u201cBen serves as a mentor for my students and has inspired them with his work at the Lillian Anderson Arboretum<\/a>. … He dedicates himself to following his passions, sharing those passions generously and quietly making a difference in his community.\u201d<\/p>\n

Rumsha Sajid<\/strong> (nominated by Marin Heinritz \u201999, assistant professor of English<\/a> and journalism; and Geist, Denton, Hernandez, Kowey and Rieger)
\n\u201cRumsha is one who has made an impact since day one and not only grown exponentially since then, but has also catalyzed the growth and education of everyone around her\u2026passion for social justice and civic engagement.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sivhaun Sera<\/strong> (nominated by Dugal)
\n\u201cSivhaun is a president\u2019s student ambassador and a ball of energy. \u2026 She is a founding member of the computer science<\/a> leadership team and serves as a TA and a departmental student adviser. \u2026 She is mature beyond her years.\u201d<\/p>\n

Danielle Simon<\/strong> (nominated by Miller)
\n\u201cDani is one of the hardest-working people I\u2019ve ever met. \u2026This amazing work ethic allows her to succeed and have a positive impact in the classroom, on the basketball team and in the community. \u2026She always strives for excellence.\u201d<\/p>\n

Elyse Tuennerman<\/strong> (nominated by Dugal)
\n\u201cElyse is warm, poised and authentic. \u2026 Her leadership is evident on campus and in the broader community. \u2026 Co-editor-in-chief of The Index, a tour guide for Admission<\/a>, peer leader and active in the Student Funding Board<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n

David Vanderkloot<\/strong> (nominated by Deia Sportel, academic office coordinator)
\n\u201cDavid is dependable, efficient, responsible and has a great positive attitude. \u2026 He is well liked by his peers and highly respected by the faculty. \u2026 Serves as a Departmental Student Adviser and a valuable source of assistance for students.\u201d<\/p>\n

Kiavanne Williams<\/strong> (nominated by Aman Luthra<\/a>, assistant professor of anthropology and sociology<\/a>; and Knapp)
\n\u201cKiavanne was among the brightest and highest performing students in my class. \u2026 Very impressive SIP research<\/a> that I have encouraged Kiavanne to publish. \u2026 An incredibly mindful and compassionate senior RA who cares deeply.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lia Williams<\/strong> (nominated by Dugal)
\n\u201cLia is highly involved as a presidential student ambassador and also as a career associate, psychology<\/a> research and teaching assistant, and interfaith student leader. \u2026Outstanding ability to relate to differing perspectives.\u201d<\/p>\n

Cindy Xiao<\/strong> (nominated by Lemke)
\n\u201cCindy is such an intelligent, dedicated, respectful and jovial individual. \u2026 As a senior RA, she is full of energy, has a positive disposition and is always willing to help. \u2026Her drive and incredible talent are powerful forces to her success.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Already widely known on campus for their invaluable contributions to the community, 25 seniors have been honored with Kalamazoo College Senior Leadership Recognition Awards. They include talented athletes, outstanding students, dedicated resident assistants, members of the President\u2019s Student Ambassadors and leaders of student organizations. In many cases, they fall into more than one of these […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":156,"featured_media":10249,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[231],"tags":[59,30,52,93,117,57,60,161,20],"post_formats":[],"class_list":["post-10235","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-students","tag-anthropology","tag-awards","tag-biology","tag-career-development","tag-civic-engagement","tag-computer-science","tag-psychology","tag-senior-integrated-project","tag-social-justice"],"yoast_head":"\r\nSenior Leadership Awards Honor Exceptional Service - News and Events<\/title>\r\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"The Senior Leadership Recognition Awards honored 25 Kalamazoo College students for their invaluable contributions to the community.\" \/>\r\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\r\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"http:\/\/www.kzoo.edu\/news\/senior-leadership\/\" \/>\r\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\r\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\r\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Senior Leadership Awards Honor Exceptional Service - News and Events\" \/>\r\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"The Senior Leadership Recognition Awards honored 25 Kalamazoo College students for their invaluable contributions to the community.\" \/>\r\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"http:\/\/www.kzoo.edu\/news\/senior-leadership\/\" \/>\r\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"News and Events\" \/>\r\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/KalamazooCollege\" \/>\r\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2018-02-17T03:55:14+00:00\" \/>\r\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2024-09-17T19:09:11+00:00\" \/>\r\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"http:\/\/www.kzoo.edu\/news\/files\/2018\/02\/cDUGAL-Senior_Leadership_Award_2018-3882-600x471.jpg\" \/>\r\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"600\" \/>\r\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"471\" \/>\r\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\r\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\r\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@kcollege\" \/>\r\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@kcollege\" \/>\r\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"7 minutes\" \/>\r\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"http:\/\/www.kzoo.edu\/news\/senior-leadership\/\",\"url\":\"http:\/\/www.kzoo.edu\/news\/senior-leadership\/\",\"name\":\"Senior Leadership Awards Honor Exceptional Service - News and Events\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.kzoo.edu\/news\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"http:\/\/www.kzoo.edu\/news\/senior-leadership\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"http:\/\/www.kzoo.edu\/news\/senior-leadership\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.kzoo.edu\/news\/files\/2018\/02\/cDUGAL-Senior_Leadership_Award_2018-3882.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2018-02-17T03:55:14+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2024-09-17T19:09:11+00:00\",\"author\":{\"@id\":\"\"},\"description\":\"The Senior Leadership Recognition Awards honored 25 Kalamazoo College students for their invaluable contributions to the community.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"http:\/\/www.kzoo.edu\/news\/senior-leadership\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"http:\/\/www.kzoo.edu\/news\/senior-leadership\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"http:\/\/www.kzoo.edu\/news\/senior-leadership\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.kzoo.edu\/news\/files\/2018\/02\/cDUGAL-Senior_Leadership_Award_2018-3882.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.kzoo.edu\/news\/files\/2018\/02\/cDUGAL-Senior_Leadership_Award_2018-3882.jpg\",\"width\":3850,\"height\":3022,\"caption\":\"Senior Leadership Award winners Friday were (front row, from left) Sean Peterkin, Elyse Tuennerman, Erin Butler, Emily Good, Lia Williams and Sep\u2019tisha Riley; (second row, from left) Cindy Xiao, Sivhaun Sera, Hannah Berger, Laetitia Ndiaye and Skyler Norgaard; (third row, from left) Leah Finelli, Khusbu Patel, Danielle Simon, Mary Burnett and Alexandrea Ambs; and (back row, from left) Andre Grayson, David Vanderkloot, Emily Kozal and Griffin Hamel. 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aria-label=\"archive of category Students\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kzoo.edu\/news\/category\/students\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Students<\/a>","tags_info":"<a href=\"https:\/\/www.kzoo.edu\/news\/tag\/anthropology\/\" rel=\"tag\">anthropology<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kzoo.edu\/news\/tag\/awards\/\" rel=\"tag\">awards<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kzoo.edu\/news\/tag\/biology\/\" rel=\"tag\">biology<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kzoo.edu\/news\/tag\/career-development\/\" rel=\"tag\">career development<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kzoo.edu\/news\/tag\/civic-engagement\/\" rel=\"tag\">civic engagement<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kzoo.edu\/news\/tag\/computer-science\/\" rel=\"tag\">computer science<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kzoo.edu\/news\/tag\/psychology\/\" rel=\"tag\">psychology<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kzoo.edu\/news\/tag\/senior-integrated-project\/\" rel=\"tag\">Senior Integrated Project<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kzoo.edu\/news\/tag\/social-justice\/\" rel=\"tag\">social justice<\/a>","social_share_info":"<a data-share=\"facebook\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https:\/\/www.kzoo.edu\/news\/senior-leadership\/\" class=\"pl-facebook-share social-share-default pl-social-share\" target=\"_blank\"><i class=\"fab fa-facebook-f\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/a><a data-share=\"twitter\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/share?url=https:\/\/www.kzoo.edu\/news\/senior-leadership\/\" class=\"pl-twiiter-share social-share-default pl-social-share\" target=\"_blank\"><i class=\"fab fa-twitter\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/a><a data-share=\"linkedin\" href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/shareArticle?url=https:\/\/www.kzoo.edu\/news\/senior-leadership\/\" class=\"pl-linkedin-share social-share-default pl-social-share\" target=\"_blank\"><i class=\"fab fa-linkedin-in\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/a>","wordExcerpt_info":"<p>Already widely known on campus for their invaluable contributions to the community, 25 seniors have been honored with Kalamazoo College Senior Leadership Recognition Awards. They include talented athletes, outstanding students, dedicated resident assistants, members of the President\u2019s Student Ambassadors and leaders of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kzoo.edu\/student-life\/student-organizations\/\">student organizations<\/a>. In many cases, they fall into more than one of these categories. Senior leadership nominations came from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kzoo.edu\/academic\/faculty\/\">faculty<\/a>, coaches and staff throughout the College.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_10249\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-10249\" style=\"width: 300px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-10249\" src=\"\/\/www.kzoo.edu\/news\/files\/2018\/02\/cDUGAL-Senior_Leadership_Award_2018-3882-300x235.jpg\" alt=\"2018 Senior Leadership Award Winners\" width=\"300\" height=\"235\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-10249\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Senior Leadership Award winners Friday were (front row, from left) Sean Peterkin, Elyse Tuennerman, Erin Butler, Emily Good, Lia Williams and Sep\u2019tisha Riley; (second row, from left) Cindy Xiao, Sivhaun Sera, Hannah Berger, Laetitia Ndiaye and Skyler Norgaard; (third row, from left) Leah Finelli, Khusbu Patel, Danielle Simon, Mary Burnett and Alexandrea Ambs; and (back row, from left) Andre Grayson, David Vanderkloot, Emily Kozal and Griffin Hamel. Not pictured: Elan Dantus, Alexandria Oswalt, Benjamin Rivera, Rumsha Sajid and Kiavanne Williams.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>\u201cKalamazoo College students are, by definition, outstanding,\u201d said <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kzoo.edu\/about\/gonzalez\/\">President Jorge G. Gonzalez<\/a>, who hosted the senior leadership awards dinner Friday for the honored students and their parents. \u201cTo be chosen for a Senior Leadership Recognition Award is to achieve a superlative distinction.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Here are the senior leadership honorees and statements from their nominators:<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/hornets.kzoo.edu\/sports\/wswimdive\/2017-18\/bios\/ambs_lexi_w7ro?view=bio\"><strong>Alexandrea Ambs<\/strong><\/a> (nominated for a senior leadership award by <a href=\"http:\/\/hornets.kzoo.edu\/sports\/mswimdive\/coaches\/daniels?view=bio\">Jay Daniels \u201913<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/hornets.kzoo.edu\/sports\/wswimdive\/index\">swimming and diving<\/a> coach)<br \/>\n\u201cLexi is a great teammate and leader \u2026 Almost everyone younger than her on the team were hosted by Lexi or she played a role in them choosing to swim at K \u2026 Always leads the team by positive example and has been committed.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><strong>Hannah Berger<\/strong> (nominated by the Rev. Elizabeth Candido \u201900, chaplain and director of <a href=\"https:\/\/reason.kzoo.edu\/chapel\/\">Religious and Spiritual Life<\/a>)<br \/>\n\u201cI\u2019ve watched Hannah grow and develop into someone who is articulate, confident and able to work across difference to bring about a great result. \u2026 She is an ego-less, diligent servant leader who moves the job forward.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><strong>Mary Burnett<\/strong> (nominated by Ashley Knapp, <a href=\"https:\/\/reason.kzoo.edu\/reslife\/\">Residential Life<\/a> area coordinator)<br \/>\n\u201cMary has worn many hats as an RA, peer leader, orientation program assistant, Index writer and more. \u2026 She truly cares for her community invests in developing fellow students and creating a positive experience for all.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><strong>Erin Butler<\/strong> (nominated by Sandy Dugal, associate director, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.kzoo.edu\/giving\/kcf\/\">Kalamazoo College Fund<\/a>)<br \/>\n\u201cErin has been a president\u2019s student ambassador since her sophomore year. \u2026 She has been actively involved in issues of student representation and student voice. \u2026She strives to make K a richer community where everyone has a voice.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><strong>Elan Dantus<\/strong> (nominated by <a href=\"http:\/\/hornets.kzoo.edu\/sports\/mten\/coaches\/mark_riley?view=bio\">Mark Riley \u201982<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/hornets.kzoo.edu\/sports\/mten\/index\">men\u2019s tennis<\/a> coach)<br \/>\n\u201cElan is a co-captain of our tennis program and a two-time first-team All-MIAA selection. \u2026 Also a departmental student adviser and has earned many academic awards. \u2026 Kind, thoughtful and successful on and off the court.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><strong>Leah Finelli<\/strong> (nominated by Knapp)<br \/>\n\u201cLeah serves as a senior resident assistant and is an exemplary role model who has always been considered a go-to person. \u2026There is no one I know better who lives their life in such a way that I believe exhibits enlightened leadership.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><strong>Emily Good<\/strong> (nominated by Candido)<br \/>\n\u201cEmily has been a dedicated participant and volunteer in <a href=\"https:\/\/reason.kzoo.edu\/chapel\/\">Religious and Spiritual Life<\/a> all four years and now is an intern. \u2026I never hesitate to leave her in charge of a program, meeting or group. \u2026 Diligent, responsible and thorough.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><strong>Andre Grayson<\/strong> (nominated by Amy MacMillan, L. Lee Stryker professor of <a href=\"http:\/\/www.kzoo.edu\/programs\/economics-business\/\">business management<\/a>)<br \/>\n\u201cAndre is in the top 5 to 10 percent of students I have taught. \u2026 He stands out for internal drive, analytical skills and the ability to get people to see things from a different perspective. \u2026 He has an inner fire that drives him to go above and beyond.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><strong>Griffin Hamel<\/strong> (nominated by MacMillan)<br \/>\n\u201cGriffin has really stepped up as a leader in the classroom who takes initiative. \u2026In any project he will work hard and dig in extensively to learn and share credit with those around him. \u2026 He remains positive even after tough feedback.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/hornets.kzoo.edu\/sports\/wbkb\/2017-18\/bios\/kozal_emily_hteb\"><strong>Emily Kozal<\/strong><\/a> (nominated by Katie Miller, assistant athletic director and <a href=\"http:\/\/hornets.kzoo.edu\/sports\/wbkb\/index\">women\u2019s basketball<\/a> coach; and Dugal)<br \/>\n\u201cEmily is a dedicated leader in the classroom, on the court, in the community and as a President\u2019s Student Ambassador. \u2026 A force on the basketball team and in the MIAA. \u2026 Amazing role model, brings a tremendous work ethic.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><strong>Laetitia Ndiaye<\/strong> (nominated by Brittany Lemke, <a href=\"https:\/\/reason.kzoo.edu\/reslife\/\">Residential Life<\/a> area coordinator)<br \/>\n\u201cLaetitia has done wonderful work in the K community as a senior RA, as well as in Model UN, Latinx Student Organization and Kalama-Africa. \u2026 She is a fun, energetic, caring, inspiring and extremely kind person who takes great pride in her work.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/hornets.kzoo.edu\/sports\/mten\/2017-18\/bios\/norgaard_skyler_qckv?view=bio\"><strong>Skyler Norgaard<\/strong><\/a> (nominated by Riley)<br \/>\n\u201cSkyler has been a responsible, independent and motivated person as he leads our team. \u2026 As a co-captain, he is positive, respectful and an excellent listener while also challenging his teammates with his thoughtful intellect.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/hornets.kzoo.edu\/sports\/wten\/2017-18\/bios\/oswalt_alexandria_e7zx?view=bio\"><strong>Alex Oswalt<\/strong><\/a> (nominated by Mark Murphy, <a href=\"http:\/\/hornets.kzoo.edu\/sports\/wten\/index\">women\u2019s tennis<\/a> head coach)<br \/>\n\u201cAlex is one of the hardest workers I have ever coached. \u2026 Highly accomplished academically. \u2026 As a captain, she is a great communicator. \u2026 Upon graduation she will be sorely missed for her leadership, humility, kindness and heart.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><strong>Khusbu Patel<\/strong> (nominated by Bruce Mills, professor of English; and Alison Geist, Teresa Denton, Moises Hernandez \u201917, Emily Kowey \u201917 and Paulette Rieger, <a href=\"https:\/\/reason.kzoo.edu\/servicelearning\/\">Mary Jane Underwood Stryker Center for Civic Engagement<\/a>)<br \/>\n\u201cKhusbu possesses exceptional abilities to convene, guide and enrich fellow students, classrooms and\/or civic engagement settings. \u2026 <a href=\"http:\/\/www.kzoo.edu\/programs\/biology\/\">Biology major<\/a> involved in Sisters in Science as well as on the Frisbee team and Frelon.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><strong>Sean Peterkin<\/strong> (nominated by Lemke)<br \/>\n\u201cSean is a senior RA and such a motivating, goal seeking and respectful individual. \u2026 He pays attention to detail, always has a smile and never stops trying his best. \u2026Everyone around him, including me, learns so much from him.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><strong>Sep\u2019Tisha Riley<\/strong> (nominated by Geist, Denton, Hernandez, Kowey and Rieger)<br \/>\n\u201cSep\u2019Tisha has demonstrated leadership, deep dedication and skill as she has worked to promote educational equity and youth empowerment \u2026 also a student worker for the Registrar\u2019s Office and very active in the Theatre Department.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><strong>Benjamin Rivera<\/strong> (nominated by Amy Newday, director, <a href=\"https:\/\/reason.kzoo.edu\/writingcenter\/\">Writing Center<\/a>)<br \/>\n\u201cBen serves as a mentor for my students and has inspired them with his work at the <a href=\"https:\/\/map.concept3d.com\/?id=198#!m\/183224\">Lillian Anderson Arboretum<\/a>. … He dedicates himself to following his passions, sharing those passions generously and quietly making a difference in his community.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><strong>Rumsha Sajid<\/strong> (nominated by Marin Heinritz \u201999, assistant professor of <a href=\"http:\/\/www.kzoo.edu\/programs\/english\/\">English<\/a> and journalism; and Geist, Denton, Hernandez, Kowey and Rieger)<br \/>\n\u201cRumsha is one who has made an impact since day one and not only grown exponentially since then, but has also catalyzed the growth and education of everyone around her\u2026passion for social justice and civic engagement.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><strong>Sivhaun Sera<\/strong> (nominated by Dugal)<br \/>\n\u201cSivhaun is a president\u2019s student ambassador and a ball of energy. \u2026 She is a founding member of the <a href=\"http:\/\/www.kzoo.edu\/programs\/computer-science\/\">computer science<\/a> leadership team and serves as a TA and a departmental student adviser. \u2026 She is mature beyond her years.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><strong>Danielle Simon<\/strong> (nominated by Miller)<br \/>\n\u201cDani is one of the hardest-working people I\u2019ve ever met. \u2026This amazing work ethic allows her to succeed and have a positive impact in the classroom, on the basketball team and in the community. \u2026She always strives for excellence.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><strong>Elyse Tuennerman<\/strong> (nominated by Dugal)<br \/>\n\u201cElyse is warm, poised and authentic. \u2026 Her leadership is evident on campus and in the broader community. \u2026 Co-editor-in-chief of The Index, a tour guide for <a href=\"http:\/\/www.kzoo.edu\/admission\/\">Admission<\/a>, peer leader and active in the <a href=\"https:\/\/reason.kzoo.edu\/studentactivities\/studentleadership\/funding\/\">Student Funding Board<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><strong>David Vanderkloot<\/strong> (nominated by Deia Sportel, academic office coordinator)<br \/>\n\u201cDavid is dependable, efficient, responsible and has a great positive attitude. \u2026 He is well liked by his peers and highly respected by the faculty. \u2026 Serves as a Departmental Student Adviser and a valuable source of assistance for students.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><strong>Kiavanne Williams<\/strong> (nominated by <a href=\"https:\/\/reason.kzoo.edu\/anso\/faculty\/aluthra\/\">Aman Luthra<\/a>, assistant professor of <a href=\"http:\/\/www.kzoo.edu\/programs\/anthropology-sociology\/\">anthropology and sociology<\/a>; and Knapp)<br \/>\n\u201cKiavanne was among the brightest and highest performing students in my class. \u2026 Very impressive <a href=\"http:\/\/www.kzoo.edu\/k-plan\/sip\/\">SIP research<\/a> that I have encouraged Kiavanne to publish. \u2026 An incredibly mindful and compassionate senior RA who cares deeply.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><strong>Lia Williams<\/strong> (nominated by Dugal)<br \/>\n\u201cLia is highly involved as a presidential student ambassador and also as a career associate, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.kzoo.edu\/programs\/psychology\/\">psychology<\/a> research and teaching assistant, and interfaith student leader. \u2026Outstanding ability to relate to differing perspectives.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><strong>Cindy Xiao<\/strong> (nominated by Lemke)<br \/>\n\u201cCindy is such an intelligent, dedicated, respectful and jovial individual. \u2026 As a senior RA, she is full of energy, has a positive disposition and is always willing to help. \u2026Her drive and incredible talent are powerful forces to her success.\u201d<\/p>\n","comment_info":"No Comments","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kzoo.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10235","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kzoo.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kzoo.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kzoo.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/156"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kzoo.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=10235"}],"version-history":[{"count":15,"href":"https:\/\/www.kzoo.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10235\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":23099,"href":"https:\/\/www.kzoo.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10235\/revisions\/23099"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kzoo.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/10249"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kzoo.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=10235"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kzoo.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=10235"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kzoo.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=10235"},{"taxonomy":"post_format","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kzoo.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/post_formats?post=10235"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}