As their college careers are coming to an end, some seniors on campus are being recognized for their leadership abilities. The Inspiring Leaders Certificate Program (ILCP) which began in 2005, recognizes students who have completed their training and have shown leadership.
Winners were nominated by staff, faculty or monastic members and were required to write an application and submit letters of recommendation from a staff member and a student peer.
Every award except “Emerging Leader” is held for seniors.
“The awards are limited to seniors after a culmination of their four years on campus, and there should be one award to recognize those who have already shown great leadership,” said director of Student Activities and Leadership Development, Maribeth “Mo” Overland.
Out of the 62 nominees, 12 winners were awarded.
“Every leader seemed to exhibit a sense of authenticity that words cannot capture,” SJU junior Kamau Joseph said. “It was humbling (to be) surrounded by so many people both actively engaged in bettering themselves and making a difference.”
Winners in the “Emerging Leader” category were Joseph and junior Carrie Vandelac. Both expressed positive words about the program and all the people involved.
“I loved hearing what other students accomplished this year and what leadership means to them,” Vandelac said.
Seniors David Massey and Jacob Haider were honored as winners in the “Model the Way” category.
“(The students and faculty) that nominated us and the people that wrote our letters of recommendation took a lot of time out of their schedules,” Massey said. “Thanks.”
In the “Enable Others to Act” category, Ashley VerBurg and Kristal Sawatze received awards.
Seniors Amy Marschall and Eric DeLuca won awards in the “Inspire a Shared Vision Category,” which emphasizes listening and community living. Marschall helped begin the club on campus, “Witness Me.”
“It is an amazing feeling to know that the work that I did to help promote the ideals of Witness Me is a big part of this recognition,” Marschall said.
Seniors Kevin Kirwin and Heather Cederholm were awarded the “Challenge the Process” honor.
“With the Vagina Monologues, my work as a Health Advocate, the McCarthy Center, volunteering in South Africa and all the things I’ve learned from my family and friends, I’ve been able to challenge the process and continue to learn with all the failures and successes that come along,” Cederholm said.
Seniors Matt Daley and Colleen Smith were awarded “Encourage the Heart”, and Daley was also chosen as the “Overall Excellence Award” winner. Overland read an excerpt of Daley’s application to the group: “My dad once told me, ‘I don’t care what you become — a firefighter, a business man, a garbage man. Just make sure to strive to be the best garbage man you can be.’”
A “Club of the Year” and “Adviser of the Year” for student clubs and organizations were selected as well. The Up ‘til Dawn club won the first award, and BernaDette Suwareh accepted the award for Adviser of the Year. Suwareh advises the Cultural Affairs Board.
“We’re very proud of the fact that we’ve provided an opportunity for parents, family, friends and the community to recognize the people they already love without knowing the depth of the good deeds that they do,” Overland said.