The University of Scranton’s Office of Students Activities and Orientation held its second annual Student Leadership Awards on April 28 in the Rev. Bernard R. McIlhenny, S.J., Ballroom of the Patrick and Margaret DeNaples Center. Seven awards were presented to clubs and club leaders and 84 students, student leaders and faculty facilitators were recognized for their exceptional work in the Scranton Emerging Leaders Program, designed to help students develop effective leadership skills through semester and year-long programs.

The Club of the Year award, recognizing a club that has had the most positive influence on the student body throughout the 2009-2010 academic year, was presented to Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE). SIFE was honored for its commitment to Cura Personalis, and being “men and women for and with others,” The University of Scranton’s defining commitment to service.

The Program of the Year award recognizes an outstanding event or program hosted by a student club or organization. This year’s recipient was the Business Club, for its Fall Recruiting Expo which brought 24 firms to campus, providing students with opportunities to network with representatives from industry-leading corporations and secure jobs and internships.

The Cura Personalis award is given to an individual who lives the ideal of Cura Personalis, or care for the whole person, through community service on campus and in the greater Scranton community. Kimberly Witt, a senior from Waymart, was honored with this award for her selflessness and dedication to others on a daily basis.

The Advisor of the Year award honors an advisor of a student-run organization who goes above and beyond their job description and encourages personal growth in members of the group. This year’s award was presented to Brian Pelcin, University Minister, for his passion for and involvement with Justice Club.

The Outstanding Student Leader award recognizes the efforts of a student leader who has greatly contributed to student life at The University of Scranton. Stephanie Salinis, a senior from Philadelphia, was honored with this award for her dedication to the entire Scranton community and her natural leadership abilities.

The Student Government Senator of the Year award is given to a senator on Student Government who contributes to the group through legislation, participation and creative thinking. Neil Kalariya, a senior from Peckville, received this award for his commitment to Student Government throughout the past two years, serving as chair of the Appropriations Committee, budgeting funds for all student-run clubs.

The Outstanding Leadership in the University of Scranton Programming Board award honors two students who are innovative in planning and implementing events on campus. Jenn Dice, a senior from Blue Point, N.Y., and Alex Rizzi, a sophomore from Orange Park, Fla., were honored for exhibiting outstanding leadership qualities and handling pressure and challenges with strength and perseverance.

The mission of the Office of Student Activities and Orientation is to provide experiential opportunities for students to learn and develop through leadership and event-planning programs.