photographs by Marguerite Hill
The President's Undergraduate Leadership Awards (PULA) are primarily
designed to recognize and reward those who have made significant
contributions to enhance the quality of life at the University at Albany.
Recipients have demonstrated a variety of accomplishments including
extraordinary leadership, service, and involvement within the University
Community.
Jason Ackerman, a Psychology major with a minor in Business, hails from Cortlandt Manor, NY. Throughout his four years here at the University, Jason has been an active student leader. He served the UAlbany community as an outstanding Resident Assistant and as a judicial board member. As a brother of Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity he also has been active as their Treasurer. Jason has also served as a member of Central Council and this past semester as the Vice President of the Student Association. A Fitness expert, Jason has exercised his leadership skills throughout the past four years and is a deserving recipient of the Outstanding Senior Award.
Women's Leadership Award: Outstanding Leadership
Residential Life Outstanding Achievement Award
Amma Agyemang is a sophomore Chemistry major who has worked diligently establishing a community amongst her residents on Dutch Quad, serving as a university resource, and facilitating numerous programs within the residence halls. Amma co-coordinated the Prominent Women at the University at Albany program and taken on a very active role in numerous charitable community service causes such as clothing and food drives. She is also an active member of the Charles Drew Science Club, African Student Association, Five Quad Emergency Volunteer Service, Golden Key National Honor Society, Presidential Honors Society, Purple & Gold, and the University Committee for Excellence in Teaching. She has been the recipient of many honors and awards including: the Spellman Achievement Top Academic Award and Community Service Award, the Susan Van Horne Shipper's '64 women in Science Award, and the Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. Vivian White Marbury Academic Excellence Scholarship. She is truly a deserving individual and her ability to lead by example is truly rewarded with this award.
A senior from Jackson Heights, NY, Joanna Andujar is a Biology major and Chemistry minor. In addition to her academic accomplishments Joanna has proven her commitment to the campus community through her various employment and student group positions. She has served as a Resident Assistant, a tutor in the Partnership Program at Albany High School, and is currently a Reservation Coordinator in the Office of Student Activities. Joanna has been an active member of Fuerza Latina, serving as Assistant Coordinator, Public Relations Assistant and Career Fair Chair for the Northeastern Latino Collegiate Conference respectively over the past three years. Joanna is a member of Purple & Gold, the University's prestigious honorary service organization, and the Charles Drew Science Club. She has served as a Central Council representative in Student Association and as an emergency medical technician for Five Quad Ambulance Service.
Outstanding Student Organization Award: Cultural Awareness
This past year the members of the Asian American Alliance (AAA) focused their energies on programs and workshops that have assisted in educating the campus community. Some of those programs include: The Asian Exchange II Service Auction with AOC; Canned Food Drive with Liga Filipina and Fuerza Latina; Asian Occasion; Donating $1000 to Asian Advocacy Shelter Program; Billiards Nite with CSA; Asian Holocaust with Sigma Psi Zeta Sorority, Inc.; Christmas Food Drive; Asian Renaissance Week; Asian Pacific American Conference; Blood Drive with Alpha Phi Omega; and reading to children at the Albany Public Library. Some of their outstanding workshops this year were Asians in the Media, Breaking the Cycle of Silence, Batas Militar, Resume Writing, and Are you Asian or Are you Gay with PRIDE.
Residential Life Outstanding Achievement Award
Melissa Aspuru is currently a senior majoring in Human Biology. She is from Famingville, New York and has been involved with Residential Life since the summer of 1997. She currently serves the department as a CHARGE Assistant. She has also been a Middle Earth peer counselor for two years, she is a member of the Charles Drew Science Club, Fuerza Latina, and she is a representative in the Multicultural Student Advisory Council. Melissa plans to obtain a Master's Degree in both Physical Therapy and Health Administration. It is truly a great pleasure to present this award to Melissa in recognition of her outstanding accomplishments.
Outstanding Senior Award
A Psychology major and Biology minor, who plans to pursue a medical career, Modinat Balogun proudly hails from Brooklyn, NY. Modinat has built an impressive resume of academic and leadership accomplishments. She has received the Katherine Vario Endowed Scholarship Award, Spellman Achievement Award, H. Patrick Swygert EOP Scholarship Award and has been recognized on the Dean's List of Distinguished Students. Modinat is the current Co-President of the Black and Latino Student Psychological Association and helped to coordinate this year's Career Forum 2000. She previously served as a peer-mentor and secretary to the organization. Modinat is a student leader representative to the Multicultural Student Advisory Committee and played a primary role in organizing the Mardi Gras Cultural Extravaganza 2000 event. She is a member of the Charles Drew Science Club, the Middle Earth Peer Assistance Program, as well as Five Quad Ambulance Service.
Outstanding Senior Award
Purple and Gold Award
Greek Leadership Award
With a Double major in Human Biology and English Cindy Batista is no stranger to responsibility. During her four years at the University at Albany, Cindy has managed to excel in both academics and extracurricular activities. Cindy is currently the President of the Latino Greek Council, A member of The Charles Drew Science Club, Fuerza Latina, Angelic Voices of Praise, Omega Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. as well as Purple & Gold. In Purple and Gold, she has assumed countless leadership roles including team leader for the group at a number of prestigious receptions. Cindy, has been a role model to other members, setting a strong example of service, dedication, and reliability in all she undertakes. Cindy has also served the University community through involvement in Fuerza Latina and her sorority, Omega Phi Sorority, Inc. In addition Cindy currently serves as the President of the Latino Greek Council, which is comprised of six Latino Greek lettered organizations. Her leadership has been instrumental in moving the council's agenda to better serve the community. With her guidance the council created a code of conduct and reformulated its constitution to reflect the current times.
Middle Earth Award, Community Service Award
Jacquelyn Beniquez has been a member of the Middle Earth Peer Assistance Program for the past two and a half years. She has held a number of offices in the organization, including the role of Treasurer during 1998-99 and President in 1999-2000. Since her initial involvement in Middle Earth, she demonstrated extraordinary commitment to the organization and stood out as one of its most talented, involved and enthusiastic members. Jacquelyn is an individual of fine character who behaves professionally in all of her community service activities. She "goes the extra mile" in her community service and shows excellent promise in the helping field. Jacquelyn is a junior psychology major who aspires to earn her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology.
Community Service Award
Allison is a member of Middle Earth and through her work with them she has demonstrated a high level of dedication to the program. She is one of the most talented, involved and enthusiastic hotline volunteers. In addition to Middle Earth Allison is also very involved in a number of outside community service activities on campus and in the community. For example, she is involved in NYPIRG, Amnesty International, and works at St. Catherine's Center for children. She is also a recipient of the Dean's List award and is a member of the Presidential Honor Society.
Great Dane Award
Makisha Brown hails from our capital city of Albany, and is majoring in Latin American and Caribbean studies, with a minor in Psychology. While a student at the University at Albany, Makisha has been involved in the in Middle Earth Peer Assistance Program, the Black and Latino Psychological Association (BLSPA), Purple and Gold, and Omega Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. For the past three years, Makisha has held several office positions in the Department of Residential Life including Student Assistant, Management Assistant and Orientation Assistant, and interned for the Department of Criminal Justice Services. She has also been trained by the National Coalition Building Institute (NCBI) as a Prejudice Reduction Facilitator.
Outstanding Senior Award
Women's Leadership Award: Outstanding Leadership
Jaime Chien is s senior majoring in Accounting with a minor in economics. She serves as President of the Chinese Student Association and Chapter President of Latinas Promoviendo Comunidad, Lambda Pi Chi Sorority Inc, Gamma chapter. She is also an active member of Beta Alpha Psi Honors Fraternity, the National Accounting Fraternity and will be listed in the Who's Who Among American Colleges and University. Jamie was awarded the Spellman Achievement Award for Outstanding Leadership, and was recognized as "Sister of the Year" by Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. In the past she has always held leadership positions at the University at Albany and the community whether it was serving on Central Council or as chair of the Interfaith Partnership for the homeless or volunteering at Centro Civico downtown in Albany.
Outstanding Student Organization Advisor Award
Jason Collado is a graduate student from Slingerlands, NY studying Counseling Psychology. Jason started in Middle Earth in 1996 as a peer counselor for the crisis hotline and quickly excelled to not only become a graduate assistant, trainer, and supervisor, but also a friend, resource and mentor. During his time with Middle Earth, Jason has made significant impacts bringing the program to new heights and positively influencing the lives of individuals.
Great Dane Award
Michael hails from Binghamton, NY with an outstanding cumulative grade point average of 3.73; as a Social Welfare Major. Michael has distinguished himself by making the Dean's list for two consecutive semesters, becoming a member of the Golden Key Honor Society and being nominated for the prestigious Harry S. Truman Award. He was also the winner of the John Barresi Memorial Award. Michael is a Middle Earth Hotline Counselor and a Coordinator of Testing Services in Disabled Student, as well as a speaker and an activist for Narcotics Anonymous of Binghamton, NY.
Outstanding Senior Award
Nicholas DeCicco from Scarsdale, New York. He is an Economics major with a minor in Business who will attend Law School in the fall. This past year, he served as a member of Central Council and then subsequently as Chair. In addition, he has held the posts of Vice President for the Inter-Fraternity Council and President of his fraternity Tau Kappa Epsilon. Under his leadership Tau Kappa Epsilon has grown into a positive and strong fraternity on campus. Nicholas has displayed a breadth and quality of leadership from Student Government to fraternity business to chairing intramural football.
Women's Leadership Award: Non-Traditional Career Woman
Jessica is a senior from Rochester NY majoring in Latin American and Caribbean Studies and Spanish. Jessica first joined the US Marines Corps in 1997 after her freshmen year at the University. Corporal DeJesus has proven that women can accomplish anything. She comprises one of the 6% of women in the Marine Corps enlisted ranks. As a Marine, her supervisors have twice awarded Jessica "Marine of the Quarter" within her gender-integrated unit. Last year Jessica was accepted into the Marine Corps Officer Candidate School when to qualify, one must excel academically, have a spotless background, and extraordinary fitness. On campus Jessica is involved in Fuerza Latina and currently serves as the head choreographer for its dance group, Pura Candela. She was also a free lance choreographer for Pan-Caribbean Opening Ceremony and a dancer for Fiesta Filipina 2000.
Great Dane Award
Guesly Delva comes to us from Brooklyn, NY, and is a double major in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, while minoring in both Psychology and French. He will be attending medical school this fall. This past year, he has organized two Red Cross Blood Drives as a part of his duties as the co-Vice President of the Charles Drew Science Club. He also served as Peer Advisor in the Science Longhouse on Dutch Quad, coordinated the Student-Faculty Social in the Spring of 1998 in addition to the Student Research Panel and numerous educational programs. Guesly also has been an active member of the Haitian Student Association, the Program Coordinator Assistant for the Upstate New York Junior Science and Humanities Symposium sponsored by the Biological Sciences Department and has been a counselor and tutor for the Science Summer Bridge Program. Since his freshman year, Guesly has been a volunteer member of Five-Quad and is a certified Emergency Medical Technician.
Special Lifetime Justice Award: Faculty/Staff
Since Gloria DeSole first arrived at the University at Albany in 1976, she has been an effective and dedicated force for social justice and equality. Through Gloria's leadership and commitment, the University achieved great strides in expanding opportunities for women and minority faculty, staff, and students as well as set a standard for a fair and respectful educational environment. Gloria DeSole is not only a distinguished spokesperson, but is sought after as a resource and role model. She leaves the University at Albany with an outstanding legacy of support and accomplishment.
Jessica Draddy is currently a Rhetoric and Communications major from Northport, New York. Jessica has worked for the Department of Residential Life since 1997 as a Resident Assistant and most recently as a Senior Resident Assistant . She has been an outstanding student at the University; having been on the Dean's List and a member of the Golden Key National Honors Society. She also serves on the Residential Life Safety Committee, and is interning with Morgan Stanley Dean Witter, as an Assistant to the Vice President. It is an honor to present this award to Jessica Draddy.
Outstanding Senior Award
Residential Life Outstanding Achievement Award
Omar Estrada Torres is a graduating senior from Rosedale, New York with a dual major in Latin American Studies and Political Science. As a second year Resident Assistant Omar has been a strong force in his halls gaining the respect and admiration of his peers, his supervisors and his residents. In addition, Omar is currently a Judicial Board member for the Department of Residential Life; a Building Manager/Supervisor-Event support staff in the Campus Center; served as Vice Chairman for Central Council-Student Association (1997-98); and sits on the UPD Advisory Committee, The University Senate, Educational Policy, and Undergraduate Academic Councils. Omar also Co-coordinated Fuerza Latina's very successful 10th Annual Northeastern Latino Collegiate Conference. He has been the recipient of the Spellman Achievement Award, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.'s Brother of the Year Award, and Who's Who Amongst Students in American Colleges and Universities.
Outstanding Senior Award
An American History major with a minor in Judaic Studies, Jonathan Estreich maintains a stellar 3.95 cumulative grade point average. He has been elected to three different positions in the SUNY Assembly and has also been appointed as the Chief Justice and Associate Justice for the Student Association Supreme Court, Presidential Honor Society-Director of Academic Services, and the Sports Editor for the Student Voice. Among some of his honors, Jonathan has been inducted into Who's Who Among Students at American Universities and Colleges, Phi Beta Kappa and is a Presidential Scholar. He is also a recipient of a grant from the McKissick Museum, a Calvin Zippin Scholarship, and the Stanley Fink Legislative Internship, as well as the Chancellor's Certificate of Leadership and first place in the Judaic Studies Writing Symposium
Outstanding Senior Award
Women's Leadership Award: Outstanding Leadership
Jamie Evans comes to the University from the Bronx, NY. A double major in Biology and the Sociology Honors program, Jamie has maintained a 3.79 cumulative grade point average. Jamie is currently a research assistant with the University's School of Public Health and has previously worked with Weill Medical College of Cornell University as a Traveler's Summer Research Fellow. She has been recognized as a Presidential Scholar and Frederick Douglas Scholar and has been honored with Spellman Awards for Academic Achievement and Outstanding Leadership as well as the Initiative's for Women Presidential Award. Jamie is a student assistant and tutor with the Professional Career Development Program and served as a peer tutor and counselor with the Science Summer Bridge Program. She is the current President of the Charles Drew Science Club as well as the current Vice-President of the Presidential Honor Society. Jamie is a member of the Golden Key National Honor Society, Phi Beta Kappa and the Alpha Kappa Delta International Sociology Honor Society.
Great Dane Award
A junior from Brooklyn, NY, Celina Fletcher is a Political Science major, and a Spanish and Psychology double minor. Celina has held a number of leadership positions, including President of the 2001 Class Council, Programming Chairperson for Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and the Vice-President of both the Indian Quad Board and Kaija Step Team. She is a member of the Arista Honor Society, the Achon Services Society, Purple and Gold, the Albany State University Black Alliance, co-founder of Kaija Step Team, serves on the Commencement Committee, and has participated in the HeartWalk, Jabberwock 2000, and the Spellman Achievement Awards. She has also worked as a Tour Guide for the Department of Undergraduate Admissions and a Resident Assistant for the Department of Residential Life. This year, Celina is the recipient of the Great Dane Award.
Great Dane Award
A senior with a major in Accounting, a minor in History, and an impressive 3.88 cumulative grade point average, Jeffrey Greenberg comes to us from Chappaqua, NY. A member of the Golden Key National Honors Society and Presidential Honor Society and Beta Alpha Psi Co-ed Professional Accounting Fraternity, Jeff still finds time to be actively involved with other student groups. He is a founding member and current treasurer of Earth Tones, the University's male acapella group. He is a Captain for the Don't Walk Alone Volunteer Escort Service and has served on various committees in the Students Rights Coalition. He also has been active in the Debate Club, Chess Club, and Fencing Club. He is a Wellness Center Specialist for Indian Quad and has volunteered on a variety of programs for the Programming Office of the Student Association. Today we recognize Jeff with a Great Dane Award.
Purple and Gold Award
From Brooklyn, NY Nassica Gresseau is a senior, with a major in Management Information System (MIS) and a minor in Computer Science. Nassica was inducted into Purple & Gold in the spring semester of 1999. Since that time Nassica has consistently displayed a commitment to serving the University through this important organization. Nassica's participation in events like the Big Purple Growl, the Annual Bonfire, and the President's Recognition Dinner definitely describes Nassica's commitment to the University. She is a member who can always be counted on to volunteer and to do more than her share. Nassica is a strong leader in this group and will be missed.
Great Dane Award
Community Service Award
A native of Buffalo, NY, Clemmie Harris is an American History major and Political Science minor with an impressive cumulative grade point average of 3.88. Clemmie returned to school after 14 years as a State Police Officer where he served as a criminal investigator, police instructor, hostage negotiator and bias-related crimes specialist. Clemmie is a member of the Golden Key National Honor Society and the Phi Alpha Theta International History Honor Society. He is a Frederick Douglas Scholar who has consistently been recognized by the Dean's List of Distinguished Students. He has received the Spellman Academic Achievement Award, Eugene P. Link Scholarship and the Disabled Student Services Award. Clemmie also serves as Chairperson for the recently created SUNY Albany Political Action Committee for Human Rights. In addition to his work on-campus, Clemmie is actively involved with service in the local community. He has created a community based program entitled Black Male Training that is designed to teach males of color important life skills that will aid them in becoming successful members of their community.
Outstanding Senior Award
Residential Life Outstanding Achievement Award
Lisa Kantrowitz is a graduating senior majoring in Psychology and minoring in Education. She is from Hopewell Junction, New York. Lisa has served the Department of Residential Life in many positions, most recently as a Senior Resident Assistant for State Quadrangle. She is a member of the Golden Key National Honor Society, Psi Chi, and Who's Who Among Students in American Colleges and Universities. She also has been involved on campus as a Research Assistant, a Teacher's Assistant and has held many positions in the Middle Earth Peer Assistance Program, including her current role as Vice President. Lisa is planning on attending the University at Albany for Graduate School this coming Fall in the Counseling Psychology Program. Lisa has been a true leader and a tremendous role model for her peers.
Outstanding Student Organization Award: Community Service Award
La Unidad Latina, Lambda Upsilon Lambda Fraternity, Incorporated, has worked diligently within the campus community and the Capital District Community to develop and implement programs. This past year their efforts have entailed: Participating and Raising funds for the American Heart Walk; Participating in the Albany U-Kids day-care in storytelling and reading children's books; Volunteering for the Albany Chamber of Commerce 100 year celebration in the RACC; Volunteering with Centro Civico to provide gifts and activities for under-priviledged children in the Capital District; Creating the First Glance program for at risk youth who are interested in Higher Education; Participating in the Latch Key program at the New York State Museum; and Organizing the Banquet for the Somos El Futuro Conference. Lambda Upsilon Lambda has without a doubt gone beyond the boundaries of our University to touch the hearts and lives of others. With that in mind they are awarded the PULA for Outstanding Community Service as an Organization.
Chapel House Award
Fred Lotwin is a junior at the University at Albany, working towards a major in History and a minor in Journalism. He has made great contributions to both the Jewish community and the entire student body through his efforts as President of JSC/Hillel for the past two years. Through countless events, Fred has strived to expand social and educational programming within our diverse University. Next year, he plans to continue his dedication through his vice-presidency of Tagar/RZA, the University's Zionist student organization.
Great Dane Award
Athlete's Leadership Award
Mariah Martin from Sagaponack, New York is a junior completing a major in Business Administration with a minor in Economics. Also a recipient of the Athletes' Leadership Award, Mariah is being recognized for a Great Dane Award for her outstanding leadership and academic success. She is an active member of the Presidential Honor Society as well as the Golden Key National Honor Society. She has also been active in numerous community service projects including projects for Ronald McDonald House, the United Way, The Red Cross and the American Heart Association. In addition, Mariah has served as Captain for the Field Hockey team every semester since the spring of her freshman year. Mariah's outstanding combination of academic excellence, athletic success and community involvement makes her an outstanding recipient.
Helen McClure has been a dedicated member of the Don't Walk Alone Safety Escort Service for approximately 2 years. She has served Don't Walk alone as a volunteer, Captain, President and Treasurer. In addition, Helen has also excelled in her coursework at the University and has been involved in various extracurricular activities. She is a prime example of a student leader.
Great Dane Award
Jeffrey Miller from Yorktown Heights, New York is completing a student-initiated inter disciplinary combined major-minor in Health and Society. Throughout his four years here at the University, Jeffrey has been an active student leader and outstanding student in the classroom. He served the UAlbany community for four years with Five Quad, our voluntary ambulance squad including being elected Chair of the Board of Directors for the past two years. His nomination described Jeffrey as the "best chair Five Quad has ever had". Also an active member of the Presidential Honor Society, Jeffrey was selected to serve on the University at Albany Committee for Middle States Accreditation. Jeffrey is very deserving recipient of the Great Dane Award.
Great Dane Award
Erica Nurge from Port Aransas, Texas is completing a major in Psychology with a minor in Criminal Justice. An exceptional student, Erica has also been very active at the University including being elected President of Psi Chi, the National Honor Society in Psychology. She has received the award for outstanding membership in Psi Chi the last three semesters. Erica is also an active member of the Golden Key National Honor Society and a Presidential Scholar. Erica has also found time to volunteer as a tutor for second graders and serve as a mentor at the Equinox Shelter for Battered Women and Teen Runaways. Erica's achievements make her a very deserving recipient of the Great Dane Award.
Ada Craig Walker Award
Outstanding Senior Award
A double major in Political Science and Anthropology who plans to continue on to law school, Ragi Patel is a member of Phi Beta Kappa and the Golden Key National Honor Society, and has been recognized on the Dean's List of Distinguished Students every semester while at the University at Albany. Ragi has been recognized by Who's Who Among American Colleges and Universities and as the top honoree for her class each year for the Spellman Academic Achievement Awards. She has worked as a Resident Assistant and C.H.A.R.G.E. Assistant for the Departmental of Residential Life, promoting cultural awareness through her programming. This past summer Ragi represented the University to new students and their parents as an Orientation Assistant. An active member of the Presidential Honor Society, she has served as Director of Academics on their executive board. Ragi is also a member of Purple and Gold, the University's prestigious service organization, as well as a member of Albany State Indian Alliance where she helped to choreograph cultural fashion shows for Asian Occasion and ASIA Night.
Great Dane Award
Residential Life Outstanding Achiement Award
Bernard Posner is a graduating senior who hails from Carmel, New York. He has a double major in Political Science (Honors) and English, and has an outstanding grade point average of 3.91. Bernard has lived and served Indian Quadrangle for his entire collegiate career. His dedication to the personal growth and development of the first year population is evident, as Bernard has served in a variety of Departmental capacities including Resident Assistant, Senior Resident Assistant and Peer Mentor for Project Renaissance. In addition, Bernard has mentored and assisted in the development of a very active and involved Indian Quad Board. He is a member of Phi Beta Kappa, the University Pre-Law Assoication, the Albany State Ski Racing Team and the University Jazz Band, all while maintaining his status on the Dean's List every semester.
Great Dane Award
Athlete's Leadership Award
Onieka is currently one of the Captains of the women's Track & field Team. She is a sophomore from Brooklyn, NY majoring in Biology with a dual minor in Chemistry and English and carries a 3.63 cumulative grade point average. She was fifth at the USA T&F New England championships and was also a member of the fifth-place 4x400 relay team at the Millrose Games. She is a member of the Student Athletic Advisory committee and is also an active member of the Charles Drew Science Club, the University's Excellence in Teaching Committee and, this year volunteered at the Heart Walk and the St Ann/St. Joseph Outreach Center in downtown Albany preparing food bags for the less fortunate. She has been the recipient of the Most Outstanding Female Freshman Award and the Kimberly Toone Memorial Scholarship.
Great Dane Award
Athlete's Leadership Award
Andrew Rickert from Schenectady, New York is a junior with a major in Psychology with a minor in Business. Also a recipient of the Athletes' Leadership Award, Andrew is being recognized with a Great Dane Award for his outstanding leadership and academic success. He has been on the Dean's List four of five semesters and is an active member of both Psi Chi National Psychology Honor Society as well as the Golden Key National Honor Society. In addition, Andrew has served as Captain of the Cross Country, Indoor Track & Field AND Outdoor Track and Field teams. Andrew is a very deserving recipient of the Great Dane Award.
Greek Leadership Award
A Biology major and Psychology minor from Wantagh, NY, David Rodahan is a leader. He has served in many leadership capacities for his fraternity, Sigma Chi, including President, Secretary, Judicial Board Chair, and Chapter Editor and has even served as a Province representative for the Eastern New York region. He is affectionately known by many of his fraternity brothers as Mr. Sigma Chi. In addition, during the past year, David served as President of the Inter-Fraternity Council. During his tenure, Dave took a strong stance against hazing and he led a positive resurgence in Greek Life on campus. He is a truly deserving recipient of the Greek Leadership Award.
Great Dane Award
Hailing from New York, NY, Christian Santiago is a senior majoring in Communication with a minor in Spanish. The current President of Fuerza Latina, Chrsitian has held a variety of leadership positions, including Coordinator of the Northeastern Latino Collegiate Conference and Public Relations Chair. He has been recognized by the organization with their Outstanding Dedication Award in 1996, 1997 and 1998 and their Latino Heritage Month Award for Outstanding Leadership in 1999. In addition to his work with Fuerza, Christian also remains active in several other student groups, including Liga Filipina, Albany State Indian Alliance, Chinese Student Association, Asian American Alliance and Albany State University Black Alliance. He has assisted in the coordination of Asian Occasion, Fiesta Filipiniana and the Asian Pacific American Conference. Christian has been recognized with the Chancellor's Recognition Scholarship and the Manhattan Borough President Award for Academic Excellence and Community Service, as well as the Spellman Achievement Award for Community Service in 1999 and 2000. For his proven dedication and commitment to the University community we recognize Christian with the Great Dane Award.
Justice Award/Organization
The SA Affirmative Action Office witnessed one of the most active and visible years with a variety of programming initiatives that created a forum for students to exchange ideas on diverse subjects. In addition to cosponsoring many programs, the SA Affirmative Action Office also presented the AIDS Quilt Display, Mock Trial, Poetry on the Podium, Breaking Barriers 2000, and the Social Inequality and Justice Debate in an effort to create a more inclusive campus community.
Great Dane Award
Alimah is a senior from Yonkers, NY majoring in English with a minor in Africana Studies. Her undergraduate leadership roles have included service to the Department of Residential Life, Orientation Office, WCDB-FM the campus radio station, as well as being an active member in the university service organization, Purple & Gold. Under her leadership the radio station is deepening it's commitment to diversity and community involvement. Alimah's involvement throughout her four years at the University has been an asset to the student body as well as the Albany community.
Greek Leadership Award: Outstanding Greek Organization
This organization truly embodies the ideals of sisterhood, community service, leadership and academic achievement. This past year they have organized a number programs which have helped to educate the community about various important issues including among others: The Rape of Nat Kin; A Rape and Self Defense Workshop with the Counseling Center; A program dealing with Relationship Abuse and Violence with the Middle Earth Players; An Open Forum on The Asian Holocaust; a Study Abroad Informational Session; and a Trick or Treat Program for children on Halloween. They have also been involved with a number of community services and volunteer activities: the American Heart Association/Walk; various food, penny and clothing drives to donate to local shelters, a bone marrow and two blood drives; and the APAC. We congratulate the Ladies of Sigma Psi Zeta Sorority, Inc. and commend them on a successful year.
Gian is a Sociology and Africana Studies major and is presently the President of the Albany State University Black Alliance. As President of ASUBA Gian coordinated the first annual Hip-Hop and Black Arts Conference this winter. He has been a dedicated member of the organization for several years and has helped to plan events such as the Black Ball, Voter Registration Drive, Black Men and Black Women's Weeks and the annual Kwaanza Fashion Show. Gian has served as Special Events Chair and secretary to Angelic Voices of Praise, Programming Director of the Arbor Hill Boys and Girls Club and is a member of the New York State Capital Region's Black Student Network. In addition to his campus and community work, Gian wrote and directed a play entitled "Black All Day: A Journey from Slavery to Freedom". For his proven dedication to the University community we recognize Gian with the Great Dane Award.
Outstanding Senior Award, University Governance Leadership Award
Christopher "Chuck" Snell is a senior from Albany, NY with a double major in Communications and Africana Studies. A member of the United States Marine Corp Reserves, Chuck has been actively involved in student government for several years and has held several leadership positions. In 1999-2000 he served as the CEO of the Student Association. As SA president, he worked hard to reduce the annual SA budget deficit and to strengthen student government's internal management controls. While striving to accomplish these goals Chuck also worked hard to enhance campus social life and under his leadership this year's Homecoming Comedy Show (featuring Sinbad) was one of the most successful Homecoming events in recent years. Upon graduation, Chuck plans to join the corporate world and utilize his experience and skills in planning and communication.
Outstanding Senior Award
Women's Leadership Award: Returning Woman Award
Andrea Strother comes to us from Schenectady, NY and is a Social Welfare major. While at the University at Albany, Andrea has been active in various clubs and activities, including the Social Welfare Student Association, the Undergraduate Curriculum Committee, the New Student Orientation Committee, and the School of Social Welfare Recruitment Committee. She has been inducted into the Golden Key National Honor Society and the Presidential Honor Society, has been named the BSW Social Work Student of the Year 1999 by the New York State Social Work Education Association, has been given the Disabled Student Award for Excellence and awarded the Disabled Students Honors-Highest G.P.A. for the Senior Class, as well as many other honors and awards. Andrea has volunteered extensively at the University of Albany and the community as a whole, and has received the John Baressi Memorial Scholarship and the Second Chance Scholarship in the process.
Outstanding Senior Award
Residential Life Outstanding Achievement Award
Charlene Williamston is currently a junior majoring in Accounting with a minor in Business Administration. She is from Mount Vernon, New York and has worked for the Department of Residential Life for the past two years. In addition to her work with Residential Life, Charlene also has been a member of the University at Albany's Cross-Country, Winter and Spring Track and Field Teams since 1997. She was named most improved athlete for the 1998 Cross-Country Season. Charlene currently serves as treasurer of the University at Albany's Chapter of the National Association of Black Accountants and is a mentor at Phillip Schyler Elementary School. She has received three Spellman Awards and is a National Golden Key Honors Society recipient.
