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Lafayette students, faculty, and staff were honored April 29 for their dedication and commitment to the College community at the 17th Annual Aaron O. Hoff Awards Ceremony in Farinon College Center, Marlo Room.
Sponsored by the Office of Student Life Programs, the awards are named in honor of one of the College’s first students. In 1832, Hoff blew the horn that summoned Lafayette’s first 43 students and three teachers to class. As a member of the Class of 1836, Hoff was the College’s first African American student. Marquis Scholar and biology major Nathan H. Newman ’09 (Fairmont, W.Va.) played Reverie at the start of the ceremony and Taps at the end in honor of Hoff.
A.B. engineering major Frank Giannelli ’07 (Berkeley Heights, N.J.), who is the Leopard mascot, and Denise Galarza Sepúlveda, assistant professor of foreign languages and literatures, served as hosts for the evening. Hoff Awards Committee chair Mevan Jayasinghe ’08 (Colombo, Sri Lanka), who is pursuing a B.S. biology and A.B. with a major in economics and business, gave the closing remarks for the event.
At this year’s ceremony, 15 members of the Lafayette community, seven organizations, and one Easton community member were presented with awards.
Student Government Superior Teaching Awards. Given to outstanding faculty members (criteria and selection by Student Government, nominations from student body).
Andrea Smith (assistant professor of anthropology and sociology)
John S. Shaw (associate professor and assistant head of psychology)
The Administrators’ Award. Presented to a student who has demonstrated sincere concern for the college community and has unselfishly taken constructive measures to assist the administration in bettering Lafayette (chosen from administrative nominations).
Nikki Huff ’07 (B.S. neuroscience/A.B. economics and business), Springfield, N.J.
Leopard Leader Award. Given to one or more students who have held a variety of leadership positions and have demonstrated outstanding leadership qualities (all campus nominations accepted, committee selected).
Trevor Ortolano ’07 (civil engineering), East Nassau, N.Y.
Matthew Potter ’07 (government and law),Bethlehem, Pa.
The Unsung Hero Award. Presented to students and/or staff members who have worked without concern for personal reward, have been loyal and dedicated, and have not been recognized for their efforts (all campus nominations accepted).
Corey Kosydar ’08 (psychology), Greentown, Pa.
Samira Fowler ’07 (civil engineering), Dingmans Ferry, Pa.
Service Above Self Award. Presented in recognition of the individual or individuals who best exemplify the qualities of caring and concern for others in service activities (all campus nominations accepted).
Jillian Gaeta ’07 (international affairs/French), Middletown, N.J.
The People’s Choice Awards. Given to students or employees known as unusually productive and concerned for the betterment of the college and its student body (all campus nominations accepted).
Ilan Peleg (Charles A. Dana Professor of Social Science)
Terese Brown ’07 (economics and business/art), Bronx, N.Y.
Administrator of the Year. Awarded to administrators who have acted with professionalism and integrity and succeeded in producing meaningful change (nominated by students, selected by committee).
Lauren Ibbotson (assistant director of student life programs)
Adviser of the Year. Presented to an organization adviser who has eagerly promoted and participated in his or her organization’s events and projects, and is considered both loyal and outstanding by his or her organization (nominated by organization officers and members, committee selected).
Ellen Leslie, (secretary for Business Affairs and Club Ice Hockey adviser)
Staff Members of the Year. Awarded to staff members who have served the Lafayette community beyond their description, and have been courteous and involved in campus life (nominated by students, committee selected).
Terry Furman (Skillman Cafe)
Volunteer of the Year. Given to one or more students who have selflessly made exceptional contributions to society through their volunteer work (nominated and selected by the Landis Community Outreach Center and Chaplain’s Office staff).
Alan Raisman ’10, Huntingdon Valley, Pa.
Class of 1997 Community Service Award. Given to seniors who embody the ideals of philanthropy, volunteer work or community service (nominated and selected by the Outreach Center and Chaplain’s Office staff).
Jackie Golden ’07 (biology), Latham, N.Y.
Community Appreciation Award. Presented to an individual, organization or business within the Easton community who/which has actively supported and enhanced student life (nominated by students, committee selected).
Tina Dowling (Boys and Girls Club of Easton)
Academic Group of the Year. Awarded to an organization related to the academic program that has offered significant intellectual and/or career opportunities to its members as well as a variety of speakers or programs to the Lafayette community.
Engineers Without Borders (EWB)
Athletic/Recreational Club of the Year.Presented to an athletic or recreational club that has been well organized, has offered its membership and the college excellent opportunities for participation and/or competition with good sportsmanship, and has improved its membership or campus recognition.
Crew Club
Outstanding Cultural or Religious Group. Given to the group whose performances or programs have made an exceptional contribution to the cultural environment at Lafayette in terms of opportunities for increased cultural appreciation, awareness, tolerance, or personal/spiritual growth.
Hispanic Society of Lafayette (HSL)
Outstanding Service Organization. Awarded to the service or communications organization whose projects and/or volunteer work has fulfilled the organization’s goals and objectives through the hard work of its entire membership. This organization should promote desirable values and/or provide exceptional service to the Lafayette.
Alternative School Break Club (ASB)
Lafayette Environmental Awareness & Protection
Program of the Year. Presented to organizations that have provided the most outstanding program to campus, be it social, philanthropic, educational, or entertainment. Events are judged on originality, creativity, popularity, and degree to which they fulfilled their purposes.
QuEST’s “Gay, Fine by Me” Campaign
Amnesty International’s “Dance for Darfur”
The 2007 Hoff Awards Committee was comprised of chair Mevan Jayasinghe ’08, Briana Hecht ’08,Alberto Luna ’08,Kathryn Hamerslag’08, Vanessa VanDeVenter ’08, Vanessa Lopera ’08,Christopher Haight ’09, Braden Tilghman ’09, Jacqueline Egan ’09, and Jennifer Romano ’10.