Lafayette students, faculty, and staff were honored May 2 for their dedication and commitment to the College community at the 20th Annual Aaron O. Hoff Awards Ceremony.
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. Scott Albert ’13 (Marlboro, N.J.) played Reverie at the start of the ceremony and Taps at the end in honor of Hoff.
Treyvon Jackson ’10 (Germantown, Md.), who has a self-designed major in performance studies, and John Shaw, associate professor of psychology, served as hosts for the evening. Hoff Awards Committee chair Lauren Howland ’11 (Vestal, N.Y.), a neuroscience major, gave the closing remarks for the event.
Educator Awards
- 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).
Linda Arra ’74, director of career services
- 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).
Janine Block ’94, international student adviser and career information specialist
Amber Zuber, assistant director of the Landis Center and adviser to Alternative School Break Club
- 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).
Robert Zangl, custodian for plant operations
Lafayette’s Highest Honors
- 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).
Marquis Clements ’10 (Bowie, Md.), anthropology and sociology
Chris Duru ’10 (Bronx, N.Y.), history/English
Brad Hennessy ’11 (Durham, N.H.), Spanish/government & law
Karen LeSage ’10 (Littleton, Mass.), biology
Chris Nial ’10 (South Burlington, Vt.), electrical and computer engineering
- 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).
Maire Newton ’10 (Pittsburgh, Pa.), biochemistry
Chris Shumeyko ’10 (Vestal, N.Y.), mechanical engineering
- 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).
Chris Duru ’10 (Bronx, N.Y.), history/English
Amanda Pisetzner ’10 (Puyallup, Wash.), English/equality and social justice
Kristen Tyler ’10 (Rancho Palos Ve, Calif.), social justice and equality
- Student Government Superior Teaching Awards. Given to outstanding faculty members (criteria and selection by Student Government, nominations from student body).
Stephen Kurtz, associate professor of civil and environmental engineering
Robert Weiner, Jones Professor of History
- 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).
Jennifer Bell ’11 (Purcellville, Va.), geology
John Rowland ’11(Haddonfield, N.J.), government and law
Organization Awards
- 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.
Society of Environmental Engineers & Scientists
- 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.
Ski & Snowboard Racing Team
- 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.
International Students Association
- Outstanding Living Group. Given to the living group whose membership has been involved in outside activities, leadership positions, and/or athletics, has contributed to society and philanthropic endeavors, and has provided the Lafayette community with social and/or educational events of high quality.
Music Appreciation Floor
- 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.
Engineers Without Borders
- 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.
Haters Step Back (Precision Step Team)
Service Awards
- 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).
Emily Bernzott ’10 (Babylon, N.Y.), civil engineering
Stefanie Mircovich ‘1 (Wyckoff, N.J.), American studies/anthropology and sociology
- 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).
Cosmic Cup
- 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).
Alan Raisman ’10 (Huntingdon Valley, Pa.), international affairs/government and law
- 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).
Gregory Troutman ’13 (Columbia, Pa.), neuroscience
The 2009 Hoff Awards Committee was comprised of Hemendra Bhola ’12, Morgan Callahan ’11, Louis D’Angelo ’11, Richie Durham ’11, Michael Follett ’11, Kaitlyn Reilley ’11, Pooja Shah ’11, Briana Strachan ’11, and Pam Brewer, associate dean of students.