Annual Aaron O. Hoff Awards Honor Outstanding Contributions to Lafayette Community

Lafayette students, faculty, and staff were honored May 1 for their dedication and commitment to the College community at the 21st 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.), a chemical engineering major, played Reverie at the start of the ceremony and Taps at the end in honor of Hoff.

Julie Pollack ’11 (Scarsdale, N.Y.), a psychology and anthropology & sociology double major, and John McKnight, associate dean of the College and director of intercultural development, served as hosts for the evening. Hoff Awards Committee chair Caitlin Flood ’12 (Bellerose Terrace, N.Y.), a double major in government & law and philosophy, 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).
  Bonnie Winfield, director of Landis Community Outreach Center

• 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).
  Ethan Berkove, associate professor of mathematics and Hillel Society 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).
  Lisa Pezzino, secretary for civil and environmental engineering and engineering studies

Lafayette’s Highest Honors

• 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).
  Rachel Ingber ’11 (Lafayette Hill, Pa.), mathematics-economics

• 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).
  John Colatch, director of religious life and College chaplain
  Ashley Juavinett ’11 (Blackwood, N.J.), neuroscience

• Student Government Superior Teaching Awards. Given to outstanding faculty members (criteria and selection by Student Government, nominations from student body).
  Jamila Bookwala, associate professor of psychology
  David Stifel, associate professor of economics and chair of international affairs

• 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).
  Ester Barias-Wolf, special collections and facilities technician
  Caitlin Flood ’12 (Bellerose Terrace, N.Y.), a double major in government & law and philosophy

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.
  Minority Scientists and Engineers

• 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 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
  Delta Kappa Epsilon

• 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.
  Best Buddies
• 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.
  WTF is LGBTQ? (Questioning Established Sexual Taboos)
  TEDxLAF Conference (TED Club)
  Fall Fest (Lafayette Activities Forum)

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).
  Hannah Klein ’11 (Wilmington, Del.), mathematics-economics

• 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).
  Easton Area Neighborhood Center

• 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).
  Julie Pollack ’11 (Scarsdale, N.Y.), a psychology and anthropology & sociology double major
  Alyssa Smith ’11 (Norwood, Mass.), a self-designed major in social justice & quantitative literacy

• 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).
  Matt McKenzie ’14 (Hamilton, Mass.)

The 2011 Hoff Awards Committee was comprised of Lauren Berglin ’12, Hemendra Bhola ’12, Javauhn Caines ’12, Brandon Ellis ’12, Lauren Firth ’12, Lorre-Ann Fisher ’12, Ryan Shroff ’12, Bianca Vassare ’12, and Pam Brewer, associate dean of students.