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Lafayette students, faculty, and staff were honored April 30 for their dedication and commitment to the college community at the 16th Annual Aaron O. Hoff Awards Ceremony in the Farinon Center Marlo Room.
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.
At this year’s ceremony, 22 members of the Lafayette community and five organizations were presented with awards.
Student Government Superior Teaching Awards. Given to outstanding faculty members (criteria and selection by Student Government, nominations from student body).
Kevin Cameron (visiting assistant professor of government and law)
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).
Lynne Desmond ’06 (economics and business/French), Rye Brook, N.Y.
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).
Kelly Barrows ’06 (American studies), Clarks Green, 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).
Ben Doremus ’07(electrical and computer engineering), Hopkinton, Mass.
Danielle Pollaci ’06(international affairs), Trenton, N.J.
Martha Osier ’06(economics and business/international affairs), Nairobi, Kenya
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).
Yvonne Osmun (secretary for the departments of religious studies and philosophy)
Nangula Shejavali ’06(international affairs/Africana studies), Windhoek, Namibia
President Daniel Weiss
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).
Rachel Moeller (assistant director of internships and externships, career services)
Michael Benitez (dean of intercultural development and director of the David A. Portlock Black Cultural 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).
Denise Galarza-Sepulveda (Hispanic Society of Lafayette advisor and assistant professor of foreign languages and literatures)
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).
Peggy Bonner (secretary for intercultural development)
Barry Stauffer (campus police officer)
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).
Julia Sorkin ’09 (economics and business), Whippany, N.J.
Emily Giannotta ’09 (engineering), Simsbury, Conn.
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).
Nick Perretti ’07 (history), Springfield, N.J.
Jackie Golden ’07 (biology), Latham, N.Y.
Rachel Magner ’07 (psychology/ anthropology and sociology), Wilton, Conn.
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).
Haunani Yap ’06 (international affairs), Singapore
Stephen Caruso ’06 (economics and business), Middletown, N.J.
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.
Investment Club
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.
SynchroMotion
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.
WORDS
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.
SMAC (Student Movement Against Cancer)
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.
ACACIA Africa Conference
Literacy Day
The 2006 Hoff Awards Committee was comprised of chair Rufaro Mukogo ’07; Christine Burke ’07; Dora Johnson ’08; Therese Karitany ’07; Al-Amin Kheraj ’08; Kim Nieskins ’07; Maggie Oberrender ’07; Sarah Smith ’07; Julie Strang ’09; Jadrien Ellison, coordinator of intercultural development; Pam Brewer, associate dean of students; and Kelly Deemer, secretary of Student Life Programs.