KENNESAW, Ga. | May 11, 2017

Student Affairs’ awards honor more than three dozen

Kennesaw State’s Division of Student Affairs named Myles Cardenas Student of the Year during the Second Annual Awards Ceremony. Cardenas was recognized along with more than three dozen individuals and organizations from among more than 100 nominations during the event, which was held at the new KSU Dance Theater in the Joe Mack Wilson Student Center on the Marietta Campus.

The event recognized the outstanding achievements of Kennesaw State University’s student organizations and individuals for the 2016-17 academic year. Executive Director of Career Planning and Development Ana Baida chaired the Student Affairs Awards Committee.

Cardenas, a senior from Conyers, is majoring in construction management. He was president of the Kennesaw State University National Association of Home Builders Student Chapter. At the competition at the International Builders’ Show in Orlando in January, the team placed first in the nation at the NAHB Student Chapters Residential Construction Management Competition for four-year programs.

“The competition was a lot of work, but was the most rewarding experience that I have ever been a part of,” said Cardenas, who also received the NAHB’s Outstanding Student Award this year. “I am extremely proud of every single person who has been involved in the chapter over the years, and those who have graduated from the university and still dedicate time to come back and help the chapter in any way they can.”

“Myles Cardenas is an exceptional KSU student and contributes in a variety of ways to improve campus life for his fellow students,” said Kathy Alday, assistant vice president for student affairs.

“Kennesaw State would not be as great an institution as it is without the hard work and dedication every day of our students, student organizations, faculty and staff members, and community members,” Alday said.

In addition to Student of the Year, awards were presented to Advisor of the Year and Organization of the Year.

Student of the Year: Myles Cardenas

Advisor of the Year: Charner Rodgers

Organization of the Year: National Association of Home Builders

Departments within the Division of Student Affairs recognized students, student organizations, faculty and staff members, departments, and community members for excellence in those areas.

Following are the recipients of this year’s awards:

Adult and Commuter Student Affairs

  Mentor of the Year: Preston Griggs

  Outstanding Adult Learner: Tonya Clark

  ACSA Leadership and Service Award: Anthony Ward

Center for Student Leadership

  C.A.I.R. Award: Caysea Ledford

  Outstanding Student Support Award: Brianna Woolery

  The CSL Service and Engagement Award: Samantha Abney

GLBTIQ Student Programs

  Outstanding Stonewall Resident: Jessica Fisher

  Safe Space Student Leader Initiative Member of the Year: Dani Alexander

  Campus Partner of the Year: Counseling and Psychological Services

International Student Programs

  Sudden Impact Award: Havan Temesghen

  Helping Hands Award: Brian Rimpola

  ISA Spirit Award: Jesse Priest

Multicultural Student Programs

  Champion of Student Programming: Brooke Barard

  Champions of Civic and Community Engagement: Terrence Burrus and Donovan McKelvey

Parent and Family Association

  Cashe Harris Parent and Family Service and Support Award: Kambria Williams

Sports and Recreation

  Engaged Student Award: Ronnie Adams

  Student Legacy Award: Catie Metcalf

  Student Employee of the Year: Gabi McGrath

Student Activities

  RSO of the Year: KSU Miracle

  RSO Program of the Year: FloatAble

  RSO Leaders of the Year: Sarah Crawford and Andy Gilbert

  KAB Member of the Year: Samuel Dewon Walker

  SGA Senator of the Year: Gabriel Rubio

Student Affairs Partners of the Year

  Auxiliary Services and Programs

  Culinary and Hospitality Services

  SETS Program

  Suburban Extended-Stay Lodge

  University Events

Student Media

  Editor of the Year: Sierra Hubbard

  Director of the Year: Trevaris Hardy

Volunteerism and Service Learning Support

  You Make a Difference Award: Randy Emert

  Change Agent of the Year Award: Laura Keefe

  Community Rising Star Award: Anne Michalove

Kennesaw State University’s Division of Student Affairs is home to 11 departments that provide opportunities for learning outside the classroom through offering a wide variety of programs and services for students.

The University has more than 350 student organizations that sponsor activities and events each year, contributing to the life of Kennesaw State’s two campuses.

A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees to its more than 45,000 students. Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The university’s vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 7 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.