The 17th Annual Student Life Awards & Recognition Ceremony was on Wednesday, May 7 in the Welcome Center.
This Student Life Awards acknowledged employees and students who demonstrate Butler's foundational principles of excellence, trustworthiness, service and compassion. Every award told tales of commitment and change, from student leaders to long-serving professors.
One of the most heartfelt instances unfolded while the Emerging Student Leader Award was being handed out. This honor went to Troy Cheng, a student who shifted gears from life on the football field to a role of service and leadership on the campus where he now resides.
The beginning of this student's journey was as a football player. However, by the time his first year of college was over, he had transformed his trajectory. He became a Resident Assistant and a member of the Student Government, and he earned a scholarship to study theater. He is not an actor anymore, but he lives with the values of a stage director: integrity, respect, kindness and love.
Cheng was subsequently honored again for his many contributions to the life of the campus. Presenters at the occasion hailed him as "an outstanding epitome of Butler students." The members of the Student Government Association (SGA) also earned praise for their teamwork and leadership.
"These student leaders have worked very hard to successfully fulfill the SGA's mission to serve and engage the student body," a speaker said of the group that meets biweekly and partners with other campus organizations to achieve its goals.
Certificates of appreciation were presented to SGA President Kylie Benscoter, Secretary Haley Misagais and Coordinators Ethan Mulligan, Gabe Revshine and Troy Turnbull in recognition of their excellent work with other college students.
Employees who excel and extend the work that is expected of them are often the ones who receive recognition and awards. This year, Nancy Perkins received a most-deserved accolade when she was named the Outstanding Staff Award winner. Perkins shines in her work as the assistant to the dean of College of Education.
The Bill Rinkenbaugh Memorial Unsung Hero Award was presented to Shelley Gutierrez. One of the nominators who signed on to support her nomination wrote, in part, the following: "Her class turned my life around in the college experience! Her positive and encouraging attitude was contagious. I pushed myself harder in her class than I have in any other college course. Her classes gave me the skills to pursue college-level research and a personal development journey. She has left a huge, tremendous, unreal positive impact on my life. If I had a lifetime achievement award, I would give it to her.”
Another student who stood out was Tara Kasemir, named Business Student Leader of the Year. A speaker celebrated her national success and global reach: “She took first place in the nation making us proud. She’s from Haiti and will represent Butler this summer in Dallas, Texas.” The ceremony concluded with the Outstanding Student Leader Award, the highest honor of the afternoon, presented to Ella Boozer. Nominees called her “a force of nature,” someone who “passionately advocates” and “helps everyone strive to be better.”
“She is without a doubt a leader for Butler and a leader in her field of study,” one nomination read. “Her energy is felt by everyone on campus.”
As the event came to a close, Vice President of Academics Bill Rinkenbaugh addressed the crowd, offering thanks and congratulations.
“These students and staff make Butler a better place,” Rinkenbaugh said. “It’s been a joy to watch them lead and grow.”
A reception followed, giving students, faculty and guests a chance to celebrate and reflect on the achievements of the Butler community.