Six students, a student organization and an advisor were lauded for their contributions to UT Dallas campus life at the Student Leadership Awards banquet this week.
The Student Leader of the Year was presented to Derek Chui, a junior biology major in the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics.
Junior biology major Derek Chui was named student leader of the year.
Chui is vice president of the UT Dallas chapter of the National Residence Hall Honorary and is a peer advisor to the Pre-Health Living Learning Community. In fall 2010, he started a local chapter of Learn to Be, a national nonprofit group that provides free online tutoring and academic resources to underserved communities. Chui is a member of Alpha Phi Omega, Health Occupations Students of America, Alpha Epsilon Delta, the Management Honors program and the Collegium V honors program.
The dean of students and the Student Organization Forum hosted the ceremony on April 18. Honorees were chosen by a committee of student life staff members who reviewed written nominations in each category.
The other winners were:
Service to Student Life — Laura Shagman, a senior electrical engineering major in the Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science and Lokesh Sivakumar, a graduate student in information sciences in the School of Management. The Service to Student Life award salutes students who go beyond the call of duty to improve the quality of student life.
Rising Star Award — Cody Willming, a sophomore political science student in the School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences. This new award recognizes freshmen and sophomores who have demonstrated outstanding leadership abilities.
Employee of Excellence — Megan Richardson, a senior psychology major in the School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences. The new honor recognizes student employees who demonstrate leadership and professionalism.
Community Service — Carolyn Nghe, a junior biochemistry major in the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. The Community Service award recognizes the dedication a student has shown in giving back to the community.
Golden Comet Award — Radio UTD. Traditionally selected by the dean of students, this award recognizes student organizations that make a positive impact on the campus and surrounding community.
Advisor of the Year — Jacqueline Long, a project supervisor for the School of Interdisciplinary Studies, was recognized for her work with the student groups Healthnovations International (World Aid Organization) and the National Society of Black Engineers.