The Division of Student Development honored organizations and individuals for their work in the Saint Louis University community at the 17th Annual Leadership and Service Awards Ceremony Thursday night.

University President Lawrence Biondi, S.J., opened the ceremony.

“The principles, the vision and the ideals of our Catholic Jesuit education are alive here at SLU,” Biondi said before delivering a blessing.

Organizers made nomination packets available to University faculty and students at the beginning of the semester.

Those interested nominated other students, faculty members or campus groups for awards from a pool of 12 possible categories listed in the packet.

Thirty-three students, faculty and staff served on the nominating committee responsible for sorting through the submissions.

That initial group separated into subcommittees and divided the 12 award categories between them.

These subcommittees analyzed the nominations by measuring them against the criteria applicable to each separate award.

A brief summation of the accomplishments of the winner or winners preceded presentation of the awards.

Weston wrote these summations based on information and quotes, which were provided by the nominators on the submitted nomination forms.

Sam Howard, executive vice president of the Student Government Association, presented the awards won by on-campus groups.

Howard honored the Residence Hall Association and Society of Physics with the Outstanding Organization Award and Outstanding Small Organization Award, respectively.

She also honored smoke.free.slu with the Outstanding New Student Organization Award.

Nikki Weston, program manager for leadership in the Department of Student Life, oversaw the nomination process and the planning of the awards ceremony.

Weston, who graduated from SLU in 2002, won the Greek Life Leadership Award her senior year, for work done as a member of Alpha Delta Pi.

“It was gratifying to see that your involvement to the community has meant something,” Weston said.

Donna Bess, associate director of Student Life, presented the Phil Lyons Outstanding Staff Advisor Award, an honor she received at last year’s ceremony.

Janelle Densberger won the award for her work as adviser to the Student Activities Board.

“It’s touching, very touching,” Densberger said. “I want to help [students] make an impact on campus. It’s what’s important about what I do.”

Black Student Alliance President Aisha Allen presented student Barbie Clabots with the Social Action Leadership Award.

“It’s a recognition I didn’t expect. I’m speechless,” Clabots said.

Clabots received the tribute for her work with Campus Kitchen. She took over day-to-day operations for the center after changes in the staffing structure left it without a coordinator.

Allen also recognized students for leadership in graduate student involvement, SLU entertainment, school spirit and commuter life.

Shelley Friesz, Ph.D., recognized Kathryn Richardson as one of three winners of the Student Hall of Fame Award.

She heads a number of on-campus groups and has volunteered with a number of different charitable organizations like Ronald McDonald House and Big Brothers Big Sisters.

“My experience at SLU has just been incredible,” Richardson said. “It made me who I am.”

Though each award honors recipients based on a different set of criteria, there are a few basic elements common to each one.

“The Jesuit mission is definitely apparent,” said Erin Sauter, an intern and University of Missouri in St. Louis graduate student who worked with Weston on preparations for the banquet.

Assistant Vice President of Student Development and Dean of Students Scott Smith closed the event by presenting senior Josh Simpson with the Father Mario Ross Leadership and Service Award.

Simpson arrived at SLU in 2003 as an active member of the Missouri Army National Guard.

The army deployed him twice during his studies, once overseas and once to New Orleans, during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

The following students and staff members are recipients of their respective Service and Leadership Award:

Omicron Delta Kappa New Student Leader: David Black
Phil Lyons Outstanding Staff Advisor: Janelle Densberger
Avis E. Meyer Outstanding Faculty Advisor: Dr. Elizabeth Fathman
Greek Life Leadership: Erin Guffey
SLU Media Leadership: Katie Lewis
Club Sports Leadership: Ben Zaegel
Multicultural Involvement Leadership: Samantha Affram
Residence Hall Leadership: Emily Karstens
Graduate Student Leadership: Rebecca Abraham
SLU Entertainment Leadership: Ainsley Onstott
School Spirit Leadership: Jared Walsh
Commuter Life Leadership: Nick Marco
Social Action Leadership: Barbie Clabots
Outstanding Organization: Residence Hall Association
Outstanding Small Organization: Society of Physics Students
Outstanding New Student Organization: smoke.free.slu
Exemplary Achievement: Kristopher Premier, Katie Lewis
Student Hall of Fame: Kristen Schenk, Natalie Long, Kathryn Richardson
Bill Nordmann Community Service: FYE Service Committee
Mev Puleo Social Justice: Christine Keogh
Fr. Paul Reinert Service: Cait Clegg
Fr. Mario Ross Leadership and Service: Josh Simpson
Who’s Who: Brendan Kottenstette, Dan Huebner, Heather Spurrier, Lavone Lester, Megan Kennedy, Regina Meyer, Stephanie Osborne, Timothy Letizia