On Tuesday April 18, 2023, Saint Xavier University will be hosting the Scarlet and Gray Awards ceremony at 7:30 pm in McGuire Hall.
This tradition is honored by the Student Success Program every spring. Students, faculty, and staff come together to recognize achievement in the areas of student leadership, service, and community and extracurricular involvement.
Apart from the old tradition, comes a new opportunity. This year, for the first time in Saint Xavier history, family, friends, and other loved ones are welcome to attend the ceremony to celebrate the recognition of excellence in the Saint Xavier community.
There will be awards for students that excelled immensely in departments such as Campus Life, Center for Success, Learning Center, Admissions, Student Media, Student Employment, Residence Life, and Campus Ministry.
At last year’s ceremony, Mary Ward, current senior, won the Student Ambassador of the year award. The award is given to one member of the Student Ambassador Organization who best demonstrates hard work, a positive attitude, and a passion for the job.
In an interview, Ward states, “It was such an honor to be recognized at such a special award ceremony. It was such a treat to also see my peers be acknowledged and celebrated for their extraordinary work”.
Besides the department awards, students who have completed their Cougar’s LEAD Leadership certificate are awarded their certificate and a medallion for their graduation.
Two additional awards of a higher honor will be given out by the Dean of Students and the President of Saint Xavier University.
The Dean of Students Award for Student Leadership will be presented by Katy Thompson. This award highlights an upper-class student who has demonstrated leadership, influenced and advocated for the underclassmen in student registered organizations, served as a leader or a mentor, and one who has thrived academically and socially throughout their time on campus.
The President’s Award for Service Leadership will be presented by President Laurie Joyner Ph.D. This award, following the words of Sister Catherine McAuley, is given to a student that embodies the University’s mission by serving fellow students in accordance with the core values of integrity, hospitality, and compassion.
Most of the departments use their own process for selecting the award recipients. The Dean of Students award, the Cougar Spirit award, and the Student Employees of the Year award are all nomination-based.
For these awards, a form is sent out to the Saint Xavier community asking for any nominations. Students, faculty, and staff have access to this form for a limited amount of time before the selection process begins.
Josh Bogaski-Baugh, Executive Director of Student Success, and Adjunct Faculty, discusses the process, saying, “A committee of individuals meet and review the nominations and make selections based on the context provided. They ensure that the individual meets the expectations and requirements outlined in the award description”.
After recipients are decided and announced at the ceremony, a reception will be held in the Butler Reception Room to celebrate the extraordinary efforts of Saint Xavier University’s students.
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