Students, faculty and staff gathered to honor a group of students who, in addition to their studies, dedicate their time and talents to better the school and greater Manchester communities.
The Student Leadership Recognition Ceremony aims to recognize student achievements outside the classroom.
"We all know how important academic success is," UNH Manchester's Interim Dean Michael Hickey said Thursday. "But equally important to a student’s success after graduation is how students involve themselves in their community. The awards that students will receive today recognize the individuals’ leadership achievements and contributions to student life on campus and within our greater Manchester community."
Psychology senior Alyssa Paquin was honored with Student Employee of the Year, Outstanding PAL Award and a Leaders by Example Award.
"Alyssa’s First Year Seminar instructor summed up Alyssa’s nominations perfectly, " Director of Student Development Marisa Forti said. "'In short, Alyssa had the perfect combination of empathy and gentle firmness with this group of students. She was enthusiastic and helpful, but also realistic and practical. She was a gift to me inside and outside of the classroom, and I know that many of the students felt the same as well.''"
Humanities senior Victoria DiPippo received the Dr. Margaret Pobywajlo Award for Diversity and Inclusive Excellence and the Breaking Brick Walls Award.
According to her nominators, DiPippo demonstrated a commitment to inclusion and diversity through her work in the Center for Academic Enrichment as a tutor for writing and French. Furthermore, she has worked with a diverse group of students with diverse learning needs. As a class-linked tutor, she has been a bridge to the French program.
"She has gone beyond her role as tutor to become an asset to UNH Manchester, almost as a cultural liaison," Regina McCarthy, assistant dean of academic student services, said. "Torie’s first concern is how she can serve in an inclusive and culturally sensitive manner, as evidenced in the careful way she formed French study groups. She ensured that all students were receiving support while tactfully navigating cultural differences."
"Torie acts not to receive accolades and awards but in order to strengthen the community," McCarthy said." Her ability to do so is a rare gift and represents the best of UNH Manchester."
The Student Leadership Recognition Ceremony award recipients include:
- Emerging Student Leader Award: Ariel Trachtenberg
- Student Organization Unsung Hero Award:Sara Clark
- Outstanding Tutor Award:Rachael Meehan
- Community Service Leader of the Year:Connor Lenfest
- Student Employee of the Year:Alyssa Paquin
- Outstanding PAL Award:Alyssa Paquin
- Student Club Leader of the Year Award:Jola Leary
- Dr. Margaret Pobywajlo Award for Diversity and Inclusive Excellence:Torie DiPippo
- The Heart of UNH Manchester Award: Kristin Boelzner
- Breaking Brick Walls Award: Torie DiPippo
- Leaders by Example Award: Alyssa Paquin, Sara Clark, Wayne Charrette, Curt Lenz, Lanie Wagenblast, Derek Labo, Kristen Mosher, Ryan Sanborn, Liz Graham and Josh Linnane
UNH Manchester is committed to developing student leaders and will offer a Leadership Development Program starting in fall 2015. The program is designed to provide leadership skills and networking opportunities to enhance the academic endeavors of students and prepare them for leadership roles in their communities and careers. Interested students should contact Marisa Forti, director of student development, at unhm.StudentDevelopment@unh.edu.
