DECORAH, IA (07/13/2012)(readMedia)-- The Launching Luther Leaders program announced the recipients of Luther College's Student Leadership Awards to individuals and groups for their contribution to the college's mission of service.
Award recipients for 2012 were honored at the second annual L3 Student Leadership and Service banquet held May 6. During the banquet, certificates were also presented to students who completed the Leadership Certificate program.
Award recipients include : the Friends Organization, Outstanding Student Organization; Beta Theta Omega's "It Only Takes One" event, Outstanding Event or Activity; Student Athlete Advisory Committee's second grade mini clinic, Outstanding Service Project; and Jonathan Grieder, Outstanding Student Leader.
The Friends Organization, created and led by 2012 Luther graduate Andy Peck, is a student led organization that focuses on establishing long lasting relationships between Luther students and local children with special needs. Friends Organization participants include children ages 5-19 afflicted by mild, moderate and profound developmental disabilities.
The organization facilitates monthly large group events and encourages pairs to participate in independent activities. By partnering with Luther faculty and other community leaders, the Friends Organization provides children with unique opportunities they might otherwise never experience.
Beta Theta Omega's "It Only Takes One" event, organized by student leader Briejeswari Chauhan and organization advisor Wintlett Taylor-Brown, was a series of all-day workshops and activities for Upward Bound students. Junette Maxis, guest speaker and BT? alumna, spoke to UB students about individuals - old and young, daring to take the risk to stand up for a cause and made a difference.
Student Athlete Advisory Committee's 16th annual All-Sports Second Grade Mini Clinic, organized by Shari Huber and Mackenzie Pierson along with 60 student athletes, brought in approximately 120 second graders from the Decorah community to experience a variety of Luther sports. The clinic promotes sportsmanship and wellness and allows the students to interact with positive role models.
Jonathan Grieder, a 2012 Luther graduate from Council Bluffs, Iowa, demonstrated strong leadership skills through his many roles on campus. He was president of Student Senate and Believing and Achieving, a mentoring program for elementary school children in the Decorah community. He served as a student representative to many events and activities throughout the year, most notably to the Luther Board of Regents and to the King and Queen of Norway.
Award winners were selected by members of the L3 selection committee, including Luther student Alexander Tomesch, 2012 Luther graduate, Mandy Wubben, residence life representative, Brad Chamberlain, associate professor of chemistry, Wintlett Taylor-Browne, director of student services in the Diversity Center, Mary Weis, administrative assistant for student activities, Ann Highum, former dean of student life, and Jane Hildebrand, assistant dean for student life.
Nameplates have been added to the plaques in Williams Lounge, Dahl Centennial Union on the Luther campus to honor the award recipients.
The Launching Luther Leaders program is designed to provide a wide variety of opportunities for students to learn about leadership theories and practices, to apply and develop their leadership skills, and to reflect on the significance of leadership and service experiences across campus. The L3 program supports students as they use their talents to unite career with vocational calling.
Students who work toward a Leadership Certificate complete and document learning in four areas: organizational leadership, service to others, leadership skill building and education, and personal development.
