The NDSU Student Government Congress of Student Organizations hosted the 2012 Bison Leader Awards April 30 in the Memorial Union. Approximately 100 people attended the event, which recognizes outstanding initiatives by students and advisers, and important events that give NDSU character and pride.
“Community Service Program of the Year” was presented to Students Today Leaders Forever Pay It Forward Tour. The tour involved 80 NDSU students who traveled city-to-city for eight days in March conducting service projects.
“Cultural/Diversity Program of the Year” went to the Black Student Association for hosting Pan African Night on Feb. 18. The event showcased elements of African and African American cultures, such as fashion, music and dancing.
Bison Ambassadors, a student public relations organization sponsored by the NDSU Alumni Association, received the “Student Organization of the Year” award. The group helps with several NDSU events throughout the year, such as Welcome Week, Homecoming and Senior Day.
Bison Ambassadors also won “Social Program of the Year” for the Western Illinois Football Away Game Celebration. The program offers students, faculty and staff a safe, alcohol-free event to enjoy a Bison football away game.
“Student Leader of the Year” went to Sarah Schaaf, president of Bison Ambassadors.
Julie Schroer, lecturer and adviser for biological sciences, received “Outstanding Adviser of the Year” for her commitment to working with several student groups, including the American Medical Student Association, Pre-Med Student Association, Pre-Dentistry Club and Pre-Physician Assistant Club.
“We host the Bison Leader Awards to recognize some of the most impressive student leaders, organizations, events and advisers on our campus,” said Alice Arentson, executive commissioner of the Congress of Student Organizations. “This is to show that we appreciate all of their hard work and contributions to campus.”
The Congress of Student Organizations commission, comprised of eight students, selects the award recipients.
NDSU is recognized as one of the nation's top 108 public and private universities by the Carnegie Commission on Higher Education.