Pott College Student Campus Community Student Advisory Board (SAB) celebrated their achievements and presented the Student Excellence Awards in late April. Each student received a stole and cord to represent their membership in the Student Advisory Board, Student Organization Council or as a Pott College Ambassador.
“This night is an excellent opportunity to celebrate the achievements of our Pott College students,” said Dr. Glenna Bower, Associate Dean of the Pott College of Science, Engineering, and Education.
The Student Advisory Board, established the Student Excellence Awards to recognize students who have made significant impacts within organizations in the areas of leadership, service, and dedication. The award recipients are chosen by each of the Pott College's departments and voted on by the chairs before being recognized.
Excellence in Leadership - Briana Aldana
Brianna struck the initiative to being Active Minds USI in Fall of 2020, a student chapter focused on mental health and suicide awareness. COVID-19 heavily impacted the start of the organization, but Brianna went above and beyond to make sure USI students were receiving the assistance needed when it comes to mental health. With the help of her club members, Aldana was able to plan a Suicide Awareness Walk to honor those that were lost. In her time at USI, she has developed resources, planned Mental Health Panels, and continues to plan new methods to reach out to stents and make a change.
“Receiving this award reassures me that people are listening to me and that they do want to fight the stigma on mental health and suicide prevention. It gives me hope that my goals are not unattainable," Aldana said. "The faculty and staff of Pott College, most notably Dr. Bower, a few of the faculty in teacher education and a few of the faculty in geology, have been incredibly influential and have always encouraged me in all that I aspire to do both academically and in extracurriculars. And that means more to me than they can ever know.”
Excellence in Service - Biology Club
The Pott College of Science, Engineering, and Education Student Excellence in Service Award was established to identify a student organization that has made a significant impact within the campus or community. The intent of the award is to recognize and encourage outstanding service by a student organization.
Biology Club was nominated for the Excellence in Service Award because of their outstanding engagement and enthusiasm between members. Under the direction of their president Hayden Martin, the club has gone above and beyond to create a shared sense of community. The club has arranged mini seminars, facilitated connections between students and faculty, and engages in biology-related service to the community.
Excellence in Dedication - Erin Hanley
The Pott College of Science, Engineering, and Education Student Excellence in Dedication Award was established to identify a student who has not served in a leadership role, but who has committed time and energy in making an impact on the University community on behalf of his or her organization. The intent of the award is to recognize and encourage outstanding dedication by a student within an organization.
Erin was nominated because of her dedication to USI’s campus and to her fellow peers. She has consistently made an effort on campus to bring good ideas and puts in the effort to see change happen. Erin expresses genuine passion about making a difference in any and all areas she participates in.
Student Advisory Board Scholarship - Owen Ballard
The purpose of the Pott College Student Advisory Board Scholarship is to provide $500 to a student who is actively engaged and participates in organizations and activities within the Pott College.
Owen Ballard was nominated for this Scholarship because of his dedication to his various positions around campus. Ballard is a Resident Assistance at O’Daniel North/South, the Sig Tau Gamma Fraternity Director of Recruitment, and sits on the Pott College Student Advisory Board.
“It was an honor to receive the Pott College Student Advisory Board Scholarship, as it recognizes the time and effort I have put into extracurricular activities on campus. Through the SAB, I was able to form connections with USI faculty while also addressing the concerns of students in the Pott College," Ballard said. "Each of my fellow students on the SAB, as well as my advisors, professors, and Dr. Bower have helped me grow as a leader and get involved on campus. Receiving this award will assist me in affording my college education, and I am very grateful to everyone who was a part of the process!”
Teach Now is a full-year clinical internship program for education majors. USI partners with the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation to offer this experience. Teach Now clinical interns are placed in EVSC schools and are assigned to a cooperating teacher for the fall and spring semesters of the senior year. This program is coordinated by Dr. Elizabet Wilkins, Assistant Professor of Education, and Mrs. Joyce Reitman, Director of Clinical Internships. Teach Now graduates were celebrated at the 2022 Pott College Student Campus Community Award Ceremony for their excellence in education. Each Teach Now candidate was awarded a certificate of achievement for their scholarship and service to the community, and given a commencement cord for their graduation ceremony.
