The following students and organizations also were honored:
UNCA for Menstrual Equity received the Student Organization of the Year Award. The organization was recognized for their partnerships with community organizations such as Helpmate, Planned Parenthood, and WNCAP to provide violence prevention and sexual health programming at the University, and for conducting their work through a racial equity lens.
The Collaboration of the Year Award went to the Student Health Ambassadors, who provided support to the campus community during the pandemic through providing resources--primarily through social media--in-person and virtual peer to peer support.
UNC Asheville’s Student Government Association received the Program of the Year Award for their “This Is Us” BIPOC Art Show. The program highlighted art from BIPOC students across the UNC System, highlighting their talent and sharing their stories and lived experiences.
Sam Beichler was awarded Student Employee of the Year for his work in Campus Recreation. Beichler serves in a student supervisor position, and manages the other frontline workers and works with them with compassion and uplifting attitudes while ensuring proper building duties are completed.
The Student Employee Supervisor of the Year Award went to Senuri Fernando for her work leading the student team of Career Peers for the Career Center. Fernando serves as a role model for her fellow students and is an advocate for students and for the University.
Rose Gilbert received the Intern of the Year Award for her service as an intern with the Asheville Humane Society. Gilbert assisted with the weekly Supply Drive-Thru, communicated with community partners, provided support to clients, and more.
Sam Driewer received the Michael Addae-Kumi Emerging Student Leader Award for his significant contributions to the Fraternity and Sorority Life community on campus. He is an active member of the FSL Action Team, which was established to re-envision a values-based Fraternity and Sorority Life experience at UNC Asheville. As a first-year student, he has already been nominated to serve as president of the organization next year.
The Student Leader of the Year Award was presented to Demon Thomas, former president of the Student Government Association, for his work bringing together students regardless of race, gender, sexuality looking to engage, explore, and foster diversity, equity, and inclusion at UNC Asheville. He was recognized for his ability not only to lead, but to nurture, support and motivate others to lead, as well.