Newman University’s Student Life team celebrated students, faculty and organizations across campus during the annual Student Life Awards as part of Spring Fling on May 8.
The Student Life Awards are presented to those who have engaged with the university in ways that go far beyond the classroom and have improved the way other students enjoy life at Newman.
The awards were:
- Student Organization of the Year: Asian Student Association (ASA)
- Student Club of the Year: Theatre Club/Sloppy Joes
- Student Leader of the Year: Ba Minh Nhat Nguyen (president of ASA)
- Student Employee of the Year: Travia Smith
- Adviser of the Year: Associate Professor of Education Huachuan Wen (adviser of ASA)
- Rising Jet Award: Kenzee Keeling
Director of Student Activities Joshua Schoenecker-Prilliman said the winners were recognized for their ability to “fill in the gaps” where needed and cultivate a sense of community on campus.
Asian Student Association’s impact
Schoenecker-Prilliman described ASA as one of the most active organizations on campus during the 2025-26 academic year. ASA didn’t just take the spotlight for its group contributions; two core members also won individual awards: the president and adviser.
“When we look at ASA in general, what makes them different is I actually had to put brakes on them,” he said.
When junior Brooklyn Lane was diagnosed with cancer in April, multiple students approached Schoenecker-Prilliman with ideas on how to support her — including Nguyen.
“Ba (president of ASA) is in my office at 8:05 in the morning asking, ‘Hey, what can I do? What can ASA do? We want to help,’” Schoenecker-Prilliman said. “That was this group all year.”
Nguyen was also recognized as Student Leader of the Year, which came as a surprise to him, he said.
“I don’t think I should get this because there’s people like Melissa (Arguijo) or Travia (Smith) who I think would be a better fit for this,” Nguyen said. “But I’m very grateful that I got it. I wasn’t expecting this whatsoever. I couldn’t do it without my team.”
He also celebrated Wen’s recognition as Adviser of the Year for playing a major role in helping ASA succeed.
“When I’m in doubt or when I need support, he’s always there to help us,” Nguyen said. “Once I come to him and say that ASA needs you, he’s always there.”
Looking ahead, Nguyen said ASA plans to continue expanding its programming with additional cultural celebrations, sporting events and movie nights.
Cracking up campus: the Sloppy Joes
The Theatre Club and Sloppy Joe Improv Troupe were also recognized for their impact on campus culture.
Schoenecker-Prilliman said the group expanded beyond traditional theater performances this year by intentionally supporting other campus events and student-athletes.
“They’re going to athletic events. They’re loud in front of the crowd. They’ve got signs,” he said. “When their behavior is, ‘We want other people to feel good,’ that makes them incredibly deserving of this award.”
Gabriel Trevino, co-captain of Sloppy Joes, said the award carried special meaning after the group experienced significant turnover following graduation losses last year.
“When we started this academic year, there were only four of us,” Trevino said. “We were literally building from the bottom up. Each and every single one of us played a different part for the success of Newman Theatre Club or Sloppy Joes, and we’re just honored to be recognized for our efforts.”
Beyond performances, Trevino said Sloppy Joes has become a place where students develop confidence and community.
“We really do break the barrier between theater and individual growth,” he said. “I’ve seen people grow as people and be brave.”
He encouraged students to continue supporting theater and student performances across campus.
“The more people that show up, the more ideas that we can throw down for you guys, the more fun it’ll be,” Trevino said.
Students shine with individual recognition
The director of student activities was also impressed with individual award winners. He praised Smith’s “consistent positivity” and willingness to help others, as well as Keeling’s growth and increased campus involvement.
“Travia’s attitude doesn’t change no matter the job,” he said. “It’s always, ‘Can do.’ Always got a smile on her face. And Kenzee came out and forced herself to go to (events) that she would’ve never gone to before. She really tried to find her voice.”
For Schoenecker-Prilliman, the awards represented a positive campus culture that students can count on for the Newman experience.
“These students absolutely just went above and beyond in every possible way that they could — not just for them and not just their groups, but all the other groups too,” he added.
Explore life at Newman
Find academic programs, campus resources, student organizations and more at the NewmanU.edu website.
