Spring Fling on May 2 drew crowds of students for boba drinks, food trucks, face painting, caricature artists, a dunk tank, slip-and-slide, photo booth and more.
As if Spring Fling wasn’t exciting enough, the student life team also recognized student leaders, clubs and organizations with awards at Newman University.
Student life distributed five awards: Club of the Year, Organization of the Year, Student Employee of the Year, Student Leader of the Year and Outstanding Club Advisor of the Year.
Club of the Year & Organization of the Year
The Club of the Year, which was defined as a “hobby-facing group,” Prilliman said, was awarded to the Sloppy Joe Improv Troupe. Daniel Cubias-Arteaga was thrilled the Sloppy Joes were recognized as a club.
“I’m a Sloppy Joe through and through,” Cubias-Arteaga said. “I’ve had a lot of fun with all the people I’ve met, everyone who has been part of the team and supported us at shows.”
Director of Student Activities Joshua Prilliman noted the difference between clubs and organizations before awarding the Organization of the Year.
“Organizations are very formal clubs that look to elevate students, giving them leadership and professional opportunities that push students a little bit farther beyond just doing things as a hobby,” Prilliman said.
The Organization of the Year award went to Newman’s Circle K International (CKI). CKI is the world’s largest student-led collegiate service organization.
Student Employee of the Year
Sophomore Chavous Kuamo’o-Malama, who works as a student ambassador for Newman admissions was awarded Student Employee of the Year.
Prilliman described Kuamo’o-Malama as someone who goes “above and beyond” his position.
“I would just like to thank everybody for being part of my journey,” Kuamo’o-Malama said. “I’m in my second year and I’m gonna learn a lot more in my next two years. I’d like to thank my guys over in admissions. You guys are awesome.”
Student Leader of the Year
Deqlan Mitchell, a first-year student, bowler and president of the Gaming Club won the Student Leader of the Year award.
“Deqlan has spent a lot of time and energy being a positive influence on this campus,” Prilliman said. “Whether it’s going to athletic events, being in class or doing all the extra work.”
Mitchell wasn’t expecting to be recognized, but felt honored.
“When I came here and looked at what clubs we had, there wasn’t a gaming club,” Mitchell said. “Newman provides opportunities for you to make things happen that you want to happen. For me, that was the case with Gaming Club.”
He added, “It’s a huge privilege.”
Outstanding Advisor of the Year
Every Newman club and organization has a faculty or staff advisor who is there to support, motivate and help students.
“This year’s winner made themselves available beyond normal work hours every week,” Prilliman said.
Amanda Wills, education program coordinator for the School of Education and Social Work, won the Outstanding Advisor of the Year award.
“She really goes above and beyond, and her students notice,” Prilliman said.
