On Friday, May 9, students gathered during Newman University’s Spring Fling to celebrate the 2025 Student Life award winners.
With 80-degree weather and blue skies during Spring Fling, students enjoyed tasty chicken wings and fries, freshly squeezed lemonade, fried Oreos, a watermelon-eating contest, rock climbing wall, friendly pups from Kansas K-9 ResQ, a Velcro wall, bouncy house slide, plant pot painting, balloon artwork, face painting and even the Hispanic-American Leadership Organization’s (HALO) “Pie in the Face” event.
All campus community members had the opportunity to nominate student individuals, registered organizations, clubs and campus advisors for the Student Life awards. Three University Relations team members — video communications specialist James Sanny, digital community specialist Jack Schafer and digital content specialist Amy Brooks — ultimately selected the winners.
Club of the Year
The Campus Activities Board (CAB) earned the Club of the Year award for its creative and inclusive programming. Known for boosting event attendance and collaborating with other groups, CAB hosted a wide variety of events that built a strong sense of belonging on campus. A few noteworthy events from the academic year were paintballing, a visit to Field of Screams and a collaborative Día de los Muertos celebration with HALO.
“It means that everything we did throughout the year was seen and recognized,” said junior Cassidy Miller, a CAB leader. “We just wanted to give everyone something to do — and more events. And that’s what we did.”
Organization of the Year
HALO claimed the Organization of the Year award. Their events focused on education, culture and advocacy, which included a “Know Your Rights” session featuring immigration attorneys, a multicultural BBQ with other student groups and their hallmark Día de los Muertos celebration. HALO also raised nearly $2,000 independently and prepared authentic Mexican dishes for Giving Day’s Trivia Night — all while fostering connections with local Hispanic businesses and organizations.
Reflecting on the recognition, HALO president Melissa Arguijo said, “It was really meaningful because we went from a year that no one really knew about HALO, and now we’re able to help people find their community and find that they also have a place here.”
Advisor of the Year
Co-advisors of the Psychology Club received Advisor of the Year award status: Assistant Professor of Psychology Whitney Burke and Professor of Psychology Greg Smith. Their dedication to student development was evident in their standout participation in the Club Leader Retreat at the beginning of the year.
Student nominators praised Burke for being “influential” in problem-solving and Smith for his constant support and advocacy.
Student Employee of the Year
Recognized for her tireless efforts behind the scenes, student Travia Smith received the Student Employee of the Year award. Peers described Smith as a “huge role model” who supports every club and shows others that Newman can be a true home away from home.
As one nominator put it, “Being away from home isn’t easy, but Travia shows through her work that home isn’t just a place.”
Student Leader of the Year
The Student Leader of the Year award went to first-year student Kelly Lotsu-Morgan, a standout student in the Honors Program known for his positivity, curiosity and musical talents. Lotsu-Morgan played a key role in launching the new Coding Club, which will officially debut during the 2025-26 academic year.
“I obviously did not see it coming,” Lotsu-Morgan said of receiving the award. “I just try to be at everything. So it was a nice surprise.”
He added that the Coding Club aims to make programming more approachable and fun.
“We want to make everyone see what you can do with code — and see how accessible it is,” he said.
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