The 40th Annual Leadership Awards ceremony honored student excellence

In a celebration of Ohio University’s student leaders and exemplary organizations, multiple students and organizations were honored with awards and scholarships at the 40^th annual Leadership Awards on Wednesday, April 19.

In 1984, the first group of students were honored for their leadership at OHIO. This past week, 40 years later, the Division of Student Affairs, in partnership with the Division of Diversity and Inclusion, continued the tradition of recognizing students for their unwavering commitment to the OHIO community. The event acknowledged the legacy of leadership set forth by pioneering students, educators, and champions whose enduring legacies have shaped the University since its founding.

University dignitaries, administrators, faculty, staff, family members, and guests of honor filled the Baker University Center Ballroom for the awards ceremony. This year’s awards were one for the record books as the nomination process netted over 1,500 applications, the most in its history.

The event honored students who have continued to build upon the legacy set by their forbears through their outstanding leadership, service, and allyship. The 45 students and five student organizations honored had devoted their time, talents, and passions to better the University and the communities it impacts.

“I feel hopeful for the future and honored to be celebrating the individuals here tonight,” Vice President for Student Affairs Lyn Redington said in welcoming those in attendance.

The honoree student leaders had demonstrated “intentionality in their efforts to encourage dialogue, listen to their peers, and spread ideas that engage, include, and invite the broader OHIO community to take part,” Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion Salome Nnoromele added.

Students were chosen by committees comprised of faculty, staff, alums, and graduate students who evaluated redacted submissions and selected top applicants for recognition. The awards are broken into four categories: diversity and allyship, outstanding leadership, service, and student organizations.

“Winning an award was an honor and a moment of pleasure for me,” said Roshni Ashiq, who received the Charles J. Ping International Leadership Award. “It recognized my service to the University, the international community on the campus, and society. I take this award as a promise of continuous leadership efforts to impact lives in all positive ways I can.”

“I have always strived to help others as best as I can,” said Esme Miranda, who received the Latinx Heritage Achievement Award. “I hope that I am able to set an example to my sisters and those within the Latinx community that they are seen, heard, and that they can accomplish so many things as long as they put their hearts into it.”

The evening concluded with one of the most anticipated announcements of the night—the selection of OHIO’s new student trustee. Gov. Mike DeWine selected Garrett Meek, a second-year student studying finance and strategic leadership and management, to represent the student body and serve a two-year term on Ohio University’s Board of Trustees.

A complete list of winners can be found on the Leadership Awards website.