Every year at Grand Valley State University, the Office of Student Life hosts the Student Life Awards Reception. This event recognizes student organizations and members that have had successes in different areas.

This year’s reception will take place Thursday, April 20, in the Kirkhof Center Grand River Room from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Around 200 people are expected to attend.

“This award ceremony helps to recognize students for what they do,” said Tanisha Kuykendall, the graduate assistant for student organization development at GVSU. “They do so much on campus, and this highlights some of it.”

The awards range from philanthropy to sports through 180 nominations, Kuykendall said. Organizations can nominate members who they think exemplify the missions and values their organizations embolden. The GVSU Community Service Learning Center (CSLC) selects the best nominees through a committee.

“I really want to win a national championship this year,” said Joey Digiacomo, men’s club lacrosse athlete. “It would be great for our team to be recognized by the (CSLC).”

National championship winners are congratulated on their efforts during the reception, Kuykendall said. Last year, the women’s hockey team and the wrestling club won the club sports of the year, Kuykendall said. Digiacomo said his team hopes they can hold the honors this year.

The CSLC will also be recognizing faculty, graduates and undergraduate students along with student organizations. There will be program awards, individual recognition and organizational awards.

The Program of the Year award will be presented to an organization that has done exceptional work and comes with $100 dollars as well. The Emerging Leader award is for a student leader who has helped maintain a better community at GVSU. The Most Improved Organization award is given to organizations that have made a noticeable change for the better since last semester.

Kuykendall said a welcoming ceremony will take place at 6:30 p.m. Then, the programming awards section will start up. From there, the CSLC will recognize certain organizations. Afterward, student organizations that did blood drives will be mentioned.

The CSLC staff will take this time to talk about the spirit of philanthropy, Kuykendall said. They will talk about which people individually did the most hours and then move in the direction of the sports awards.

Kuykendall said club sports are recognized with coach and players of the year first. Then, national championship winners are recognized. From there, the organizational awards section begins.

The most prominent award given out is the Shelia Williams Outstanding Organization award. This is specifically for an organization that has made great contributions to the campus and improved the lives of community members. It is based on Williams, who is a GVSU alumna and in her life best reflected the qualities of the award that is named after her.

Kuykendall encouraged all students and faculty to attend the award reception to recognize and showcase the most positive organizations, graduates and students.

For more information, visit www.gvsu.edu/events/student-life-awards-4/.