April 10, 2019—The Missouri Western State University Division of Student Affairs recognized students and student organizations that embody the university’s core values at the inaugural Student & Organization Achievement Recognition (SOAR) reception on Wednesday, April 3rd, 2019. The following students and organizations were recognized by the Division of Student Affairs for their achievements and contributions this year:

2019 Commencement Speakers:

  • Bailey Ketcham, Omaha, Nebraska
  • Eugenia Wallace, Kansas City, Missouri

Outstanding Student Organization Member:

  • Kim Leach; Chillicothe, Missouri; MWSU Geography Club

The Dr. Robert A. Vartabedian President’s Outstanding Leader:

  • Sarah Lee; Savannah, Missouri; National Association for Music Educators – Collegiate

Outstanding Student Organization Advisor:

  • Jordan Atkinson, assistant professor of communication, Communications Club

Student Employee of the Year:

  • Destiny Redmond, Kansas City, Missouri

Dean Hoff Outstanding Achievement Award:

  • Derek Neupauer, Pittsfield, Illinois (Freshman)
  • Mazzie Boyd, Stewartsville, Missouri (Sophomore)
  • Cecilia Tackett, Savannah, Missouri (Junior)
  • Teresa Flaugher, Platte City, Missouri (Senior)

New Program of the Year:

  • My Sigma Valentine, Phi Beta Sigma

Program of the Year:

  • Friendsgiving, Residential Life

Community Service Program of the Year:

  • Colors 4 Carson, Student Athlete Advisory Committee

Glenn Marion Community Service Award:

  • Phi Delta Theta

Spirit of the Griffon:

  • Missouri Western Soccer Club

Greek Week Champions:

  • Sigma Sigma Sigma

Fraternity of the Year:

  • Alpha Sigma Phi

Sorority of the Year:

  • Alpha Gamma Delta

Best New Student Organization:

  • MWSU Geography Club

Student Organization of the Year:

  • Organization of Student Social Workers

For more information about the event, please contact Dr. Vincent Bowhay, Career Development Director, at vbowhay@missouriwestern.edu.

Missouri Western State University is a comprehensive regional university providing a blend of traditional liberal arts and professional degree programs. The university offers student-centered, high quality instruction that focuses on experience-based learning, community service, and state-of-the-art technology. Missouri Western is located in St. Joseph, Mo., and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social development of the region it serves. Visit www.missouriwestern.edu.