Saint Mary’s presents service awards to students, faculty, staff

WINONA, Minn. — Saint Mary’s University recognized outstanding students, faculty and staff Thursday, April 12, at the Student Life Awards Ceremony. Several awards were handed out to students who made a noticeable impact on student life at SMU. Awards included:

Brother Finbar McMullen Award (presented to an SMU community member who demonstrates him/herself to be an individual who unselfishly meets the needs of the undergraduate students of Saint Mary’s) — Tim Gossen, dean of students

Charlene “Char” Tjaden Outstanding Resident Assistant Award — John Soucheray, son of John and Kathleen Soucheray of Woodbury, Minn.

Club and Organization Advisor of the Year — Lance Thompson, assistant activities director

Organization of the Year — Open Mic Nite, accepted by Ben Scott, son of Mark and Sherri Scott of Rochester, Minn.

Intramural Official of the Year — Rachel Otten, daughter of Bruce and Debra Otten of Buffalo, Minn.

Volunteer Service Award — Stephanie Schaub, daughter of Steven and Mary Schaub of La Crosse, Wis., and Megan Linder, daughter of Don and Nancy Linder of Easton, Minn.

Outstanding Student Senator of the Year Award — Andy Bauer, son of Timothy and Nancy Bauer of Roswell, Ga.

Brother James Miller Award (presented to a student who has dedicated his/her college experience to promoting the legacy of Brother James Miller, spreading the compassion of God and continually serving the community) — Jill Spitzmueller, daughter of Bill and Kathy Spitzmueller of New Brighton, Minn., and Madelynn Kettner, daughter of Donald and Jeannine Kettner of La Crosse, Wis.

Student Service Award — Luis Escobar, son of Francia Acevedo and Santiago Escobar of Madelia, Minn.

Outdoor Leadership Recognition — Courtney Lee, daughter of Eric and Camille Lee, Apple Valley, Minn.

Brother Charlie Burke Award (presented to a faculty or staff member who has made significant contributions to the entire Student Life Department. This individual has promoted the growth of the whole student through their exemplary standard of ethical service, dedication to creating developmental relationships, and their desire to promote lifelong learning) — Ann Merchlewitz, executive vice president and general counsel

Saint Benilde Award (presented to students who reach out to new members of the university community, are inclusive and inspiring, and lead by being hospitable, open and accepting) — Amy Streit, daughter of Joe and Kathleen Streit of Oak Lawn, Ill., and Robert Rousseau, son of Richard and Paulet Rousseau of St. Paul.

Leadership Certificate (presented to students who have completed the co-curricular program designed to give both emerging and advanced leaders the skills and knowledge to enhance his or her leadership development) — Riley Sinn, daughter of Ruth and Philip Sinn of Apple Valley; Julianne Bartosz, daughter of Jeff and Leslie Bartosz of Mokena, Ill.; Morgan Carlson, daughter of Wally and Darla Carlson of Theilman, Minn.; Sara McNary, daughter of William and Donna McNary of De Forest, Wis.; Abby Ross, daughter of Bradley and Sidnie Ross of Blaine; Danielle Strebel, daughter of Dan and Mary Strebel of Green Bay, Wis., Chris Froelich, daughter of Ken and Patricia Froelich of Cottage Grove; Mae Yang, daughter of Yeng and Panee Yang of Minneapolis; Katherine Wall, daughter of Michael and Michelle Wall of Batavia, Ill., Stephanie Schaub, daughter of Steven and Mary Schaub of La Crosse, Wis.; and Julie Pierce, daughter of John and Lisa Ingram of Minneapolis.