CSM Awards Students for Leadership, Involvement
College of Southern Maryland announced last month its leadership awards for the 2014-2015 school year. Students are recognized for their campus leadership, and for having an impact on the community inside and outside the college.
Prince Frederick Campus Student Association (SA) President and CSM SGA President Heather Murphy of Prince Frederick received the President’s Cup for her ability to motivate and lead others as well as for the time and talent she has given to better the college community. Ms. Murphy represented CSM during the Student Advocacy Day with the state legislature as well as with the Calvert County Commissioners.
“Heather understands that she serves and represents all CSM students. She is aware of the issues that students face and has a grasp of what types of solutions are possible. Heather serves as an advocate for other students and will go above and beyond expectations for any student who seeks assistance from her,” said CSM Prince Frederick Campus Student Services Executive Director Lydia Williams.
The Vice President’s Cup was presented to Leonardtown Campus SA Representative Nicholas Combs, of Leonardtown, MD, as the student who most significantly contributed to improving the college community. This award recognizes the important work completed by students “behind the scenes.”
Mr. Combs successfully increased attendance at SA events through collaboration with faculty, assisted in preparing personal care packages for victims of domestic violence, coordinated the Leonardtown Campus’ Harvest Food Drive for the local food pantry and volunteered for “Try College for a Day” events for students with disabilities. As an SA representative, Combs advocated for CSM and his fellow students at Student Advocacy Day in Annapolis and at the St. Mary’s County Commissioners’ budget hearing.
“One of the most admirable qualities of Nick is his humility. He is not driven by self-service but from a genuine desire to make CSM a better place for all students and the community. His extensive involvement in student activities and dedication to programming and the SA couldn’t be more impeccable,” said Leonardtown Campus Student Life Coordinator Jennifer VanCory.
The Student Employee of the Year Award was presented to James Day, of Leonardtown, MD, for going “above and beyond” his duties as a student employee. Mr. Day has been employed with the Leonardtown Campus Student Success Center since fall 2013.
“James is every employer’s dream. He arrives early, stays late, and has adjusted his schedule to fill in when other student assistants have needed time off or I have needed to be out of the office,” said CSM Leonardtown Campus Lead Student Success Coordinator Beverly Russell. “It is common for a student to come in out-of-sorts seeking services such as test taking, note taking, organization help, among other soft skill strategies in addition to our tutoring services. James reassures students that help is available, that they are not alone in their student struggles and that we will find a way to aid in their situation. He introduces students directly to the tutors, developing rapport with the student and staff. The person in front of him gets undivided attention.”
For the first time, the SGA chose to recognize and honor one club from its CSM campus as the “CSM Student Club of the Year.” The Club of the Year was presented to the A.R.T. Club for the added value to the college community through its involvement on campus and in the community as well as its impact on enhancing the overall student experience. Through creativity, open meetings, support of other clubs on campus, the A.R.T. Club showed that art can touch all lives. Advisers are CSM Assistant Professor Katherine Sifers and Instructor Lindsay Pichaske.
