Students, faculty, staff receive student life awards

Scott “Zhe” Song of Xi’an, China receives the Student Service Award from Chris Kendall, vice president for Student Development.

Saint Mary’s recognized outstanding students, faculty and staff Thursday, April 15, 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) — Brendan Dolan, Student Development graduate assistant and residence hall director, of Winona.

Charlene “Char” Tjaden Outstanding Resident Assistant Award — Stephanie Valentine, daughter of Gregory and Anne Valentine of Omaha, Neb.

Club and Organization Advisor of the Year — Dr. Jeanne Minnerath, associate professor of Biology and director of the Allied Health Program, of Winona.

Organization of the Year — students accepting the award for the International Students Club included Lingshan Tian of Xi’an, China; Dongyang Xie of Xi’an, China; Long Chen of Xi’an, China; Yiyun Wang of Xi’an, China; and Scott “Zhe” Song of Xi’an China.

Intramural Official of the Year — Amanda Mueller, daughter of Thomas and Pamela Mueller of Milwaukee, Wis.

Volunteer of the Year Award — Beth Leister, daughter of Mary and Daniel Leister of Milwaukee, Wis.

Outstanding Student Senator of the Year Award — Vanessa Grams, daughter of Jean and Gregg Grams of Little Falls, Minn.

Winona Community Service Award — Emily Merchlewitz, daughter of Mark and Ann Merchlewitz of Winona, Minn.

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) — Betsy Baertlein, daughter of Scot and Cheryl Baertlein of Mazeppa, Minn.

Student Service Award — Scott “Zhe” Song of Xi’an, China.

Outdoor Leadership Recognition Award — Gary Borash, son of Ron and Ann Borash of Rowlus, Minn., and Betsy Baertlein, daughter of Scot and Cheryl Baertlein of Mazeppa, 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) — Jason Richter, assistant dean of students for leadership, service and activities, of Rollingstone, Minn.

To see all the photos from this event, go to www.smumn.edu/studentserviceawardphotos.