FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 6, 2011
Contact: Anika Mitchell Perkins
(662) 329-7124
aperkins@pa.muw.edu

Night at the Odys highlights student leaders

COLUMBUS, Miss. – Mississippi University for Women students were in the spotlight at the third annual Night at the Odys sponsored by the Student Government Association.

The event highlighted student leaders for their promotion of MUW spirit, citizenship, innovation, leadership and service to others.

Various awards were presented including the Service Awards, which recognized individuals who have demonstrated a consistent, documented effort to better the MUW community and their community as a whole. Winners were Patrick Ray, InReach Service Award, and Jianwen Jackson, OutReach Service Award.

The Academic Merit Award was presented to Callie Golden. The award is designed to recognize students who exhibit academic excellence throughout their time at MUW. Applicants were required to have a 3.0 or higher to be eligible.

Jasmine Becton won the Horizon Award, which is designed to recognize the early accomplishments of first-year and transfer students to MUW.
The Transition Award went to Raleigh Poole. It recognizes the accomplishments of sophomores and juniors, except transfer students, who have exemplified dedication, leadership and are engaged and involved with the MUW community.
Bess Toyama garnered the Legacy Award, which recognizes a graduating senior who excelled in leadership, service and scholarship throughout their tenure at MUW.

The Outstanding Overall Student Leader Award went to Brandon Newsome. The award honors an individual who has demonstrated outstanding leadership in promoting campus spirit, pride, introduced a new tradition or innovative idea to promote campus life, and/or the university's prestige and exemplifies loyalty to MUW. 

Jamie Hicks was the recipient of the Exceptional Commuter Award, which honors an off-campus student who has made an impact.
           
Menuka Ban was presented the Outstanding Minority Award to celebrate the efforts of minority leaders.
           
Nancy Ogendo was the recipient of the People’s Choice Award.

Two special awards, in honor of previous Vice President for Student Services Dr. Homer “Bucky” Wesley, were presented to Cydney Archie and Jenna McMurphy. The award recognizes “a student that is truly following in his footsteps to create positive change on campus.”

Preston Veal was named Best Spring SGA Leader, and Janna Walton was recognized as Executive of the Year.