The W recognizes contributions to campus life with ‘The Odys’
Mississippi University for Women recognized contributions to campus life by students, organizations, staff and advisors with the Leadership Awards Gala, newly-dubbed “The Odys,” Tuesday, April 8.
“The Leadership Awards Gala has been around since 2022, but the idea to give it a more informal name, ‘The Odys,’ happened this year when some of the staff were discussing different traditions and events that we might want to bring back,” said Asia Duren, director of Student Life at The W. “The discussion led to ‘A Night at the Odys,’ which was an award ceremony that hasn’t been around for the last 15 to 20 years. The awards themselves came from the great work we see our students doing and knowing that we need to recognize them in some way. These awards aim to recognize the students that are leaders on campus regardless of title.”
There were 16 awards presented during the ceremony.
The categories and winners included:
Collaboration Commitment Award – Owls Men’s Basketball
Mover and Shaker Influence Award – Zander Hall
Ginkgo Growth Award- Student Organization – United Harmony Gospel Choir
Ginkgo Growth Award- Individual Student – Alisa Smith
Legacy Award – Jarius Ware
Innovation Award – National Pan-Hellenic Council
Seen on the Scene – Jackson Thompson
Horizon Award – Temera Davis
Ody Impact Award – Garielle Cooper
Educational Program of the Year – Black & Beauty Fashion Show: Young Black Leadership Association and Residence Hall Association
Advisor of the Year – Kelly Hollowell
Transfer Student of the Year – David Maldonado
Staff Member of the Year – Janet Robertson
Student Employee of the Year – Grayson Long
Organization of the Year – Residence Hall Association
Student Leader of the Year – Mallory Parker Williams
Nominations for the awards are accepted from students, faculty, staff and the Division of Student Affairs votes to decide the winners.
“I just want to express my gratitude to all of the students, faculty and staff that host and attend events on campus. Their school spirit and enthusiastic support is what helps The W feel like home,” Duren said.
About the Division of Student Affairs
Working in collaboration with other university offices, the division of student affairs provides enrichment and connection for students throughout their time at The W, with a mission to enhance the student experience by providing resources and services that engage students and support their personal and educational goals. The team is comprised of the Counseling Center, Housing and Residence Life, the Office of Student Life, Campus Recreation, Athletics and The W Police Department.