Students at College of Western Idaho (CWI) were recognized and celebrated for their leadership on campus and in the community at the Student Leadership Awards Banquet on Friday, April 26, at Jack’s Urban Meeting Place (JUMP) in Boise.
2023-2024 Award Winners
Community Service Program of the Year
Biology Club for their partnership with the Boise River ReWild Project, which is a two-year commitment to restore degraded habitat near the Boise River by removing invasive plants and planting native flora.
The Community Service Program of the Year award honors a program that has engaged students in service while encouraging students to selflessly serve beyond this one experience.
Social Program of the Year
Student Veterans of America for their VA Suicide Awareness Workshop, which informed staff, faculty, and students on recognizing suicide risk factors, intervention strategies, and local mental health resources – all critical to supporting student veterans transitioning to civilian life.
This award recognizes a program that has contributed to the sense of community on campus by encouraging students to come together and meaningfully engage with one another and/or the Ada County/Canyon County communities.
Student Organization of the Year
Biology Club for exceling in community engagement, collaboration, inclusivity, and leadership development, inspiring both academic excellence and community spirit.
This award is presented to an organization that demonstrates excellence in all areas of community engagement, collaboration, diversity, and inclusion, and leadership development.
Student Organization Advisor of the Year
Heather Schoenherr from the Psychology Club for her dedication to ensuring the club thrived amidst a pandemic and fostering club success through research opportunities, mentorship, and career connections.
The Student Organization Advisor Award honors an advisor who has excelled in providing support and assistance to a club/organization. The recipient has devoted time and service that has played a key role in the organization’s success.
Outstanding Officer of the Year
Ramon Murguia from the Psychology Club for his curiosity, networking and tireless dedication as a leader which has transformed the Psychology Club at CWI into a thriving and welcoming environment.
The Outstanding Officer/Representative of the Year Award honors a student who has demonstrated exceptional leadership throughout their term of office and has enhanced participation and involvement within their organization, the campus, and the community as a whole.
Quiet Influence Award
Emily Anderson from the ASL Club for promoting understanding of the deaf community and fostering a more inclusive campus environment.
This award honors an individual student who has contributed to their organization and campus community in a meaningful yet behind-the-scenes way.
Rising Leader Award
Ramon Murguia from the Psychology Club for demonstrating professionalism, inclusivity, and strong work ethic as he spearheaded the club’s growth in various roles.
This award honors a student who does not need a title in order to fill a leadership role. This student has shown throughout the year a newfound commitment to serve the Ada and Canyon County campuses and communities side-by-side with the elected student leaders and administration of the campus. This student can be found helping to complete any task needed while helping to model the core values and mission of the College.
Trailblazing Leadership Award
Elliot Johnson from the Biology Club for bridging campus life and the Treasure Valley community through his impactful leadership and innovative projects.
This prestigious award honors a second-year or graduating student leader who has engaged themselves in a significant leadership role on campus. The Trailblazing Leadership Award includes those students who have come to CWI with leadership experience or have developed leadership skills through the many opportunities the campus offers. Through their involvement, recipients of the Trailblazing Leadership Award have shown ambitions to improve campus life and strengthen the Ada and Canyon County communities.
Thank you, and congratulations to all our student leaders, clubs, advisors, staff, and faculty who have helped make the 2023-2024 academic year a success!