University Communications and Marketing

MSUB student leaders honored at annual leadership awards banquet

Students, staff, faculty, and administrators gathered on April 10 at the Billings Depot

University Communications and Marketing, 657-2266

MSU BILLINGS NEWS SERVICES — Montana State University Billings honored a group of outstanding students, organizations, and staff on Tuesday, April 10 at the annual Leadership Recognition Program awards banquet at the Billings Depot.

This year’s theme, “The Rockstar Student Leader”, was focused on students and staff who have performed as outstanding “band” members in the MSUB community. Jason Levasseur, the keynote speaker and guest performer, is an award-winning musician and speaker who has performed with several famous artists around the globe.

Levasseur “travels around the country to inspire, motivate, and educate students on what it means to be a “rock star” student leader, shared event organizers. “Jason inspires students to think about how their influential role and responsibility empowers themselves and others.”

Following the meal and introductory speech, students, staff, and organizations were recognized through various awards for their incredible accomplishments. Both the winners and nominees alike have demonstrated excellent dedication and leadership to MSUB over the past year.

Cody McCracken was named Outstanding President of the Year for his work with the College Democrats, a student group whose mission is to encourage participation of students in the political process regardless of race, gender, religion, ethnic origin, handicap, or economic standing. The College Democrats were also awarded the Outstanding Student Organization: Special Interest award.

TRiO Advocates was named the Outstanding Student Organization Overall as well as the Outstanding Student Organization for Campus Support.

Senior leadership awards were given to Chelsea Coomber and Clay Sluggett.

The Outstanding Academic Leadership awards went to Kelton Houston and Kerri-Ann Telford.

Rick Albert of Sodexo was named the Unsung Hero of 2018.

Student Activities Board (SAB) was awarded the Outstanding Student Organization: Departmental/Student Fee Funded award as well as Outstanding Organization Program or Event for their Post Secret project.

Halle Keltner was a popular face seen behind the camera as well, winning the Outstanding Residential Leader award, representing College Democrats in their successes, and presenting Christine Ditter of HEROES with the Outstanding Advisor of the Year award.

Other 2018 Leadership Recognition Award recipients are:

Brooke Burkett, Outstanding Member of an Organization

Josh Tarango, Outstanding Member of an Organization

Rachel Ballard, Emerging Student Leader

Emily Willoughby, Emerging Student Leader

Sari Robertus, Emerging Student Leader

Erin Cozzens, Outstanding Student Volunteer

Chris Grudizinski, Student Employee Leadership

Mohammadreza Heidrari, International Student Leader

Hallie Vervair, Athletic Leadership

Elizabeth Fischer, Striving for Excellence in Leadership While Caring for One’s Family

Laura Orosco, Striving for Excellence in Leadership While Caring for One’s Family

Angel Shandy, Peer Educator

Anna Claypool, Outstanding Graduate Student Leader

VITA, Accounting Club, Outstanding Organization Service Project

National Art Education Association Student Chapter, Outstanding Student Organization: Arts & Media

Pre-Health Professionals, Outstanding Student Organization: Academic and Honorary

Multi-Cultural Club, Outstanding Student Organization: Diversity and Culture