ETSU held its fourth annual The Summit: A Celebration of Distinguished Student Leaders and Programs, Tuesday, April 11, at the Centre at Millennium Park. The Summit recognizes the achievements of student leaders and student organizations.
ETSU President Paul. E Stanton Jr. said in his introduction to the event, “Student leadership and involvement are the heart of campus life and are crucial in leading East Tennessee State University to becoming the best regional university in the country. This is a very special event.”
Further recognizing the efforts of student leaders, Tricia Nguyen, director of student activities, said, “(Being a student leader) can be a thankless job and we appreciate you.”
The first award that was presented at the Summit was the Unsung Hero Awards. This award gave recognition to students who did not hold major leadership positions in their organization and they worked beyond their call of duty.
Recipients of this award were: Tanner Clements, Amy Dye, Cadet Robert Grey, Ash-Lee Henderson, Emily Kilgore, Eric Taylor, Ben Shaw and Dieter Smith. “These people are not the president (of their organization). They work because they want to, not because they have to,” said Nguyen.
The Student Government Association had awards to recognize members of the SGA that went beyond the required duties when performing their job. “These awards recognize potential for the future based on actions here at ETSU,” said Dr. Sally Lee, associate vice president for student affairs, who also presented the SGA awards. “The SGA had an interesting year and they represented the rights of the students steadfastly through it all.”
The winner of the Carrier Student Government Leadership Award was SGA President JR Husmillo. The Dorman G. Stout Excellence in Service Award went to Aya Fukuda. The Senator of the Year was Jason Shorter and Cabinet Member of the Year was Carshonda Harris.
There were several seniors who were inducted into the Student Leader Hall of Fame at the Summit. “This is one of the highest awards,” said Dr. Steven Bader, senior associate vice-president for student affairs. Those students were: Ericka Basile, studio art major; JR Husmillo, finance major; Bailey Garret, mass communications/public relations major; Caroline Ross, banking finance and economics major and Josh Shearin, digital media major.
In addition to the Student Leader Hall of Fame, 10 students were recognized for their status in Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities. “These 10 students are definitely a reflection of the students of this caliber,” Bader said.
These students are: Ericka Basile, senior; Zarah Cochran, junior; Brandi Garner, senior; JR Husmillo, senior; Megan McEntire, senior; Daniel Reed, junior; Keely R. Richardson, senior; Fifi Saba, senior; Josh Shearin, senior and Alyssa Youngerberg.
Some individual awards were given at the Summit. The Net-Above and Beyond Award goes to someone who actively participates in the ACTS Adult Leadership Network and goes beyond their normal requirements. Donna Morrow was the recipient of this award. “She always offers words of encouragement to students and staff,” said Dr. Carla Warner, director of Adult, Commuter and Transfer services. “She does so much for her students.”
The Citicorp Leadership Scholarship was also presented at the ceremony to Casey Bayliss, sophomore. This award was created to recognize current students who are highly involved in their community and have at least one year of school left.
The final individual award was the Jan Phillips Mentor Award which was given to Joy Fulkerson. This award was designed to recognize the mentoring that ETSU faculty and staff provide for the students.
Many organizations and programs were also recognized at the Summit for their achievements at ETSU. The Student Painting and Drawing Association (SPDA) received the award for the Most Improved Student Organization. The SPDA more than double its membership over last year and offered programs like the ’80s Prom and hosted The Guerrilla Girls. “This organization did more events than any other organization,” Nguyen said. “I am proud to give them the Most Improved Student Organization award.”
Jammin’ for the Gulf Coast won the award for outstanding program and best service program. The Multicultural Fashion Show won the best multicultural program for the second year in a row.
Other awards were the best social program, which was given to Unity Fest; Family Fun Day won the best educational program; the best new program was awarded to the International Cricket Match; and the best student presented program was awarded to Head to Toe.
The winners of these awards were voted on by an awards selection committee. The faculty members that made this committee were Tim Dills, College of Business and Technology; Joel Ekstrom, Financial Aid; David Mueller, Center for Physical Activity; Richard Swearingen, Housing and Residence Life and Kim Young, University Center.

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