Being a good leader is not about power and position, but it is having the energy, charisma and character to convince people to do the right thing, make healthy choices and do their best, said Southern Illinois University Edwardsville sophomore Christopher Cole Egland. Egland was one of several honored at the University’s 28th Annual Kimmel Leadership Awards on Monday, April 23 in the Morris University Center Meridian Ballroom.
The annual celebration recognizes outstanding students, faculty, staff and community members for their contributions in leadership and service, according to Sarah Laux, PhD, assistant director for community engagement in the Kimmel Student Involvement Center.
“As a leader, I want to be a trendsetter for positive things and outcomes,” said Egland, who received the Kimmel Leadership Scholarship, which covers a full year’s tuition. Some of Egland’s activities include serving as chapter president of Alpha Kappa Lambda, historian of Phi Eta Sigma and member of the Order of Omega.
Serdar Celik, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering, was also recognized as the Established 
Advisor of the Year for his work with the SIUE Chapter of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE).
“It is important to host this awards program, because it provides visibility to the impact that students, faculty, staff, and community members have on the SIUE and Metro East communities,” said Laux. “It also celebrates the commitment student organizations make to live out the values of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and shape a changing world.”
Each year, the awards ceremony recognizes the following:
- Individual categories, including Outstanding Student Leader, Outstanding Student Organization Officer, Unsung Hero Award, Advisor of the Year, Emerging Student Leader and Greek 360 Award
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Student Organization awards that include New Student Organization of the Year and Student Organization of the Year (one for membership of 25 and less and the other for membership 25 and more)- Program of the Year in the categories of diversity, educational, social, collaborative, philanthropic and community service
- Scholarship/Community awards for Kimmel Scholarship and Kimmel Community Service Awards
Student Organization awards that include New Student Organization of the Year and Student Organization of the Year (one for membership of 25 and less and the other for membership 25 and more)“The Kimmel Student Involvement Center is committed to developing and enhancing the student,” said Tyler Manning, assistant director for Fraternity and Sorority Life. “We place the individual at the center of the leadership development process to equip them with the tools to be successful.”
“Great leaders pursue continuous improvement in themselves and others,” added Laux, “actively partnering towards a climate of collaboration and cooperation, creating access for all while respecting individual differences, and fostering a sense of service and social justice in order to affect change.”
Photos:
Sophomore Christopher Cole Egland (center) is supported by his family at SIUE’s 28th Annual Kimmel Leadership Awards on Monday, April 23 in the Morris University Center Meridian Ballroom. Egland received the Kimmel Leadership Scholarship.
Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Jeffrey Waple, PhD, congratulates junior Hannah Scobbie (left) and sophomore Donnie Bland Jr. (right) for winning the Unsung Hero Award.
Serdar Celik, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering, received the Established Advisor of the Year Award