MANSFIELD, PA—The fourth annual Student Life Leadership Celebration was held at Mansfield University on Thursday, February 16.
The event, spearheaded by the Student Affairs and Student Life Division, is the culmination of an effort to acknowledge members of the campus community whose actions best represent the Mansfield Creed in action.
Sixty students, faculty and staff were nominated and recognized at the event. All the nominations were submitted to a committee to determine individuals who represent a facet of the Mansfield Creed; Character, Scholarship, Culture and Service in an exemplary fashion. They received special recognition at the celebration event.
Angel King, a Chemistry major from Mansfield, PA was honored for Character.
King was nominated by Associate Director of Admissions Jan Yoder and Administrative Assistant Lindy Hampsher.
“Angel King’s character not only exemplifies the spirit of the Creed–one whose actions impact others in a most positive way–but is beyond measure,” her nominations reads. “Whatever the undertaking or favor requested of Angel, she approaches it with a smile and positive attitude. Angel King is a true Mountie Ambassador leader and role model, both on and off campus.”
Nick Best, a Music major from Montrose, PA was honored for Scholarship.
He was nominated by Mike Stamp, assistant director of the Kelchner Fitness Center, whose nomination said, “Nick steps up in many leadership roles on a daily basis as both a student in the Music Department and as an employee at the Kelchner Fitness Center. Last summer, Nick also stepped up as a camp counselor at the first ever Mountie Outdoor Adventure Camp….Nick took a vested interest in each of the campers and taught them a number of skills and techniques including how to use rock climbing equipment and how to rock climb, how to identify specific plants and animals in the wild, and for some, how to play the ukulele while relaxing at camp. Nick went above and beyond in his role as camp counselor and played an immense part in making the first ever Mountie Outdoor Adventure Camp a success.”
Ruth Hermansen, associate controller of Student Life, was honored for Culture.
She was nominated by Jackie Johnson, associate director of Student Services, who said, “Ruth displayed her dedication to expanding MU students’ cultural experiences, and that of her own, by graciously inviting one of our International students to spend the entire Thanksgiving holiday with her family. They traveled out of town to visit family, and “adopted” the MU student, including her in their extensive holiday weekend. This student would have otherwise spent the weekend alone, if it was not for Ruth’s leadership role in providing a generous cultural experience for an MU student.”
Jesse Olson, Geosciences major from Galeton, PA, was honored for Service.
Olson was nominated by Jason Welch, purchasing agent and advisor for Mansfield University Student Veterans Organization (MUSVO).
Welch wrote, “Jesse Olson has demonstrated acts of selfless service to Mansfield University and the Mansfield University’s student veterans that has exceeded beyond what is expected as a student. After completing three combat tours in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn, Jesse has continued to serve in various leadership positions. He is the founding president and current treasurer of the MU Student Veterans Organization (MUSVO), Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Department of PA District 15 Commander, as well as serving in various leadership positions within the VFW. Jesse is a currently pursuing a BS in Geography with a focus in Environmental Science and Mapping Technology. He has dedicated extensive hours into ensuring that the student veterans and military members of Mansfield University have a resource center that will support future endeavors for members of the SVO for years to come. Jesse is an individual with the drive and determination that will enable him to conquer any obstacle that stands in the way of his goals.”
To see more photos from the event, click here.
There is a Student Life Leadership Celebration display on the third floor of Alumni Hall.