The 12th Annual Sammy Awards was held last night in the Lowman Student Center to recognize students, faculty, staff and student organizations. The theme for the event was Hollywood and featured a red carpet, award show decorations and a witty host.
Evening festivities included presentations of the notorious ‘Sammy Award’, a performance by the Soul Lifters Gospel Choir and a continuous routine by the hilarious emcee, Kyle Cease.
Awards included Outstanding First-Year Student Leader, won by Heather Earle and Outstanding Sophomore Student Leader, Catie Duhon.
The Outstanding Community Service Project and Outstanding Community Service Organization Awards went to Delta Sigma Theta and Alpha Lambda Omega, respectively.
Soul Lifters Gospel Choir won the award for Outstanding Religious Organization and Fade to Black won the Outstanding Cultural Organization.
Outstanding Special Interest Organization went to Non-Traditional Student Organization and Angie Burns won the award for Outstanding Organization Advisor.
Outstanding Junior Student Leader went to Kimberly Fregia and Outstanding Social Sorority went to Alpha Chi Omega for its leadership abilities and overall sorority character.
Outstanding Social Fraternity went to Phi Delta Theta for its service programs and affiliation with the Alcohol Abuse Initiative.
The Non-Traditional Student Leader award went to Dana Baylous who is working on her BA in mass communications after spending several years in the work force with a child. She said that you should always go to school and study what you enjoy.
Outstanding New Student Organization was won by UNICEF, a group that sponsors events like, “World Aids Day” and the Outstanding Established Student Organization award went to Program Council, the student run organization, which produces events for the students by the students.
The McDermett Memorial Award went to Christina Burt, the first woman at Sam Houston State University to become a national consultant for her sorority, Alpha Delta Pi.
“Winning this award was a big surprise,” said Burt. “I wasn’t listed as a finalist in the newspaper so I didn’t think I made it this far. I was really surprised.”
The Creager Memorial Award went to Joe Reagey.
“This was a big honor,” said Reagey. “Even just to be nominated.”
Sammy Awards for individual recognitions were also given out to students, faculty members and administrative staff members.
Department Chair, Janis White, was awarded as a thank you for serving SHSU for so many years. Edgar Smith was also awarded for his 24 years of service as administrative accountant.
Graduating senior Chris Pedison, who was this year’s homecoming king, was recognized for his leadership services as well.
Calvin Davis, also a graduating senior, was recognized for his involvement with the NAACP and his participation in the John Arthur Patrick ceremony celebrating the first African American student at SHSU.
Senior Stryker Stinnette was recognized for his leadership in one of SHSU’s most unique organizations, Ultimate Frisbee. Jeffrey Oribhabor received a Sammy for his work with Program Council as well.
Charissa Adams was given a Sammy for her involvement in the Orange Pride Dance Team and Acting on Faith. LaQuita Hancock was also recognized for her services to the community.
“I was so surprised, I had no idea,” said Hancock. “You think you do this stuff and it goes unnoticed, it’s just nice to be rewarded for all of your hard work.”
Dr. Rosanne Keithly, a faculty member with the Health and Kinesiology Department, was awarded for her involvement with the Alcohol Abuse Initiative, where she taught students about alcohol awareness.
Leah Mulligan was awarded for her role as Student Activities Director.
Several highlights of the evening were the performance by Soul Lifters Gospel Choir and Kyle Cease’s comical emcee skills. Cease, who will appear on Comedy Central Presents on May 12, provided the audience with laughter with his funny antics and uncensored jokes. The “welfare chemistry paper towel” and his “end-of-the-night montage” will surely never be forgotten.
The night successfully in recognized the students, faculty and student organizations who make SHSU a better place.