A few weeks ago, at the 2026 Student Life Awards Banquet, we celebrated the academic, leadership, and service accomplishments of the NHCC students and employees who have made a difference on our campus. We enjoyed taking the time to recognize and reflect on the hard work and successes of our students this year! Also, important to note that the theme of this year's banquet was Ebony and Ivory! Guests were looking polished, and we had a black and white photobooth, see the pictures below!
Academic Achievement Awards
The Academic Achievement Awards recognize and honor academic excellence and exemplary achievement of current NHCC students within the different academic areas of the College. Four students were recognized at the event for their academic achievements (each pictured below).
- Outstanding Academic Achievement in Nursing and Allied Professions
Recipient: Nurah Babirye
Nomination Highlights: “Since 2025, she has been recognized on the Dean’s List and starting the nursing program. Her academic engagement extends beyond the classroom with her involvement in Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, Salam Club, and Student Nurses Association. Nurah stepped up to become a Regional Officer, representing the Minnesota, North and South Dakota Region. She reflects both strong academic performance with a genuine commitment to leadership, service, and the values of the nursing profession.” Another nomination describes, “She has dedicated a lot of her time to student clubs, and I think it's because she really wanted to help build community for people, and she has really done that. She is very kind and an outstanding leader.” - Outstanding Academic Achievement in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Math
Recipient: Isabella Bridges (not pictured)
Nomination Highlights: “This student demonstrated outstanding academic engagement through meaningful discussions with faculty and by encouraging peer dialogue in class. Excellence was shown in the Honors Program and career studies, including the creation of a pregnancy and post‑partum resource brochure, which is now used by the parenting support group and the CARE Center. This student showed remarkable resilience by earning an Associate’s Degree while raising two children, maintaining a 3.7 GPA, and planning to transfer. Their commitment to professional growth and dedication is further reflected in their pursuit of a Juvenile Corrections career and a Social Work internship.” - Outstanding Academic Achievement in Liberal Arts & Academic Foundations
Recipient: Arlene Nguyen
Nomination Highlights: "Though somewhat overwhelmed at times, this student believes in inspiration over motivation and has embraced tremendous growth as a lifelong learner—approaching their studies with dedication, collaboration, and a sense of joy.” - Outstanding Academic Achievement in Business, Careers, Education & Work Innovation
Recipient: Gabriel Goncalves Costa Siqueira
Nomination Highlights: “The nomination declares, ‘He IS academic achievement.’ They beautifully shared that he approached every topic in my class with intellectual curiosity and an excited passion for growth. His enthusiasm is contagious to everyone around him. What truly set him apart in the classroom was the way he showed up for his fellow students. When a classmate was struggling with motivation and falling behind, he took it upon himself to check in with that student consistently. He saw a need and stepped in. That is the kind of servant leadership that isn’t taught- it’s known.”
The International Student of the Year Award
This award is intended to recognize and reward the accomplishments and contributions of current International Students.
Recipient: Nurah Babirye
Nomination Highlights: This student is an international student from Uganda pursuing nursing, and her academic journey required resilience, discipline, and determination. Her nomination mentions, “Many times it was hard to find balance, but I remained committed to achieving academic excellence while serving others and preparing for a career dedicated to improving health outcomes.”
*New Award!* The Muna Wazwaz Excellence in Service Award
Recipient: Muna Wazwaz
Nomination Highlights: “This next award is a completely new award because this student went especially above & beyond this year in the face of adversity, health challenges, and navigating conflict in different clubs.”
The Student Employee Excellence in Service Award
This award is intended to recognize a student who showcases different areas of customer service, including quality work, positive image, and role models.
Recipient: Lynette Rivera
Nomination Highlights: “This next award is for a student has been a dedicated employee that goes above and beyond in her position and has grown in her leadership, resiliency, and professionalism. Lynette is a stellar example of what growth can look like – going from a struggling, shy student to becoming an engaged, inclusive leader on-campus who helps other students get more involved and build their own confidence. She started as a student in Upward Bound and will graduate NHCC as a student employee in Upward Bound.”
The Recreation & Wellness Athlete of the Year Award
The Athlete of the Year Award recognizes a student who participates in club sports and excels on and off the field as a teammate and leader. The recipient of the Athlete of the Year award this year has displayed sportsmanship, determination, leadership, and inspiration that brought out the best in their teammates.
Recipient: Antonio McCrownsey
Nomination Highlights: “He played in multiple Intramural events and won. He won the three-point shoot-out in the fall, won Intramural Volleyball, Intramural Basketball, and plays on our Club Basketball Team.”
The 2026 Friend of Student Life Award
The Friend of Student Life Award annually recognizes an individual or department that has supported and helped accomplish the mission of Student Life and Recreation & Wellness.
Recipient: Shawn Schaefer
Nomination Highlights: "The entire department is notable for their stellar customer service and their kindness. This individual is being recognized as Friend of Student Life in his help with updating the Campus Center, the Health and Wellness Center, and all the work with NHCC Commencement. The nominators share, “We call him Super Shawn.”
The Outstanding Club/Organization Member of the Year Award
This award is given to a student who goes above and beyond to serve their club and fellow peers.
Recipient: Beloved Oluborode (Crochet, Math, Senate, GrooveVerse)
Nomination Highlights: "The next award recipient is a dear colleague who has played an integral role in organizing and supporting events across campus. She generously contributes her time, energy, and creativity to ensure each event is successful, inclusive, and welcoming to all students. Her consistent dedication and positive impact are felt throughout the campus community, as she brings people together with her warmth, kindness, and genuine care for others. She actively participates in initiatives that enhance student engagement and campus involvement, and she serves as a strong, reliable, and trusted representative of the Student Life Office."
The Outstanding Club/Organization Officer of the Year Award
This award recognizes a student who makes significant and lasting contributions to the campus through their service and involvement.
Recipient: Dorimar Cabrera (not pictured)
Nomination Highlights: “In the Fall, she coordinated a pumpkin-painting potluck party for Halloween, again, making it clear that kids were welcome. It was another great success. Over Spring Break, a large group of members got together to see Hopper. Dori really has brought a sense of fun to our PTK chapter this year!”
The Outstanding Club/Organization Advisor of the Year Award
The success of a club not only depends on leadership and student involvement, but also greatly benefits from the support and attention provided by their faculty/staff advisor. This award recognizes and thanks the dedicated employees who advise our student groups.
Recipient: Jovon Dukes, (not pictured)
Nomination Highlights: “His great sense of humor brings joy and lightness to students, making even stressful moments feel manageable. At the same time, his humility and genuine character make him approachable and deeply respected by those around him. Beyond his professional responsibilities, He goes above and beyond to mentor, uplift, and support students. His warm presence, integrity, and positive spirit make a lasting difference on campus. His kindness, humility, leadership, and ability to bring joy to others makes him truly deserve recognition.”
The Outstanding Club/Organization of the Year Award
This award is given to a club/org who’s efforts support NHCC’s mission; while prioritizing the following areas: leadership, service, initiative, programming, education, diversity and campus, or community engagement.
Recipient: Kappa Beta Delta
Nomination Highlights: “As a newer club, this organization gained remarkable momentum over the past year through student-inspired and student-led programming. Their initiatives included guest speakers offering career advice, guidance on professional attire, LinkedIn coaching, and interview preparation and practice. One especially creative and impactful event provided students with professional LinkedIn headshots, equipping them with a valuable resource as they begin building their professional presence. KBD has quickly become a space where students build community, learn from professionals, and support one another as they prepare for their future careers. The culture the members cultivated within KBD is truly a joy to witness. Through their dedication and leadership, students are not only participating in a club, but also learning how to lead, collaborate, and create meaningful opportunities for others.”
The Outstanding Campus Program of the Year Award
Recipient: First Generation Initiatives Working Group (not pictured)
Nomination Highlights: "This next award is for the Outstanding Campus Program of the Year, which highlights an ongoing or annual program that impacts the campus. This year, we are awarding a group of people who worked on an annual plan for events and programming specially for first-generation college students, building a webpage, an affinity group, a student support group, and even a disco party celebration! The First-Generation Initiatives Working Group is a collaborative effort across many departments, including Student Life, TRIO, Diversity and Equity, Student Senate, Marketing, Financial Aid, and Academic Advising.”
The Student Leader for Diversity Award
This award is given to a student who demonstrates academic excellence and passion towards advocating, educating and making specific contributions to diversity, multiculturalism and outreach at NHCC.
Recipient: Robin Patterson
Nomination Highlights: "This next award is for someone who has not only been a wonderful peer to know over the last academic year but has also been the voice for diversity during his time at NHCC. He continues to show support by attending programs and encouraging his peers to participate in events offered by the diversity department. When this student is present at any event, he makes sure that no one feels left out, either by trying the activity first to show that it is not as scary as it seems, or by going up with them.
The Outstanding Diversity Program of the Year Award
This award exemplifies NHCC’s commitment to campus diversity, inclusivity and empowerment.
Recipient: Sex Education You Wish You Had (no recipient photo was taken)
Nomination Highlights: "This initiative was developed in direct response to a demonstrated student need and thoughtfully supported by the DEI department. Through this series, students were provided with a safe, inclusive, and affirming space to engage in meaningful discussions about all aspects of relationships. The impact was evident as students felt both supported and empowered, gaining knowledge, confidence, and a stronger sense of agency because of this important opportunity. Justice, Diversity and Equity Specialist, secured an outstanding speaker to present the “Sex Education You Wish You Had” series during both the fall and spring semesters.”
The 2026 Resiliency Award
The Resiliency Award is for a tenacious student who shows up as a student, leader and role model.
Recipient: Arakell Rice (not pictured)
Nomination Highlights: “This next award is for a student who has shown perseverance through difficult times. This student has balanced his academic load, with periods of instability and personal challenges. He is always looking ahead and maintaining a 3.6 GPA. Despite these hurdles he made sure to remain committed to his education and long-term goal of building his career in Accounting.”
The 2026 Exceptional Growth and Development Award
This award goes to a student who has shown immense growth in the last year.
Recipient: Maddie Swan (not pictured)
Nomination Highlights: “She is intelligent, has great insight, and her academic potential puts her among a vanishingly small subset of her peers, adding to her humor, friendliness, and her enthusiasm, and you have not only an exceptional student but also a rare and special student. She did not always excel but has strived to be better and has grown over the years,” as stated by one of her instructors.”
The Annual Student Senate Awards
Each year, members of our Student Senate give awards to various staff, faculty, and students who have gone above and beyond in their work and responsibilities on-campus. Six people, or departments, were recognized as assets to NHCC at the event (each pictured below).
- The 2026 Staff of the Year Award
Recipient: Monte Stewart
Nomination Highlights: “As our Student Senate Advisor and Director of Student Life, Monte exemplifies humility, integrity, and genuine kindness in everything he does. He consistently brings strong character and a student-centered mindset to his work, creating a supportive and empowering environment for student leaders to grow and succeed. He is a true leader who values teamwork and collaboration. Even with a full and demanding schedule, he continues to show unwavering commitment and determination to support Student Senate, Student Life initiatives, and the broader campus community. He is dedicated to advocacy and statewide student leadership efforts. He works closely with LeadMN and other college campuses, building strong partnerships that elevate student voices and strengthen collaboration across institutions.”
- The 2026 Faculty of the Year Award
Recipient: Haley Lasche
Nomination Highlights: “She has re-envisioned and fought for Under Construction in the post-pandemic college. Specifically, she brings her real-world expertise as a publisher. She is not one to self-promote, but instead sings praises of the students she serves.” Another mentioned, “Each semester, I'm inspired by Haley’s dedication and passion to NHCC students, faculty, and the literary community at large.”
- The 2026 Student of the Year Award
Recipient: Ethan Hartgers (not pictured)
Nomination Highlights: “Entering NHCC's nursing program full of self-doubt and he had to do a lot of self-work to overcame those pesky thoughts that he wasn't good enough. He also was battling a health challenges that conflicted with first semester. One faculty nomination said, “I'm proud to say that he passed the nursing board on the first try!” Despite many challenges, Ethan didn't give up.”
- The 2026 Friend of Student Senate Award
Recipient: LeadMN (no recipient photo was taken)
Nomination Highlights: "Every year the Student Senate recognizes a department, organization or individual that supported the efforts of the students and the college. LeadMN was on campus numerous times this year and NHCC was one of their most visited MinnState campuses. LeadMN even shared how much they love NHCC and our students! LeadMN said we’re one of their favorite colleges to come to and appreciate how engaged and active our students are (highlighted by all the amazing efforts of those of you here tonight)! LeadMN visited NHCC to support voting education and registration efforts, hosted the Fall General Assembly at NHCC, hosted bingo on campus, and lead workshops on the ‘Art of the Interview’ and ‘Advocating for Yourself in the Workplace.’ LeadMN also showed up to club tabling events, Pathways Day, and Student Appreciation! Just last week, LeadMN co-hosted a FAFSA workshop with our Financial Aid office. LeadMN is a constant advocate for our students and access to higher education. We’ve appreciated their continued partnership with NHCC Student Senate!"
Our Holistic Leadership Development Program Scholars
These 14 students completed six leadership workshops on Networking, Problem-solving, Communication, Adaptability, Conflict Resolution, and Critical Thinking:
- Ameyo Jeanne Kakatsi
- Amira Jama
- Arlene Nguyen
- Antonella Cardoso Galarza
- Emmanuel Aggrey
- Jayme Schrader
- Kaddijatou Njie
- Kendall Phieumavong
- Lynette N. Rivera
- Mara K. McElroy
- Moss Fink
- Moyinoluwa Beloved Oluborode
- Manisha Roberts
- Muna Wazwaz
- Sean Dean
A Message to the Graduating Students
Every year, we honor our graduating students, especially those who have been involved in co-curricular activities through the Office of Student Life. At our banquet, graduates stood up to be congratulated for their accomplishments!
Thank you to everyone who came out for a great night!