UM-Flint recognizes student achievement at Celebrating Wolverine Excellence awards ceremony

The University of Michigan-Flint community gathered on April 16 in the Northbank Center Ballroom for the annual Celebrating Wolverine Excellence awards ceremony, an evening dedicated to honoring student leaders, organizations and mentors who move the campus forward. The celebration, emceed by Matt Oxie and Reilly Chabie, both counselors with Counseling and Psychological Services, brought together students, faculty, staff and supporters for food, live music and awards recognizing leadership, service, inclusion and community engagement.

Hosted each year by the Office of the Dean of Students, Celebrating Wolverine Excellence showcases how student leaders and organizations shape campus life and advance UM-Flint's mission in tangible ways.

"Celebrating Wolverine Excellence is an important opportunity to recognize and celebrate the incredible contributions our students make to our campus community," said Lucas Langdon, assistant dean of students for student engagement. "Their leadership, service and commitment shape the UM-Flint student experience, and each nominee truly makes a meaningful impact."

This year's banquet highlighted student achievement across campus, with 127 nominations from students, faculty and staff, and saw the presentation of 20 awards recognizing excellence in leadership, service, inclusion, academic success, and student employment, with nominees representing a wide range of campus life.

Club Sports Awards

Club Sports Outstanding Leadership Award

This award recognizes a club sports athlete who creates a positive, organized team environment and consistently models strong leadership on and off the court.  

Winner: Stephanie Ploch, Club Volleyball – Ploch, a sophomore pre-nursing student from White Lake, has strengthened her team's visibility and communication while building an inclusive, welcoming culture that helps members feel connected and supported.

Club Sports Most Valuable Player Award 

This award honors a club sports athlete whose dedication, performance and presence significantly elevate their team throughout the season.  

Winner: Sebastian Jarbou, Club Basketball – Jarbou, a sophomore computer science major from Clio, is recognized for his reliability, work ethic and ability to step up in key moments, while uplifting teammates and fostering confidence and cohesion.

Division of Student Affairs Student Employee Awards

Student Employee of the Year

This award recognizes a student employee in the Division of Student Affairs whose contributions, professionalism and initiative have a substantial impact on their office and the student experience.  

Winner: Maya Johnson – Johnson, a senior mathematics major from Alto, enhances daily operations, leads creative and accessible digital projects and centers equity in her work, serving as a reliable, positive presence for students and staff.

Success Mentorship Program Awards

Graduate Mentee of the Year

This award recognizes a graduate mentee who actively engages with their mentor, communicates consistently and leverages the program to navigate their first year at UM-Flint.  

Winner: Atiyah Whitsett – Whitsett, a graduate accounting student from Duluth, Georgia, has built a strong mentoring relationship marked by high engagement and a commitment to growth in their first year of graduate study.

Undergraduate Mentee of the Year

This award honors an undergraduate mentee who stays highly engaged with their mentor, seeks support when needed and fully participates in the Success Mentorship Program.  

Winner: Molly Gillies-Lange – Gillies-Lange, a senior business administration major from Port Huron, is recognized for consistently connecting with her mentor and using the program's support to successfully navigate her first year at UM-Flint.

Graduate Mentor of the Year

This award recognizes a graduate student who demonstrates outstanding mentorship, offering guidance that helps mentees prepare for academic, social and professional success.  

Winner: Seana Goodson – Goodson, a graduate student pursuing a doctorate in business administration from Los Angeles, California, is celebrated for her selfless, consistent support and superb mentorship skills that ease mentees' transition into graduate study.

Undergraduate Mentor of the Year

This award honors an undergraduate mentor who shows exceptional commitment to their mentees through steady engagement and impactful guidance.  

Winner: Nick Serdynski – Serdynski, a senior business administration major from Waterford, helps mentees navigate the demands of college with thoughtful advice and a strong focus on their overall success.

Educational Opportunity Initiatives Awards

Outstanding Involvement Award 

This award recognizes an Educational Opportunity Initiatives scholar whose engagement, leadership and professionalism elevate the entire program community.  

Winner: Rasheem Foster – Foster, an EOI lead program associate and sophomore business administration major from Flint, is known for mentoring peers and local high school students and raising the standard of professionalism across the program.

Most Improved GPA Award

This award honors an EOI scholar who has demonstrated significant academic growth while serving as a role model for their peers.  

Winner: ChieKo Bowie – Bowie, a sophomore pre-nursing major from Flint, is recognized for consistent presence in the EOI office, strong study habits and rising academic performance.

Community Contribution Awards

Student Leader Community Contribution Award

This award recognizes a student leader who builds strong campus–community partnerships and leads meaningful service initiatives that address local needs.  

Winner: Naima Cleveland – Cleveland, co-founder and president of Wolverine Impact, a service-based student organization and a graduate student earning a master's degree in biology from Flint, creates hands-on volunteer opportunities and inspires peers to serve Flint and Genesee County.

Student Organization Community Contribution Award

This award honors a student organization that makes a sustained, positive impact in the local community through service and civic engagement.  

Winner: Wolverine Impact – Wolverine Impact partners with local organizations on environmental projects, food distribution, youth education and cultural programming, expanding access to service for UM-Flint students.

Inclusive Leadership Awards

Inclusive Student Leader Award

This award recognizes a student whose advocacy, programming and collaboration advance diversity, equity and inclusion on campus.  

Winner: Kamarea Johnson – Johnson, a junior public health major from Kalamazoo, leads efforts that support neurodiversity, strengthen accessibility and center underrepresented voices, serving as a bridge between students and campus leadership.

Outstanding Inclusive Community Award

This award honors an organization that fosters a more inclusive, equitable and welcoming environment at UM-Flint.  

Winner: Latinos United for Advancement – LUNA creates culturally rich spaces, advocates for marginalized communities and offers educational programs that promote dialogue and belonging for students of all backgrounds.

Fraternity and Sorority Life Awards

Fraternity and Sorority Member of the Year

This award recognizes an individual member who exemplifies leadership, scholarship, service and community within fraternity and sorority life.  

Winner: Caitrin Lugger, Phi Sigma Sigma – Lugger, a junior nursing major from Clarkston, fosters a strong sense of belonging in her chapter, balances significant leadership responsibilities with academics and remains deeply committed to service and philanthropy.

Fraternity and Sorority Chapter of the Year

This award honors a fraternity or sorority chapter that demonstrates excellence in leadership, scholarship, service and community engagement.  

Winner: Phi Sigma Sigma – Phi Sigma Sigma is recognized for building a supportive, values-driven chapter culture, prioritizing academics and leading impactful philanthropy and service that benefit both campus and the local community.

Emerging Leader Award

This award celebrates an up-and-coming student leader who makes a significant impact early in their UM-Flint journey.  

Winner: Alexis Culver – Culver, a sophomore biology major from Holly, quickly took on multiple leadership roles while maintaining an outstanding academic record, centering service and inclusion in her work to create welcoming, high-impact student experiences.

Student Organization Program of the Year

This award recognizes a student organization program that showcases creativity, cultural engagement and meaningful impact on campus life.  

Winner: Indian Student Association – Diwali Program – The Indian Student Association's Diwali program offered vibrant cultural and educational experiences that built community, fostered cross-cultural understanding and created a strong sense of belonging for participants.

Advisor and Student Leader Awards

Outstanding Student Organization Advisor

This award honors a faculty or staff member who goes above and beyond in advising a student organization and supporting student leaders.  

Winner: Stephanie Gelderloos – Gelderloos, lecturer IV in English and faculty advisor for LUNA, is celebrated for empowering students to bring their ideas to life, participating at programs and fostering a supportive environment where student leaders feel heard and valued.

Outstanding Student Leader Award

This award recognizes an individual student leader whose service, inclusion-focused work and advocacy create a lasting impact on campus and beyond.  

Winner: Paulina Rivera – Rivera, a senior human biology major from Ortonville, leads multiple initiatives that promote belonging and cultural awareness, contributes to community and global efforts, and maintains a strong focus on academics while mentoring and advocating for peers.

Outstanding Student Organization of the Year

This award honors a student organization that demonstrates exceptional leadership, growth and impact in enhancing student life at UM-Flint.  

Winner: Campus Activities Board – CAB offers creative, engaging and inclusive programming that builds connection, strengthens partnerships across campus and creates a sustainable structure for continued student involvement.

The banquet concluded with the presentation of awards to student leaders, organizations, faculty, staff, and advisors in recognition of their contributions to the University of Michigan-Flint. Recipients were honored for achievements in leadership, service, inclusion, academic success, and community engagement, reflecting UM-Flint's ongoing commitment to fostering involvement and student development.