The Dean of Students Office is excited to announce the recipients of the 2023 Student Leadership Awards! Each year, the Dean of Students recognizes Illinois State students for excellence in student leadership and involvement. Nominations were accepted for three awards:
- Ritamae Carroll Memorial First-Year Involvement Award recognizes a first-year student (freshman or transfer) who has been an active member of Illinois State’s campus community while staying in good academic standing.
- Mike Schermer Outstanding Student Leader Award recognizes a student who has made significant contributions to the Illinois State community and embodies leadership and excellence.
- Billy Quigley Leader in Action Award recognizes student leaders who have a history of mentoring and guiding their fellow students and have a passion for creating social change at Illinois State.
This year, over 80 nominations were submitted for over 60 individual student nominees. Of those nominees, four students were selected:
About each award recipient
Ritamae Carroll Memorial First-Year Involvement Award: Ethan Larson
Ethan Larson is a junior political science major and a transfer student. After transferring to Illinois State in the fall, Larson immediately sought out ways to get involved on-campus through Transfer Redbirds, Model UN, College Democrats, and the Student Government Association’s Emerging Leader Program. Larson also serves in the Illinois Army National Guard and is a Command Sergeant Major for ROTC. Outside of his work at Illinois State, he has also been involved in multiple political campaigns for local and state government.
Mike Schermer Outstanding Student Leader Award: Bella Ogurek
Bella Ogurek is a senior communications studies major who has made a major impact on campus through her work with Emergency Management and as president of the Emergency Services Club. Ogurek helped bring the Emergency Services Club back to campus after it had been inactive for five years and helped recruit over 40 students to the organization. The Emergency Services Club educates students on the importance of emergency preparedness and provides students with opportunities to engage with the field of emergency services. Ogurek coordinated a variety of programs for the club, including a tour of the Normal Fire Department, inviting guest speakers to speak at meetings, and collaborating with other student organizations.
Billy Quigley Leader in Action Award: Grant Chassy
Grant Chassy is a senior political science major who currently serves as the vice president of the Student Government Association. Through his role, Chassy coordinates the Emerging Leader Program, which is a year-long leadership program that allows freshman and sophomore students the opportunity to learn more about Student Government, make connections on campus, receive mentorship from their peers, and develop their leadership capacity. The program also hosted a food drive that provided more than two shopping carts full of donations to a local food pantry, which allowed participants to make an impact within their community. Outside of his work with the Emerging Leaders Program, Chassy has advocated for renters’ rights in the Town of Normal, encouraged the University to divest from fossil fuels, and made student government programs more sustainable by prohibiting single-use plastics.
Billy Quigley Leader in Action Award: Lawrence Landfair
Lawrence Landfair is a senior political science major who has worked extensively to advocate for students and support student activism. Most notably, he created the Student Legislative Action Coalition to teach students about lobbying and advocacy and support student advocacy efforts on- and off-campus. Through this organization, Landfair has provided students with the opportunity to meet with Town of Normal government officials, state representatives, and university administrators to advocate for student needs on campus. He is also working with Illinois State administration and local government to work to bring a grocery store within walking distance of campus and help provide students with fresh produce. Landfair has also assisted the Dean of Students Office with the creation of the Student Navigator Program, which connects students in crisis with peer support and resources.
Each award recipient will be formally recognized at the Redbirds LEAD Celebration Reception currently scheduled for Thursday, April 20, from 6:30-9 p.m. in the Brown Ballroom III.
