Celebrating-Leadership-Through-Student-Life.php

Celebrating Leadership Through Student Life

• Students
• 05/07/2026

The Rock Valley College Student Life Leadership Awards were held on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, from 6-8 p.m. in the Stenstrom Student Center Atrium.

This annual celebration recognizes students and organizations who demonstrate outstanding leadership, collaboration, and commitment to enhancing campus life at RVC.

Reflecting on the year, Director of Student Life Alex Johnson shared, “I want to recognize you. Not for a program, not for a metric, but for choosing to show up. This was my first year at RVC, and from day one, I watched each of you pour yourselves into something bigger than yourselves. That is not a small thing.”

Each award honors individuals or groups who have made a meaningful impact through their involvement, service, and leadership.

This year, we are excited to share each honoree:

Arvee Spirit Award

Recognizes a student who maintains a positive attitude, shows true sportsmanship, and demonstrates outstanding leadership and integrity through creative expressions of their school spirit, pride, and loyalty to Rock Valley College.

Winner: Ibrahim Alkourdi

Emerging Leader of the Year

Recognizes a student involved with an organization who has demonstrated strong leadership potential and is an engaged member of the Rock Valley College community.

Winner: Angelo Washington

Excellence in Collaboration Award

Awarded to clubs/organizations that partner together to implement inclusive programming that contributes to the greater good of the college community.

Winner: BSU & BMCI Welcome Back Family Cookout

Most Improved Student Organization

Award Presented to an organization that has made significant strides toward its goals and demonstrated improvement over the past academic year.

Winner: Student Government Association

Organization of the Year

Honors the student organization that has made a significant positive impact at RVC and the surrounding community.

Winner: Black Student Union

Organizational Advisor of the Year

Presented to a faculty/staff member who has provided exemplary support to a student organization beyond their advisory role

Winner: Eunice Obeng-Adjekum

Organizational President of the Year

Recognizes an individual who has excelled as president through leadership and organizational development.

Winner: JT Parnello

Outstanding Organizational Program Award

Awarded to a club/organization that plans and implements a program that is enjoyed and well received by the RVC community.

Winner: Black History Game Day

Outstanding Service to Students Award

Recognizes a staff member, faculty member, or community partner who has shown exceptional commitment to supporting and uplifting students at RVC.

Winner: Christian Hoeger

Student Improvement Award

Presented to an organization that has shown significant growth and improvement over the year while contributing to the RVC community.

Winner: Antonia Crutcher

Evolving Award

Given to a student who stretches beyond their comfort zone to contribute to Student Life and campus engagement.

Winner: Mia Quintero

Leadership Legacy Award

Honors a graduating student who has made a sustained, multi-year impact on campus.

Winner: Taesoo Jang

Resilience and Perseverance Award

Recognizes a determined student who has overcome trials and obstacles to serve in a leadership capacity and dedicate time and effort to Student Life.

Winner: Allie Carlson

Surge Award

Given to a student who exudes energy and dedication in all activities and clubs they participate in.

Winner: Ollie Hougan

Director’s Rising Star Award

Recognizes students who demonstrate exceptional growth and leadership potential in their involvement at RVC.

Winners: Marvellous Ugochukwu, Mahekk Patel

Dean of Student’s Award for Student Leadership

Recognizes a student who exemplifies outstanding leadership qualities and a commitment to student life at RVC.

Winner: Sharon Priyanto

Dr. Patrick Peyer Award for Student Excellence

Honors students who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement, leadership, and service to Rock Valley College.

Winners: Paul Poirier, Mohammedalsadeq Alzubaidi

Student Trustee Recognition

Recognizes the student trustee for their dedicated service representing the student body on the RVC Board of Trustees.

Winner: Isiah Blake

Student Athlete Award This Award

Recognizes a student athlete who has dedicated their time and effort to academic and athletic performance.

Winners: Pharrell Williams & Deniya Gary

These awards encourage students to continue developing as leaders and inspire positive change within their communities and beyond. Congratulations to all the honorees.