On March 30, Colgate students, faculty, and staff gathered in the Hall of Presidents to celebrate the more than 150 clubs and student organizations found at the university.
Many Colgate students spend countless hours every week working to make their clubs as successful as possible. This year’s awards banquet — sponsored by the ALANA Cultural Center, the Center for Leadership and Student Involvement, the office of LGBTQ Initiatives, and the Shaw Wellness Institute — recognized the best of the best. Here are some of the highlights.
Rookie of the Year: Chinese Dance Club
The Chinese Dance Club has acquired a large following of dedicated members and fans in its short time on campus. The group has brought traditional Chinese dance to stages around the Colgate campus, including the biggest dance show each semester, Dancefest.
Event of the Year: ASU Fashion Show by the African Student Union
The yearly African Students’ Union (ASU) Fashion Show highlights designers from around Africa, and aims to bring African culture to the Colgate community. This year’s show featured Sierra Leonean cuisine, an ASU dance compilation, and Afrobeats, a music genre popular in western Africa.
Most Innovative Group: Global Health Initiative
The Global Health Initiative has demonstrated innovation both on-campus and off. This year, they hosted a multitude of fundraisers and brown bags that supported organizations at home and abroad. They also utilized Colgate’s alumni network last semester to send eight pre-med students to northern Mexico to gain hands on experience in the field of global health.
Colgate Pride Award: WRCU
WRCU, Colgate’s radio station, broadcasts across the Chenango Valley and is entirely student run. As one voter said, “WRCU allows Colgate students from all areas of campus to come together in appreciation of music.” The collaborative nature of the club gives members a deep appreciation for all that Colgate has to offer.
Outstanding Group: Colgate Stand-Up
Colgate Stand-Up, a comedy group in its first year of existence, has already become a staple of Wednesday and Saturday nights at Donovan’s Pub. Members write original material for performance around campus, and the group has sponsored professional comedy shows.
Other award winners include:
Keys to the Office Award – Chinese Interest Association/Colgate Activities Board (co-winners)
Resilience Award – Colgate Anti-Racism Coalition
Wellness Award – Blue for Q Basketball Game
Philanthropy Award – Konosioni Senior Honor Society
Community Impact Award – Colgate Challah for Hunger
Unsung Hero Award – Colgate Raider Pep Band
Diversity and Inclusion Award – Minority Association of Premedical Students
Running with the Bulls Award – Africana Women’s Week by the Sisters of the Round Table
Outstanding Collaboration Award – Student Committee on Providing Entertainment