Under the classic oak trees of Southeastern, three students were honored as the Division for Student Affairs (DSA) Man and Woman of the Year and Greek Man and Woman of the Year.
This was the 32nd annual DSA Awards Convocation. Many awards, including the Green “S” awards, were handed out during the ceremony on May 2, which began at 7 p.m. inside of Twelve Oaks.
Tyler Rogers was named the Greek Man of the Year and Luke Holloway was named DSA Man of the Year. Amanda Rivault took home both honors for Greek Life and DSA.
“I can’t explain it, I just feel so honored by it and how so many people at the university have had such nice things to say,” said Rivault.
Rivault spoke about her time working for DSA at multiple positions within the division as well as the people she has worked with. She was overjoyed by the honor and the words of praise spoken in a video before she was presented with the award.
“The Division for Student Affairs has been something I have thoroughly enjoyed my past three years in college and it would not be the same without it,” said Rivault. “The people that I work with are just wonderful.”
Rivault also spoke about her family, both from her hometown in Lafayette and here in Hammond.
“I have a family back home, but I also have a family here in Hammond,” said Rivault. “It’s the men and women that I work for and work with that have really taken me in as their own, supporting me and giving me courage since I was a freshman. Without them, nothing would ever be possible. I love the faculty and staff. They take students as their own and really care for the betterment of the university.”
Rogers, a junior accounting major, believed his time in organizations helped his leadership skills develop further.
“It’s an honor, I really didn’t expect it, but I’m happy to win the award,” said Rogers. “It has been amazing here at Southeastern. I started off not really knowing anybody, not being involved in anything. But, all the organizations that I have been in have made my leadership skills come out and progress since then.”
Former Student Government Association (SGA) President Luke Holloway was named as the DSA Man of the Year, with his video noting his quality as a leader, both for SGA and fraternity.
“It is very humbling,” said Holloway. “Southeastern has been such a blessing to my life. To be honored as DSA Man of the Year truly is just something I cannot express in words.”
During the convocation, SGA inaugurated their new President, Vice President and Chief Justice for the 2012-2013 year. After the inauguration, Branden Summers gave a speech to the crowd thanking the many people who have helped him along the way.
“It is an honor to stand in front of you all today as the newly inaugurated SGA President,” said Summers.
He then spoke about his focus for the next school year. Whether its promoting the university or reaching out to the students, Summers challenged the entire university to “voice your opinions.”
“We cannot simply focus on the present,” said Summers. “We have an opportunity to leave an outstanding legacy on our campus, through the positive actions we implement during our term.”