The achievements of students from a variety of backgrounds, nationalities and ethnicities were recognized at the annual Multicultural and International Student Affairs Awards Banquet.

The accomplishments of students have been acknowledged for 24 years at the International Awards Banquet, which merged with the African-American achievement awards two years ago.

The ceremony took place Wednesday, April 16 at 7 p.m. in Twelve Oaks.

After opening remarks, the invocation and the national anthem, sung by senior Jeremy Lloyd, food and refreshments were served.

Awards presented included the Dr. Doucette Pinnacle award, Academic Excellence Awards, Project Pull graduate recognition, Pan-Hellenic Council honors, International student scholar honors and Outstanding Service awards.

According to Brennan Daigle, Coordinator of MISA, the most prestigious of the awards were the LaVanner S. Brown Role Model Award and the Ware/Gasparian, each of which honored three finalists who will be recognized at the Division of Student Affairs convocation on April 30.

The role model award is sponsored by the African-American alumni chapter and awarded to students dedicated to scholarship and service who also maintain a minimum 2.7 grade point average. The finalists were Thomas Moore, Jasmine Tate and Donnisha Patterson.

International students with a 3.2 GPA or higher who demonstrate qualities of integrity, leadership, an outgoing personality and strong communication are recognized through the Ware and Gasparian Awards. Suraj Ayer, Sneha Sharma and Nibha Manandhar were the award finalists.

Faculty and staff who recognized the academic merit and character of students nominated them for the awards.

Daigle expressed the success of the banquet.

“It went great,” she said. “There was a good turnout. Everyone seemed excited and really appreciated their awards.”

Sharma expressed gratitude for the support and acceptance of the Southeastern community and explained its impact on her success.

“When I first stepped into the US, I was very apprehensive about how it would be here because I didn’t know anybody. I was scared in general,” she said. “Because of all the love, support and acceptance I felt motivated, and I was encouraged to flourish.”

For more information on MISA contact Daigle at (985)549-5703.