The University of Toledo

Donald S. Parks Student Organization Awards and
     Lancelot C.A. Thompson Service to Students Award

The Donald S. Parks Student Organization Awards at The University of Toledo were created in memory of Donald S. Parks, who served as UT’s Dean of Students for an esteemed twenty-one years. Park’s contributions have enabled the Division of Student Affairs to honor and recognize outstanding students and registered student organizations that have excelled in leadership and academics and made positive contributions to the greater university community. 

Funds established in Parks’ name are dedicated to advancing and celebrating student organizations success at UT. This year, there will be eight monetary awards given in conjunction to the recognition award. Each award amount will be added to the 2012-2013 operating budget of the student organizations in addition to the base budget already allocated. In the event that the winning organization does not have an allocated budget, the award will be given through p-card purchases for a sponsored program. The following is a summary of the awards presented.

The Office of Student Involvement will oversee the selection process for the Donald S. Parks Student Organization Awards and the Lancelot C.A. Thompson Service to Students Award. The selection committee, made up of graduate students, undergraduate students, and staff, will review all applications.

Congratulations to the following award recipients who were recognized at a reception on March 30, 2012!!! 

Parks Outstanding Student Organization Award (1^st ($300), 2^nd ($200), & 3^rd ($100) place)
This award recognizes the most exceptional organizations over the past year. The organizations will be selected based on the goal setting strategies, event success, leadership development of members, collaboration with other organizations, and overall contribution to the University and/or Toledocommunity.  

1st Place - Ballroom Dance Society
2nd Place (Tie) - Homecoming Commission and Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity

Parks Outstanding New Organization Award ($100)
The award recognizes the most successful new student organization formed within the past year. The organization will be selected based on their organization’s development, leadership development of members, ability to overcome obstacles, and contribution to University and/or community. 

Students for Diabetes Awareness

Parks Most Spirited Organization Award ($100)
This award goes to the organization that best displays school spirit and engagement in improving campus life at UT. The selection will be based on the organization’s visibility on campus, their exciting and lively presence at The University of Toledo events, and their participation in campus and community activities.  

Dancing Rockettes

Parks Outstanding Community Service/Philanthropic Program Award
This award recognizes the student organization or program which exhibited the most successful service or philanthropic effort during the past year. The recipient of this award will have incorporated service to the University, Toledocommunity and/or a charitable organization, and will be selected based on overall impact, implementation technique, and participation.  

Student Government - BIG EVENT

Parks Outstanding Program Award
The award recognizes the student organization which conducted successful program overall during the past year. The organization will be selected based on the overall uniqueness of the program, as well as the organization’s technique, creativity, marketing, and implementation strategies. 

BASHCon sponsored by UT BASH

Parks Outstanding Multicultural Program Award   
This award recognizes an outstanding student organization or program which displays a sincere dedication to multicultural and diversity issues at UT. The organization or program will be selected based on the overall impact of the program, its ability to affect positive change, and its role in exposing students to new cultures. Organization technique, implementation, and collaborative nature of the program will also be taken into consideration in choosing the recipient of this award.

Model UN

Rocket Fanatic
This award recognizes an individual who demonstrates true Rocket spirit through his or her “fanatic” activities at The University of Toledo sponsored events. The individual will be selected based on his or her personal qualities, school spirited activities, efforts to improve the quality of campus life, and overall love for and dedication to The University of Toledo.

Gregory Smith

Emerging Female Leader/Emerging Male Leader
This award recognizes a freshmen or sophomore male and female who have excelled in their organization and have demonstrated true leadership qualities. The selection of the award will be based on his and her involvement in campus activities, leadership initiatives, school pride and overall contributions to their student organization or program. 

Female Leader - Lindsey Hahn
Male Leader - Jangus Whitner

Outstanding Student Leader
This award is presented to a student who exhibits exemplary leadership skills throughout the campus community. The student must be a senior graduating in May 2012 or December 2012. The criteria for selection include quality of leadership, mutual respect among peers and administrators, dedication to the improvement of campus life, and the ability to promote leadership development at The University of Toledo.  

Stephanie Gurgol

Outstanding Student Organization Member
This award recognizes a student who has made significant contributions to a student organization, without necessarily holding a leadership position within the organization. The individual will be selected based on contribution to organization and the role of that organization in his or her life today.  

Clara Wilkins, RSA

Advisor of the Year (Staff/Faculty)($200)
This award is given to a UT employee who serves as a student organization advisor. This advisor has gone above and beyond their responsibilities for the betterment of the organization and its student members. The advisor must demonstrate the following qualities: a strong working relationship with the organization’s members; active participation in the organization’s activities; being approachable and accessible to the organization; being attentive to the needs and issues of the organization and its members. 

Cecilia Rivera, Coordinator Greek Life

Lancelot C.A. Thompson Service to Students Award (Staff/Faculty)($500 each)
The Lancelot C.A. Thompson Service to Students Award recognizes 2 UT employees; one faculty and one staff member who exemplifies what it means to be student-focused in their duties and who excels in providing service to students at The University of Toledo. Any current full-time employee of theUniversityofToledois eligible for this award. Past recipients are not eligible. 

Faculty - Ovamir Anjum, PhD, Assistant Professor/Imam Chair
Staff - Genevieve Hofbauer, Accountant, Office of Dean of Students

 

*Students must be in good standing with the University academically and judicially to be eligible for awards. The Office of Dean of Students will perform grade and judicial checks to ensure each student is in good standing. A FERPA waiver must be signed in addition to the application.