Students, faculty and supporters were awarded for their efforts in the Muncie community and on the Ball State campus at The Multicultural Center's 15th annual awards banquet in Cardinal Hall Thursday.
The Freshman Impact Award was given to Sarah Mitchell for her leadership and involvement in campus organizations. Mitchell said she is proud to have been this year's recipient.
"It's an esteemed honor to receive such a prestigious award my first year," she said. "I'm extremely honored to represent freshmen students as a whole for the Multicultural Center."
The Pepsi Cola Bottling Company received the Outstanding Supporter of the Year Award for its support of the Multicultural Center in a variety of ways, including sponsorship for events and donations. Muncie Times editor in chief Beatrice Foster received the award for Outstanding Community Supporter of the Year. Linda Keys recipient of the Dr. Robert O. Foster Faculty/Professional Staff Award, said it is important for the center to continue to be an influence in the students' and faculty's everyday lives.
"It's always important to say thanks and give appreciation for those who assist and for the students to receive acclimation for what they do," she said.
The Olive Branch Award, which recognizes a person or organization that consistently the Multicultural Center's mission by transcending all cultural and racial boundaries, was given to senior Nate Gilbert and sophomore Eddy Harney. Graduate student Jason Casares received the One World Award for his leadership and multiculturalism.
Senior Linah Holcomb was awarded Distinguished Service, and the Dr. Brenda J. Greene Distinguished Leader Award, which was named after the former Multicultural Center director and is originally awarded to one recipient, was awarded this year to two - seniors Jarrod Dortch and Jose Torres.
Junior Tolulope Olowomeye, recipient of the Harry Watkins Outstanding Achievement Award, said that while she feels honored to have been awarded, it is not her biggest accomplishment.
"It feels great to be recognized for my accomplishments thus far," she said. "However, nothing exceeds the feelings of joy I receive from the appreciation expressed by my constituents."
Assistant Director of Leadership and Service Programs Terry Frazier received the Hurley Goodall Distinguished Faculty/Staff Award, and the Mary Etta Taylor-Rose Service Award was given to graduating senior Kevonna Hunter. Multicultural Center graduate research assistant Anthony Head said it is important the Multicultural Center continues to award minority students for their accomplishments.
"It's important that we recognize the contributions students of color give to Ball State's campus," he said. "They may very well be recognized for their many achievements elsewhere, but this annual awards ceremony gives the Multicultural Center an opportunity to highlight these achievements in front of friends, family and faculty."
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