Twelve Purdue University Calumet students and four student organizations were recognized for their contributions to the community at the university’s recent Student Activities awards banquet.

Among the award winners were: Visiting Instructor in English Jade Lee Culberson-Lynch of Hammond, who received the Student Activities and Community Service Excellence Advisor Award for her work with the Purdue University Gamers Guild; Cynthia Irions of Gary, Activities and Community Service Excellence Student Award while representing the Purdue Calumet Indiana Student Education Association; and Los Latinos and the Purdue University Calumet Indiana Student Education Association, each of which received an Activities and Community Service Excellence Student Organization Award.

Chulei Wang of Haerbin, China earned the Special Dean of Students Award, presented to one outstanding student each year. Award nominees must support Campus Life programs and services; strive to build a thriving community by selflessly providing exemplary service; approach projects with commitment, dedication, loyalty and an excellent work ethic; and commit to learning life skills, such as conflict resolution and teamwork.

“In spite of personal challenges, (Wang) was able to be employed as a student worker this academic year and continue with her course work,” Purdue Calumet Assistant Vice Chancellor for Campus Life and Dean of Students Sarah Howard said about the Special Dean of Students Award winner. “She has been an avid contributor to the university by being involved in student groups, volunteering to play the piano at various events, and was honored as a former Student Employee of the Year. She has contributed much to Campus Life and has met all the criteria, especially committing to learning life skills.”

Additionally, the Office of Student Activities awarded Above & Beyond Certificates of Appreciation to the following students for exceeding service expectations: Rachel Walker-Baker of Crown Point, Natalia Lee of Hammond, Hira Gul of Schererville, Xavier Jackson of Gary, Rosalyn Jones of Gary, Rebecca Martinez of Hammond, Natalie Mora of Schererville, Corey James of Griffith, Ziang Zhang of Shaanxi, China and Irions.

Members of the Social Justice Club and the Finance and Accounting Club also received certificates for contributing manpower and supplies to victims of the Little Calumet River flooding last September.

(Written by Office of University Relations student intern Nathan Barnes)