On April 13, the Overman Student Center’s Ballrooms were the site of the 30th Pittsburgh State Leadership Awards. These awards serve to recognize scholarship winners, clubs that have gone above and beyond with their activities, and other outstanding members of the Pittsburg State community.
“The Leadership Awards are an opportunity for us to recognize student leaders, as well as student organizations, their efforts across campus, and their bringing of programming and development opportunities,” shared Eva Sager, the Director of Campus Activities in the Overman Student Center.
The ceremony kicked off with a welcoming address by Sager, introducing what the awards were. Then, Lacy O’Malley, the Assistant Director for Service and Civic Engagement, and Sydney Anselmi, the Program Coordinator for Campus Activities, started sharing scholarships for students based on their involvement in the community. One student, sophomore elementary education major Bella Nadeau, was the recipient of two scholarships- the Sullivan Scholarship for her leadership in the Gorilla Activities Board, and the Jack H. Overman Scholarship, named after a Pittsburg State alumni.
“It’s honestly really honoring,” Nadeau stated. “I put so much into my leadership, so it’s honoring to know that other people see what I do.”
Kennedy Cooper, the Assistant Director of Campus and Community Resources, and Deatrea Rose, the Vice President of Campus and Community Resources, were next to present the Campus and Community Resource Awards. These awards honored clubs and members that worked with the Campus and Community Resource Center at the lowest level of the Overman Student Center.
Next to the lectern were Alexa Owens, a senior communications major, and Austin O’Hara, a senior psychology major, both of whom were named 2025 Homecoming Royalty, to present the Individual Leadership Awards. One of the awards being presented was the Aspiring Leadership awards, which honors freshmen, sophomores, and juniors who have demonstrated leadership skills. Nadeau also won this award, as well as junior construction management major Ivan Reyes.
Sager returned to the stage along with Bailey Talkington, the Assistant Director for Campus Activities, to talk about the Student Organization Awards, which hailed the many organizations on campus for their achievements.
Afterwards, senior biology major Corey Humble and senior elementary education major Charlie Judd presented the results of the Student Government Association elections. The senate was announced, as well as the incoming president and vice president- Junior Darrel McLeod and sophomore Alice Carnahan, both communications majors.
Then, it came time for the Golden Gorilla Awards. The Golden Gorilla Awards recognized 30 juniors and non-graduating seniors for their efforts in the community. After that, the final two awards were presented- The Outstanding Graduate Student and Outstanding Senior Awards. The Outstanding Graduate Student Awards went to Gabi Alvarez, studying for her master’s in technology, Rylee Croft, studying her master’s in professional accountancy, and Frida Herrera, studying her master’s in psychology. The Outstanding Seniors were Taylor Phalen, a biology major, and Austin Parrish, an exercise science major.
After the ceremony, attendees enjoyed a dessert buffet and photo opportunities while reminiscing about the awards and celebrating with their loved ones.