Campus Life Announces 2020 Student Leadership Award Recipients

To honor the contributions of UArts students and their creativity and ambition, the Office of Campus Life recently announced Student Leadership Award winners. Nominated by faculty, staff and students, awardees are recognized as those who have made a significant impact on the UArts community and beyond.

Several students were honored for fostering a culture of inclusion and advocating for marginalized communities at UArts, such as Nyah Duckworth ’20 (Dance), recipient of the Student Leader of the Year Award. Duckworth advocated for survivors of domestic and sexual assault through her work with the student organization One Love, and built a “sense of belonging for students of color” through her work with the African Diaspora Collective. "Nyah has been a trailblazer at UArts and her impact will remain even after she graduates this spring," said her anonymous nominator.

UArts Korean Association President Seo Yeon Park ’20 (Film Design & Production) was recognized for her contributions to inclusivity at UArts with the International Student and International Peer Mentor of the Year Award. Park’s nominator described her as “a deeply generous spirit [who] believes in the power of cross-cultural collaboration.” Of the experience with the association, Park said, “I learned a lot about how to become a better person and a better example to fellow students.”  

Student organizations such as the Royals Band Dance Line were honored for their contributions to University culture. As one of the longest-standing student organizations at UArts, the Royals are a major part of the UArts community with a “lasting commitment to celebrating black excellence in dance.” The group’s nominator wrote that the members “work hard and always put their best foot forward in any situation.” 

One Love, another changemaking organization on campus, was awarded Program of the Year Award for their Escalation Workshops. The workshops “empower[ed] students to identify and avoid abuse while [teaching people] how to love better” and took place throughout the academic year, including October’s Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Valentine’s Day and Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

UArts students understand that art can be used to make lasting change in the world around them. Director of Campus Life Kristen Burkett said, “Something that makes UArts so unique is the supportive artistic environment that exists here, and these student leaders are often the ones leading the charge in collaborations, celebrations and support for one another. They care deeply about the university community and believe in the mission of advancing human creativity. These students find unique ways to do that every day, while also challenging their peers to do the same.” 

To learn more about the award recipients and nominees, visit the Student Leadership Awards page.