The Student Life Awards recognize students who are engaged, have shown leadership, and whose contributions have had a positive impact throughout the 2020-2021 academic year.
The awards honor individual students as well as groups of students who have come together to provide enriching programming for the campus community.
“This academic year has been a long and difficult journey for all of our students. The awardees and all of their peers have demonstrated tremendous love for their community, dedication to supporting one another, and perseverance in finding ways to thrive. I am incredibly grateful for their work and service in maintaining the Whittier ethos,” said Vice President and Dean of Students Bruce Smith.
Organization Awards
Virtual Engagement Award
This award is given to a student organization that has made positive contributions to the college community and community at large. The organization will have provided accessible means of engagement through exceptional use of online platforms
Food Recovery Network
Outstanding Program in Academia Award
This award is given to a departmental student organization or club that exhibits student learning, success, and collaboration through a positive contribution to the campus community. The organization will have demonstrated success in student engagement through various events and/or activities that enrich the academic environment.
Psi Chi Honor Society
Collaboration In Programming Award
Given to an organization that has excelled in the area of co-sponsorship with a diverse number of student organizations and departments. The recipient of this award should have programmed more than one event with other organizations throughout the year.
Diversity Council
First Year Class Council
InterClub Council
InterSociety Council
Social Justice Coalition
Social Media Engagement Award
Honors an organization that has successfully utilized one or more social media platforms, and whose social media content promotes engagement through a variety of innovative methods.
WC the Rock
Student Organization Excellence Award
This award is given to a registered student organization that has excelled in all areas of student organization management. The recipient(s) will demonstrate how their annual goals have been achieved and how the organization furthers its mission through its programming, financial and organizational management, member development, and contributions to the campus and/or local community.
Womxn’s Leadership Association
Quaker Campus
Outstanding Officer of the Year Award
This award recognizes a student who has demonstrated exceptional leadership throughout their term of office and has enhanced participation and involvement within their organization, the campus, and the community as a whole.
Ariana Galvan-Hernandez, Psi Chi Honor Society
Zoe Iseri, InterClub Council
Advisor of the Year Award
Honors a faculty or staff member who has served as an advisor to a student club or organization. This advisor is involved with the student leaders, offers knowledge and experience to the organization, and provides assistance and support on an ongoing basis.
Joe Melendez, KPoet Radio & Media Council
Individual Student Awards
Senior Keys
Senior Keys are presented to select members of the senior class who go above and beyond and stand out for their meritorious service to the Whittier College community. These students are leaders of multiple clubs and are broadly recognized by the student body for their work. Recipients were selected based on their time and effort spent in the name of Whittier College, the diversity of their activities, and their impact on other students.
Hannah Angileri
Journee Bradford
Cole DiGrazia
Sarah Dorsey
Amber Doty
Jesse Eccles
Bergen Flom
Kole Joachim
Carrina Mendoza
Victoria O'Campo
Addy Robinson
Dianna Torres
Outstanding Leader Award
This award is given to students of Sophomore or Junior standing who have demonstrated leadership through sustained involvement and contribution to the college community.
Lauren Beasely
Nailah Beyene Martin
Amber Brost
Jose Estrada
Zoe Iseri
Tori Royster
Angel Tobar
Jannet Torres
Emerging Leader Award
This award is given to students with first or second year standing who have exhibited leadership potential through their involvement in the campus community. Recipients of this award have demonstrated leadership potential and desire to contribute to student life at Whittier College.
Sage Amdahl
Cesar Bautista
Alex Coco
Micalah Harris
Natasha Waldorf
Additional Awards
Outstanding Contribution to Campus Wellness Award
Recognizes an individual student or student-initiated program that promotes wellness on campus.
Adonnis Rivera
Social Justice Leadership Award
Recognizes a student who has made extraordinary efforts in the area of diversity and social justice, working towards full and equal participation of all groups in society, including the Whittier College campus community.
Ashley Duenas
Innovator Award
Recognizes a student who created an innovative program to address a communal need.
Natasha Waldorf
Impact Award
This award will be given to someone who typically does not receive the recognition they deserve. Through their behind the scenes involvement, this person makes an impact in the Poet community and beyond.
Ashley Magana
Fernando Ramirez
Kim Tsuyuki
Civic Engagement Award
This award is presented to one student and one student organization that has become distinguished in a civic engagement accomplishment that has contributed significantly to the betterment of the campus community and the community beyond Whittier College.
The Palmer Society
Victoria Navarro
