SAA President takes home Bill E. Robins Award
The 2011 Robins Awards held Saturday night honored 19 individuals and organizations that exemplify outstanding achievement at Utah State University.
“What truly is an Aggie? Fortunately for us, the answer is here in this room,” said Craig Whyte, advisor for the Student Alumni Association (SAA) said to the audience in the TSC ballroom, Saturday. “We have the privilege of recognizing nearly 100 individuals who embody the spirit, passion and enthusiasm of Utah State.”
USU President Stan Albrecht presented Jo Olsen with the Bill E. Robins Memorial Award. Olsen, a senior majoring in public relations and speech communication, is currently serving as president of the Student Alumni Association. Olsen has also served as director of Aggies for Africa and as the student coordinator for the A-team. As the ASUSU Arts and Lectures Director for the 2009-10 school year, Olsen was the student who initially proposed Common Hour, which will set aside an hour twice a week from 12-1:15 p.m. for lectures and other presentations that students might attend without scheduling conflicts.
“There are so many different professors, advisers, friends here on campus. I’ve had the great opportunity to see how this university functions and it really is because of the amazing people that are a part of it,” Olsen said in his acceptance speech.
Though tradition was a prominent theme in the night’s events, the entertainment selections at this year’s ceremony marked a change from recent years.
“What we wanted to do this year for entertainment was to keep it all in-house,” said Brady Mathews, Robins Committee entertainment chair. “Instead of paying outside entertainment, we’re using all-student talent this year, and they’re incredible.”
Performers included vocalists McKenna Miller and Felicia Stehmeier; members of USU dance company Full Circle, the Caine Jazz Combo and violinist Nicole Tolson. All three finalists for the Talent of the Year Award were featured: Stehmeier, Jared Nicholson of the Caine Jazz Combo and artist Erik Olson. Olson’s paintings were displayed at the entrance to the TSC ballroom.
The Woman of the Year Award was presented to Lacey Nagao, a graduate student working on a master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling. As the 2010-11 director of public relations for ASUSU, Nagao publicized ASUSU events and directed the student government elections.
“This year has been full of ups and downs and crazy and busy, but it’s been such a rewarding year,” Nagao said.
Chris Martin, a senior majoring in economics and political science, received the Man of the Year Award. Martin is a research assistant at the Center for Public Lands and Rural Economics. Martin is also president of the Huntsman Scholars Program and president of the USU chapter of Omicron Delta Epsilon, an economics honors society.
After thanking his professors, friends and advisers, Martin, an outdoor enthusiast, said, “I would also like to wax pagan for a moment and thank Logan Canyon, Green Canyon, Blacksmith Fork Canyon and Rock Canyon just for existing.”
Achievement of the Year Award went to The HURD, a club for fans of USU athletics.
“Along with being loud, rowdy and irreverent at BYU games and other contests, the HURD provides benefits for all its members,” said Ross Peterson, vice president of University Advancement and presenter of the Achievement of the Year Award. “The organization has worked hard to increase school spirit and brought national attention to USU.”
Though many individuals and organizations were recognized, Mathews said he was concerned that many students may not know they are able to nominate recipients for some of the awards.
“I feel like a lot of hidden talent goes not nominated, but I’m always amazed every year at the talent of the people that are in there,” Mathews said.
ASUSU Traditions Director Rachael Hansen said about 400 nominations were submitted this year. Students were able to nominate candidates for six of the 19 awards this year via a ballot box on the first floor of the TSC or via the ASUSU website.
– steve.kent@aggiemail.usu.edu