And the winner is…

On Wednesday, June 3, students gathered in the PSU Smith Memorial Student Union Ballroom to award student leaders and Student Activities and Leadership Programs (SALP) recognized student organizations for exceptional handiwork and contributions to the community. Students were asked to nominate peers, organizations and events for the chance of winning the sought after SALPies Awards.

After close consideration by the Academy—representatives from an assortment of student groups and departments—the candidates were chosen and finally announced at the awards ceremony.

Student Leader of the Year Award went to Jake Meeks of the Student Veterans Association, who was runner-up for the same award in 2008.

Kaibigan, the Filipino American Student Association, walked away with the Student Group of the Year Award. The group was founded in the 2002–03 school year for the purpose of advancing the educational, cultural, social and political growth of Filipino students through mutual understanding and aspirations towards social justice and change.

The Event of the Year Award was won by the Tet Show, put on by the Vietnamese Student Association (VSA). The Tet Show is an annual cultural event to educate the community about Vietnamese culture while offering an entertaining spread of acts. The acts of the 2009 Tet Show included, among others, comedy skits, traditional and nontraditional dances, martial artists and a fashion show exhibiting modern Vietnamese attire. Each act had a theme about Vietnamese values or about the Vietnamese New Year, Tet.

The New Student Group of the Year Award was taken home by Students United for Palestinian Equal Rights (SUPER). SUPER is a sundry of students united to promote peace and justice for Palestinians and oppressed peoples of the world. The members are passionate advocates of peace, justice and truth worldwide.

It was no surprise to many that Portland State Professional Sound group (PSPS) won the Web Site of the Year Award. The PSPS Web site offers an interactive calendar allowing students to view upcoming sound events, extensive overview of course information and sound recording times, online request forms, booking information and more. The purpose of PSPS is to book events for PSU students to enjoy and participate in.

Jen Lleras won the Most Supportive Faculty/Community Advisor Award. Lleras, a University of Oregon graduate, is the Oregon Student Association organizer for ASPSU. On campus she has been involved in various groups, including MEChA, Oregon Students of Color Coalition, The Coalition Against Environmental Racism, and has been the ASUO student finance Senator and chief of staff.

Best Poster was awarded to the Association of African Students (ASA) for “African Fusion,” an emotional and beautifully designed poster for their African Fusion night event. The poster featured amazing graphics, an appealing layout and the profile of a captivating African woman.

The award dinner also offered a variety of just-for-fun awards, including the Future President of the United States Award, which went to Christian Aniciete, a member of Kaibigan and SALP. The Best Dressed Award went to Erica Charves of the Muslim Student Association. Erica Johnson of the NAACP was named the Most Inspirational, and Aimeera Flint, former chair of the Student Fee Committee, was named the Most Newsworthy.

The Mr. GQ and Ms. Vogue awards went to Matt Vu and Annie Truong of VSA.