Samantha Hirschman | Assistant-News-Editor
This year, the Buena Vista University (BVU) Leader of the Year awards were given to seniors Alexis Williams and Jonathon Ehrlich. The annual award given to individuals who have demonstrated the qualities and attributes of being a leader.
Williams and Ehrlich both expressed gratitude for being chosen for such a high honor.
“Being recognized as BVU Student Leader of the Year is very satisfying because someone noticed, and others agreed, that I was intentionally practicing leadership. It is nice to be noticed for the things I do that are important to me,” Ehrlich said.
Dr. Becka Neary-DeLaPorte, Director of Student Activities and Leadership Development, explained the process of how the individuals were chosen.
“Anyone could have nominated any student. Those who wanted to nominate an individual were asked to answer two questions: 1) How has this leader contributed to the quality of life on campus? 2) Provide examples of how this individual demonstrates leadership skills and attributes. The students who were nominated were asked to provide an updated resume. The nominators’ answers were compiled and reviewed, along with the resumes, by a committee. The review committee then used a rubric to score each individual.”
One of Williams’ nominators stated that she chooses to lead by example, motivating others by her contagious personality and providing a warm welcome to those new to campus. She has represented BVU in various capacities on campus (visit days, meetings with the president etc.) as well as off campus (presenting at conferences, sitting on regional committees etc.). It is evident that her passion for BVU has grown throughout her time as a student and that it will continue to grow as an alumna.
Ehrlich describes his brand of leadership as cooperative and having three parts: 1) disciplining himself and working to be a strong team member, 2) setting a good example and showing dedication to his projects, and 3) valuing each peer and their ideas.
One of Ehrlich’s nominators stated that from the first conversation, they were impressed with both his sincere desire for deep learning, and his desire to spark an equal amount of enthusiasm within his fellow classmates. Ehrlich is driven; he knows what he wants and he is on the path to accomplish his goals. Along the way, he takes time to reflect and refocus as necessary. As he moves forward, he invites and inspires his peers to do likewise.
“I have put my heart and soul into my activities while I have been at BVU and it means the world to me that my efforts were recognized,” Williams said. “I remember being nominated last year and feeling proud to have even been noticed. I made it a goal of mine to get nominated again this year, so it feels pretty good to not only have been nominated again, but to have been selected. I am excited to continue my leadership, set some bigger goals, and accomplish those, too.”
Graphic courtesy of Aaron Burns
