The annual Make A Difference Awards are presented by the Division of Student Affairs to recognize the contributions of our community here at Brooklyn College. The awards are presented to students, student organizations, faculty, and staff who have exhibited exemplary service in fulfillment of their roles as leaders on campus and who have, in some way, made a difference.
Recipients of the awards are nominated using a nomination form consisting of various categories for group awards and individual awards and are then selected by an Awards Review and Selection Committee, composed of students, staff, and faculty.
Group Awards
Community Service Award: CHAI @ Tanger Hillel
The Community Service Award is awarded to a student club or organization for its tireless efforts in active service and helping others in the community.
Greek Lettered Organization of the Year: Omicron Gamma Chapter of Sigma Lambda Beta International Fraternity, Inc.
The Greek Lettered Organization of the Year Award is presented to a fraternity or sorority that has made the most difference to the Brooklyn College community by passionately representing Greek life through programs, community service, and effective-sponsorship.
New Organization of the Year: CHAI @ Tanger Hillel
The New Organization of the Year Award is presented to a newly chartered student organization during the 2019-2020 academic year that has taken the initiative to make itself visible on campus, focused on increasing membership and displays overall continued growth and success.
Outstanding Contribution to Diversity and Inclusion: Omicron Gamma Chapter of Sigma Lambda Beta International Fraternity, Inc.
The Outstanding Contribution to Diversity and Inclusion Award is presented to a student club or organization that has contributed to the diversity and inclusion at Brooklyn College through exemplary efforts. The student club/organization must demonstrate a commitment to diversity and inclusion through recruitment and retention efforts, multi-cultural programming, cultural competency, community outreach activities, and/or other initiatives.
Program of the Year: African Student Union (ASU) – Back to the Motherland Fashion Show
The Program of the Year Award recognizes a specific program/event, hosted by a student club or organization that was innovative, thoroughly planned, executed and that has had an impact on attendees.
Student Organization of the Year: Women of Color
The Organization of the Year Award is presented to a student organization that plays an active leadership role in Brooklyn College campus community, fulfills its mission, is involved in campus activities and continues to sustain itself creatively.
Individual Awards
Athlete of the Year: Anna Curran, Senior
The Athlete of the Year Award is presented to a student athlete who exhibited sportsmanship, dedication, leadership and an outstanding athletic contribution as a member of an athletic team at Brooklyn College.
Emerging Leader of the Year: Crystal Buchanan, Upper Senior
The Emerging Leader of the Year Award is presented to a student who has taken on new leadership roles and has demonstrated significant progress toward achieving their leadership potential through campus and community involvement.
Alumni Acknowledgement for a Graduating Senior: Joelle Gibson, Graduating Senior
Alumni Acknowledgement for a Graduating Senior: Tatiana Lee, Graduating Senior
The Alumni Acknowledgement for a Graduating Senior Award is presented to a graduating senior who has contributed to the campus community consistently during their time at Brooklyn College through involvement in activities, leadership roles and / or volunteer opportunities.
Student Activist Award: John Carlos Rodriguez, Graduating Senior
The Student Activist Award is presented to a Brooklyn College student who has demonstrated an exceptional ability to engage and lead members of the campus community around social justice issues.
Volunteer of the Year: Woody Gaston, Graduating Senior
The Volunteer of the Year Award is presented to a student who has continuously provided a helping hand in active service projects both on and off campus.
Student Leader of the Year: Lakshay Khosla, Graduating Senior
The Student Leader of the Year Award is presented to a student who exemplifies leadership through involvement in a student organization at Brooklyn College.
Student Organization President of the Year: Kate McGorry, Graduating Senior
The Student Organization President of the Year is presented to a student who has improved their club or chapter the most during their term of office and is a constant role model for those to whom he/she leads.
Student Center 2020 Charles Whipple Award: Mary Halabani, Junior
The Student Center 2020 Charles Whipple Award is presented to a student who has demonstrated outstanding commitment to the Student Center and to his/her community touching the lives of others in a positive way for years to come.
Faculty of the Year: Ngoc Cindy Pham, Ph.D., Professor, Department of Business Management, Murray Koppelman School of Business
The Faculty of the Year Award is presented to a faculty member in recognition of their outstanding teaching contributions and dedicated service to student success while upholding the mission of the college and that of CUNY.
Liaison of the Year: Ngoc Cindy Pham, Ph.D., Professor, Department of Business Management, Murray Koppelman School of Business
The Liaison of the Year Award is presented to a staff member who has served as the Liaison to a club or organization for the 2019-2020 school year. This person has provided exceptional guidance on college and university processes and procedures while ensuring continued compliance of college and university policies.
Advisor of the Year: Jay Jankelewicz ’13 (In Memoriam)
The Advisor of the Year is presented to a faculty/staff member who served as the Advisor to a club or organization for the 2019-2020 school year and has exemplified dedication to the students by offering knowledge, experience, assistance, and support.
Outstanding Contribution to Diversity and Inclusion: Juliet Manragh ’07 (In Memoriam)
The Outstanding Contribution to Diversity and Inclusion Award recognizes the accomplishment of faculty, staff or student that contributes to the diversity and inclusion at Brooklyn College through recruitment and retention efforts, teaching, research, multi-cultural programming, cultural programming, cultural competency, community outreach activities, or other initiatives.
