USA Commends Student and Greek-Letter Organizations at Student Excellence Awards
Posted on June 22, 2026
The University of South Alabama Division of Student Affairs, Office of Student Involvement and Fraternity and Sorority Life recently held their second annual Student Excellence Awards. The ceremony honored student organizations and Greek life for their members’ academic achievements, community involvement and leadership skills displayed throughout the 2025–2026 academic year.
“The Student Excellence Awards provide an opportunity to recognize the incredible impact our students and student organizations have on the University of South Alabama community,” said Dr. Christopher Hawkins, director of student involvement. “Through their leadership, service, academic achievement and commitment to creating meaningful experiences for others, these students exemplify what it means to be a Jaguar. We are proud to celebrate their accomplishments and the positive difference they make on our campus each day.”
The 2025–2026 awards:
Student Organization Awards
- New Student Organization of the Year: AL-MAHARA Association
- Member Experience Award: SEOUL 251
- Campus Impact and Exposure Award: Black Student Union
- Service Event of the Year: Alpha Tau Omega — Viking Week
- Excellence in Collaboration Award: Vietnamese Student Association — Night Market
- Outstanding Event of the Year Award: Student Government Association — Parking Ticket Forgiveness Day
- Student Organization of the Year Award: Black Student Union
Dean’s Cup Recipients
- Sigma Chi, Eta Epsilon Chapter Interfraternity Council
- Alpha Tau Omega, Kappa Sigma Chapter, Interfraternity Council
- Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc., Delta Lambda Chapter, National Pan-Hellenic Council
- Chi Omega Fraternity, Beta Theta Chapter, College Panhellenic Council
Fraternity and Sorority Life Awards
- College Panhellenic Council Academic Achievement: Chi Omega Fraternity, Beta Theta Chapter, and Phi Mu Fraternity, Kappa Omega Chapter
- National Pan-Hellenic Council Academic Achievement: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Epsilon Upsilon Chapter
- Interfraternity Council Academic Achievement: Alpha Tau Omega, Kappa Sigma Chapter
- Interfraternity Council Service: Alpha Tau Omega, Kappa Sigma Chapter
- National Pan-Hellenic Council Service: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Epsilon Upsilon Chapter
- Daisy Ann Keeton Award: Alpha Omicron Pi Fraternity, Gamma Delta Chapter
- National Pan-Hellenic Council Neophyte of the Year: Aniyah Burnett, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc., Pi Omega Chapter
- College Panhellenic Council New Member of the Year: Maria Grace Blount, Alpha Omicron Pi Fraternity, Gamma Delta Chapter
- Interfraternity Council New Member of the Year: Dain Winters, Kappa Alpha Order, Epsilon Alpha Chapter
- College Panhellenic Council Greek Woman of the Year: Samantha Cochran, Alpha Omicron Pi, Gamma Delta Chapter
- National Pan-Hellenic Council Greek Woman of the Year: Chelsea Cooper, Alpha Kappa Alpha, Epsilon Upsilon Chapter
- Interfraternity Council Greek Man of the Year: Luke Sparkman, Kappa Alpha Order, Epsilon Alpha Chapter
- National Pan-Hellenic Council Greek Man of the Year: Jarius Watters, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., Theta Delta Chapter
Individual Leadership Awards
- Student Organization Advisor of the Year: Broderick Morrissette (Collegiate 100 and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.)
- Jag on the Rise Award: Tri-an Nguyen (Vietnamese Student Association)
- Trailblazer of the Year: Rachel Chai (USA Water Environment Society)
- Servant Leader Award: Kayla McIntosh (Circle K International)
- Unsung Hero Award: Thomas Diep (Jaguar Productions)
- President of the Year: Jahmon Hardwick (Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.)
- Military-Affiliated Student of the Year Award: Destani Alvarado
