Greek Council To Recognize Campus Leaders At Legacy Gala

Feb. 7, 2014
SHSU Media Contact: Marissa Nunez

In honor of Black History Month, Sam Houston State University’s National Pan-Hellenic Council is taking nominations for students, faculty and staff who have impacted the community and exemplify leadership skills to pay tribute to historic black leaders for the third annual Legacy Gala.

Established in 2012 by former NPHC president Julian Williams, the gala aims to encourage more student, faculty and staff involvement in the community and to show appreciation for and recognize individuals for the contributions to the Huntsville and SHSU community.

“For the gala, individuals on our campus nominate the leaders they feel have met the requirements for the awards,” said vice president of NHPC and president of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Taneisha Harmon. “This award ensures leaders that they are always being watched and admired and that their hard work never goes unnoticed.”

Each of the award categories is named after an NPHC chapter alumnus who has impacted both the black community and the nation. The NPHC comprises nine nationwide fraternities and sororities, eight of which have chapters at SHSU, and are dedicated to uniting the members of black Greek organizations and the African-American student body.

There are eight categories and 13 awards total, with six of the categories geared toward students, one for a campus organization, and one for faculty and staff. Nominations are being accepted for:

• Outstanding Athletic Achievement Award, named after Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., alumnus Michael Jordan, for a student who excels in his or her sport and exemplifies sportsman-like conduct.
• The Innovator Award, named after Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., alumnus George Washington Carver, for a student who has introduced interesting and creative ideas, programs or events to SHSU.
• Outstanding Academic Achievement Award, named after Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., alumnus Thurgood Marshall and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., alumna Zora Neale Hurston, for a male and female student who have excelled in the classroom.
• Young Black & Gifted Award, named after fellow Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., alumnus Hill Harper and Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., alumna Victoria Rowell, for a male and female student who excel in displaying their creativity through singing, dancing, poetry writing or acting.
• The Collegiate Living Legends Award, named after Nelson Mendela and Ida B. Wells, the top award, given to a student who embodies everything it takes to be a leader.
• The Outstanding Leadership Award, named after Alpha Phi Alpha alumnus Martin Luther King Jr. and Alpha Kappa Alpha alumna Bernice King, for a male and female student who demonstrate excellent leadership qualities and go out of their way to see their organization excel.
• Outstanding Community Involvement, dedicated to Omega Psi Phi alumnus Jesse Jackson and Delta Sigma Theta alumna Shirley Chisolm, for the organizations that have impacted the community through its many service projects.
• Outstanding Faculty/Staff Award, named after W.E.B Dubois, given to the faculty or staff member who has excelled in teaching, research or public service.
  

Anyone can make a nomination. To do so, nomination packets may be picked up at the Dean of Students’ Office and must be turned in by Wednesday (Feb. 12) at 5 p.m.

A committee will select the top three finalists in each category on Feb. 14.

Winners will be announced at the Legacy Gala on Feb. 20. The Oscar-themed event is free and open to the public, and attendees will receive a complimentary plated five-course meal. Seats are limited and guests are required to RSVP through NPHC’s EventBrite page or to Harmon at tjh019@shsu.edu.

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