McKaig returns to honor student groups

Former IU Dean of Students Dick McKaig returned to campus to attend the Student Organization Celebration on Wednesday in the Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center Grand Hall.

The Student Activities Office awarded six different awards that highlighted student groups that have focused their efforts on diversity, inter-organization collaboration, leadership development, and community engagement.

Gamma Phi Omega along with Alpha Phi Omega received the evening’s top honors: the McKaig Legacy Award.

Jewish a capella group HooShir and salsa dance group Ritmos Latinos performed between the awards.

“Up and Coming Award”
The Student Sustainability Council, celebrating its first year of work, advises the IU Office of Sustainability. It represents about a dozen campus groups including Coal Free IU, Greeks Go Green and Slow Food on Campus.

“Leadership Development Award”
Panhellenic Association represents 19 women’s greek chapters on campus and creates opportunities for personal and professional development for women with programs like LEADIU and LeaderShape.

“Diversity Award” & “Collaboration Award”
The IU African Students Association brings together students of African descent and those wishing to learn more about Africa.

"Civic Engagement Award"
The HHC Association helped create a literacy program at Fairview Elementary, a school where 92 percent of the students are on free or reduced lunch.

“McKaig Legacy Award”
Alpha Phi Omega is a national service fraternity. Its members have worked with many Bloomington organizations, including Pages to Prisoners, Boys and Girls Club and Hoosier Hills Food Bank. The chapter celebrated its 80th anniversary last fall.

“McKaig Legacy Award”
Gamma Phi Omega, a Latina-oriented sorority, originated on the IU campus in 1991.  The chapter also won the Founders Values Education Award of Excellence last fall.