Congratulations, Award Winners!
At Breezy Point Resort last weekend, students, advisors, instructors, and more were honored at this year's Scholarship Gala and Annual Awards ceremony.
John Runningen
John Runningnen, Governing Council Member of the Year
The Governing Council Member of the Year Award is given to an individual who has embodied the role and responsibility of the LeadMN Governing Council in all their work throughout the year. This year's recipient is John Runningen, who has been an engaged and thoughtful voice on the Governing Council in all its decisions, attentive in the small business and courageous in the big moments. This member has gone the extra mile at every opportunity, looking to support student engagement and fundraising opportunities, advocacy efforts, bringing a positive and welcoming atmosphere to conferences and events, and both leading LeadMN’s Presidents’ Group and serving on our Fiscal Committee. Congratulations, John!
Logan Rempert
Logan Rempert, Committee Member of the Year
The Committee Member of the Year Award is given to an individual who has done an outstanding job while taking on the responsibility of representing their peers on a Minnesota State committee. This year's recipient is Logan Rempert, who was described as "never afraid to speak his mind" on the Minnesota State Technology Council. Congratulations and thank you for your advocacy, Logan!
Amona Donald
Amona Donald, Platform Committee Member of the Year
The Platform Committee Member of the Year Award is given to an individual who has embodied the role and responsibility of the LeadMN Platform Committee in all their work throughout the year. This year's recipient is Amona Donald, who went above and beyond to share her story with legislators and represent and advocate for the members of her region. Congratulations, Amona!
Chelsea Birasa
Chelsea Birasa, Intern of the Year
LeadMN's Intern of the Year is awarded to a student intern who has gone above and beyond their position description to make a lasting impact. This year's recipient is Chelsea Birasa, who has worked closely with equity and outreach staff to spread awareness about the Covid-19 vaccine and worked tirelessly to reach out within her region. Congrats, Chelsea!
Alex Trebesch
Alexis Trebesch, Student Leader of the Year
LeadMN's Student Leader of the Year is awarded to someone who has brought positive change to their campus community and LeadMN as a whole. This year, the award goes to Alex Trebesch. She has grown tremendously over the past year, sharing her story on mental health with legislators and encouraging them to do more to support students. She is a relentless advocate for those struggling with addiction, and has helped empower her peers to be vulnerable and authentic in their own experiences while owning their leadership. Congratulations, Alex!
Central Lakes College Student Senate
Central Lakes College, Student Senate of the Year
LeadMN's Student Senate of the year is awarded to a group of students that is making a big impact on their campus. This year's recipient is Central Lakes College Student Senate. This group is a constant reminder that working hard and playing hard are not mutually exclusive. Whether it’s karaoke, ski ball, talking with legislators, connecting with peers or the Amazing Race Across D.C., this group always brings their A-game. Congratulations, CLC Student Senate!
Alexis Persons
Alexis Persons, Advisor of the Year
LeadMN's Advisor of the Year is awarded to someone who serves selflessly as a resource to student leaders, helping them grow and flourish. This year's recipient is Alexis Persons. Alexis was resilient and dedicated while rebuilding her campus's student senate, and showed remarkable commitment in connecting students to meaningful programming and opportunities. Congratulations, Alexis!
Dr. Joel Jensen
Dr. Joel Jensen, Instructor of the Year
LeadMN's Instructor of the Year is awarded each year to an instructor who goes above and beyond to support their students. This year's recipient is Dr. Joel Jensen. From their nominator, "Dr. Jensen is the most outstanding professor, amazing club advisor, and fantastic student mentor I've ever had. He has truly been transformative for me in my college career, as well as for many others that I know at my school." Congratulations, Dr. Jensen!
Dr. Rolando García
Dr. Rolando García, College President of the Year
LeadMN's College President of the Year is awarded to a College President who is supportive of student advocacy and empowers student voices in all they do. This year's recipient is Dr. Rolando García from North Hennepin Community College. Dr. García is a compassionate and welcoming leader who cares deeply about the student experience. He listens to students when they voice concerns about food and housing insecurity, and mental health concerns that have only been exacerbated due to the pandemic. Thank you for listening to students, Dr. Rolando García!