University of Wisconsin-Superior students were honored for their hard work and dedication during the 2024-25 academic year during the Yellowjacket Student Excellence Awards ceremony, held on Wednesday, April 23, in the Yellowjacket Union Great Room.

Tasneem (Nemo) Aidabi, Usman Ahmad, Tamami Igeta, Dillion Krisik and Brenna Mattson were named the recipients of the Chancellor’s Leadership Award. This award is given to members of the graduating class who are committed to personal growth and have made a positive contribution to their peers, campus and community.

Educational Success Center Awards were presented to several UW-Superior students.

• Brendan Soberg and Candance Robotti received Mentor Collective Awards
• Addison Holck was named Tutor of the Year
• Unity Awards were presented to Annabelle Fries, Lakotah Littlehawk, Megan Peterson, Oreoluwa Sofolahan, Umi Omoto and Valerie Ross Zhaawendaagozikwe.

The Student Organization Advisor of the Year Award, which honors a faculty or staff member who has supported a student organization through professional guidance, goal-setting assistance, and leadership development, was awarded to Sean Monnier and Eleni Pinnow.

Inkblots received the Evolving Student Organization Award, which recognizes a student organization that has shown significant growth in membership development, program initiatives, or campus involvement over the past year.

The University Community Organization Award was presented to The Promethean in recognition of its substantial impact on campus and the broader community through volunteerism, service or activism.

UW-Superior Esports earned the Program of the Year Award for hosting a student-led event or initiative that fostered student engagement, built community, and enriched the campus experience.

The Outstanding Emerging Leader Award recognizes students who demonstrate meaningful growth in their leadership abilities and serve as role models to their peers. This year’s recipients were Esther Ipaye and Pinazir “Bika” Sherbekova.

The Outstanding Student Leader Award was given to Kidest Mitiku and Taylor Powell. This award honors students who have maintained consistent involvement in campus activities and demonstrated effective, impactful leadership.

Annabelle Fries, Kyla Smith and Taylor Powell were recognized as graduates of Student Involvement’s Buzz 75 program, a Student Involvement initiative that encourages students to complete a bucket list of 75 enriching college experiences. These include attending events, exploring campus spaces, engaging with the Twin Ports community, and participating in virtual or at-home activities. Students receive rewards for reaching milestones at 5, 10, 20, 40, and 75 completed activities.

Graduating seniors from Student Involvement and Yellowjacket Activities Crew were also recognized for their contributions. This included Edomiyas Asmerom, Ponika Bhandari, Lauren Giesen, Tamami Igeta and Ryo Karino.

Lauren Giesen received the Student Involvement Staff Excellence Award, presented to a student staff member with over one year of service who has consistently exceeded job expectations. Awardees demonstrate leadership both in the workplace and across campus, embodying the UWS spirit through their professional and extracurricular efforts.