04/26/12 ema

HAYS, Kan. -- Fort Hays State University's recent Student Organization Awards reception honored students and faculty who have made outstanding contributions to various student organizations and student involvement opportunities.

The Outstanding Community Service Project of the Year was awarded to "Derby Days," sponsored by the Sigma Chi Fraternity.

The most reported service hours award from Tigers In Service went to Alpha Kappa Psi.

Diversity Ally of the Year was awarded to Alma Hidalgo, Perryton, Texas, senior, and the Gay-Straight Alliance which is a student-based organization focused on promoting equality of all people, regardless of their sexual orientation.

Marcella Marez, instructor of communication studies and advisor of Up 'til Dawn, was awarded the Outstanding Student Organization Advisor of the Year.

The Best New Program of the Year is "Be Bold. Be Confident," co-sponsored by the Panhellenic Council and the Women's Leadership Project.

The Kicking it to Cancer Youth Soccer Camp, sponsored by Up 'til Dawn, was awarded Outstanding Student Organization Program of the Year.

Mortar Board was voted the Most-Improved Student Organization of the Year. It is a national honor society that recognizes college seniors for their achievements in scholarship, leadership and service and creates opportunities for leadership development.

Up 'til Dawn was voted as Outstanding Student Organization of the Year. Up 'til Dawn strives to help raise awareness and raise money for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tenn.