04/02/18
HAYS, Kan. ­– Two Fort Hays State University students and FHSU’s Hispanic College Institute recently won awards at the 2018 NODA: Association for Orientation, Transition, and Retention in Higher Education Region IV and V Conference in Overland Park.

Melanie Arellano, a senior from Kansas City majoring in social work, received Best Communication in the Student Staff Supervisor category for the Undergraduate Student Case Study Competition. The competition provides students who serve as peer supervisors to analyze a case and then present a recommendation to a panel of orientation director judges.

Arellano currently serves as the student director for Tiger Impact International Student Orientation and is a new Student Orientation leader.

Landon Younger, a senior from Ellis majoring in chemistry, was named the 2018 NODA Region IV Outstanding Undergraduate Student Leader – 4-Year Institution. The award recognizes one undergraduate student from across the states of Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma and Texas for their creativity, energy and enthusiasm.

Younger currently serves as an Orientation Team Leader. Younger was nominated for the award by Dr. Brett Bruner, director of transition and student conduct.

FHSU’s Hispanic College Institute received the 2018 NODA Region IV and V Outstanding Use of Theme Award in the Publications and Media Showcase awards. The award recognizes the ways a theme is used within an orientation, transition or retention program and critiques the consistency and originality of the theme.

HCI was recognized for its use of the theme “Dream, Believe, Succeed. Suena, Cree, Triunfa” in the 2017 HCI program.