Social work major Madeline Stroder (at left), recipient of the Outstanding Service to the Community Award, and faculty member Linda Wells-Glover, who took home both Legendary Triton and Advisor of the Year honors, pause for a photo at the April 24 event. (Photo by Llermo Rogers)

Student advocates. Rising leaders. Excellent Tritons.

As part of the University of Missouri–St. Louis’ annual Mirthweek festivities, the Office of Student Involvement recently celebrated some of the people on campus who embody such descriptions.

“My favorite part of the event is working with the planning committee – a group of students that breathe new life and ideas into this tradition and make it an event to remember,” said Jenna Bartak, OSI’s leadership education coordinator.

Nearly 20 individuals and groups were honored at this year’s leadership awards banquet, which was held April 24 at the Millennium Student Center on North Campus. And while the focus of the accolades was on exemplary students, several faculty and staff received kudos as well.

That’s by design, Bartak said.

“It’s important to highlight the faculty and staff who have assisted, encouraged and advised our students along their journey here at UMSL,” she explained. “By highlighting these individuals, I think it sends a message that the faculty and staff here on campus are really here to help students succeed in their endeavors.”

The School of Social Work’s Linda Wells-Glover, an associate teaching professor at UMSL, received a resounding 160 student votes for the Legendary Triton Award she took home – and was also named Advisor of the Year.

Among the other faculty and staff members honored were Tiffany Izard (Student Involvement Award), Miriam Roccia (SGA Student Choice Award) and Lynn Staley (Vice Provost for Student Affairs Award).

Students in the spotlight included Madison Bick (Newman Civic Fellow), Nicholas Domescik (Student Leader of the Year), Derrick Freeman (Triton Athletic Award), Awa Konte (Outstanding Contribution to Leadership Programming Award), Heather Lange (Rising Leader of the Year), Braxton Perry (Fraternity & Sorority Life Leader of the Year), Kat Riddler (Student Advocate Award), Madison Russell (Triton Athletic Award) and Madeline Stroder (Outstanding Service to the Community Award).

In addition, the UMSL Catholic Newman Center, Jewish Student Association, Pierre Laclede Honors College Student Association, Alpha Sigma Phi and the Student Social Work Association received awards for excellence in programming.

“It was a wonderful opportunity to highlight the great accomplishments of students and other members of our campus community looking back over the past academic year,” Bartak said afterward, “and to honor the Triton excellence that happens here every day.”