Posted on April 23, 2007
Purple and silver balloons filled the Festival Ballroom on Wednesday evening and strings of lights brightened the room as Student Organization Services held their annual Dolley Awards to celebrate the achievements of JMU’s clubs, organizations and students.
Named after first-lady and wife of James Madison, this year’s Dolley Awards proved to be an exciting night for the many recipients.
Before the Masters of Ceremony seniors Tripp Purks and Colin Wright kicked off the night, a tribute was made to VA Tech. Thirty-two candles were placed across the stage and lit by SOS staff to honor the victims.
Purks and Wright started the show off with slides of famous duos through time, including Batman and Robin, Sonny and Cher and President Linwood Rose and Vice President of Student Affairs Mark Warner.
During the ceremony, awards were presented to organizations and individuals in the JMU community. There were two additions this year: the Emerging Leader and the Emerging Organization awards.
Presented by Matt Barone of SOS, the Emerging Organization Award went to the Student Occupational Therapy Association for their positive contributions to JMU and the greater community.
“We are really excited,” said a second-year grad student and officer of the association, Clayton Doyle.
SOTA only found out about the nomination the day before the ceremony.
“We came to support the other organizations,” Doyle said. “We are very excited to spread the word about occupational therapy.”
Barone also presented the Non-Recognized Outstanding Student Organization to The Career Education Officers, a group that helps students figure out what they want to major in.
“I am so proud of the work that they do,” said CEO advisor Chandra Lane.
Junior Laren Kimmey, a member of CEO, said that the organization helped out a record number of students this year.
Sophomore Nicole Orokos did not expect the award.
“It was kind of a surprise because there are so many awesome organizations that help educate students,” she said.
Saferides, a group dedicated to preventing drunk driving, and Alpha Kappa Alpha, a service oriented sorority dedicated to JMU and Harrisonburg, both won the Non Front-End Budgeted Outstanding Student Organization.
After giving their 1000th ride just a few weeks ago, SafeRide members were excited to win the award.
Senior member Rebecca Norton said it felt amazing to win. Junoir Tamara Cornwell agreed.
“We’ve worked so hard to get where we are,” Cornwell said.
Executive Director Carolyn Bradford was honored.
“We’ve made some huge leaps this past year,” she said. “We are proud to be recognized.”
