2025 Student Achievement Gala Awards

The Outstanding Student Organization award is designed to recognize student organizations that have contributed significantly to the issues students face on campus.

Indian Students Association stood out for its exceptional dedication to fostering community, cultural education, and student support through diverse and inclusive programming. Their impactful collaborations and commitment to addressing student needs make them a deserving recipient of the Outstanding Student Organization Award.

The Excellence in Community Advancement award recognizes a student-led organization that has demonstrated excellence in community advancement programming, efforts, and leadership this academic year.

We Outside has an exceptional commitment to connecting marginalized students with the outdoors and promoting environmental justice through inclusive programming and education makes them a standout choice for the Excellence in Community Advancement Award. Their innovative approach and impactful collaborations have significantly enriched the community and fostered resilience among students.

The Innovative Program award is designed to recognize events or programs that have made a significant impact on the UW community.

Caribbean Student Association was chosen for creating innovative, culturally affirming programs like Rice Fest and Know Your Roots, which address unique needs and celebrate the Caribbean experience while fostering cross-cultural community engagement. Their events are both educational and social, and they consistently serve the diverse needs of the UW-Madison community, making a notable contribution to the campus climate.

The Emerging Leader award recognizes a first- or second-year student who has shown their ability to be a leader on campus and in the surrounding community. This student shows strong interest in furthering their involvement in a student organization, program, or cause and creating a unique mark on the UW community.

Alka Lakadia was selected for her exceptional development of leadership skills as a first-year student, demonstrated through her roles in WAISI, WACM, and DotData. Her commitment to inclusive tech education, impactful programming like MadData Hackathon, and cross-club collaboration directly contributed to her organizations and expanded their reach on campus. Her work exemplifies not only her current impact on UW-Madison but also her significant potential for future leadership, particularly in ethically-driven AI and tech equity.

The Established Leader award recognizes an established student leader who has shown exemplary leadership, service, and commitment to the University community. This student must show consistent leadership that is displayed through their active participation and commitment to an organization.

Deanna Frater was selected for her powerful and consistent leadership across multiple student organizations, including her executive roles with the Black Student Union, Black Student Pre-Law Association, and as co-founder and president of S.O.U.L. Her commitment to creating inclusive spaces is exemplified by her founding of the Essence Peer Mentor Program, a lasting initiative that supports Black students navigating campus life. She has made critical contributions by organizing events, providing professional development opportunities, and amplifying student voices through her service on the Diversity and Inclusion Student Advisory Board and Cabinet of Student Leaders. Her ability to turn vision into action, strengthen communities, and support peers across multiple platforms makes her a standout leader and role model.

Recipients of this award are staff or faculty members who have contributed to the success and advancement of students and/or student organizations. Nominees must show dedication through their active participation in relationships with students, the campus community, research, and campus involvement/service.

Noreen Siddiqui‘s unwavering dedication to the success and advancement of MENA students, coupled with her instrumental role in fostering an inclusive environment at UW-Madison, makes her an exemplary choice for the Outstanding Staff Award. Her extraordinary commitment to student support and advocacy has created a lasting impact on the community.

The Connect, Empower, Excel Award embodies the guiding and founding principles of the LCC. The recipient of this award has strong connections to the Latine community, is successful at empowering others, and excels at leadership. 

Surina Martinez is a Posse Scholar, intern for the Morgridge Center for Public Service, and an active member of Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc. The awardee’s nominator stated, “I witness this nominee empowering others on a daily basis. This nominee is always quick to lend a hand, facilitate reflection sessions, and mentor peers. Not only does she lead others by serving as a model example, but she also takes moments to recognize and appreciate others’ work.” 

The prophecy of the Seven Fires of the Anishinaabe says that when the 7th fire is lit, a new people will emerge to retrace the steps of those before them and remember stories and wisdom that were once forgotten. This award is given to a graduating student who has demonstrated a strong commitment to uplifting the Indigenous community through their contributions while at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The recipients of this award have shown a dedication to changing the status quo by learning from the past and leading for the future. They have done this by connecting with the Indigenous community on campus, empowering other students through leadership or mentorship roles, and having left an impact in their community. 

Kira Adkins nominator stated “She honors where she comes from, contributes to her present community, and will pave the path for the future students that will be inspired by her contributions.” During her time as an undergraduate, this student has worked with heart and determination to make sure that the Indigenous Student Center would be around for students and the student organizations that make the Indigenous Student Center what it is. This student is committed to building open and safe environments where students are able to share all aspects of their identities. We know that she will continue to ignite the 7th Fire for our community. 

Jessie Montoure is a medical student whose goal is to improve the health of those around him. He has a passion for improving the health of Indigenous communities not only by using western medicine, but traditional methods as well; incorporating plants and sustainable practices into his work. This student’s dedication to uplifting others shines through his mentorship and leadership. Balancing medical school and family, he still makes time to guide and support new students. His kindness, patience, and willingness to share wisdom make him an invaluable mentor. He truly embodies the philosophy of the 7 generations.

The Cornerstone of Coalition award is given by the Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Student Center to recognize individuals for their significant contribution to enhancing the University of Wisconsin-Madison experience through coalition building within and with the APIDA community. We wish to recognize, honor, and express our gratitude for their contributions and for their profound impact.

Grace Vue is a new campus leader who has demonstrated a dedication to building community among the APIDA student body at UW-Madison. As the education chair for the Hmong American Student Association, known as HASA, the nominee helped to organize the HASA Spring Conference. She led the effort to bring a keynote speaker to talk about empowering Hmong voices through education while also addressing generational trauma. As a member of SEADO, the nominee has choreographed dances that highlight Southeast Asian culture for events such as the MSC’s MCOR, HASA’s Hmong New Year, and the Vietnamese Student Association’s Lantern Event.

The Aya (eye-ah) Community Impact Award is given to a graduating student who has an exemplary track record of leadership, service, and commitment to uplifting the Black community at UW-Madison.

Aya (eye-ah) is a Twi word originating from West Africa. Aya (eye-ah) translates to fern, which symbolizes perseverance and resourcefulness. Fern plants are known for their ability to grow in extreme environments. 

The recipient of this award has contributed to a campus environment that makes it easier for current and future Black students to bloom, flourish, and thrive.

Jonah Dixon is one of the co-founders of the BLK PWR Coalition, an executive board member of the Wisconsin Black Student Union, and member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. 

Beyond his campus leadership, he mentored student-athletes at Madison East High School and presented his work with BLK PWR Coalition at the National Conference on Race and Ethnicity.

This awardee’s nominator shared: Your presence on this campus has been a consistent reminder that anything is possible, regardless of background or circumstance. The spaces you’ve created and the confidence you’ve inspired will influence generations of Black students to come.