The University of West Florida recently honored more than 250 students at the 28th annual Student Leadership Awards Banquet, hosted by the Division of Student Affairs. Students were recognized for various achievements, including completing thousands of hours of community service, managing millions of dollars in funding and embracing leadership roles that benefit campus life.

The ceremony and dinner, held April 10 in the UWF Conference Center and Ballroom, featured alumnus and Pensacola City Council President Charles Bare as the keynote guest speaker. The division presented 14 awards, recognizing students for their leadership on campus, in the community and beyond. For a complete list of awards and recipients, see below.

Dr. Rebecca Kennedy, assistant vice president of student affairs and director of UWF Counseling and Psychological Services, awarded sophomore Kishane Patel with the Deborah L. Ford Emerging Leader Award. Named for a former vice president for student affairs, the award is presented annually to a freshman or sophomore who demonstrates a genuine commitment to the University, specifically in the area of student life.

Patel serves as chief of staff for the Student Government Association’s president’s cabinet and as sponsorship chair for the Campus Activity Board. He also is an active member of UWF MEN. In 2016-17, Patel will serve as SGA Vice President.

Zimmern recognized junior Brandon Robinson with the Outstanding Student Leader Award, given to a junior or senior who demonstrates a collegiate record of leadership and service to the University and campus life.

Robinson serves as Senate president for the Student Government Association; president, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity; public relations chair, African American Student Association; and involvement navigator, Student Involvement.

Collectively, students in these organizations recorded more than 7,500 hours of community service in 2015. Six groups received the Bronze Award for 200-499 hours of service; five received the Silver Award for 500-999 hours; and two received the Gold Award for more than 1,000 hours. These organizations included eight chapters of the University’s Fraternity & Sorority Life community, the Kugelman Honors Program, and four academic- or interest-based student organizations. Students who completed 20 hours of service or more were recognized individually for their contributions.

For more information about the Student Leadership Awards, visit uwf.edu/sla.

About the University of West Florida: Founded in 1963, the University of West Florida is a vibrant, distinctive institution of higher learning with undergraduate, graduate and targeted research programs. With multiple locations in Northwest Florida, the University serves a student population of more than 12,000. Dedicated to helping students realize their full potential, UWF favors small class sizes with quality teacher-scholars who deliver personalized, innovative, hands-on learning and leadership opportunities.