On May 7, the Division of Arts and Letters within the College of Arts & Sciences held an award showcase and unveiling of students’ works. Students, staff, friends, and family gathered in the E-lounge. The showcase highlighted and celebrated students’ and the many different art fields and forms created in the 2024-’25 year academic year, from writing to multiple different mixed media.
The event began with opening remarks by Dr. Lara Hyrcaj, Dr. Christopher White, and Provost Beverly Schneller.
Next on the list was the Student Media Showcase, which acknowledged all the various works done by many students throughout the school year. The studio media works are expansive at GovState, including the Reconstructed Art and Literary Journal, ArtSci CAS Newsmagazine, The Phoenix, GovState News, Radio Jaguar, and an upcoming podcast series.
After student acknowledgments and thanks in the student media showcase, it was time for awards. Three awards were presented: The Maimon First Year Writing Prize, the DAL Student Excellence Awards, and the Purchase Award.
The Maimon Writing award had three winners: third place — Mia Romo, second place — a tie between Mariam Samara and Journae Cotton, first place — Brayden Coker.
The DAL award for Academic Excellence went to Alex Szczender; the DAL Award for Creative Excellence was given to Chiderah Onyeizeh, and the DAL Award for Outstanding Undergraduate Student went to Victoria Gomez
Onyeizeh also won the Purchase Award, in which the school paid for a piece from of his art work, called “Hawk,” making it a permanent part of the school’s art collection.
Staff and professors explained what the students did to earn their recognition.
Following a short break for refreshments, attendees toured the BFA Gallery, where students artists talked about their works which were hanging in the gallery.