Student Spotlight

The inaugural Gundies awards recognized student leaders and the impact their organizations have on campus during a recent ceremony organized by the Office of Student Engagement.

By Ryan E. Smith
Date

Student-run organizations and their leaders took center stage Thursday night during a special awards ceremony honoring them at Gund Commons.

The new awards, named the Gundies — a playful reference to “The Dundies” given out in the sitcom “The Office” — were established this year by the Office of Student Engagement as a way to highlight important work being done by students on campus, said Caleb Young, director of student engagement.

“Our students put a lot of work into their student organizations,” he said. “It’s a big-time commitment outside of the classroom for them, and they care deeply about their organizations and the huge impact they make on campus.”

The event, which was attended by more than 125 people, represents a reimagining of a variety of student awards that were last given out more than a decade ago. The 11 winners of the 2024-2025 Gundies were nominated by fellow students and selected by a committee of staff members representing academic affairs and student affairs.

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Individual Awards

Engaged Leader of the Year and Kenyon Community Award: Marissa Sun ’25

Marissa Sun ’25 has inspired positive change on campus while serving as Student Council President for two straight years. She also is the president of POCapella, an a cappella group for people of color; the president of Kenyon Asian Identities (KAI), the treasurer for Planned Parenthood Generation Action (PPGA), and a board member of Environmental Campus Organization.
More About Marissa Sun '25

Emerging Leader of the Year: Amelia Russell ’28

First-Year Class President Amelia Russell ’28, who also is part of Social Board and Delta Delta Delta sorority, has organized events that foster a positive and engaging campus environment while advocating for the needs of those around her.

Outstanding Mentorship: Andrew Van Horn ’25

Andrew Van Horn ’25, winner of the prestigious Goldwater Scholarship, supports underclassmen as part of the K-STEM peer mentoring program. He also serves as a lead tutor at the Math and Science Skills Center.
More About Goldwater Scholars

Outstanding Advisor: Benjamin “Doc” Locke

Professor of Music Benjamin “Doc” Locke — who directs the Kenyon College Chamber Singers, the Kenyon Community Choir and the Knox County Symphony — also has fostered growth and success in students as advisor of the First-Generation Low Income Group (FiGLI).

Affinity Leader of the Year: Kohkoh Memeh ’25

Kohkoh Memeh ’25, a native of Nigeria, has led the African Student Association over the past two years, creating a strong sense of community and ensuring African students at Kenyon feel empowered to take full advantage of the opportunities available to them.

Group Awards

Outstanding Student Organization of the Year: Men of Color

Men of Color — which is dedicated to the success, fellowship and social stability of male students of color — has hosted more than 20 events this year, independently and in collaboration with others, to create inclusive spaces for students to connect and engage.

Departmental Organization of the Year: Social Board

Social Board is Kenyon’s programming board, which strives to provide nonalcoholic activities and entertainment for the entire student body. Signature events include the Battle of the Bands and Summer Sendoff.

New Student Organization of the Year: Eastern European Club

The Eastern European Club, started this past fall, creates a space for students with roots in Eastern Europe or who are interested in the region’s many diverse cultures to engage in discussions and events revolving around tradition, history, language, food and more.

Outstanding Student Organization Event of the Year: Ballroom Dance Club’s Dancing with the Kenyon Stars

Ballroom Dance Club’s annual event where students teach faculty and staff how to dance brings the campus community together in a unique way. This year’s charity fundraiser on Dec. 6 in Rosse Hall was won by Associate Director of Off-Campus Study Kerry Strader and Sophia Percy ’26.

Outstanding Collaborative Program: Family Weekend A Cappella Cabaret

Nine a cappella groups joined forces for a diverse musical night in Rosse Hall on Oct. 19 during Family Weekend. Participants included the Broken Legs, the Chasers, Colla Voce, Männerchor, the Owl Creek Singers, POCapella, the Ransom Notes, the Stairwells and Take Five.

Outstanding Affinity Program: Kenyon Asian Identities’ Night Market

Kenyon Asian Identities’ (KAI) annual Night Market fills Gund Commons ballroom with Asian decorations, food booths and vendors while collaborating with multiple other affinity groups to create a space for community-building across cultures. This year’s event will be Friday, April 18.
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