Masks were on and style was abundant in the celebration of another year of positive work in the Rowan community by the many Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) organizations and students on campus.

This year’s installment of the Excellence Awards hosted by Rowan’s branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) was held in the Eynon Ballroom in the Chamberlain Student Center on Saturday, April 1. The event marked a triumphant return to the awards night following a multiple year hiatus due to the pandemic.

Following a masquerade theme this year, the award night highlighted and celebrated the staff members, students and student body organizations that were the most impactful over the year.

The individual student awards given included the most creative student, the most talented student and an award for outstanding activism. Bringing home the award for most creative student was NAACP Public Relations Director Sidney Toussaint. The award for most talented student went to the organization’s standing president, junior Gabrielle Langevine. The final student award of the night was the outstanding activism award, which was given to newly elected Student Government President Brianna Reagan, who could not attend the event.

Dr. Sadler was the winner of the faculty award, which was given to the most impactful faculty member in the community.

Among the awards given to student-led organizations were the most active multicultural organization award, the most active The Greek Organization Council (GCOC), and the most active National Pan Hellenic Council (NPHC) organization. The most active multicultural organization award was given to the Black Cultural League for their work over the year. The GCOC organization chosen for the activity award was Lambda Tau Omega Sorority Inc. Lastly, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. was awarded the most active NPHC organization award.

The event was led by student host Hope Campbell and music was controlled by DJ Zah. Entertainment for the night consisted of many performances including a dance routine by the dance team at New Life Ministry and a spoken word poetry performance. Vendors also had selling spaces with businesses that included Mandis Selection, Clouds and Colors Clothing and TCM Artz. Photography for the night was captured by student photographer Gabe Saint Elien and his company NXL Images.

“I would say that the experience was truly amazing being able to see my peers enjoy these moments. Especially with the return of the image awards after so long, it was truly a pleasure to be there and see all the work that everyone’s put in come to fruition and excel in the organization,” said Michael Nash.

The NAACP Excellence Awards served to reflect on a strong year of activism and multi-level involvement by the student body, student organizations and the staff alike, in the goal of making change for BIPOC students and creating a unified Rowan community.

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