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Hover your mouse over the red award title to see a description of the award and the selections to see a description of the organization.

Mission Star Award – Organization of the YearThis award is given to the Student Organization that exemplifies the values of Knowledge, Fidelity, Wisdom, Justice and Association among its membership and throughout any of the events they host throughout the year.
Alpha Kappa Alpha SororityNationally consisting of women of African, Caucasian, Asian, Native American, and Hispanic descent AKA Sorority, Inc. has helped to improve social and economic conditions through community service programs. Members have improved education through independent initiatives and contributed to community-building by creating a variety of annual programs. The sorority works with communities through service initiatives and progressive programs relating to education, family, health, and business.
Delta Sigma Theta SororityDST has clearly distinguished itself as a public service organization that nationally confronts the challenges of African Americans and, hence, all Americans. Over the years, a wide range of programs addressing education, health, international development, and strengthening of the African American family have evolved. Its mission is to provide an extensive array of public service initiatives through its Five-Point Program Thrust of Economic Development, Educational Development, International Awareness and Involvement, Physical and Mental Health, and Political Awareness and Involvement.
Gay Straight AllianceThe Lewis University Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) is dedicated to opening dialogue about issues facing the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender & Questioning (GLBTQ) community; as well as promoting understanding between people of diverse sexual orientation and gender identity. In this way GSA works to create a safe environment for GLBTQ and straight allies to learn more about GLBTQ history & culture; form bonds of friendship; and combat issues of invisibility and violence. Additionally, GSA has a strong focus on Lewis's values of Justice and Association in its events/programs.
International Student AssociationISA promotes international cultures and builds strong coalitions with other student groups on campus in order to expose students to new global and cultural experiences. This year, ISA includes students from 23 different countries: Bahamas, Brazil, Cameroon, Canada, China, England, Estonia, France, Ghana, Hungary, India, Iraq, Japan, Kenya, Netherlands, Palestine, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam. The mission of ISA is to educate the Lewis community on a variety of cultures through social and educational activities.
Theta Kappa Pi SororityTheta Kappa Pi is a non-profit sorority of young women at Lewis University. Their main focus is to provide a means for community service and social interaction while promoting sisterhood. Building on the tradition of friendship, service and integrity, TKP encourages and teaches individual thought, creativity, self esteem, respect, planning/management, and responsibility – all necessary leadership traits for self development and beneficial life skill development.

BEST Organization in a Social CategoryThis organization is recognized for donating their time and energy into providing Lewis University students with fun and spirited event(s) in social settings.
Alpha Kappa Alpha SororityNationally consisting of women of African, Caucasian, Asian, Native American, and Hispanic descent AKA Sorority, Inc. has helped to improve social and economic conditions through community service programs. Members have improved education through independent initiatives and contributed to community-building by creating programs. The sorority works with communities through service initiatives and progressive programs relating to education, family, health, and business.
Black Student UnionThe Black Student Union has been an important component of Lewis University since 1968. The goal of the BSU is to educate people historically, culturally, socially and politically about African-American culture and issues while staying committed to diversity. BSU offers members the chance to get acquainted with other students and faculty, as well as opportunities to participate in numerous cultural, educational and community activities.
Delta Sigma Theta SororityDST has clearly distinguished itself as a public service organization that nationally confronts the challenges of African Americans and, hence, all Americans. Over the years, a wide range of programs addressing education, health, international development, and strengthening of the African American family have evolved. Its mission is to provide an extensive array of public service initiatives through its Five-Point Program Thrust of Economic Development, Educational Development, International Awareness and Involvement, Physical and Mental Health, and Political Awareness and Involvement.
Freshman Class CouncilEach year, a fresh new group of students come forward to embrace their new college experience. This year's Freshman Class Council was recruited during Welcome Days and got off to a good start by hosting several social events. The purpose of the group is to provide social opportunities for the Freshman Class to get to know each other as they are adjusting to "life in college."
Sigma Delta FratoritySigma Delta is a local / social Fratority that began in 1970 at Lewis under the premise that all majors, all men and all women were allowed to join. This was unheard of at the time – even in the 1970's. Today, Sigma Delta strives to meet and to satisfy the social, academic, and emotional needs of the Lewis University undergraduates. Its purpose is to encourage the growth and fulfillment of each member's personal goals through support and free and open communication with both fellow members and the entire student community.

BEST Organization in an Academic CategoryThis organization is recognized for its academic contribution to serve the University in promoting their efforts in applying the first value KNOWLEDGE, the third value WISDOM and the fifth value ASSOCIATION and upholds their primary allegiance to the academic purpose of Lewis University.
American Marketing AssociationThe American Marketing Association, one of the largest professional associations with over 38,000 members worldwide. AMA is the leading source for information, knowledge sharing and development in the marketing profession.
Delta Sigma Pi FraternityDSP is a national professional fraternity organized to foster the study of business on campus'. At Lewis, DSP encourages scholarship, social activity and the association of students for their mutual advancement by research and practice. They also focus on promoting closer affiliation and higher standard of ethics and culture between the commercial world and students of commerce. They are the largest non-social Greek organizations on campus. Housed in the Benilde Hall, DSP provides many networking opportunities and resources for business major students yet is open to all students on campus.
Sports Management Association of LewisThe Sport Management Association of Lewis provides support, networking, and professional development opportunities for Sport Management majors. Since SMAL began in February, students have been busy planning Meet and Greets, co-sponsoring the University Health Fair with the Wellness Committee and hosting networking events to assist students in this major with potential job opportunities.
Pre-Law ClubThe Pre-Law Club provides students with great networking and educational opportunities, including law school visits, presentations, and participation in various legal activities while learning about the career field from the legal professionals within it. Pre-Law provides opportunities to network with LSAT testing agencies, sponsoring practice LSAT examinations and tutorials to prepare students for law school. Lewis University was chosen as one of the first and select few of Universities to host the Illinois Appellate Court. This provided Lewis and the community the rare opportunity to sit in on an actual Illinois Court of Appeals hearing under the direction of Supreme Court Justice Thomas Kilbride.
Student Nursing AssociationThe Student Nurses Association main purpose is to assume responsibility and develop leadership skills for nursing majors in order to provide for the highest quality health care of all people. Managing a rigorous curriculum, SNA participates and drives the bi-annual LifeSource Blood Drive, Relay for Life, Change for Children, Operation Care Package, Political Action Day in Springfield for Student Nurses, support families at Ronald Mc Donald House and represent Lewis University and CONHP at the National Student Nurses' Association Convention yearly and at the Illinois Student Nurses' Association Convention yearly.

BEST Organization in a Special Interest CategoryThis organization is recognized for their unique contributions around programming both on and/or off campus as well as their efforts to stand out from other organizations in the same category (awards, recognitions, competitions, programs, etc.)
Gay Straight AllianceThe Lewis University Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) is dedicated to opening dialogue about issues facing the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender & Questioning (GLBTQ) community; as well as promoting understanding between people of diverse sexual orientation and gender identity. In this way GSA works to create a safe environment for GLBTQ and straight allies to learn more about GLBTQ history & culture; form bonds of friendship; and combat issues of invisibility and violence. Additionally, GSA has a strong focus on Lewis's values of Justice and Association in its events/programs.
The Flyer – Print/Online The Flyer student newspaper reports news and provides forums for the discussion of issues relevant to Lewis University through the print and electronic medium in a manner consistent with the mission of Lewis and the accepted norms of American Journalism. The Flyer staff enjoys great camaraderie especially when publication nights can last several hours and actually end on Friday morning. They have theme nights where everyone wears pajamas or sports team jerseys while participating in crazy competitions like pogo stick jumping! The print edition is published biweekly while the online edition is updated continuously. Collectively, both editions of The Flyer has won a total of 9 awards in the last two years including the most prestigious being First Place for Excellence from the 2011 American Scholastic Press Association, as well as recognition for the 2012 Associated College Press, 2012 Illinois College Press Association, and the 2012 College Media Association –"Apple Award".
Harmonic UprisingFounded in the fall of 2008, Harmonic Uprising is the first collegiate a cappella group assembled at Lewis University. While performing contemporary arrangements of popular music and taking pride in the unique musical blending they often showcase, they have gone above and beyond, hosting concerts, recording an album, and reaching out to bring people together in arts culture. HU has performed at many great events on campus and off campus as they were also a part of the first Acappellooza at University of Illinois at Chicago. The group recently finished up recording its first studio album.
Mock Trial TeamLewis University's Mock Trial Team offers essential learning for those entering the field of law and is one of the strongest programs in the entire nation – competing nationally and placing in the top 10 regionally over the last six consecutive years. Coached by some of our top law professors, Lewis University Mock Trial Team members take on roles as witnesses, attorneys and more, to examine legal cases in a simulated courtroom. Mock Trial strives to develop essential communication skills, presentation abilities, logic and confidence in this fun and competitive environment.
Student Athletic Advisory CouncilA student-athlete advisory committee (SAAC) is a committee made up of 38 student-athletes assembled to provide insight on the student-athlete experience. SAAC has impacted Lewis' campus by providing input on facilities and student-athlete welfare issues as well as input on the NCAA rules, regulations and policies. This year, SAAC leadership attended 2 conferences discussing campus, conference and NCAA Division II issues and initiatives. SAAC hosted "Flyer Playground" featuring open gyms for kids ages 4-12 and all proceeds were donated to Make a Wish Foundation. They also held three "Everything Drives." where they collected food, clothing, toiletries, electronics equipment, and donate the items to Morningstar Mission.

BEST New Student OrganizationThis organization is recognized for its initial year's efforts in integrating itself to the Lewis University community and must have been newly formally recognized within the academic school year.
Alpha Psi LambdaAlpha Psi Lambda has grown nationally, to 21 chapters in 5 states with over 2,100 members. As a new fraternity at Lewis this year, the group strives to uphold their values by promoting academic achievement, leadership development and cultural awareness. This co-educational fraternity is geared towards the goals of Latino students and is the fastest growing minority in this country. Importantly, it is becoming more and more important that the Latino community continue their education. This trend has also brought with it a need for cultural awareness, cultural identity, and cross cultural understanding. Being a brotherhood and sisterhood APL believes in the concept of Familia to create a support network for our members.
Foreign Language ClubThe Foreign Language Club promotes the value of foreign languages and the global development of the individuals who are members. The goal is to help stimulate interest and encourage dialogue with foreign languages and expose students to the rich culture associated with that language. Additionally, students are encouraged to explore their own interests in a supportive environment with faculty guidance. The Foreign Language Club hosts a variety of cultural events to expose the campus to the benefits of studying other cultures and languages.
Saudi Student ClubThe Saudi Student Club operates as an extension of the Saudi Cultural Mission to the United States. This organization focuses on providing support to Saudi students studying at Lewis, as well as educating Lewis students about their country and culture. The club holds several events throughout the year aimed at helping Saudi students observe national and religious holidays, as well as invite other Lewis students to join in and learn about these customs.
Social Work AssociationThe Social Work Association strives to promote professionalism and offer educational seminars, and community experiences for the student body. The purpose of the SWA is to work on matters that promote the fellowship and collegiality of social work students, to inform the University on current social work issues, and to represent the University in community projects. In the past two years, SWA has sponsored presentations by faculty, social work students and guest speakers, participated in fundraising projects for social service agencies, assisted in volunteer activities for community agencies and organized field trips. This year SWA has sponsored "Movie Nite" showing such films as Precious, Enough and Philadelphia.
Student Human Resources ManagementThe Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) is the world's largest association devoted to human resource management. As a new organization at Lewis, SHRM provides opportunities for Lewis students to connect with more than 575 affiliate chapters both in the United States and abroad. These important professional connections will provide programming & educational sessions as well as internship and networking opportunities for students while they are in school and once they graduate.

Spirit of AssociationGiven to the organization that hosts an event (co-sponsorship and/or reaches out to the entire campus community) that exemplifies the Lewis University value of Association.
Blood Drive – Student Nursing AssociationSNA partners with University Ministry two times per year to bring Lifesource's Blood Drive to campus. The blood drive in the September focuses on childhood cancer awareness and the February blood drive on heart health awareness. Both also support the Bone Marrow data base locally and nationwide and have had 2 former students who have been matches and have donated marrow. In the fall semester, there were 112 units of blood collected which translates into saving 336 lives. In the spring semester, that record was broken with collecting 117 ultimately saving 351 lives!!
HOW – Art ClubArt Club along with P.E.A.C.E, Flyerettes, Delta Sigma Pi, Sophomore Class Council, Intervarsity, Ministry Department, Black Student Union and Psychology Club sponsored this event. Helping Others Worldwide (HOW) is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to raising awareness and knowledge about global trauma. The program focuses on healing and empowering individuals across the globe through therapeutic methods of art, education, and vocational training. The Art Director of HOW came to Lewis and spoke about their travels to Sierra Leone, Africa has positively affected that community. Collectively, all the student organizations that co-sponsored were able to raise around $300 to provide assistance in future trips. Over 100 people were inspired to recognize that the by utilizing creative gifts and talents of ART, can empower the lives of others who need assistance.
Meet The Greeks – National PanHellenic CouncilThis annual showcase featured many aspects of Lewis' NPHC Greek Life organizations. NPHC is the coordinating body for the nine historically African American fraternities and sororities. During the show, each group presented information about their particular organization in creative and exciting presentations in order to showcase what their organization stands for and what they have to offer potential members. Some of acts ranged from chanting to stepping and strolling. For the past two years, NPHC has invited the Inter Greek Council to participate in order to promote Greek unity.
The Big Dance Party – Black Student UnionAs the anchor host for this dance party, BSU co-sponsored with SASA, Pulse, Alpha Eta Rho, Gay Straight Alliance and both Freshman & Sophomore Class Councils to provide a fun opportunity for Lewis students to come and dance the night away! Over 400 students were in attendance as this event opened up the opportunity for students to invite off-campus guests to show off the campus. BSU collected boxes and boxes school supplies as donations upon entry to the dance which have been given to AngelsRWatching agency. There were a total of 3 different DJ's showcased throughout the evening in order to promote a club atmosphere. Two DJ's were Lewis students with the main act, "DJ Flipside" from B96. Students had a great time and look forward to next semesters dance!
Tie Dye – Gay Straight AllianceGSA hosted a fun filled afternoon of creatively tie-dying t-shirts in celebration of the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender & Questioning (GLBTQ) History Month. This sunny day event had over 75 students mixing colors with their t-shirts and socializing under the University Green's outdoor Pavilion. As a compliment to GLBT History Month and Lewis University's Sanctified Zone, this event celebrated gay and lesbian history and promoted a safe environment for people of diverse backgrounds to come together and understand GLBTQ history and culture while creating new friendships.

Spirit of CompetitionGiven to the organization that hosts an event (contest, game, meet, match or race) that exudes good sportsmanship, teamwork and integrity.
Battle of the DJ's – Phi Iota Alpha FraternityThis festive event hosted by PIA brought in 7 up and coming disc jockeys to show off their mixing skills that showcased house, hip-Hop, Latino, and electronica/techno music. In the spirit of competition, participants were given a 5 minutes each to showcase what they could do and were judged on their Latino flair, blending, crowd reaction, mixology, and overall performance. They were required to encompass aspects of Latino sounds in order to show the influence Latino music has on society. The DJ battle brought cultures together and broke down cultural barriers in order to encourage unity within this fun context of competition. The students who came had a great time socializing, dancing and getting into the fun vibe of the night.
Flag Football - IntramuralsIntramural Flag Football is arguably the most popular, most intense, and most prized intramural event on campus. Students begin constructing teams almost a year in advance, quickly snatching up free agents in an attempt to stack their teams in hopes of either dethroning the current champions, or to continuing their championship dynasty. Come playoff week, the competition is at its toughest! This year, with the introduction of the brand new turf field, the sport exploded with 24 teams and over 300 students participating. The only place on campus more exciting than watching on the sidelines is on the field, playing under the lights!
iSave – Delta Sigma Theta SororityDST hosted a consumer-saavy educational event that brought extreme couponing to Lewis and how to think smarter at the register. This event was a very interactive way to learn the ins and outs of couponing. Not only did people learn the old fashioned way of clipping coupons, but they also learned where to find smart phone applications, how to search promotional codes online and how to get the best out of virtual shopping! A competition between teams allowed them to shop in a virtual store with coupons, and the winning team who saved the most money, won prizes! After the contest, there was a reflection discussion and the group brainstormed about ways college students could incorporate couponing into their daily lives for future financial success. At the conclusion of the event, brochures with money saving tips and resources to find coupons were handed out.
Karaoke– Inter Greek CouncilWith over 100 students in attendance, Karaoke kicked off the spring Greek Week for members of the IGC to compete against one another in this entertaining sing-off! For the first time, Delta Sigma Pi Business Fraternity joined in and competed in a display of their musical prowess. Each group sang a song of their choosing and also challenged to perform a mystery song picked by other organizations. Combined with dance routines and costumes, this Karaoke competition provided laughs and entertainment for all that attended.
Stroll Competition – Gamma Phi OmegaFor those that have never seen strolling, GPhiO invited the entire campus community to witness the dancing and stomping performances by several of the Greek different organizations. Held in the Student Union, participants showcased their synchronized, choreographed moves before a panel of three judges. The competition allowed students to choose their contemporary stomping music and execute the current style of their moves! In the end, one organization was named champion, but all in attendance were able to witness and learn about this unique practice.

Spirit of EducationGiven to the organization that hosts an event (speaker, lecture, workshop, seminar, etc.) that has provided the Lewis University community with an enriching educational experience.
Black Success – Alpha Kappa Alpha SororityBlack Success is an annual educational event that AKA hosts to give Lewis students an idea of what it is like to be of color and be successful in the professional world. This year, AKA invited entrepreneurs from the greater community to discuss and share their stories of success, what they had to overcome and advice on how to be successful. The discussion was invigorating and encouraging for everyone in attendance.
Code of Etiquette - Interested Ladies of Lambda Theta AlphaInstead of having an ordinary PowerPoint presentation where students sit and listen to a presenter, in the spirit of educational experiences, students had the chance to sit down at a table for dinner and practice their new etiquette skills. An etiquette instructor presented the rules of proper dining with members of the organization providing additional assistance and guidance for students as they ate their meal. Participants were asked to dress in business casual attire for the event, as proper wardrobe was also covered. Those that attended learned some valuable lessons that they can take with them into their professional and personal lives.
HIV/Aids Awareness – Gay Straight AllianceGSA hosted this HIV/ AIDS Awareness educational event to expose students, faculty and staff to the impact this disease has on our society as well as talking about AIDS/HIV prevention. As part of the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender & Questioning (GLBTQ) History Month, GSA invited an outside speaker and educator to talk about resources that are available for support and education and promoted dialogue about this hot topic. By hosting this event, GSA provided and promoted a safe environment for people of diverse backgrounds to come together and engage in good discussion.
iSave – Delta Sigma Theta SororityDST hosted a consumer-saavy educational event that brought extreme couponing to Lewis and how to think smarter at the register. This event was a very interactive way to learn the ins and outs of couponing. Not only did people learn the old fashioned way of clipping coupons, but they also learned where to find smart phone applications, how to search promotional codes online and how to get the best out of virtual shopping! A competition between teams allowed them to shop in a virtual store with coupons, and the winning team who saved the most money, won prizes! After the contest, there was a reflection discussion and the group brainstormed about ways college students could incorporate couponing into their daily lives for future financial success. At the conclusion of the event, brochures with money saving tips and resources to find coupons were handed out.
Sweet Secrets – InterVarsity Christian FellowshipSweet Secrets was an educational program hosted with other student organizations, sought to raise awareness of the use of child slaves in the Ivory Cost and the surrounding countries and to advocate for better practices. Over 300 students, faculty, staff, and administrators participated by buying and selling fair trade chocolate, signing advocacy letters and watching the video The Dark Side of Chocolate, which raised awareness of child slavery in the chocolate industry. With over 100 signed letters sent to the Barry Callebaut Chocolate manufacturing company, Lewis received a response letter stating commitments to promote sustainable, responsible cocoa production; to empower cocoa farmers; and to improve farmer livelihoods. The letter, in its entirety, was sent to the Lewis University community. Sweet Secrets sought to raise awareness of the use of child labor and to advocate for change.

Spirit of Community Service Given to the organization that hosts an event (donate, volunteer, philanthropy, serve, etc.) in which students are given an opportunity to serve (either) the Lewis community or greater community in order to benefit those who are less fortunate.
Breast Cancer Awareness – Alpha Kappa AlphaThroughout the month of October, AKA hosts a series of community service events that help promote Breast Cancer awareness. One event is the annual breast cancer seminar titled IVYtrition. It is an event where a nutritionist comes out and gives students tips on how to live healthy lifestyles as college students. AKA has also participated in 50/50 raffles at volleyball games and sold think pink ribbons and pins with all proceeds given to the American Cancer Society.
Change for Children – Student Nursing Association & WLRASNA along with nursing students in the Professional Development course and WLRA Radio coordinates "Change for Children" in which different groups enter and compete in creating designs on the sidewalk using coins instead of paint or chalk. All donations are directed to the Family Assistance Fund at Hope Children's Hospital in Oak Lawn. This community service event allows families to pay for transportation for children receiving outpatient services, medicine, clothing, hotel rooms for families, bus passes, and airline flights in their greatest time of need. Last year alone, these efforts resulted in a record $15,253 for the Hope Children's Hospital Family Assistance Fund program.
Crimson Street "No Place Like Home" - Delta Sigma Theta "No Place No Home" was a 12-hour event, to raise awareness about the poverty level in our communities. This was an eye-opening, experiential way to get the Lewis community to understand a day in the life of the homeless. DST struck the attention of the campus by carrying signs quoting poverty statistics. Over 70 attendees discussed and shared thoughts about the growing poverty rates this homelessness and poverty epidemic and DST members led the discussion about finding solutions. This event fulfilled a variety of purposes: public service, community awareness, winter coat drive and political awareness and involvement. A petition was developed for the Illinois Senate to Vote affirmative on pending legislation to ensure funding for homeless to reallocate funds for the impoverished in Illinois and collected over 200 signatures.
House Party for Haiti – Junior Class Council (2011)The focus of House Party for Haiti was to raise funds for the Haiti Earthquake Relief Efforts. The theme, "The Struggle is Not Over;" set the precedent that those who struggled with the tragedy of 2010 will continue to be affected for a long time. Over 300 dollars was raised by selling raffle tickets, snacks, and taking donations bringing the 2 year effort of fundraising to $2900! Over 80 people danced to old school music (80s and 90s), socialized and even dressed the part! This community service event affected the students of JCC by realizing that a small group of students can ultimately make a big impact!
Care Packages – Women in AviationWIA in partnership with University of Saint Francis partnered across both campuses to collect items for care packages to send overseas to our United States Troops. Members collected items and placed donation boxes throughout campus and collected over 100 pounds of items over the period of two weeks. The items included food, toiletries and magazines, anything they could have to connect to "home". Soldiers in the 101st Airborne in Afghanistan received the packages and were overwhelmed with the generosity of Lewis & USF students. Not only was this community service event a patriotic gesture, it allowed WIA students to think beyond themselves in the spirit of giving.

Spirit of CultureGiven to the organization that hosts an event giving insight to their culture through the expression of an event (fine arts, lecture or any creative outlet).
Dia De Los Muertos – Latin American Student AssociationSince 1997, LASO has been celebrating Dia De Los Muertos, a joyous cultural and religious celebration combining Catholic and indigenous beliefs and traditions as a time to remember those who have passed away. This year, LASO held an inclusive bilingual Mass that honored two important Lewis alumni – Anselmo Calderon, the 1st Latino Lewis graduate from 1939, and Reverend Fred L. Shuttlesworth, civil rights leader whose fight against racial inequity inspired civil rights legislation to protect the rights of all U.S. citizens. Over 100 people were in attendance and learned about how different cultures view death, process death and heal as a community while teaching about the importance of those who have passed on as way to keep their spirit and legacy alive among us.
Dart for Art – Art ClubDart for Art was held on the University Green at the beginning of the year as a way for Art Club to showcase the creative energy of the students. The Lewis community was invited to throw darts at balloons filled with paint that were secured to an enormous canvas. The culture of art was shared as people watched the colors explode onto the canvas. With over 50 students stopping by, the camaraderie ultimately boosted the number of members that ended up joining the group!
Hip Hop Night – IGC, Theta Kappa Pi & the Philosophy ClubHip Hop Night, co-sponsored by three student organizations, featured Mr. Gene Hicks, a professional hip hop emcee, dancer, and instructor whose enthusiasm and encouragement provided instruction on various styles of hip hop dance. Dr. George Miller promoted the cultural context for the dance and music styles and shared a spirit of culture by involving everybody at every moment while the rhythms played on! The variety of dances came from diverse traditions, including African-American and Latino cultures. Over 150 students experienced a wonderful sense of freedom and happiness at the event. Some students even felt comfortable enough to jump on stage and dance with Gene and loved every moment of it.
Thanksgiving Day Concert – Gospel ChoirThe Lewis University Gospel Choir hosted their annual Thanksgiving Musical for the Lewis Community and friends in the Sancta Alberta Chapel. This year's theme for this cultural event was "Surrender – James 4:7." Nearly 300 filled the chapel and were engulfed in the sound of harmonious voices and rhythmic clapping, drums, piano, and bass evoking the rich traditions of African-American music that exploded throughout the room. Performances were by the Lewis Gospel Choir, Unspoken Praise Mime, and Daughters of David. Guest performers included the University of Illinois – Chicago Gospel Choir and Voices of Unity.
Festival of Lights - South Asian Student AssociationDiwali, also known as Deepavali (literally "a row of lamps"), is perhaps the most important and ancient of the Indian festivals. Known as "The Festival of Lights", this is held at the beginning of the winter season and is called the "darkest night of the year", so lamps are lit to brighten this moonless night. Symbolically, it celebrates the victory of good over evil, light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance. Students who attended enjoyed Indian food and were exposed to this great event in the Indian culture.

Spirit of Diversity & UnityGiven to the organization that hosts and event that celebrates and encompasses what it means to celebrate unification among diversity.
Cultural Club Cookout – International Student Association, Black Student Union, Latin American Student Association, Gay Straight Alliance & South Asian Student AssociationStudents of many different cultures came together to kickoff the beginning of the year to socialize and get to know the new faces within each cultural organization. In the spirit of diversity & unity, each group was in charge of facilitating different aspects of the cookout in order to make it a success. The collaboration brought together over 150 students from the Lewis Community and started the year off on the right foot!
International Food Fair - International Student AssociationEach year ISA puts on an informative and fun-filled event called the International Food Fair showcasing diversity & unity on this campus. The Lewis community eagerly anticipates this event each year and typically come hungry and leave satisfied! It was an action-packed night with over 500 people in attendance, which included people sampling tastes and aromas of food styles from all over the world, live music featuring songs from all over the world, looking at the exotic scenery, and traditional international fashion. Each room had a theme centered on a particular area of the world including Asia, Africa, South America, Europe, and North America.
International Quiz Show - International Student AssociationThis fun-filled night hosted by ISA included people from all over the world quizzing contestants on their knowledge of our global world. The questions had themes that included world history, civil matters and international connections with global organizations. Over 20 students participated in this action-packed evening and found it to be a great way to collaborate and showcase the diversity of our international students to the whole the Lewis Community.
Meet the Greeks – National PanHellenic AssociationThis annual showcase featured many aspects of Lewis' NPHC Greek Life organizations. NPHC is the coordinating body for the nine historically African American fraternities and sororities. During the show, each group presented information about their particular organization with creative and exciting presentations in order to showcase what their organization stands for and what they have to offer potential members. The acts ranged from chanting to stepping and strolling. For the past two years, NPHC has invited the Inter Greek Council to participate in order to promote Greek unity.
Painted – Alpha Kappa Alpha SororityThis is an annual diversity and unity event, where people gather to promote cultural awareness and show different aspects of their own culture through prayer, songs, or dance! Students partake by learning and engaging in the customs from other cultures. This event brought light to the diversity across the globe in a catchy way--entertainment! Students, Faculty and Staff were enlightening to see cultures represent themselves through these forms of creativity!

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