Zae Simon, junior, fashion merchandising major, was selected for The Connect award. Simon was given this award because of his involvement in the E. Timothy Moore Student Multicultural Center. He began his journey in the center in the summer of 2018 as an Academic STAR before moving into the fall semester through Kupita/Transiciones as a mentee. In 2018, Simon joined the Male Empowerment Network (MEN), worked as an SMC Student Assistant, and was part of the SMC Street Team. In 2022, Simon became a STARS Mentor and a KT Mentor. Simon is dedicated to making an impact on every peer or mentee he comes into contact with.
Shane Reese, sophomore, finance major, was selected for The Trendsetter. Reese was given this award because of his dedication to bringing more and more students into the SMC’s space and events. His efforts center around the Male Empowerment Network (MEN) and Kupita/Transiciones, as he serves in his positions as the Director of Civic and Community Engagement and as a K/T Mentor. As a member of both programs, Reese not only attends MEN and KT’s events, but also encourages those around him to attend and apply as well. Reese is passionate about bringing folks into the SMC’s community, to provide them a home where they need it most.
Yasir Pope, sophomore, theatre design, technology, and production major, was selected for The Presence. Pope was given this award because of his ability to brighten the room and make everyone who visits the SMC feel welcome. Whenever he is in the SMC, he greets everyone who happens to be in there at the time, regardless of if he has met them before or not. Pope also utilizes the SMC Lounge and the Tri-Towers Satellite Space in several ways, whether to make friends, attend SMC events, or plan events for the Kent Caribbean Student Organization (CSO). Pope considers the SMC the place to be, and is dedicated to helping others feel the same way.