Each year, Student Life rolls out the blue carpet to recognize student leaders that are doing amazing things on campus, in Michigan, and around the world. These student leaders are nominated by their peers, faculty, and staff for the Michigan Difference Student Leadership Awards with the intention of honoring the work of those on campus who are under recognized. 

2022 highlighted a number of BLI advanced leadership fellows including Peer Facilitator Becky Woolf, and 2021 Capstone teams General Intelligences and Seithur Sanitation Initiative.

Seithur Sanitation Initiative (SSI) was honored with the Global Impact Award. SSI is dedicated to achieving social justice and equity in a global context. They worked with a village in Seithur, Tamil Nadu, India to address public health concerns related to open defecation, a common practice due to a lack of sanitation infrastructure. Their work demonstrates essential leadership skills -- awareness of a global issue, ethical engagement with community, strong communication skills, and navigating cultural differences. With the help of SSI, the community members will have access to safe sanitation facilities, which will result in better health outcomes, a safer community and improved quality of life.

Congratulations to the awardees as well as all those nominated for their work in public service, social justice, research and academic accomplishments!

Learn more about the awardees here in the ceremony program.