SOOIE announces November "Of the Month" Winners

Student Organization Outreach and Involvement Experience announces Registered Student Organization Member, Advisor, and Event of the Month for November. The winners are as follows:

The Member of the Month for November is J.T. Hale from Associated Student Government. Hale has served as chief of staff for the past year overseeing the ASG Cabinet. He is a crucial contributor to the success of his peers, who say he empowers them to become self-initiators and to take responsibility for their actions. His strong respect for his peers and advisors makes him stand out among his colleagues. He supported many campus events during the fall semester, such as Diversity Week, It's on Us Week, Health Week, and ASG Red Talks. SOOIE commends J.T. Hale for these outstanding accomplishments and appreciates his involvement in campus life.   

The Advisor of the Month for November is Ignatius Fosu. Fosu, an associate professor of journalism and strategic media, advises the African Students Organization, an organization that promotes African social, cultural, and other interests. Fosu currently serves as ASO's primary advisor. He also serves as a mentor for students on campus who have troubles with cultural adjustment. His students describe him as hard-working and say he provides guidance and encouragement. Fosu's contributions to the University of Arkansas are truly invaluable and SOOIE applauds him for his dedication to the advancement of the African Students Organization.

The Event of the Month winner for November is "Education to Action: Q&A with Homeless." This event was put on by Full Stomachs Clean Feet on Nov. 15 at the Honors College Lounge as the third part of a series on education about homelessness. This new event provided students with an opportunity to get to know those in the Northwest Arkansas homeless community and better understand how to help with their daily struggles. The event was funded by the Office of Financial Affairs through ASG and resulted in increased student participation in social issues within the community and long-term action in the form of outreach and volunteerism. Full Stomachs Clean Feet's goal for campus is to continue educating and acting to benefit the community as a whole. SOOIE commends the hard work Full Stomachs Clean Feet organization put into this event and the impact it had on the community.

Winning these awards qualifies the individual and the RSO for an opportunity to attend the End of the Year Involvement Banquet. This banquet will highlight the amazing things RSOs accomplished throughout the school year. Attendance is limited, and winning any of SOOIE's "Of the Month" Awards guarantees entrance. Nominees who were not selected for Member and Advisor "Of the Month" will roll over to the following months for consideration.

In addition, Member of the Month will receive a $10 Chartwells gift card; Advisor of the Month will receive a framed certificate of recognition; and SOOIE will also reward RSO's who win Event of the Month by providing snacks at their next executive meeting.

SOOIE is an RSO focusing on outreach and involvement. Members of the campus community can nominate a deserving member, advisor, or RSO event for one of SOOIE's December/January "Of the Month" awards. Applications are due Jan. 31. For questions about "Of the Month Awards," please contact Ally Davis, SOOIE Vice President of Internal Affairs, at sooievp@uark.edu or call 479-575-5255.

This program is sponsored by SOOIE through the Office of Student Activities and is supported by the Student Activities fee. Follow SOOIE on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and HogSync for "Of the Month Award" updates and much more on how you can get involved on campus!