Dr. Bill Smedick, Special Assistant to the Dean of Student Life and Director of Student Involvement and Leadership Programs, was the recipient of two awards from the National Association for Campus Activities at that organization's national convention in Indianapolis last week.
Smedick received the Founder's Award, given for "outstanding service to further the field of campus activities programming," and the Frank Harris Outstanding Student Government Advisor Award.
Smedick characterized the Founder's Award as "kind of a lifetime achievement award," citing his 20-year involvement with the organization as a volunteer and his former position on the Association's board of directors.
"It's the highest award the Association can give, so I'm very pleased," he said.
Receiving the Frank Harris Outstanding Student Government Advisor Award was a surprise, according to Smedick.
Of the award, he said "It's nice... because this is the last year I'll be advising student government. To go out on that and be recognized is a nice thing." Smedick will no longer be advising student government when a replacement for his position as Director of Student Involvement and Leadership Programs is hired. He has been filling both positions since he became Special Assistant to the Dean in November, replacing Mary Ellen Porter.
He added "It's nice to be appreciated... especially by students you work with. Kind of a humbling thing, actually."
The recipient of the Harris Award is determined by an anonymous committee based on the letters of recommendation submitted by the nominators. Smedick was nominated by Dean of Students Susan Boswell as well as Hopkins students.
Student Council Executive Board President Anuj Mittal praised Smedick, saying "You really can see that his objective is to develop leadership, not to instill it. He really embodies a lot of what Hopkins preaches, which is finding through exploration."
On the timing of the awards, Mittal said "It is quite fitting for him to go out with the highest distinction."
Student Council Executive Board Vice President for Institutional Relations Katie Dix said she is "so excited that Dr. Smedick won. He is very supportive of students and helps [them] grow into their leadership positions.
