2008 NASW Western New York Division Student Leadership Award  Ms. Rikki Nawotka has displayed excellent academic ability, active community service and superb leadership skills in her time as a student.  Rikki has dedicated significant volunteer time to the American Red Cross, the Relay for Life, the American Cancer Society, and international trips to Panama and Poland.  She is genuinely committed to sharing the spirit and values of Social Work on a local and international level.

Left Denise Krause, NASW and Rikki Nawotka, NU Award Winner

2007 NASW Western New York Division Student Leadership Award

Ms. Christy Cardegna

Left to right
Dr. David Skiba, Christy Cardegna and Pete Robbins from NASW

2006 NASW Western New York Division Student Leadership Award

Ms. Christine Hodkinson received the NASW Western New York Division Student Leadership Award at a luncheon held in May, 2005.  She is one of our finest graduating students; she does very well academically and she is a dedicated volunteer in the community. Her commitment to become an effective professional inthe social work arena is demonstrated by her active engagement in the well being of others.  Ms. Hodkinson is an active advocate for various groups of clients such as victims of domestic violence, cancer patients, children at risk, and the mentally ill.  Congratulations Christine!

2005 NASW Western New York Division Student Leadership Award

Ms. Jacqueline "Michele" Parise-Connor received the NASW Western New York Division Student Leadership Award at a luncheon held in May, 2005.  She has a superb academic record and her social commitment to the well-being of others and her excellent leadership skills make her very deserving of the BSW Student Leadership Award.   Ms. Parise-Connor has an impressive record of volunteer work and is very involved in social activism activities.  Congratulations Michele!

2004 NASW Western New York Division Student Leadership Award

Ms. Patty Krawec received the NASW Western New York Division Student Leadership Award at a luncheon held in May, 2004.  Congratulations Patty!

2003 NASW Western New York Division Student Leadership Award

Sr. Maureen Carissima Ogbu received the NASW Western New York Division Student Leadership Award at a luncheon held in May 2003.  Sr. Maureen has a strong academic record, she is a student leader on the campus and is a dedicated volunteer in the community.  Her drive to do well, her social commitment to the well-being of others and her excellent leadership skills assure her success in her social work professional career.  Congratulations Sr. Maureen!

2002 NASW Western New York Division Student Leadership Award

Ms. Laura K. Warchol received the NASW Western New York Division Student Leadership Award at a luncheon held in May, 2002.  Ms. Warchol served as the President of the Social Work Student Association, Secretary in the Resident Student Association and Chairperson of Alpha Sigma Alpha Sorority and she is a member of Phi Alpha and Delta Epsilon.  Congratulations Laura!

2001 NASW Western New York Division Student Leadership Award

Ms. Valerie DeCesare received the NASW Western New York Division Student Leadership Award at a luncheon held in May, 2001.  Ms. DeCesare has been very active in the Social Work Program, serving on committees, assisting new incoming students and lending a helping hand whenever needed.  She was also elected President of the Social Work Student Assocation and expanded on the service activities for the association.  She also volunteered at Niagara County Head Start, Big Brothers and Big Sisters, Heart and Soul Soup Kitchen and the Teen Crisis Hotline.  Congratulations Valerie!

2000 NASW Western New York Division Student Leadership Award

Kathleen Benne received the NASW Western New York Division Student Leadership Award at a luncheon held in May, 2000. Ms. Benne was the Secretary of the Social Work Student Assocation, Vice President and during her senior year President of Phi Alpha Honor Society as well. She was also President of the Student Ambassador Club and Orientation Leader for the incoming freshmen. She participated in the BASIC Program at Niagara University and traveled to a poor community within the USA, helping residents make improvements in their community.  Congratulations Kathleen!