Tony Diggs Excellence Awards

This award recognizes student groups that are committed to facilitating academic interactions and student development outside the classroom to support the academic excellence of their members and community.

Undergraduate Award Recipient: Engineers Without Borders (EWB) - UMN Chapter #1469

"The mission of Engineers Without Borders USA – University of Minnesota is to partner with communities locally and internationally in order to assess and address community-identified unmet needs. We strive to implement engineered projects that prove environmentally, economically, and socially sustainable. At the core of this mission is our commitment to building strong relationships with partner communities and organizations, institutional resources (including UMN and EWB-USA), our student volunteers, and professional mentors. Both as individuals and as a chapter, we are dedicated to continually learning, improving, and adapting."

Graduate Award Recipient: Mechanical Engineering Graduate Student Association #4620

"The Mechanical Engineering graduate program serves the student currently enrolled by providing resources to students to facilitate progress in grad school activities (course planning, qualifying exam preparation, research resources), addressing the holistic needs of graduate students (mental health, social interaction, cultural assimilation), and building an inclusive and harmonious ME community."

This award recognizes student groups that provide opportunities for members to explore their future careers and build professional networks.

Undergraduate Award Recipient: Food and Bioproducts Engineering Organization #643

"The Food and Bioproducts Engineering Organization fosters an interaction between bioproducts engineering students, builds relationships with industry connections, and offers an opportunity to participate in national events, student newsletters, and other outreach activities."

Graduate Award Recipient: Public Health Advocacy Student Alliance (PHASA) #3933

"The Public Health Advocacy Student Alliance (PHASA) student organization strives to provide students from all Health Science programs with opportunities to develop advocacy skills, practice advocacy in the community, and expand their interdisciplinary professional network. PHASA accomplishes these goals through educational training sessions, expert panels with diverse providers and community members, and hands-on volunteering events. PHASA does not take definitive positions on advocacy topics because the board wants all students to feel welcome to come and learn how to advocate for what they or their communities care about most. PHASA aims to cultivate a community of (future) healthcare providers who are passionate and equipped to address health disparities across Minnesota."

This award recognizes student groups that show a commitment to civic engagement and the civic engagement of its members.

Undergraduate Award Recipient: Railroad Club at the University of Minnesota #856

"The Railroad Club advocates on behalf of real-world transportation, land use, and sustainability, connecting its members with involvement and public outreach opportunities throughout the state."

Graduate Award Recipient: U Link #450

"U Link provides early intervention for youth who are at higher risk of experiencing homelessness, foster-care, human-trafficking, and/or involvement in the juvenile justice system in vulnerable communities. This will be accomplished through mentorship, educational workshops, research, and community awareness campaigns while partnering and collaborating with local affiliate organizations."

This award recognizes groups that build communities to create a sense of belonging for its members and the University community at large.

Undergraduate Award Recipient: College of Biological Sciences Student Board #1470

"The CBS Student Board advocates for the interests of the CBS Student Body through representation and collaboration with other organizations within CBS and with increased involvement in the greater University environment. The CBS Student Board works to provide support for student success and well-being, CBS-related organizations, and the current and future needs of CBS students to enrich their college experiences."

Graduate Award Recipient: Plant Pathology Graduate Student Organization

"The mission of the Plant Pathology Graduate Student Organization is to foster a collaborative and enriching academic environment for graduate students in the Department of Plant Pathology. The mission shall be achieved through activities for personal and professional development, leadership, and collaborative skills, including but not limited to journal club meetings, seminar exchanges, networking events, lectures, fundraising activities, social and outreach events, and others focused on plant diseases and the biology of plant-microbe interactions to ensure the sustainability of agriculture, forest, and natural ecosystems for the benefit of society."

This award recognizes groups that have an outstanding impact on the health and wellness of its members and/or community at large.

Undergraduate Award Recipient: American Dental Hygienists' Association (ADHA) Student Chapter #1652

"The mission of the American Dental Hygienists' Association (ADHA) Student Chapter- University of Minnesota is to cultivate, promote, and sustain the art and science of dental hygiene, to represent and safeguard the common interest of the members of the dental hygiene profession, and to contribute toward the improvement of the oral health of the public."

Graduate Award Recipient: Student American Veterinary Medical Association #319

"The Student American Veterinary Medical Association (SAVMA) exists to support, empower, and inspire all veterinary students to improve their lives, education, and careers, along with securing a better future for our profession through collaboration with our parent organization, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). The Minnesota chapter is active in community philanthropic efforts, offers student externship and travel grants, hosts informative lunch seminars, plans social events, and supports student camaraderie."

This award recognizes groups that have gone above and beyond in supporting and developing the leadership capabilities of its members.

Undergraduate Award Recipient: Society of Women Engineers #178

"The mission of the Society of Women Engineers is to empower women to achieve their full potential in careers as engineers and leaders, expand the image of the engineering and technology professions as a positive force in improving the quality of life, and demonstrate the value of diversity and inclusion."

Graduate Award Recipient: Phillips Neighborhood Clinic #1487

"The mission of Phillips Neighborhood Clinic is three-fold: We will increase accessibility of comprehensive, patient-centered, quality health services to patients with unmet needs. We will develop compassionate, culturally sensitive future health professionals in an interprofessional, team-based learning environment. We will support community partnerships and promote overall health and well-being in the communities we serve. The patients we serve at the PNC come from a diverse array of cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. Our goal in making PNC services available to our patients is to provide everyone the opportunity to receive free, quality health care regardless of their insurance situation, citizenship status, or financial background. Because our patient population is largely Spanish-speaking, we offer Spanish interpreter services every night the clinic is open. Patients visiting the clinic have access to some of the best physicians in Minnesota. Through partnerships with Fairview and surrounding hospitals, the PNC is able to offer patients nearly any lab test and many prescriptions free of cost. Patients visiting the clinic are also encouraged to take advantage of physical therapy, nutrition, and mental health counseling services. In addition to these services, the PNC offers its patients guidance in securing resources that will help patients and their families find more stable sources of health care and ways to access other community supports in an effort to help them live safe, healthy, and independent lives. Because the PNC is not meant to be a primary care facility, we do our best to help our patients take the necessary steps to find a regular source of health care. Until this is achieved, however, we owe it to our patients to provide the best care we can in a professional manner."

This award recognizes student groups that excel in their work to create a fun, entertaining, and positive environment for its members and/or the community at large.

Undergraduate Award Recipient: Black Student Union #243

"The mission of the Black Student Union is to embrace Blackness in all its forms. We strive to create unity, lift and serve the community, and set the standard of excellence."

This award recognizes groups that have a commitment to supporting issues of diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice in their groups and the University community at large.

Undergraduate Award Recipient: Korean International Student Organization #968

"The Korean International Student Group (KISO) is an organization of the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities for Korean students studying abroad and students who are interested or simply enthusiastic about Korean culture. We are a vibrant and inclusive organization that celebrates Korean heritage, fosters cultural exchange, and creates a supportive community for international students interested in Korea. KISO is more than just a student group; we are a family away from home. Our mission is to promote Korean culture, strengthen bonds among international students, and contribute to the cultural diversity of our campus and the broader community. We warmly welcome all students who have an interest in Korea, regardless of their background or nationality. KISO is committed to giving back to our local and global communities. We organize volunteer opportunities and charitable events to make a positive impact. We are also devoted to supporting the students to gain insights into Korean history, current affairs, and contemporary issues through our informative workshops and seminars."

Graduate Award Recipient: Medical Students for Size Inclusivity at the University of Minnesota #4405

"Medical Students for Size Inclusivity (MSSI) at the University of Minnesota is a chapter of the national MSSI student organization, an interscholastic community of medical students raising awareness about the interplay between eating disorders and weight bias in medicine. Our mission is to educate future physicians about the harms of diet culture and weight discrimination in the healthcare system and to advocate for equitable care on behalf of patients in larger bodies. Our goals include advocacy among current and future healthcare providers, community outreach and education, student-led research, and medical school curricular reform.
Our vision is a healthcare system that is equitable and inclusive of all patients, regardless of body weight, shape, and size. We hope to ensure that all future healthcare providers are well-equipped to recognize the signs and symptoms of eating disorders, regardless of a patient’s body size, and to advocate on behalf of these patients."

This award recognizes an outstanding advisor of a student group who has gone above and beyond to assist their group in accomplishing its mission and goals.

Undergraduate Student Group Advisor Award Recipient: Marc Skjervem - Science and Engineering Student Board #322

The Science and Engineering Student Board have this to say about their excellent advisor: “Marc offers a unique perspective to the Science and Engineering Student Board. He answers questions internally from board members about initiative-focused work within CSE, and he provides updates externally to student group leaders regarding CSE. Marc is diligent about attending weekly meetings, both with the President and Vice President, as well as the entire board. He is eager to participate in semesterly CSE Town Halls hosted by SESB, where he answers big-picture questions from students regarding student engagement and experiences.

Marc has acted as an excellent resource for conflict resolution that arises both internally and externally to the board. He advises both myself and our Vice-President in a supportive manner that is inclusive to all. Marc actively provides feedback to us and the rest of our board, encouraging our ongoing growth and success as student leaders. Even if there is an idea he does not agree with, he brainstorms alternative approaches with us to achieve our intentions. This has been especially true when student leaders are navigating difficult conversations. He is able to provide students with guidance while also giving them space to independently develop their leadership skills.
Marc encourages professional relationships between CSE Deans, staff members, and student leaders within the College. He is eager to provide introductions to help students and staff connect with intention.”

Undergraduate - Science and Engineering Student Board#322

The Science and Engineering Student Board’s mission is to provide resources, support, community, and advocacy for students and student groups by fostering a network of leaders within CSE and between colleges.

Graduate - Global Surgery Student Alliance #4330

The Global Surgery Student Alliance serves as a resource at the University of Minnesota for medical and health professional students interested in global surgery. Their goal is to educate future healthcare professionals on how surgery fits into the world of global health. 

They aim to raise awareness about barriers to affordable and quality surgical care and to cultivate a community of future healthcare professionals who are motivated to improve the accessibility of surgical care across the globe. They also connect students with mentors, opportunities, and educational experiences related to global surgery and global health.

Undergraduate - Multipotentialities in Medicine #4345

Multipotentialites in Medicine (MinMs) is a pre-health organization at the University of Minnesota Twin-Cities that aims to teach and inform undergraduate students about different multidisciplinary aspects of healthcare that can be either obtained (such as MD/Ph.D., DDS/MBA, DO/MPH, etc), practiced (such as medical sociology), or innovated (like biomedical engineering). 

They work to be a safe space for students to explore their interests and guide them in their thinking about their application progress towards their medical journey while incorporating another degree or area of expertise. 

Furthermore, to improve the skill base of those entering medical careers through education on the intersectionality of other fields (such as business, policy, law).

Undergraduate - Engineers Without Borders (EWB) - UMN Chapter #1469

The mission of Engineers Without Borders USA – University of Minnesota is to partner with communities locally and internationally in order to assess and address community-identified unmet needs. 

They strive to implement engineered projects that prove environmentally, economically, and socially sustainable. At the core of this mission is their commitment to building strong relationships with partner communities and organizations, institutional resources (including UMN and EWB-USA), their student volunteers, and professional mentors. Both as individuals and as a chapter, we are dedicated to continually learning, improving, and adapting.

Graduate - Black Doctors Association #4513

Black Doctors Association (BDA) is a student organization at the UMN - Twin Cities established in the spring of 2022 by medical students. Its mission is to create opportunities for students identifying as underrepresented in post-secondary education and medicine through community partnership. 

BDA partners with North Community High School (Minneapolis) to create drop-in mentorship opportunities for students interested in STEM; TRIO Upward Bound Vision Quest to present professional panels with University of Minnesota Law and University of Minnesota Medical students and leadership and college campus tours; Boys & Girls Club to host career interest workshops, campus tours and college preparedness discussions.

Undergraduate - Queer Student Cultural Center #238

The Queer Student Cultural Center (QSCC) aims to celebrate the diversity and culture of the queer community; educate the University of Minnesota community on issues pertinent to the lives of queer students; advocate for inclusion and equality of all individuals regardless of gender identity and sexual/romantic orientation; provide a safe space for queer students to meet and form a sense of community; and empower queer individuals, groups, and organizations.

Graduate - Phillips Neighborhood Clinic #1487

Phillips Neighborhood Clinic is to support community partnerships and promote overall health and wellbeing in the communities we serve. They increase accessibility of comprehensive, patient-centered, quality health services to patients with unmet needs. They will develop compassionate, culturally sensitive future health professionals in an interprofessional, team-based learning environment.

Undergraduate - Jazba Entertainment #3357

Jazba (a Hindi-Urdu word meaning "passion") Entertainment is a registered nonprofit organization that focuses on spreading South Asian cultural awareness through dance and the arts. 

In addition to this cultural element, Jazba proudly supports and raises awareness for the nonprofit Women In Need (WIN).

Graduate - White Coats for Black Lives #3776

White Coats for Black Lives mission is to dismantle racism and accompanying systems of oppression in health care, while simultaneously cultivating means for collective liberation that center the needs, priorities, and self-determination of Black people and other people of color, particularly those most marginalized in our communities.

Undergraduate - Recovery on Campus #4154

Boynton Health's Recovery on Campus, or Boynton Health's ROC, is a University of Minnesota student group that offers camaraderie and support to anybody who is questioning their relationship with drugs and alcohol. Staying away from drugs and alcohol is not easy, especially around a big university. 

For those trying to maintain sobriety, it can be overwhelming. For those trying to have sober fun, it can feel impossible. Boynton Health's ROC was built on the belief that we can’t stay sober by ourselves, and that we aren’t very much fun by ourselves either. So, why do it alone?

Boynton Health's ROC accepts and welcomes people with a wide range of substance use history. Whether you are an ex-heroin addict in 12-step recovery, a heavy drinker who is beginning to lose control, or a freshman who just had a terrible weekend of partying — we welcome you, no matter what happened to you, or where you come from. 

Come hang with us, relax, reach out, and hopefully, we can find a common joy in sobriety.

Graduate - Phillips Neighborhood Clinic #1487

The mission of Phillips Neighborhood Clinic is to increase accessibility of comprehensive, patient-centered, quality health services to patients with unmet needs. 

They also develop compassionate, culturally sensitive future health professionals in an interprofessional, team-based learning environment. 

Lastly, they support community partnerships and promote overall health and wellbeing in the communities we serve.

Undergraduate - Engineers Without Borders (EWB) - UMN Chapter #1469

The mission of Engineers Without Borders USA – University of Minnesota is to partner with communities locally and internationally in order to assess and address community-identified unmet needs. 

They strive to implement engineered projects that prove environmentally, economically, and socially sustainable. At the core of this mission is the commitment to building strong relationships with partner communities and organizations, institutional resources (including UMN and EWB-USA), the student volunteers, and professional mentors. 

Both as individuals and as a chapter, they are dedicated to continually learning, improving, and adapting.

Graduate - Institute for Healthcare Improvement Open School University of Minnesota Chapter (IHI UMN) #3136

Institute for Healthcare Improvement Open School aims to equip and engage interprofessional student teams in quality improvement projects within the local health landscape through mutually beneficial relationships with our community partners. 

They strive to better the health of our community and prepare future professionals to lead in the delivery of the highest quality healthcare.

Undergraduate - Indian Student Association #10

The Indian Student Association operates as a non-profit, non-political, non-religious organization, with an intent to preserve and promote the Indian culture in the University of Minnesota Community to South Asians and non-South Asians alike.

Undergraduate - Science and Engineering Student Board #322

Ben Koch

The Science and Engineering Student Board have this to say about their excellent advisor: “Ben encourages insightful conversations amongst SESB’s leadership team by asking questions that require students to self-reflect on themselves as well as SESB’s mission, vision and values. He also helps us in the planning of internal leadership development events by providing ideas for activities we can work on. He allows SESB members to flesh ideas out with him, helps members strategize their efforts for pushing change in the college, and connects members to relevant faculty and staff they can work with.”

Graduate - Phi Delta Chi Pharmacy Fraternity, Theta Chapter #532

Dr. Jason Varin

Phi Delta Chi Fraternity shared this about their excellent advisor “One of Dr. Jason Varin’s strongest attributes is his ability to encourage student development. He has always advocated for individuals to reach outside of their comfort zone and take on a new role they may be uncertain with. 

He is currently serving as one of the course directors for the first year course on ""Becoming a Pharmacist"" and he is able to make personal connections with students before they join the fraternity. 

Another thing to note about his exceptional contributions to the fraternity is that he brings in new and old alumni brothers to interact with the current chapter members and further their networking and socializing skills. He strives to give all students an equal chance of succeeding and at professional events, he takes time to talk with the students and ask how they are doing and what they are working on for projects, work, etc. I would not be the student leader I am today without the help of Dr. Varin.”