Leadership Banquet

Leadership Banquet is an end of the academic year celebration where SLIC recognizes student leaders, Recognized Student Organizations (RSOs), and Pioneer Leadership Certificate recipients. The SOLAR Awards are designed to recognize outstanding student leaders, clubs/organizations, and advisors who have presented outstanding events and programs, participated in community service activities, and demonstrated exemplary leadership within the ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ community and beyond.

Campus Award Categories

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  • A Per Aspera Ad Astra recipient is a student who inspires others through their integrity, initiative, and commitment to making a positive impact. They lead by example, demonstrating responsibility, empathy, and strong communication skills in every interaction. Whether organizing events, supporting peers, or representing student voices, they balance academic excellence with active involvement in our community.  With vision and resilience, they not only solve problems but also create opportunities for growth and success for others.

  • The Department/Program of the Year award recognizes an entire team that has shown outstanding collaboration, efficiency, innovation, and service to the campus community. This award celebrates teamwork at its highest level and the collective effort it takes to serve ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ effectively.

Recognized Student Organization (RSOs) Award Categories

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  • BRAT Student of the Year
    A BRAT student of the year is Bold, Radical, Ambitious, and a Team player! A BRAT student demonstrates outstanding leadership within their student organization and positively impacted campus and the surrounding community with BRAT qualities.

    Unsung Hero
    A student leader who might not necessarily have a leadership position within an organization but has invested in campus culture and strives to create a positive atmosphere for all students.

    Fierce Falcon
    A student leader who advocates for important issues and topics for Cal State East Bay students. Someone who is ultimately fierce and uses their voice for the community.

    Outstanding RSO Advisor
    An outstanding advisor supports, educates, and encourages the student organization to go above and beyond the expected norm. They demonstrate dedication and support to the organization.

  • New Organization of the Year
    The New Organization of the Year award is for an organization that has started from the ground up and has worked its way up. They have not only gathered officers but also a following of members. This organization has successfully hosted its own events are eager to keep the momentum going.

    Most Improved Student Organization
    The Most Improved Student Organization award is for an organization that has been innovative in its interactions with the campus community and has consistently approved events throughout the year. It is a role model for other organizations on how to grow and develop.

    Event of the Year
    Event of the Year is for the organization that hosted an outstanding event that exemplifies excellence in planning, execution, experience, achieving objectives and reaching a large audience. The event or program must include one recognized student organization.

  • Student Leadership and Involvement Center (SLIC) started a new tradition of Falcon Flags (2025) to acknowledge and highlight the importance of student involvement and representation of Recognized Student Organizations (RSOs) on our campus. Banners with the RSOs' name and logo are displayed on light poles to be a visible representation of the RSOs' achievements. 
    There is a total of three (3) selected Organizations of the Year Flacon Flags that are hung up in front of the CORE. The Organization of the Year flags are switched out every year and displayed during the following academic term. 

Leadership Banquet Award Winners

Per Aspera Ad Astra: Jason Moseley, Isaiah Lennox

BRAT Student of the Year: Casey Pangilinan, Kartik Tripathi
Fierce Falcon: Trinity Saefong
Unsung Hero: Joe Trujillo
Outstanding RSO Advisor: Dr. Ching-Lih Jan

New Organization of the Year: Ever Forward Club, Martial Arts Appreciation Club
Most Improved Student Organization: East Bay Punjabi Society
Event of the Year: Beta Alpha Psi

Falcon Flags: Queers United, ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ Folklórico Club, Tau Kappa Epsilon

Per Aspera Ad Astra: Spozhmey Munir, William Ly

BRAT Student of the Year: Logan Cherry
Fierce Falcon: Sara Hernandez Rodarte
Unsung Hero: Monique Vazquez
Outstanding RSO Advisor: Dr. Marya Wright

New Organization of the Year: Wayfinders
Most Improved Student Organization: Queers United
Community Connector Award: Alpha Phi Omega
Pioneer Spirit Award: Political Science Club

Falcon Flags: Alpha Phi International Fraternity, Construction Management Association of America, Queers United

Outstanding Student Leader: Karrington Hendrix (Stigma Free)
Outstanding Club Advisor: Janelle Gayac (AKO, Queers United, and Lavender Graduation)
Unsung Hero: Jonathan Crescenzo (Bad Designers Club)
Outstanding Graduating Student Leader: Rin Anderson (Queers United)
Shooting Star Award: Dianne Lehmann (UP! Club)

Outstanding Recognized Student Organization: Phi Alpha Theta History Honors Society
Most Improved Recognized Student Organization: Business Analytics Club
Justice, Equity, and Inclusion Award: Social Justice League
Event of the Year: AI Panel Discussion and Ideathon (UP! Club)
Outstanding Education Program: Stigma Free
Outstanding Student Leader: Kumar Abinav
Outstanding Club Advisor: Dr. Izzet Darendeli
Unsung Hero: Joanne Cabanlit
Outstanding Graduating Student Leader: Ashmita Ahluwalia
Shooting Star Award: Julianna Marie Villareal

Outstanding Recognized Student Organization: Hindu Yuva
Most Improved Recognized Student Organization: Sigma Omega Nu, Latina Interest Sorority
Justice, Equity, and Inclusion Award: Pioneers for Change
Event of the Year: Ideathon - The UP! Club
Outstanding Education Program: Ideathon - The UP! Club

Outstanding Student Leader: Thavry Khun - Asian Pacific Islander Club
Outstanding Advisor: Dr. Antonio Martinez
Outstanding Service Leadership: Joanne Cabanlit
Outstanding Sustainability Leadership: Nick Rougely
Outstanding Pioneer Pride: Ashwini Manmode

Outstanding Educational Program: Pilipinx American Student Association - Kapatid Program
Community Service Leadership Award: Resident Hall Association - Toys for Pups
Outstanding Diversity Social Justice Program: Pilipinx American Student Association - Pilipinx Consciousness Night 50
Outstanding Social Media and Marketing: Orientation Team
Outstanding Organization of the Year: Pilipinx American Student Association