SOOIE Announces "Of the Month" Winners

Student Organization Outreach and Involvement Experience announces Registered Student Organization Member, Advisor, and Event of the Month for the month of October 2019. The winners are as follows:

The Member of the Month for October is Megan Rodgers from Students for Refugees. Rodgers has volunteered with this organization for the past two years and now serves as President. Rodgers is described as the visionary of the organization and is the one that keeps the group moving forward through successful planning and organization. She has coordinated new and original events with the determination to make a difference no matter the hurdles. Rodgers is also involved in Delta Iota Rho, STAND, and Lightbearers. SOOIE commends Rodgers for these outstanding accomplishments and appreciates her involvement in campus life.

The Advisor of the Month for October is Yassaman Mirdamadi, who advises the Iranian Student Association. Mirdamadi currently serves as the director of Testing Services for the Graduate School and International Education Department. Mirdamadi supports her students in every way possible, providing them with the resources necessary to be successful. She also encourages her students to plan events and gives suggestions on ways that they can grow. Her students describe her as kind, patient, and welcoming. Mirdamadi goes above and beyond to serve her students to the best of her abilities and her contributions to the University of Arkansas are invaluable. SOOIE applauds her for her dedication to the advancement of ISA.

The Event of the Month winner for October is the Suture Clinic, hosted by Alpha Epsilon Delta (AED). This event was held in coordination with the United States Army and gave students the ability to learn how to perform different types of basic sutures. There were 70 students present who were able to learn a skill that could save a life. Students also learned about what it looks like to be a physician in the Army and the scholarships available for medical school for those in that specific field. Ultimately, this event was educational to students in many ways and it was so successful that a second session will be held in a couple of weeks. SOOIE commends the hard work of Alpha Epsilon Delta and the impact their event had on students across campus.

Winning these awards qualifies the individual and the RSO the 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 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 "Of the Month" awards. Applications are due on the last day of every month. For questions about "Of the Month Awards," please contact Anna Cook, SOOIE vice president at sooievp@uark.edu. Applications are located under the forms section of the HogSync platform.

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! SOOIE is a program in the Division of Student Affairs.

About the Division of Student Affairs: The Division of Student Affairs supports students in pursuing knowledge, earning a degree, finding meaningful careers, exploring diversity, and connecting with the global community. We provide students housing, dining, health care resources, and create innovative programs that educate and inspire. We enhance the University of Arkansas experience and help students succeed, one student at a time.