One of the most prestigious recognitions offered by New York University, the President’s Service Award is granted to students and organizations that have had an outstanding positive impact on the campus and surrounding community. NYU faculty, staff, and students are asked to send in nominations in the months leading up to award distribution, and winners are invited to an Awards Ceremony at the Kimmel Center in New York. Following in the footsteps of The Collective Voice and the Parliamentary Board, who won for NYU Shanghai last year, On Century Avenue has been given the honor of receiving a President’s Service Award for 2015. We are proud that our dedication to building a school community has been awarded such distinguished recognition. Nominations were based off of our work from last February to now, so we would like to thank both the committed sophomores who set out to create a diverse and relevant student publication, as well as the freshman who continued and expanded upon their efforts. The Queer & Ally Society also received the award, for their continuing efforts in building community at NYU Shanghai, and providing the community with LBTGQ awareness. President of the Q&A Society, Cato van Schaik stated, "I am incredibly honored and excited that the Queer & Ally Society has received the President Service Award. This award serves as a recognition of our terrific members, GAF advisors, and Faculty Advisor for their interest and continuing support. Looking back at the way we started in 2013, I am happy to say a lot of things have changed and we have established a positive presence within NYU Shanghai. Although we have come a long way, receiving this award also serves as a reminder that our organization still has a significant road ahead: we are not done learning. I hope this award can serve as an encouragement to our new Executive Board: to continue to discuss new areas, create social awareness, and work on creating the inclusive community NYU Shanghai deserves to be." The criteria for the award were as follows:

Building community

Enhancing wellness

Promoting diversity

Demonstrating civic responsibility

Actively volunteering

Creating innovative and new projects or activities

Innovating and enhancing existing University programs or services

Exhibiting outstanding leadership with an organization or project

On Century Avenue would also like to thank the Advisory Board for their consistent advice and helping us guide our way. As the sophomore class departs, On Century Avenue would also like to affirm that all staff will continue to strive to build community, reflect the opinions of all writers and exhibit excellence in all its publications. This article was written by Isabella Baranyk. Send an email to [email protected] to get in touch.