Each spring, the Oakland University Board of Trustees takes time to recognize three senior students for distinguishing themselves as outstanding scholars and leaders on campus and in the community.
The Alfred G. Wilson and Matilda R. Wilson awards – the most prestigious honors the university presents to students – have recognized OU’s top male and female scholars and leaders since 1965. The awards commemorate the Wilson family, whose generous donation of land and financial resources helped establish the university in 1957.
Abigail Godwin |
Jack Sicheneder |
The Human Relations Award recognizes a student who has made a valuable social impact within the University community. A committee that reviews nominations from faculty and staff members selects award recipients. Recommended candidates are ultimately approved as honorees by the vice president for academic affairs and the president.
The 2017 honorees were recognized at the Board of Trustees formal session on April 3.
Matilda R. Wilson Award: Abigail Godwin, Mathematics
Abigail Godwin has demonstrated leadership and service, both at OU and in the community. Along with serving on the Student Program Board, she was an Orientation Group Leader, Admissions Ambassador, Academic Peer Mentor, a Leadership Consultant in OU’s Center for Student Activities and Leadership Development, and a member of Leadership OU, a student mentoring program that prepares underclassmen for leadership roles.
She was also a member of Alpha Delta Pi Sorority, Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society and the Golden Key International Honor Society. Along with her strong academic record, Godwin has helped others by volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House, Gleaners Food Bank, OU’s Day of Service, MLK Day of Service and Make a Difference Day.
Alfred G. Wilson Award: Jack Sicheneder, Nursing
Jack Sicheneder has made a positive impact through his membership in Sigma Theta Tau – the international honor society for nursing – the OU School of Nursing’s Dean’s Circle and Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity. He has also served as a resident assistant for University Housing and advocated for greater accessibility on campus for students with disabilities.
Sicheneder’s contributions go beyond OU’s campus. As a member of OU’s Global Medical Brigades student chapter, he traveled to Nicaragua where he helped provide medical and dental care to more than 700 individuals, under supervision of professionals. He also coordinated Tau Kappa Epsilon’s annual Shave for St. Jude event, which raised $6,500 for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Human Relations Award: Aaron Helander, Integrative Studies
Aaron Helander |
Aaron Helander has spent his OU career balancing commitments to academics, athletics and service. His accomplishments include being a Presidential Scholar – a designation reserved for students who enter Oakland with a high school GPA of 3.90 or greater and an ACT composite score of 31 or greater – and a member of OU’s Honors College. His integrative studies major is focused on his interest in business and entrepreneurship.
Outside the classroom, he was a member of the varsity swim team – serving as captain for two years – an Orientation Group Leader and a Leadership Consultant in OU’s Center for Student Activities and Leadership Development. He has also volunteered at the Baldwin Center in Pontiac and with the Oakland University Center for Autism Outreach Services (OUCARES), which provides programming and support to individuals with autism and their families.
To learn more about the Wilson and Human Relations Awards at Oakland University, visit the website.