Niner Aux Guide Awards presented at inaugural banquet

May 7, 2025
Categories: General, Student Ambassadors Tags: Bookstore, Niner Aux Guides
Niner Aux Guides and leads pose for a group photo at the 2025 Aux Guide Awards banquet

On Thursday, May 1, UNC Charlotte Business Services hosted its first-ever Niner Aux Guide Banquet, a special evening dedicated to honoring the outstanding contributions of student ambassadors in the Niner Aux Guide program.

The event culminated a year of remarkable growth and engagement for the program. Designed to foster student leadership and connection in dining, parking, mail services and more, the Niner Aux Guide program has seen record participation and new milestones throughout the 2024–2025 academic year.

Congratulations to the 2025 award recipients:

Niner Aux Guide co-lead Natalia Harris hands GOAT trophy and certificate to S.L. Ivey.
S.L. Ivey receives Golden Guide Award trophy and certificate from Niner Aux Guide co-lead Natalia Harris.

The Golden Guide Award – S.L. Ivey

This award is presented to an outstanding student ambassador who excels in all aspects of the program, particularly shining on camera and demonstrating unwavering dedication. This award was presented virtually by Jordan Badenhop ’23, former first Niner Aux Guide.

Shailesh Kumar poses smiling and holding the Legacy Award certificate.
Shailesh Kumar receives The Legacy Award.

The Legacy Award – Shailesh Kumar

The award recognizes a graduate student who has been actively involved in the program and made a meaningful impact.
Nominee: S.L. Ivey

Leilanie Torres Curet stands with AVC of Business Services, Doug Lape, holding her Dougie Award certificate and trophy.
The eponymous Doug Lape presents Dougie Award to Leilanie Torres Curet.

The Dougie Award – Leilanie Torres Curet

This is given to a highly reliable and engaged student ambassador who consistently attends events, participates in various opportunities and represents the program with excellence. This award was presented by Doug Lape, Associate Vice Chancellor of Business Services.
Nominees: Aaron Kempster, Divya Ganesh

Sowmya Ravuri smiles and holds her Rookie of the Year certificate.
Sowmya Ravuri receives the Rookie of the Year Award.

Rookie of the Year – Sowmya Ravuri

The award honors a first-year student for exceptional participation, enthusiasm, and positivity. Nominees: Ezrie Lopez, Kanika Kumar, Sarmitha Rajesh Kumar, Yeshritha Gelle.

Dameris Paz Mendoza and Sharleen Adhiambo smile and hold their Aux Guide Alumni Club certificates.
Dameris Paz Mendoza and Sharleen Adhiambo receive the Aux Guide Alumni Club Award.

The Aux Guide Alumni Club – Ashley Staten, Dameris Paz Mendoza, Deborah Effon, Sharleen Adhiambo

This celebrates student ambassadors who have been with the program for at least two years and have demonstrated exceptional dedication.

Niner Aux Guide co-lead Natalia Harris hands 3 musketeers chocolate bars to laughing Sarmitha Rajesh Kumar, Sowmya Ravuri and Yeshritha Gelle.
Sarmitha Rajesh Kumar, Sowmya Ravuri and Yeshritha Gelle receive 3 Musketeers chocolate bars for the 3 Musketeers Award.

3 Musketeers Award – Sarmitha Rajesh Kumar, Sowmya Ravuri, Yeshritha Gelle

This award honors three friends who are active student ambassadors and participate in activities together.

Thank you

The evening provided a chance to reflect on the program’s progress and recognize the individuals who helped shape its success.

The Business Services Marketing Team also extends its sincere gratitude to all who contributed to this event, with special thanks to the Barnes & Noble Charlotte team for generously hosting the banquet in their space.