Appalachian State University's Office of Campus Activities recently announced the recipients of the 2025-26 Black and Gold Leadership Awards, which recognize the outstanding accomplishments of clubs, club members, and advisors.
Among the individuals and groups that were honored are:
- David Itson (ACC), Ronny L. Brooks Leadership Award
- Gabrielle Kreuter (ACC), Bobby L. Dunnigan Award
- Society for Human Resource Management Club, Outstanding General Organization Award
Also recognized were finalists Dillon Waschenbach for the Outstanding Advisor Award (Gamma Iota Sigma), the Hospitality & Tourism Management Student Association for the Community Impact Award, the American Marketing Association for the Educational Event of the Year Award, and the Society for Human Resource Management for the Leaders in Action Award.
Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), Student Organization of the Year
SHRM President Elizabeth Russell holds a trophy at App State's Black and Gold Leadership Awards Ceremony.
The Society for Human Resource Management Club was named the recipient of the Outstanding General Organization Award.
"The chapter has built a new recruitment committee, increased overall member engagement, provided avenues to get involved beyond general membership, and increased outreach to the greater campus community through social and professional events," Dr. Lamont Sellers, Director of the Center for Student Success and Community, who presented the award. "Through the growth of the chapter, students have been introduced to other opportunities for involvement, resulting in the organization operating at a high level. Evidence of this is their recent recognition by their national organization, where they were presented with an Outstanding Merit Award."
"Serving as President of this chapter has been one of the most fulfilling parts of my time at Appalachian," said Russell. "This recognition is a reflection of the incredible people who make it what it is. Thank you to my executive team, our advisors Jessica Doll, Kristl Davison, and Hunter Bass, and all of our SHRM-ASC members. Every single one of you played a role in making this possible, and I am so proud of what we have built together!
David Itson, Ronny Brooks Award
David Itson at App State's Black and Gold Awards
David Itson was named one of three Ronny Brooks Awardees.
"Itson continually shows up with patience, kindness, and a genuine desire to help young people believe in themselves," said Interim Assistant Vice Provost Beth Holcomb, who presented the award. "He leads with integrity, empathy, and a genuine desire to make the world around them kinder, more just, and more connected."
Itson has served on the Black Student Association, Student Government Association, The Brothers Initiative, and founded the Fourth Gen Academic Support business, where they tutor over 20 students in grades K–12. He is a 2026 Holland Fellow.
Gabrielle Kreuter, Bobby L. Dunnigan Award
Accounting Junior Gabrielle Kreuter was named one of the three Bobby L. Dunnigan Awardees.
"Through [Kreuter's] active involvement on campus and in the surrounding community, she has effortlessly assumed the role of an emerging young leader," said Associate Director of Operations Ashley Vinson, who presented the award. "Through feedback, reflection, and experience, she has become increasingly strategic in their thinking and intentional in her leadership."
Kreuter has participated in the Student Sustainable Business Association, Mountaineer Climate Corps, Institute of Management Accountants, Office of Community-Engaged Leadership LEAD Team, Beta Alpha Psi Honors Society, and the Honors Vanguard.
About the Division of Student Affairs
The Division of Student Affairs at Appalachian State University is committed to developing lifelong learners and leaders by engaging and challenging students within a culture of care and inclusion. The division consists of 16 units that offer activities and services to help students develop more fully by becoming global learners, fostering healthy relationships, appreciating diversity and different perspectives, understanding community responsibility, enhancing self-awareness, developing autonomy and living ethically. These units include the Career Development Center, Campus Activities, Office of Community-Engaged Leadership, Wellness and Prevention Services, Counseling and Psychological Services, Student Health Service, Parent and Family Services, University Housing, Student Conduct, University Recreation, Intercultural Student Affairs, Student Legal Clinic and Off-Campus Student Services, Electronic Student Services, Child Development Center, and Staff Development and Strategic Initiatives. Learn more at studentaffairs.appstate.edu.
About Clubs and Student Organizations in the Walker College of Business
Clubs and organizations are an important part of the App State experience. The university's mission is to help students develop skills so they will become good citizens and strong contributors in their current and future communities. Joining a business-oriented club further develops students as professionals and, alongside their major coursework, helps orient them to their fields of choice. Find a list of business student clubs and student organizations at business.appstate.edu/clubs.
Dozens of recipients of App State Black and Gold Awards smiling at the awards ceremony
Recipients of Black and Gold Awards at App State