The 13th annual Catalyst Awards commenced Tuesday evening in Stotler Lounge.
According to the LGBTQ Resource Center website, the Catalyst Awards is an event that presents recognition to individuals who work to help the local LGBTQ community.
“The Catalyst Awards are for those who speak up, out and often on behalf of the LGBTQ and ally community,” said Struby Struble, Department of Student Life support staff member.
Ten individuals received an award: Kayden Prinster, Danielle Koonce, Milbre Burch, Jeremy Wrinkle, Sean Jarvis, Christy Hutton, Marilyn Preston, Drake Douglas, Kevin Everett and Jane McElroy.
According to the website, all award recipients are nominated by their peers, selected by a committee and then presented with an award at the Cataylst ceremony.
Paul Reeves, Residence Halls Association National Communications Coordinator, said award recipient and graduate student Preston speaks her mind, which is one of the qualities of a recipient.
“She’s just one of those people who will grab the mic from someone’s hand and speak out,” Reeves said. “If there is something that needs to be said, she will just say it.”
Reeves said she has always supported him with anything he has needed.
Award recipient and Triangle Coalition Communications Officer Prinster said that he had no idea he was going to receive an award.
“I didn’t know I was going to receive an award, but when I saw my boyfriend (at the event) who had a meeting at this time I was suspicious,” he said.
Prinster, also a graduating senior, said a Cataylst award was something he had been aspiring toward.
“Since I was the last one to receive my award I had ruled out the possibility of getting one,” he said. “This was a surprise and I had no idea what to say.”
Struble said this year has been a big year for the LGBTQ community and is looking forward to next year.
“(The Catalyst Awards) is one of my favorite events,” Struble said. “It is so positive. Next year I’m excited to start the year in our new center and continue on with what we’ve been doing.”