Close to 200 students came together Saturday night for SMUSA's 44th Annual Charter Day Award Ceremony. The ceremony is held so SMUSA can recognize the students and employees who contributed to the organization's successes over the previous year.

Cait Dix, SMUSA VP Academic Affairs, welcomed everyone to the event before passing it over to Movember Winners Alywn Gomez and Samantha Higgins, the Masters of Ceremonies for the night. Gomez and Higgins began with a 'Hot or Not' review of the year. VP Cait Dix, Open Mic Night, and the Dockside were ranked Hot, while SMUSA President Matt Anderson, the guy's bathroom after OpenMic night and the meal plan were ranked Not.

Guests, including Saint Mary's University President Colin Dodds, Director of Student Services Keith Hotchkiss and many SMU professors joined students in celebrating their accomplishments. Those in attendance enjoyed a three-course meal of roasted root vegetable salad, chicken in a creamy mushroom sauce and roasted potatoes and vegetables or grilled eggplant and portabello mushrooms with polenta followed by a delicious gingerbread dessert.

Award presentations began during dessert, recognizing faculty, community members, and students. For the second time in Charter Day history the “Platinum M” was awarded, this time to former SMUSA General Manager Rob Finn who recently left SMUSA after more than 20 years with the organization. Although Finn was not present to accept his award he received a standing ovation from the crowd.

Emcee Alwyn Gomez was surprised when he was interrupted reading a description of the winner of Junior of the Year by his co-Emcee Samantha Higgins only to be presented with his own award.

Saint Mary's University Environmental Society (SMUES) took home the coveted Society of the Year Award which was accepted by President Stephanie Pronk and Treasurer Laura Saar.

Most Improved/BestNew Society award was given to SMU Habitat for Humanity and was accepted by the surprised society executives.

Elie Khoury and Laura Slauenwhite took home the Driftwood Award for contributing to student life on campus.

The celebrations were wrapped up with a closing address from SMUSA President Matt Anderson before the party moved to The Gorsebrook.

Full award descriptions can be found online at www.smusa.ca.