The University Service Award is given to a senior student who has provided outstanding service to the University through: (1) student involvement in such areas as sports, fraternity/sorority affiliations, intramural, student government, student organizations, the Northerner, etc; (2) student involvement in civic organizations or agencies such as Easter Seals, Redwood, Boys Club, YMCA, Boy and Girl Scouts, Welcome House, etc.; and (3) academic achievement such as student publications, student presentations, grade point average, etc. The Northern Kentucky University Alumni Association sponsors this award.

There’s no doubt Sierra Newton has been busy during her four years at Northern Kentucky University.

As a double major in Journalism and Electronic Media & Broadcasting, Sierra has gained extensive experience through her classwork. Her broadcasting skills and knowledge gave her the opportunity to intern at two different news stations. She also actively writes the sports section for NKU’s newspaper, The Northerner.

With prospects of working with the Cincinnati Enquirer after graduation, Sierra is quickly on her path to professional sports broadcasting.

But Sierra’s success in the classroom has not been the only important part of her experience at NKU. As an Orientation Leader, a Presidential Ambassador, a Nu Upsilon Black Women’s Honorary and Every Nation Campus Ministries, she has been able to broaden her horizons. 

“I have no idea how Sierra manages to squeeze so many responsibilities and achievements into her schedule while juggling a full-course load and maintaining a 3.32 GPA,” says Michele Day, co-director of NKU’s Journalism program. “But she’s clearly a super senior and will continue to be an outstanding ambassador for the university following her graduation.”

In the four years Sierra has been at NKU, she has been able to reflect on how much she has grown. She has gained a wealth of knowledge through the people she met and the faculty on campus, but her own motivation and dedication is what has helped her the most.

The advice she wishes she had as a freshman?

“Trust the process," she says. “Everything you’re doing is taking you in the right direction.”