The University of Washington, Bothell’s Andrew Nguyen has received the prestigious National Orientation Directors Association (NODA) Student Leadership Award for 2010. He serves the university as a student orientation leader, as well as a community adviser with UW-Bothell’s new student housing.

Nguyen was one of the pioneering students of UW-Bothell’s innovative orientation program, and was also one of the students selected to lead the foray into student housing. Over the past year in a half, orientation programs on campus have been redesigned to better welcome students and prepare them for the complete college experience.

“Andrew helped UW-Bothell create a successful transfer orientation that is customized to meet the needs of this student population,” said Terence Hill, assistant director for student life at UW-Bothell. “His leadership, creativity and openness to change was a critical part of the success of these programs.”

The NODA award is designed to give special recognition to students for their creativity, energy, enthusiasm and outstanding abilities. Two students are selected from each region, one from a four-year institution and one from a two-year institution. UW-Bothell’s region includes five states and six Canadian provinces. Nguyen receives $100 to a local bookstore, a plaque and recognition at the Annual Orientation Conference Awards Luncheon/Dinner in St Louis, Mo.