FMA Magazine 2021 - 2023

AWARDS & SCHOLARSHIPS
OLIVIA
BALJET
2023 STUDENT LEADER
OF THE YEAR AT THE AU
INVOLVEMENT AWARDS
“Working with Olivia is a constant
reminder of what it means to be an
Auburn woman with a spirit that isn’t
afraid. “ - Abby Ronson, AU SGA
Coming to Auburn from Atlanta, Olivia quickly set out to make
her mark as an active and involved student. While at Auburn,
Olivia worked in the provost’s office and got involved with several
organizations: Financial Management Association, War Eagle Girls
and Plainsmen (WEGP), Mortar Board, ODK, and Delta Gamma
Sorority. Within these organizations, Olivia took the time to be
intentional with the members involved, especially those younger
than her.
In FMA, Olivia served as a peer mentor for younger members –
always willing to meet and share her experiences, Olivia helped
underclassmen develop the necessary career readiness skills for
getting internship and full-time positions. As sophomore FMA
member, Caldwell Connely stated: “Olivia is the kind of mentor that
gives not only professional advice, but also life advice from a true
point of caring. She is extremely empathetic and down-to-earth - a
mentor who looks out for those that want to follow a similar path.”
John Boles Jr., another recipient of Olivia’s selfless mentoring
adds: “I came to Auburn as an inexperienced freshman, not
really knowing what I wanted to do or who I wanted to be. Olivia
was one of the first people to reach out and use her wisdom and
thoughtfulness to help me feel accepted and valued in an otherwise
intimidating environment. She selflessly took the time to help me
become successful.”
In WEGP, Olivia served as vp of operations, where she was
responsible for day-to-day operations. “Olivia is a humble leader
who shows others the right path by setting the example herself,”
says Jake Haston, AU student body president and fellow WEGP
member. “She takes on more responsibility than is asked of her,
and she never complains, regardless of how difficult and timeconsuming
the tasks may be. She is someone that other people look
up to, and she exemplifies what it means to be a servant leader.”
Olivia also served as the president of Auburn’s Mortar Board and set
out to add structure, re-registering the AU chapter with the national
association. Through her role as president, Olivia led several service
projects and food donation drives.
Academically, Olivia excelled at Auburn as an Honors College
student. She graduated summa cum laude, making the dean’s list
all eight semesters of her enrollment and was also the recipient of
numerous merit-based scholarships.
Olivia will join Truist Securities full time in Atlanta as a credit
delivery analyst. We have no doubt she will continue to stay
involved as an active Auburn alumnus!
50 FMA 2021-2023 MAGAZINE