Sibusiso Mahlangu, a senior business major, was recently awarded the Fall 2023 Integrity, Leadership & Service Award by the Student Affairs Division.
Known by his nickname “Sibu” around campus, he currently serves the College’s student body as the International Student Organization (ISO) President. Following an internship with a Boise law firm this past summer, he intends to study commercial law post-graduation.
“Unlike many traditional leaders who seek leadership as a rank to obtain, Sibu is a genuine, serving leader,” wrote Assistant Director of Inclusion and Intercultural Engagement Chapo DeLaCruz in his nomination letter. “He sees leadership and an opportunity to serve others and shares his power to drive engagement and build others up. He is a listener and a voice for those who are too afraid to speak.”
In addition to his role with the ISO, Mahlangu is a representative on the Counsel for Diversity and Inclusion, a Peer Health Advocate, a member of the Africans, Friends, Relatives and Others (AFRO) Club and the Gaming Club.
“Sibu has shown his ability to be compassionate, responsible, consistent and overall has a passion for serving others,” Assistant Director of Counseling Jarilyn Borchert wrote in her nomination letter. “He goes out of his way to meet with students in need and has exemplified what a true role model for others can and should be.”
Mahlangu is a second-generation college attendee navigating his way through The College of Idaho on the heels of his older brother, Jens ‘23. As the younger brother, Sibu has looked to make a name for himself – to set himself apart. He credits this drive not only to his civil sibling rivalry, but also to the example set by his father who passed away in 2020 due to COVID complications. His father was his family’s first college graduate, graduating cum laude from The University of Toronto.
In the spirit of setting himself apart, Sibu jokingly pointed out that his brother was only ever the vice president of the International Student Organization (not the president) and that he never won the Integrity, Leadership & Service Award.
“I think my dad would be very happy to see this moment,” said Mahlangu. “I grew up in a home that taught me the importance of being in community with others and putting my education first. My value for community wouldn't be possible without the values my mom engrained in me. That has shaped my leadership style today through my involvement in our community, helping students wherever I can.”
Each semester, the College’s Student Affairs Division recognizes one student for their important contributions to the College’s culture. Faculty and staff nominate students who exemplify the College’s values of community, integrity, leadership and service.
The College of Idaho has a 132-year-old legacy of excellence. The College is known for its outstanding academic programs, winning athletics tradition, and history of producing successful graduates, including eight Rhodes Scholars, three governors, and countless business leaders and innovators. Its distinctive PEAK Curriculum challenges students to attain competency in the four knowledge peaks of humanities, natural sciences, social sciences, and a professional field—empowering them to earn a major and three minors in four years. The College’s close-knit, residential campus is located in Caldwell, where its proximity both to Boise and to the world-class outdoor activities of southwest Idaho’s mountains and rivers offers unique opportunities for learning beyond the classroom. For more information, visit www.collegeofidaho.edu.