Student-created Instagram Show “Boyish Charm” Wins 2025 NASPA Region V Innovative Program Award
Image: Student hosts of Boyish Charm, Logan Denen and Gabe Davis.
By Britt Board
Assistant Director of Communications
What started as a playful idea between two student interns from Wellbeing Services & Resources (WSR) has grown into an award-winning program making a real impact on campus and beyond. “Boyish Charm,” PLU’s student-created Instagram cooking show, was honored with the 2025 NASPA Region V Innovative Program Award.
The National Association for Student Affairs Professionals (NASPA) is dedicated to advancing leadership, advocacy, and innovative practices in higher education. This is the first time PLU students have earned this recognition. Translation: Two students have quite literally cooked their way into PLU history.
Hosted by Logan Denen ’24 (MSW class of ’26) and Gabe Davis ’26, the show spotlights the PLU Pantry, a resource that provides free groceries and basic needs support to students. By turning pantry staples into easy, affordable meals, Boyish Charm reduces food waste and spreads the world about an essential student resource.
“Boyish Charm brings light to WSR in positive and accessible ways,” Logan shares. “Since our first season, we’ve been finding creative ways to connect students with resources that can make their lives easier — and now with Boyish Charm, we can do that for students who see us solely on social media.”
The series has become known for its mix of comedy and cooking. One of Gabe and Logan’s favorite episodes? “Definitely Episode 3: Pineapple Rice Pudding, which had some of Boyish Charm’s most quotable moments,” Logan shares. Dr. Eva Frey, Dean of Students and Associate Vice President for Wellbeing Services and Resources, notes that Denen and Davis have an “electric chemistry” that makes each episode a fun watch. Their authentic friendship comes through in the videos.
With the success of the first few Instagram Live sessions (~7,500 views), Boyish Charm quickly expanded its outreach — extending well beyond the pantry itself and furthering its impact on campus culture.
“Boyish Charm brought fresh energy and creativity to the pantry program,” says Dr. Frey. “Their student-driven, fun, and opportunity-focused approach shifted the narrative around resource use — moving away from a message of deficit to one of celebration and empowerment.”
Logan and Gabe will accept the Innovative Program award at the NASPA Western Regional Conference this November in Palm Springs, California. The award highlights more than just Logan and Gabe’s “Boyish Charm” — it spotlights the power of students in shaping the culture of care at PLU.