Picnic on the Plaza is North Central College's end of year celebration, acknowledging the accomplishments of its athletics teams, support groups and faculty mentors. Each year, student-athletes nominate and select their male and female "Senior Influence". This award is presented annually to both a male and female student-athlete who have demonstrated exemplary leadership traits while working with their athletic teams and in the classroom.

In 2009, Lisa Link, women's soccer student-athlete, and Ben Youel, wrestling student-athlete, were presented with the Senior Influence Award.

In 2008, Adam Pennington, men's track and field student-athlete, and Allison Worley, women's track and field student-athlete, were presented with the Senior Influence Award.