Student life rewards outstanding students and staff from our community
The 2016 Student Life Recognition Banquet was held on March 30, 2016 at the Guelph Delta Hotel. Staff and students were honoured for their achievements and contributions to student and community life in Guelph and abroad.
The banquet began with an Aboriginal welcome from Jan Sherman—a long standing member of the community in Guelph who is heavily involved with the Aboriginal Resource Centre on-campus.
Opening remarks were delivered by associate vice-president of student affairs Brenda Whiteside.
“Tonight is really to celebrate student leaders on campus, so we have award winners, but all the student governments are here as well,” said Whiteside, in her opening address.
Ward five city councilor Leanne Piper, who also works with residence life on campus, proceeded to expand on the amazing involvement opportunities at the University of Guelph.
The keynote speaker, co-founder of Vote Savvy Tyler Valiquette, then delivered a charming, funny, and attention-grabbing speech about the ways that we can encourage young people to vote. Vote Savvy’s contributions to the Guelph community were recognized later in the evening when the organization won the Be The Change award.
“The diverse background of all the volunteers, we had students from the sciences, from the arts, [and] from fine arts all coming together to really try to inspire people and other students to be engaged in the political process” said Valiquette, in an interview with The Ontarion. “The impact, I think it had was tremendous.”
Awards were presented throughout the evening and the support for the outstanding staff and students was unparalleled.
The evening closed as it began, with a ceremonious prayer from Jan Sherman.
The prayer had the entire banquet hall on their feet, all while singing along with Sherman.
Here is a brief description of each award and a full list of the award winners from this year:
Be The Change Award
This is a unique award that recognizes individuals and groups on campus that are affecting positive change in our world.
Recipients: The Muslim Students Association and Vote Savvy
Bruno Mancini Accessibility Award
This award honours an individual or group—students, staff, or faculty—who have contributed significantly to promoting and advancing accessibility at the University of Guelph.
Recipient: The University of Guelph Sign Club
André Auger Citizenship Award
This award is presented to a student who embodies citizenship and leadership in the community.
Recipient: Adele Heagle
Brian D. Sullivan Student Leadership Award
This award is presented to a graduating student who has made significant contributions to student leadership through her/his involvement as an elected or appointed student representative at the University of Guelph.
Recipient: Ryan Shoot
Diversity and Inclusion Award
This award recognizes the outstanding achievement of a student, who supports the University’s mission to create and maintain an inclusive environment in our increasingly diverse community.
Recipient: Hanan Shehata
Emilie Hayes Award for Community Partnerships
This award is presented to a community member and/or non-profit organization that has partnered with campus staff and/or faculty, in order to provide an outstanding learning opportunity for University of Guelph students.
Recipient: David Beaton
Erin Angus Graduate Student Engagement Award
This award is presented to a graduate student who has made significant contributions to student life through her/his engagement within the campus community in the past year.
Recipient: Adina Bujold
Liz Honegger Student Volunteer Award
This award recognizes a University of Guelph student who has gone above and beyond the requirements of a Student Support Network volunteer.
Recipient: Jacqueline Vykoukal
Marlene Pfaff Student Wellness Award
This award recognizes a Peer Wellness Educator who demonstrates initiative and compassion through their commitment to social justice, inclusivity, collaboration, and the well-being of all students.
Recipient: Josephine Gaupholm
Kishaadigeh Aboriginal Student Award
This award is presented to an Aboriginal student enrolled in an associate diploma, undergraduate, or graduate program of study at any of the University of Guelph affiliated colleges and campuses who is engaged in co-curricular activities that enrich their educational experience and is achieving well academically.
Recipient: Natane Allison
Roberta Mason Award
This award recognizes a student in any semester that, for the first time, has become actively involved in campus life and has made outstanding contributions to a club or organization at the University of Guelph.
Recipient: Brandon Ringham
R.P. Gilmor Student Life Award
This award is presented to an individual student or student group and an individual staff or faculty member/group who shares Paul Gilmor’s commitment to improving the student experience and has contributed to the betterment of student life at the University of Guelph.
Recipients: Staff—Shannon Thibodeau, Student—Meghan Wing
Gordon Nixon Leadership Award
This award recognizes a student or group who is promoting student involvement and leadership.
Recipient: 150 For Change—Kilimanjaro Climb