University of Guelph students awarded for contribution to campus and community life
On March 19, Student Life held a banquet to honour community-minded students for their engagement in the Guelph community.
The evening began with an introduction from Jan Sherman, an integral part of the Aboriginal Resource Centre on-campus. Sherman led the hall in a rousing Aboriginal welcome prayer.
“If it wasn’t for [the students present], we wouldn’t have the sense of community [that we do],” said Sherman. “We can make powerful changes.”
The University of Guelph hosted the annual Student Life Awards banquet on March 16. Pictured above are Corey Alexander, Oliver Cook, Lee-Jay Cluskey Belanger, Jessica Huntingon, and Jessica Carter, the winners and presenter respectively, for the Be The Change award.
University President Franco Vaccarino welcomed all present, commending the University of Guelph community on its passion and inclusiveness.
“Community’s such a big part of this event,” said President Vaccarino. “I can’t stress enough the importance of student life […] These awards give us an opportunity to recognize individuals for a range of opportunities.”
Mark McKinnon, Ward 6 Councillor, then offered brief words. McKinnon emphasized the celebration of student and campus achievement, “so we can bring out the best in others and bring [community] into the future.”
Jessica Carter, Coordinator of Student Engagement at the university, explained that all Student Life Awards are “part of a nomination process.”
“An award committee is assembled each year to review all nomination packages,” said Carter. “To nominate someone for an award, there must be a letter from the primary nominator, as well as two additional letters of support.”
Excluding the Liz Honegger Award, overseen by the Student Support Network, and the CSA Teaching Excellence Award, overseen by the CSA, each award is overseen by a Student Life committee.
“Each have their own process,” explained Carter.
Carter emphasized that it was a privilege to review the many nomination packages that were submitted, in spite of the challenge of choosing only one or two recipients.
“This is one of my most favourite times of the year, because it reminds me […] why I have chosen to remain a part of the Gryphon community,” concluded Carter. “So many individuals who make up this vibrant campus and city are change-makers, and I get a front-row seat to what is happening annually with the awards process.”
The evening concluded with a farewell prayer delivered by Sherman.
Listed are the awards, presenters, and winners for the 2015 awards:
Emilie Hayes Award for Community Partnerships was presented by the award’s namesake to Kate Vsetula and Lisa Needham. The award recognizes a community member and/or a non-profit organization that has provided an outstanding learning opportunity to students.
Kishaadigeh Aboriginal Student Award was presented by former recipient Cynthia Hoy to Kevin King. The award recognizes an Aboriginal student engaged in co-curricular activities that enrich their educational experience.
R.P. Gilmor Student Life Award was presented by Carter, a past recipient, to Anita Hayes, Coordinator of Support Programs on-campus. The award recognizes an individual, student group, or a staff member who shares a commitment to improving the student experience. Hayes was surprised by her selection as the award’s recipient.
Roberta Mason Award was presented by Natasha Smith to Patrick Beaudry. The award recognizes a student who has become involved in the campus community for the first time.
Accessibility Award was received by Lynda Slater from Counselling and Student Accessibility Services. The award recognizes any individual or group who has contributed to accessibility on-campus.
Be The Change Awards were presented by Laurie Schnarr, Director of Student Life, to Jessica Huntington, and Farm to Fork creators Corey Alexander, Oliver Cook, and Lee-Jay Cluskey-Belanger. The awards honour individuals or groups who continue to affect positive change in the world.
Erin Angus Graduate Student Engagement Award was presented by Adina Bujold, Graduate Student Association President, to Elke Eichelmann. The award honours a graduate student who has made significant contributions to graduate life.
Brian D. Sullivan Award was presented by Rich Appiah, a past recipient, to Devon Barnes. The award recognizes a graduating student who has made significant contributions to student leadership at the university.
CSA Teaching Excellence Award was presented by Peter Miller, a CSA executive, to Matthew Vickaryous. The award recognizes an outstanding instructor in the university community.
Liz Honegger Student Volunteer Award was presented by Joban Dhanoa, current Student Support Network Team Leader, to Danielle Mihok. The award recognizes a student who has contributed significantly as a Student Support Network volunteer.
Dr. Andre Auger Citizenship Award was presented by Galen Fick to Laura-Jane Weber. The award recognizes a student who has consistently demonstrated a sense of personal responsibility towards their community. Weber was surprised by her selection.