The University of Guelph is known as an institution that improves life thanks in large part to the contributions and achievements of some of our most outstanding students.
A number of these remarkable individuals were celebrated at the March 20 Student Experience Awards. Congratulations to this year’s winners!
Andre Auger Citizenship Award
Gabrielle Goldhar, International Development, College of Social and Applied Human Sciences
As a classroom volunteer, Goldhar organized a system to reduce material want by arranging exchanges for essential items. She also helped the Guelph Neighbourhood Support Coalition with a research project to create an asset map that was used as a community empowerment tool.
Be the Change Award
U of G Relay 4 Life Team
Year over year, U of G’s Relay 4 Life organizers consistently surpass their fundraising goals, creating an event with lasting impact. In 2019, they raised a record-breaking $150,000 to support the Canadian Cancer Society.
Brian D Sullivan Student Leadership Award
Nathaniel (Nathan) Lewko, Marketing Management, College of Business and Economics
Lewko’s peers consider him to be an exemplary leader, dedicated to bettering the student experience within the College of Business and Economics and beyond. He is recognized as an above-average student, an accomplished athlete and a devoted leader.
Bruno Mancini Accessibility Award
Alida Martin
A member of the Note Taking office, Martin has taken on an informal leadership role, mentoring new members of the team. Through her role, Martin removes barriers for students, raises awareness and advocates for a more inclusive environment.
Carl Rom Colthoff Experiential Learning Award
Madeleine Arseneau, College of Social and Applied Human Sciences
Arseneau has demonstrated a deep dedication to food security in her community and around the world. She was a valuable member of the Feeding 9 Billion initiative, coordinating various activities within the program.
Diversity and Inclusion Award
Karine Jarzecki, Graduate Student, School of Engineering
Jarzecki is recognized for the significant impact she has had within the LGBTQ+ community. She is founder and president of the Guelph EngiQueers Chapter and strives to promote LGBTQ+ representation in the engineering community.
Emilie Hayes Award for Community Partnership
Guelph Civic Museum
The Guelph Civic Museum and curator Dawn Owen have been instrumental in supporting two major arts and culture projects at U of G. Their support with the I Stand #InUnity project and the opening of the Konnon:kwe exhibit helped teach students about the importance of Indigenous history and fostered a more open and inclusive city.
Erin Angus Graduate Student Engagement Award
Katherine Drotos, PhD Candidate in the Integrative Biology Department
Widely seen as the voice of graduate students in her department, Drotos ensures all grad students are informed of the graduate student council’s and committees’ decisions. She is celebrated as an important facilitator of cohesiveness within the graduate community.
Gordon Nixon Leadership Award
OAC 2020 Agribusiness Tours
Geography Society Youth Action on Climate Change
The OAC 2020 Agribusiness Tours will receive funding to support their event that allows students to have hands-on experience with farming around Guelph. They will organize a program reunion, further allowing students to gain experience and grow as a community.
The Geography Society Youth Action on Climate Change will receive funding to facilitate collaborative discussions about climate change with high school students.
Kishaadigeh Award
Natasha Martin, Graduate Student, Ontario Veterinary College
Having held multiple executive team positions with the Aboriginal Students Association and the College Royal Society, Martin is recognized for her deep involvement with campus life and her contributions as a mentor.
R.P. Gilmor Award (Faculty, Staff, Alumni and Community)
Prof. Kirby Calvert, College of Social and Applied Human Sciences
Prof. Calvert’s students and peers consider him to be a friendly and helpful mentor, particularly commending his support of a youth climate action initiative. He is recognized for his commitment to his students.
R.P. Gilmor Award (Student)
Hisham Farag, College of Biological Sciences
College of Biological Sciences student Hisham Farang was nominated for his successful efforts to collaborate with other colleges and support a cohesive University community.
Roberta Mason Award
Paige Saunders, College of Social and Applied Human Sciences
While in her first year at U of G, Saunders made many contributions to the University. She is social media co-ordinator for the Aboriginal Students Association and a member of the Gryphon cheerleading squad.
Hasnul F. Abdollah International Student Award
Anna Canella, Biomedical Science
An international student from Brazil, Canella has taken on a number of roles at U of G. She is finance chair and CSA representative for the International Student Organization and a peer helper on the Peer Networking and Training Team.
Learn more about the Student Experience Awards and past winners online.