Shannon Lapenskie, assistant counsellor in the University of Guelph’s BA counselling office, will receive the 2020 Excellence in Undergraduate Academic Advising Medallion.  

The medallion recognizes an individual or team that has made an exceptional contribution to academic advising at the undergraduate level and exemplifies the University’s commitment to provide the quality assistance students need to develop and pursue their academic objectives. 

In nominating Lapenskie, colleagues and students praised her caring and helpful attitude and her outstanding skills in advising and supporting students.  

Jasmin Dalton Guest, a colleague who led the nomination, said Lapenskie is known for “going the extra mile” to help students. 

For Lapenskie, the recognition reinforces her desire and commitment to continue to do the best work she can with the wide variety of resources available. 

“It is an honour to receive this recognition,” she said. “To receive such positive reinforcement for the work I do from students and colleagues gives me great personal and professional satisfaction.” 

She said her work is possible because she is part of “an incredible team.”  

Her office received a President’s Exemplary Team Service award in 2014, she added.  

“For me, being recognized this year as an individual naturally stems from a quality of advising consistent within the BA Counselling Office and the University overall.”