The Student Experience Awards recognize the outstanding achievements and contributions of campus leaders who have made a lasting impact on students’ lives and the U of G community. Each year, the University community is invited to submit nominations for staff, faculty, and students who exemplify commitment and dedication to U of G and the broader community.
Meet this year’s recipients:
André Auger Citizenship Award
Angelica DiGiacinto – BAS, Neuroscience and Psychology, College of Arts
Celebrating an undergraduate or graduate student who has consistently demonstrated a sense of personal responsibility and commitment toward community
Angelica DiGiacinto is a highly engaged student leader who has continuously demonstrated her dedication to supporting her peers and community through her various leadership roles both on and off campus. She has been a peer helper in the Wellness Education and Promotion Centre, a Bounce Back facilitator in Student Experience and a Wellness Educator assistant. Furthermore, Angelica volunteers as a Body Project Workshop facilitator and as a Kids Help Phone volunteer. Angelica is passionate about encouraging students to live healthy lifestyles, promoting positive body image and creating inclusive experiences for the campus community. Her leadership skills, commitment to her peers and her positive contributions continue to enrich campus life.
Angelica reflects on her roles at U of G:
“Through these roles, I have developed a remarkable passion for student leadership on and off campus and have fallen in love with helping and supporting students… I am proud to be leaving the University of Guelph with an abundance of memories and unforgettable experiences. I highly recommend that current and incoming students get involved on campus in any way that feels meaningful to them. You will never regret the experiences you will have by getting involved in campus life!”
This summer, Angelica is a member of the Orientation Team, helping to plan and prepare to welcome new Gryphons at O-Week 2024!
Brian D. Sullivan Student Leadership Award
Shaiza Hashmi – BC, Computer Science, College of Engineering & Physical Sciences
Presented to a graduating student who has made significant contributions to student leadership through their involvement as an elected or appointed student representative at the University of Guelph.
Shaiza Hashmi is an exceptional student leader who has demonstrated her commitment to fostering positive change within the U of G community. She has been actively involved in multiple groups on campus including the Guelph Coding Community (GCC) and Guelph Women in Computer Science (GWiCS), and held several student leadership roles including vice-president of both Marketing and Finance for the Society of Computing and Information Sciences (SOCIS), co-president and co-founder of GryphHacks and co-founder and director of Marketing of the Computing Councils of Canada. Shaiza’s nominators praise her for her ethical leadership, inclusive approach and commitment to student representation and advocacy.
Reflecting on her U of G journey, Shaiza shares:
“The vibrant student community at Guelph is unparalleled. Throughout my time here, I’ve been fortunate to have incredible upper-year students serve as mentors, guiding me through my journey, and achieving the potential they saw in me! Moreover, the faculty’s unwavering support for student initiatives sets Guelph apart, fostering an environment where innovation and collaboration flourish. From my initial engagement with GCC and SOCIS in my first year to the establishment of GryphHacks, every step of my journey has been nothing short of extraordinary!”
Erin Angus Graduate Student Engagement Award
Nabhan Refaie – PHD Candidate in Management, Lang School of Business & Economics
Presented to a graduate student who has made significant contributions to graduate and all student life through their engagement within the campus community during the past year.
Since assuming the position of Graduate Student Association (GSA) President in 2023, Nabhan Refaie has demonstrated exceptional dedication and an inspiring determination to enhance the graduate student experience at U of G. As a full-time graduate student in the Management Department at the Gordon S. Lang School of Business and Economics, Nabhan has skillfully led the GSA, working tirelessly to foster a vibrant and inclusive campus community, advocate for students and ensure stability during challenging times. His proactive leadership shines through in numerous initiatives aimed at improving the lives of graduate students. These efforts include collaborating with the Guelph Student Food Bank to provide greater support to graduate students, establishing and chairing the GSA Restructuring Committee, renewing GSA by-laws and revitalizing graduate student participation in GSA elections. Nabhan’s leadership and advocacy have made significant positive impacts on the graduate student community, exemplifying the core values of the Erin Angus Graduate Student Engagement Award.
Hasnul F. Abdollah International Student Award
Simran Kaur Kalra – BSCH, Biomedical Science, College of Biological Sciences
Celebrating the commitment, kindness and service demonstrated by an undergraduate international student who has made a significant contribution to the international student community at the University of Guelph.
Simran Kaur Kalra is a proactive and passionate individual who, during their time at U of G, has exemplified dedication to experiential learning, community building and fostering connections between students, staff, faculty and senior administrators. They have served in leadership roles across campus, including as a member of the Board of Governors, as a member of the Senate, as a Central Student Association (CSA) elected director-at-large and as an appointed board member, underscoring their commitment to representing and advocating for student interests. Simran has been instrumental in shaping policies and initiatives that enhance student life and academic success for all students, including International students, at the University of Guelph, and is praised by their nominators for their unwavering commitment to fostering dialogue between students and University leaders.
Kishaadigeh Award “She Who Guards the Lodge”
Maegan Ellis – BA, History, College of Arts
Presented to a First Nations, Métis or Inuit student enrolled in an associate diploma, undergraduate, or graduate program of study at the University of Guelph, University of Guelph-Humber, or Ridgetown Campus who is engaged in co-curricular activities that enrich their educational experience and is achieving well academically. The recipient is also connected in meaningful ways to the larger community, actively encouraging others to become involved, and is a role model for other Indigenous learners.
Maegan Ellis, a Citizen of the Métis Nation of Ontario and recent U of G graduate, is an outstanding student and role model. In her time as an undergraduate student at U of G, Maegan has been involved in several student initiatives, clubs and volunteer opportunities including co-chair of the Indigenous Student Society (ISS), a member of the 2023 Orientation team, and a student staff at the Indigenous Student Centre just to name a few. Maegan wholeheartedly commits to supporting, advocating for and fostering a sense of community among Indigenous students on campus. Maegan’s nominators praise her for her compassion, patience and ability to make a significant impact on those around her. She is a constant presence on campus, building connections with partners to create opportunities for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous students. Her recent collaboration with the History Society for a museum tour at the Guelph Civic Museum exemplifies her creative leadership. Maegan’s dedication and leadership continue to enrich the Indigenous student community and the broader campus culture.
Meagan reflects on her journey so far and looks ahead to the next chapter:
“My involvement at U of G has made my experience here truly memorable. Getting involved with the Indigenous community through our clubs offered on campus has opened so many doors for me and I am very grateful. As a member of the Indigenous Student Society and an employee at the Indigenous Student Centre I have learned so much about my culture as a Metis woman and have found a wonderful sense of community and belonging. I look forward to continuing my journey at U of G when I start my Master’s degree here in the 2024 Fall Semester!”
Laurie Schnarr I Am A Gryphon Award
Michael Hamilton – BSCH, Bio-Medical Science, College of Biological Sciences and College of Engineering & Physical Sciences
This award recognizes a recipient(s) who provide exceptional service to students and exemplify the I AM A GRYPHON commitments – Determined, Caring, Engaged, Respectful and Authentic. The recipient(s) have risen to meet a significant challenge, have demonstrated creativity or innovation in their approach, and as Gryphons, have been committed to being respectful, caring, determined, engaged, and authentic.
Throughout his four years as a student at U of G, Michael Hamilton has wholeheartedly embodied the I AM A GRYPHON commitments, making significant positive impacts on his fellow students and the U of G community as a whole. Throughout his undergraduate degree, Michael was actively involved in multiple peer support programs on campus, including as a mentor in the College of Biological Science (CBS) Peer Mentorship Program and as a writing peer helper in the Library. He co-founded multiple new initiatives on campus including the STEM Students Guelph Support Association, the Future Health Science Professionals Committee and the “Stem Cell Talks” annual symposium, which all continue to provide students, faculty and community members, including high school students and the broader scientific community, with opportunities for community connection and learning. Through his numerous volunteer experiences, Michael has demonstrated his commitment to his peers and dedication to improving life.
R.P. Gilmor Student Experience Award (Staff, Faculty, Alumni, and Community)
Ally Stoett – Indigenous Student Advisor, Student Experience
The R.P Gilmor Student Life Award (Staff, Faculty, Alumni, and Community) award is presented to an individual staff or faculty member/group who are committed to improving the student experience and have contributed to the betterment of student life at the University of Guelph.
Ally Stoett is known for providing exceptional support to First Nations, Inuit, and Métis students in her role as the Indigenous student advisor at U of G. Through 1:1 student advising, sharing circles and involvement with student leaders, she fosters student engagement, feelings of belonging and community for Indigenous learners at U of G. Her nominators praise her for creating a welcoming atmosphere in the Indigenous Student Centre, her non-judgemental approach, and her positive and uplifting presence. Ally is also a dedicated team member who leads by example. She consistently demonstrates what it means to be a leader with her collaboratives and proactive approach to problem solving and addressing challenges, as well as her dedication to enhancing the student experience.
R.P Gilmor Student Life Award (Student)
Riya Roy – BSc Biological Sciences, College of Biological Sciences
This R.P Gilmor Student Life Award (Student) is presented to an individual student or student group who are committed to improving the student experience and have contributed to the betterment of student life at the University of Guelph.
Riya Roy is a highly engaged student with a passion for improving life and supporting the international student community at U of G. Throughout her time as a student, she has taken on many varied roles on campus including START International Orientation program facilitator, undergraduate research assistant, volunteer with Guelph Medical Brigades, student engagement ambassador with the Alumni Engagement Centre and international student ambassador peer helper, just to name a few! Riya’s nominators praise her for her thoughtfulness, tenacity, empathy and balanced approach to academics and community service. Riya’s commitment embodies determination and passion, fostering a vibrant student community at U of G.
Riya shares:
“My involvement and experiences at U of G were the most enriching and pivotal aspects of my undergraduate journey. They facilitated my personal and professional development while allowing me to foster connections with peers, faculty and staff on campus, who have been invaluable pillars of guidance and support. The opportunity to engage in meaningful conversation in various settings to exchange perspectives across diverse backgrounds has been extremely enlightening, particularly in light of the challenges posed by the limitations of in-person interactions during the first two years of my undergraduate journey. I’m truly grateful for the sense of community U of G has provided me with over the past four years. As I graduate, I walk away with long-term friendships and countless memories.”
This summer, Riya is a returning START International Facilitator, helping to plan and prepare to welcome new international students to U of G!
Roberta Mason Award
Issac Duong – BComm, Marketing Management, Lang School of Business and Economics
The Roberta Mason 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.
Issac Duong has proven himself to be a determined and passionate individual, getting involved on campus from day one and playing an integral part in each organization that he is a part of. In his first year at U of G, Isaac got involved in multiple organizations on campus including the Lang Students Association, ACE Lang, My World My Choice, the Lang Engagement Team, Off-Campus University Students (OCUS), Canadian Courage Club and Dragon Boat Club, just to name a few! Issac’s nominators praise him for always going above and beyond in his roles. As the ACE Lang First Year Representative in 2023, Issac’s outstanding contributions landed him the “Face of ACE” award. Isaac is known for taking on new responsibilities with enthusiasm and inspiring fellow students with his positive attitude.
Reflecting on his first year at U of G, Issac shares:
“Stepping into university life for the first time just seven months ago, I could never have envisioned the significant contributions I would make on campus or the rich connections I would forge within the community. I extend heartfelt gratitude to my mentors, fellow peers, the Gordon S. Lang School of Business and Economics and the student organizations I’ve been privileged to be a part of, all of whom have played pivotal roles in shaping me into a more confident and capable student leader. The vibrant community at the University of Guelph has provided me with endless opportunities for growth, service and leadership and I eagerly anticipate continuing this journey of involvement with enthusiasm and dedication.”
Congratulations to all of our 2023-2024 Student Experience Award winners!