Annual awards recognize student and staff leadership

Annual awards recognize student and staff leadership

Student Affairs is celebrating the energy, passion, and commitment that help make Queen’s special.

By Communications Staff

April 4, 2024

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Student Leadership Awards

Student Affairs presented their annual awards at a recent reception held on campus. (James Paddle-Grant)

The vibrant and supportive community found at Queen’s University doesn’t happen by accident. Students and staff members contribute significant amounts of time and energy to helping create an engaged and inclusive environment for others.

Student Affairs at Queen’s recently presented their annual awards to celebrate the important leadership role students play, as well as the outstanding service provided to students by staff.

This year’s recipients of the Peer Leadership Award, the Indigenization, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Anti-Racism (I-EDIAA) Impact Award, the Brian Yealland Community Leadership Award, and the Michael Condra Outstanding Student Service Award were honoured at a reception on campus.

“Congratulations to all of our award recipients,” said Vice-Provost and Dean of Student Affairs Ann Tierney in her remarks at the reception. “Your energy, passion, and commitment make our campus and community environment better for everyone.”

Nominations for the awards are submitted by students, faculty, staff, and members of the Kingston community.

Indigenization, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Anti-Racism Impact Award

I-EDIAA Impact Award recipients

Shania Sheth and Meena Waseem, recipients of the I-EDIAA Impact Award. (James Paddle-Grant)

The Indigenization, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility and Anti-Racism (I–EDIAA) Impact Award is presented annually to Queen’s students who have shown their commitment to the principles the award is named for. The 2023-24 recipients are:

Shania Sheth

Shania is a Bachelor of Health Sciences student, and the Health Science Society’s EDII-A Commissioner. She has fostered inclusion, empowerment, and belonging through diverse society events and activities, in her academic work, across campus, and in the local community.

Meena Waseem

Meena, a commerce student, has had a deep impact and created positive culture change through extensive involvement at Smith School of Business, and in several aspects of campus life. She worked to develop dining services for students observing Ramadan, she is a peer facilitator for two programs in the Student Experience Office and is a member of The Queen’s Journal’s BIPOC Advisory Board.

Brian Yealland Community Leadership Award

Brian Yealland Community Leadership Award recipients

Connor Hamlyn and Mehak Chohan, recipients of the Brian Yealland Community Leadership Award. (James Paddle-Grant)

The Brian Yealland Community Leadership Award is presented to students who work with, and encourage, local youth who are experiencing social, behavioral, economic, or other challenges by helping them realize their worth as individuals and their potential to achieve. It was created in honour of Brian Yealland, Chaplain at Queen’s University for 32 years. The 2023-24 recipients are:

Mehak Chohan

Mehak is an Emerging Educator with the Kingston School of Art, working with elementary-aged students to create art in a supportive and empowering environment. A Bachelor of Health Sciences student, she serves as the EDII co-director of the Vogue Charity Fashion Show, raising money for local organizations.

Connor Hamlyn

Connor is a Bachelor of Health Sciences student and volunteers in a variety of leadership roles with the Maltby Centre, which provides mental health and autism services for youth. Connor’s engagement has made a significant contribution to the lives of local youth, as well as to schools and other community agencies, as he helps reduce barriers to support.

Peer Leadership Award

Peer Leadership Award recipients

Pungavi Linghan and Nashmia Anwar, recipients of the Peer Leadership Award. (James Paddle-Grant)

The Peer Leadership Award is presented to students who, through their commitment, skill, dedication, and interest in helping others, have exemplified excellence in peer-to-peer assistance and outreach. The 2023-24 award recipients are:

Nashmia Anwar

Nashmia, a Bachelor of Health Sciences student, is a campus leader, assisting with both the Peer Health Educator and Peer Wellness Coaching programs in Student Wellness Services. She also founded Islamic Relief Queen’s and is a QSuccess mentor with the Student Experience Office.

Pungavi Linghan

Pungavi, a classics major in the Faculty of Arts and Science, received The Principal's Commendation from Bader College for her exceptional contributions to the program and her peers during her first year in England. In Kingston, she has taken on multiple mentoring roles with the Student Experience Office and is involved in several clubs.

Miles Brackenbury

Miles Brackenbury

Miles Brackenbury.

Miles is completing his concurrent education degree and is co-captain of Queen’s varsity cross-country team. He has been active with Athletics and Recreation’s Varsity Leadership Council since his first year, organizing fundraisers and engagement initiatives, and he always supports and advocates for his peers. He is also involved in the local, provincial, and national running scenes.

Michael Condra Outstanding Student Service Award

Michael Condra Outstanding Student Service Award recipients

Megan Bruce and Deandra Kabungu, recipients of the Michael Condra Outstanding Student Service Award. (James Paddle-Grant)

The Michael Condra Outstanding Student Service Award is presented annually to Queen’s staff or faculty who have displayed a commitment to providing outstanding service to students, outside of a teaching role. The 2023-24 recipients are:

Megan Bruce

Megan provides exceptional and comprehensive support in the Department of Chemistry as Research and Communications Coordinator of the Carbon to Metal Coating Institute, Program Manager of the CREATE program, and executive assistant to Cathleen Crudden. She is the first point of contact for many, providing reliable guidance, connections, and referrals to meet the diverse needs of students across the department.

Deandra Kabungu

As the Student Success Advisor in the Student Experience Office, Deandra works with Queen’s Promise and Commitment Scholars, providing ongoing advice and building programs that foster peer mentorship, community-building, leadership, and skill-building. She supports student advocacy and is involved in equity-focused initiatives on campus.


Learn more about the Student Leadership Awards and the Michael Condra Outstanding Student Service Award on the Student Affairs website.
 

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