Students, staff, faculty, and community members gathered March 8 to celebrate the important role that Queen’s students play across the campus and in the community. 

The Division of Student Affairs (DSA) established two annual awards to recognize individuals who demonstrate outstanding peer and community leadership. Two recipients of each award are selected every year.

“We are pleased to highlight the important role that so many of our students play in supporting their peers and Kingston residents,” says Ann Tierney, Vice-Provost and Dean of Student Affairs. “This commitment to community is part of what makes Queen’s the special place that it is. Certainly in Student Affairs, we could not do the work we do without student involvement, input, and outreach.”

The 2017 Brian Yealland Community Leadership Award was presented to Gabriel Jayakaran (ArtSci’18) and Chintan Dave (Meds’17) for their work with local youth at risk.

Mr. Jayakaran volunteers with Pathways to Education, the Helen Tufts Child Outreach Program, the Metis Nation of Ontario – Wasa-Nabin program and Youth Diversion. Representatives from Pathways, including some of the youth he tutors, attended the event to celebrate Mr. Jayakaran’s achievements. 

Mr. Dave was nominated for his leadership in MedExplore, a student-run group that aims to provide marginalized community youth with opportunities and mentorships that encourage them to pursue post-secondary education.

The 2017 Peer Leadership Award recipients are Anna Geladi (MPL’18) and Joyce Leung (B.Ed.’18) who have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to helping their peers through their involvement in Student Affairs and faculty-based programs and services.

Ms. Leung is a Peer Learning Assistant Team Leader in Student Academic Success Services (SASS), where her energy, reliability and judgment is relied upon by staff and peers, and her collaborative approach to learning has made a significant contribution to the programs and services offered to students.

Ms. Geladi was recognized for her involvement in several campus groups, including the School of Urban and Regional Planning’s student council, her role as Orientation Chair of NEWTS Orientation Week for new exchange students arriving at Queen’s, and her presidency of Queen’s World University Service Canada student club, supporting sponsored students from around the world.

Learn more about the Division of Student Affairs award programs and funding opportunities for students.