Staff awards
Two staff celebrated for outstanding student service
March 26, 2026
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Every year, Student Affairs recognizes staff or faculty members who have displayed a commitment to providing outstanding service to students, outside of a teaching role.
The Michael Condra Outstanding Student Service Award was established to honour Dr. Condra, when he retired as long-time Director of what is now Student Wellness Services, and an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology. His tenure was marked by a dedication to supporting student success and wellbeing.
This year’s recipients were celebrated at a reception on March 23. They are:
Jenna Kring
From left: Jenna Kring, award recipient; Corinna Fitzgerald, Vice-Provost and Dean of Student Affairs; and Mike Condra, former Director of Student Wellness Services.
Jenna is from Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory and is the Indigenous Academic Advisor in the Faculty of Arts and Science. She provides culturally grounded, relationship‑based supports to Indigenous students, building strong, trusting relationships through consistent presence, care, and follow‑through. She offers guidance on academic pathways, degree planning, course selection, and resource navigation, and helps students problem-solve, including through weekly advising hours at the Four Directions Indigenous Student Centre - where she previously worked - to offer accessible, culturally safe academic support. Many students wrote about her ability to create welcoming spaces where students feel seen, heard, and valued. One example is helping to secure dedicated space in Mac‑Corry for Indigenous students to rest and gather between classes. In addition to her direct support to students, Jenna shares knowledge with her faculty and staff colleagues in Arts and Science, organizing lunch‑and‑learns, strengthening faculty culture and practice, and she mentors new staff working with Indigenous students. Jenna is a strong contributor to community‑building through ceremonies, events, and student‑focused programming, and is known for her kindness, compassion, and exceptional listening skills.
Arunima Khanna
From left: Arunima Khanna, award recipient; Corinna Fitzgerald, Vice-Provost and Dean of Student Affairs; and Mike Condra, former Director of Student Wellness Services.
Arunima is a psychologist specializing in cross‑cultural counselling and diversity at Student Wellness Services, providing direct clinical care to students and improving culturally responsive care at Queen's. She was an early advocate of cross‑cultural mental health services, identifying needs of international and racialized students long before sector‑wide recognition. Many nominators wrote of her attention and care to each student through individual therapy, group support, and care coordination for students facing cultural, global and identity‑related stressors. Arunima is a key support for international students; she facilitates weekly groups, such as Far From Home, and specialized supports for communities affected by global events. She is a highly sought-after supervisor and mentor to Clinical Psychology PhD students, providing training, feedback, and professional development beyond practicum experiences. Colleagues spoke of her generosity in sharing her knowledge and skills, as well as the way she invites them to adopt a systemic lens in their own work. Arunima’s impact is campus-wide, through workshops, guest lectures, and ongoing involvement with partners, including the AMS Peer Support Centre, the Queen's University International Centre, and the Yellow House Student Centre for Equity and Inclusion.
“Congratulations and sincere thanks to Arunima and Jenna, who make a significant difference in students’ lives every day,” says Interim Vice-Provost and Dean of Student Affairs Corinna Fitzgerald. “They exemplify Mike’s compassion, commitment and student-centered approach to every task and issue, large and small.”
Learn more about the Michael Condra Outstanding Student Service Award on the Student Affairs website. Staff received their awards alongside students recognized with Student Leadership Awards.