HÂþ»­

 

Passion and drive: Celebrating inspiring student leaders at the 5th annual Impact Awards

- March 29, 2016

Winners of the Residence Life Leader and Residence Life Impact Awards (l-r): Joe Graham, Xiaoqi Cai, Kaitlyn Forbes, Cynthia McNeil-Burke, Dimitri Duncombe, James Halliday, Kara Koskowich. (Jordan Zarvie photo)
Winners of the Residence Life Leader and Residence Life Impact Awards (l-r): Joe Graham, Xiaoqi Cai, Kaitlyn Forbes, Cynthia McNeil-Burke, Dimitri Duncombe, James Halliday, Kara Koskowich. (Jordan Zarvie photo)

More than 400 students, faculty, and staff of HÂþ»­ kicked off the Easter long weekend with inspiration and passion at the fifth annual Student Impact Awards on Thursday, March 24.

The evening started with a thundering drum and vocal Mi’kmaq performance from Eastern Eagle, and a charismatic musical duet from this year’s co-hosts George Woodhouse and Uytae Lee. George and Uytae introduced the night through rhyme and a catchy chorus that had everyone in the McInnes Room join in: “You made an impact on us, you made an impact on you, you made an impact the size of a zoo.â€

HÂþ»­ President Richard Florizone and DSU President Dan Nicholson then welcomed the capacity crowd to an event that has quickly become a high point of the school year.

“I am beyond impressed by the range of achievements we are celebrating this year,†said Dr. Florizone referring to the student leaders from 12 Dal faculties and 10 different societies and groups who were soon to receive their awards.

In addition to inspiring student leaders, the evening included a number of engaging performances. DalJam and Tiger Patrol took the stage with musical numbers, the Black and Gold Dance Team moved the room with a powerful contemporary piece, and a lively dance by the Sikh Student Association had the crowd at its feet.

The Impact Awards are an opportunity to celebrate and share accomplishments, but also to inspire continued growth and positive change.

“It was an amazing feeling to be recognized with such a special award, but it was more inspiring to be in a room full of some of the most passionate, driven, and hard-working people from the HÂþ»­ community,†said Malcolm Honour Award recipient Christie Silversides.

The Impact Award’s extravagant décor and assortment of framed awards are a modest appraisal of the outstanding list of achievements made by Dal students. In total, there were 66 framed pennants presented to winners of 30 different awards, as well as (the university's top student life award).

Below is a list of all recipients.

2016 Impact Award winners
Ìý

RISING STAR AWARDS

Presented to first-, second-, and third-year students who have demonstrated an outstanding level of commitment, leadership, creativity, and initiative to the DSU, as well as to the campus and community at large.

Jennifer Allott, Science, Coquitlam, B.C.
Patrick Bondy, Arts and Social Sciences, Kansas City, Mo.
Caitlin Grady, Science, Chelsea, Que.
Jacob Hamilton, Science, Dartmouth, NS
Alex Hughes, Arts and Social Sciences, Victoria, B.C.
Mukisa Kakembo, Science, Bedford, N.S.
Mostafa Sarhan, Engineering, Port Said, Egypt

RESIDENCE LIFE LEADER AWARDS

Presented to current residence students in positions of leadership who have best demonstrated an exceptional level of maturity and professionalism, encourage and empower students to engage in student life, lead by example, and work to improve the life of the residence hall.

Xiaoqi Cai, Arts and Social Sciences, Chengdu, China
Kaitlyn Forbes, Health Professions, London, Ont.
James Halliday, Arts and Social Sciences, Mission, B.C.
Kara Koskowich, Science, Lethbridge, Alta.

RESIDENCE LIFE IMPACT AWARDS

Presented to current members of residence hall communities who have made outstanding contributions to the life of their residence community, lead by example by encouraging and empowering residents to get involved, promote respect, and take initiative in creating new opportunities for their peers.

Dimitri Dumcombe, Science, Nassau, Bahamas
Joe Graham, Arts and Social Sciences, Renfrew, Ont.
Alex MacDonald, Management, Toronto, Ont.
Cynthia McNeil-Burke, Arts and Social Sciences, Sydney, N.S.

MOST IMPACTFUL RESIDENCE COUNCIL

Presented to the Residence Council that has demonstrated consistency in event planning and delivery, high participation and attendance of its membership, and sets an example for other student societies.

Risley Hall Residence Council

STUDENT ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR AWARD

Presented to the student who has demonstrated excellence in generating a new idea or concept that has captured the attention of the community, and demonstrates integrity aligned with their personal values.

Kalab Workye, Management, Halifax, N.S.

GREEN AWARD

Presented to a student who has made a significant contribution to improving awareness on environmental and sustainability issues at HÂþ»­, and who has demonstrated passion and inspires others to make a difference.

Paul Bissonnette, Science, Sackville, N.S.

MOST IMPACTFUL NON-COMPETITIVE SPORTS SOCIETY

Presented to a student sports society or club, ratified with the DSU, that has open membership and has demonstrated consistency in event planning and delivery, high participation and attendance of its membership, and sets an example for other student societies.

HÂþ»­ Outdoors Society

MOST IMPACTFUL COMPETITIVE SPORTS SOCIETY

Presented to a student society or club ratified with the DSU that has selective membership and/or competes in intramural leagues, has demonstrated consistency in event planning and delivery, high participation and attendance of its membership, and sets an example for other student societies.

HÂþ»­ University Cheerleading

MOST IMPACTFUL COMMUNITY-BASED SOCIETY

Presented to a student society ratified with the DSU that is active in the HÂþ»­ community and beyond, providing services and addressing issues in the community. It has demonstrated consistency in event planning and delivery, high participation and attendance of its membership, and sets an example for other student societies.

Let’s Talk Science

MOST CHARITABLE SOCIETY

Presented to a student society ratified with the DSU that has made a significant contribution to a charity and has increased awareness at HÂþ»­ of a given charity or cause; has demonstrated consistency in event planning and delivery, fundraising efforts, and high attendance of its membership; and sets an example for other student societies.

Engineers Without Borders

MOST IMPACTFUL DEPARTMENTAL SOCIETY

Presented to a departmental society ratified with the DSU that has demonstrated consistency in event planning and delivery, high participation and attendance of its membership, and sets an example for other student societies.

HÂþ»­ University Nursing Students

MOST IMPACTFUL FACULTY SOCIETY

Presented to the faculty-based society ratified with the DSU that has demonstrated consistency in event planning and delivery, high participation and attendance of its membership, and sets an example for other student societies.

HÂþ»­ Arts and Social Sciences Society

MOST IMPACTFUL LEVIED SOCIETY

Presented to a Type 1 levied student society ratified with the DSU that has demonstrated consistency in event planning and delivery, high participation and attendance of its membership, and sets an example for other student societies.

World University Services Canada

MOST IMPACTFUL CULTURAL/SPIRITUAL SOCIETY

Presented to a student society ratified with the DSU that has raised awareness, engaged students, and increased representation of a culture, religion, or spirituality on campus. It demonstrates consistency in event planning and delivery, high participation and attendance of its membership, and sets an example for other student societies.

Indian Sub-Continent Student Association

MOST IMPACTFUL GENERAL AND SPECIAL INTEREST SOCIETY

Presented to a student society ratified with the DSU that caters to the general or niche interests of students, has demonstrated consistency in event planning and delivery, high participation and attendance of its membership, and sets an example for other student societies.

Rowe Marketing Association

TIGERS LIVE WELL @ DAL AWARD

Presented to a HÂþ»­ varsity student-athlete who demonstrates significant contribution to the community, has increased awareness at HÂþ»­ of a given charity or cause, and demonstrates positive leadership and inspires others to get involved.

Katherine Webster, Arts and Social Sciences, Whitby, Ont.

RECREATION & INTRAMURAL LIVE WELL @DAL AWARD

Presented to a student who demonstrates significant commitment to HÂþ»­â€™s sport club or intramural programs, exemplifies the role of recreational sport in developing and promoting student engagement and fun on campus, demonstrates positive leadership, and inspires others to get involved.

Emily Savage, Law, Halifax, N.S.

STUDENT WELLNESS LIVE WELL @DAL AWARD

Presented to the student who best demonstrates leadership in promoting and contributing to a healthy campus, is a role model for health and wellness both in practice and by impacting others to lead a healthy lifestyle (demonstrated through peer-to-peer education, volunteering, service learning, global outreach, or any activity that enhances quality of life and development).

Anthony Saikali, Science, Halifax, N.S.

OFF-CAMPUS LEADERSHIP AWARD

Presented to an outstanding off-campus student leader who has demonstrated significant leadership, commitment, and service aimed at improving their community.

Nicole Doria, Health Professions, Halifax, N.S.

STUDENT ACTIVIST OF THE YEAR

Presented to the HÂþ»­ student who demonstrates the highest level of passion and commitment to social justice, leads by example, inspires others, and inspires others to create change.

Kimberly Sweeny, Law, Yarmouth, N.S.

TOP DSU COUNCIL MEMBER

Presented to the councillor who has demonstrated a commitment to collaborative problem solving, active representation of their constituency, and initiative in the pursuit of innovation.

Dylan Letendre, Arts and Social Sciences, Prince Albert, Sask.

DSU DAL-KING’S IMPACT AWARD

Presented to the King’s student who is most highly engaged and takes on a leadership role at HÂþ»­. This is the sister award to the KSU Community Engagement Award for HÂþ»­ students at King’s, which acknowledges the contribution of a HÂþ»­ student to the community at King’s College.

Ellish Hart, Arts and Social Sciences, Halifax, N.S.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT OF THE YEAR

The International Student of the Year Award is presented to the student who has demonstrated the highest level of excellence in leadership, engagement in the community, inspires others, and is a respected voice for international students at HÂþ»­.

Lina El-Setouhy, Architecture and Planning, Cairo, Egypt

DSU TEACHING AWARD

Presented to a HÂþ»­ professor who has demonstrated a student-centered approach to teaching by going above and beyond for students and encouraging students to push the boundaries of their learning.

Dr. Kevin Duffy, Department of Psychology and Neuroscience

CERTIFICATES OF DISTINCTION

Presented to students who demonstrate above-average contributions to campus life over the course of a university career, based on a DSU-determined points system. Points are awarded for holding positions within the DSU, being members of HÂþ»­ societies, holding residence leadership roles, and other extracurricular involvement.

William Coney, Arts and Social Sciences, Littleton, Mass.
Katherine Dib, Science, Bedford, N.S.
Kelsey Keddy, Management, Halifax, N.S.
Travis LeBlanc, Medicine, Yarmouth, N.S.
Kylie Marsh, Management, Moncton, N.B.
Areeba Moiz, Science, Karachi, Pakistan
Nick Nguyen, Health Professions, Halifax, N.S.
Salman Sajid, Computer Science, Sargodha, Pakistan
Jacqueline Smith, Arts and Social Sciences, The Pas, Man.
Margot Thomas, Management, Toronto, Ont.

GOLD D

Presented to top HÂþ»­ students to recognize an elite level of involvement and achievement in campus life over the course of their university career. Students are ranked based on a points system for holding positions within the DSU, as members of HÂþ»­ societies, through residence leadership roles, and other extracurricular involvement. The committee may select a student for this award if the student has not achieved the requisite amount of points, yet has made outstanding extracurricular contributions in the community.

Yasmin Beydoun, Arts and Social Sciences, Halifax, N.S.
Sarah Dobson, Arts and Social Sciences, Halifax, N.S.
Angela Hou, Arts and Social Sciences, Vancouver, B.C.
Christina Joynt, Arts and Social Sciences, Mississauga, Ont.
Rhiannon Makohoniuk, Health Professions, Moncton, N.B.
Jad Sinno, Science, Halifax, N.S.

FACULTY LEADERSHIP AWARDS

Presented to a student in good academic standing in each HÂþ»­ faculty. These students exemplify the highest level of passion for their discipline, take initiative in creating new opportunities, and encourage their peers to engage in faculty events. Faculty Leadership Award winners positively impact other students in their faculty and the reputation of their faculty outside of the classroom

Agriculture

Emily Davis, Environmental Science, Oxford, N.S.

Architecture and Planning

Jeremy Banks, Community Design, Parksville, B.C.

Arts and Social Sciences

Kaelen MacDonald, Theatre, Saint John, N.B.

Computer Science

Hasmeet Singh Chandok, Ludhiana, India

Dentistry

Abby Barton, Dentistry, Fredericton, N.B.

Engineering

Emily Young, Computer Engineering, Ottawa, Ont.

Health Professions

Leah Carrier, Nursing, Lillooet, B.C.

Law

Peter L’Esperance, Prospect, N.S.

Management

Katie Flanagan, Marketing Management, Kitchener, Ont.

Medicine

Michael MacGillivary, North Sydney, N.S.

Science

Tori Taylor, Chemistry, Mississauga, Ont.

LILLI JU AWARD

Presented to a student who has exhibited the most significant lifetime achievement of outstanding contribution to university life.

Bobby Macpherson, Arts and Social Sciences, Cedar Valley, Ont.

LEVEL CHAN AWARD

Presented to a student who has made the most outstanding contribution to student advocacy and academic justice.

John Hutton, Arts and Social Sciences, Halifax, N.S.

MALCOLM HONOUR AWARD

Presented to a HÂþ»­ student to recognize an elite level of involvement and achievement in campus life over the course of a university career.

Christie Silversides, Health Professions, Scarborough, Ont.

BOARD OF GOVERNORS’ AWARDS

The Governors’ Awards are the top student awards at HÂþ»­ University. They recognize students who contribute to the quality and vitality of the university and the achievement of its mission, through both their academic accomplishments and their involvement in campus life. They are awarded each year for exceptional contributions or leadership in such areas as university governance, development of a sense of community on campus, community service, internationalizing the campus, visual or performing arts, minority access, or athletics, while maintaining a GPA of 3.0 or above.

Hasmeet Singh Chandok, Computer Science, Ludhiana, India
Sarah Catherine MacNeil, Health Professions, Albert Bridge, N.S.
Jeremy Ryant, Arts and Social Sciences, Winnipeg, Man.
Aaron Veerland Taylor, Arts and Social Sciences, Debert, N.S.
Maike van Niekerk, Health Professionas, Massey Drive, N.L.

Read more about this year's Board of Governors' Awards recipients here.