2010 E-Award Winners

Congratulations 2010 E-Award Winners!

Deanna Cardinal Memorial Award

Samantha Thiessen
As a Resident Advisor, Samantha strives to be a mentor and positive role model for her fellow students and residents. She is committed to acting as an Aboriginal liaison between her co-workers and Iniskim students, as well as addressing common stereotypes through Aboriginal awareness training activities.

Beyond Disabilities Award

Alyssa Denis
Alyssa first got involved with the Access Ability Centre on her very first day at Mount Royal. Since then she has been an active volunteer with the centre, where she makes students feel welcome, helps with events, and works to make Mount Royal University more accessible for everyone. Alyssa also devotes her time to volunteering with the Lions Foundation and the Alberta Lupus and Arthritis Societies.

Gender and Sexual Diversity Award

Phillip Fradkin
Philipp’s volunteer commitments with the Students’ Association include working with the Peer Support Centre, Diversity Centre, Student Outreach and Safe walk. Most notably, he has been very involved with diversity centre events such as Pride Week and Safe Sex day. No matter where he is volunteering, however, Philip is dedicated to educating others, and promoting acceptance and understanding of diversity.

Athletics Award

Brett Bothwell
As a member of the Mount Royal cougars hockey team, Brett demonstrates a good work ethic, determination, and teamwork. He applies these skills both on and off the rink, as an athlete and a dedicated student, approaching both with confidence, and commitment to accountability.

Citizenship Award

Pat Hinds 
Pat has been a volunteer at the Peer Support Centre for over 2 years, advocating for and working directly with students and their families. She assists her fellow students by providing support in emergency situations, connecting them with services and resources, and simply by being there as someone who understands.

Citizenship Award

Catherine Smart
The Nonprofit Studies program has allowed Catherine to explore her passion for volunteerism and community involvement. She has participated in many campus events, including New Student Orientation, FAN Club Fun Day, and the Grad Send Off. Off campus she is a dedicated volunteer with the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of Canada, and the coordinator of their Black Gold Gala.

Green Earth Award

Eliese Watson
Eliese has been an executive member of Sustainable Mount Royal since 2008, and is also an active volunteer with the Sustainability Centre. She has been very involved in both the Community Garden Initiative and the Where to Find Community Festival at Mount Royal, as well as the Calgary Permaculture Society off campus.

Lifelong Learning Award

Christopher James Sia
Dedicating years of your life to accomplishing your educational and career goals takes focus, drive, and hard work. In pursuit of a career in health care, beginning as a nurse, Christopher has already committed years to his studies, and plans to continue on that path with the aim of becoming a surgeon. On top of his academic obligations, Christopher is also an avid volunteer, both on and off campus.

Directed Field Studies Award 

Chelsea Watson
Chelsea is currently employed in her second Directed Field Studies opportunity, after having worked with the Calgary Counselling Centre last spring. While working towards an Applied Communications Degree, she has shown great initiative in using these opportunities to expand on her knowledge base and apply what she learned in the classroom to work place settings.

Directed Field Studies Award 

Brad Vandergaag
As a student in the Ecotourism and Outdoor Leadership program, Brad is passionate about both outdoor pursuits, and sustainability and conservation. These interests have led to his participation in an upcoming 8 week practicum to conserve wildlife habitats and build sustainable livelihoods in Fiji. By getting involved in this project Brad hopes to make a difference in a marginalized community, and implement the knowledge and skills he has learned here at Mount Royal.

Part Time Studies Award 

Laura Wettstein 
After completing the Applied Business and Entrepreneurship program at Mount Royal, Laura decided to return and pursue her Bachelors of Business Administration part time. The flexibility of this program allows her to continue to work full-time, as well as to remain engaged in campus and community involvement.

Part Time Studies Award

Simon Peter Sia
As a part time student in the Bridge to Canadian Nursing program, Simon is an international nurse who is making the transition into the Canadian workforces. Along with studying, Simon has become very involved with both the Peer Support Centre and the Student Outreach and Safewalk Centre, and still finds the time to work off campus.

Excellence in Community Service Award

SIFE
The SIFE club follows the mantra “Create Opportunity”, which allows their members to have a positive impact on the community. Through events such as the Eco-Living fair, the 31-Day Challenge, and their financial literacy program, the members of SIFE endeavour to create opportunities for all Calgarians, and make real changes in the Calgary community.

Excellence in Membership Services Award

CYCC
CYCC is dedicated to creating opportunities for its members, and enriching their university experience. They organize functions for students to socialize, such as a Christmas party and graduation dinner, while providing access to training programs outside of class, such as the ASIST training. CYCC also enhances the experience of their members and the university community through their dedicated involvement in fundraising.

Reflector Award

Collin Semenoff
Collin brings a spirit of leadership and professionalism to all aspects of his life, from academic and volunteer commitments, to employment opportunities and community events. He believes strongly in fostering a positive environment at MRU, and contributing to his university community as a student leader and ambassador.

Outstanding Student of the Year Award

Michelle Dennis 
Michelle has pursued her dream of a University education with passion, determination, and enthusiasm. Aside from her academic accomplishments, Michelle has been extremely involved in the university community, participating in the SA Student Council, the Native Student Centre, the AMARA student club, the Public Relations Society, and many other organizations. Her devotion to academics and volunteerism are truly admirable, and inspiring to those around her.

Gold Award

Christine MacDonald
During her time at Mount Royal University, Christine has made finding a balance between academics and extracurricular activities a real priority. She has maintained a high standard academically, while being heavily involved in Sustainable MRU, the Mount Royal Sustainability Committee, and Canadian Prairie Air and Waste Management and Northern Sections. Her ability to get involved, act as leader among her peers, and commit to her studies have made her time at MRU exceptional.

Silver Award

Aris Aristorenas
If the university experience is what you make of it, then for Aris it has been about bringing people together. As a peer tutor, Aris has gone beyond furthering his own education, to helping countless others be successful in their classes. He is also a dedicated volunteer for the Peer Support Centre, Student Outreach & Safewalk, The Reflector, and the Society of Photographers at MRU.

Silver Award

Ashley Schiller
As a high achieving physical education program student, Ashley has a passionate commitment to health, especially in the community health education spectrum. She hopes to counteract rising obesity rates in youth through changes to the current health education program, and through her volunteer efforts with the Heart and stroke Foundation. Ashley is also a peer health educator on campus, and writes health related articles for the Reflector.

Bronze Award

Missy P. Chareka
Missy strives to demonstrate professionalism and commitment in all of her contributions to the Mount Royal community, as well as her studies. She is very involved on campus, and her volunteer interests include the Communication and Engagement Committee, the Peer Support Centre, Mount Royal open house and orientation, and Anti-Oppression workshops.

Bronze Award

Serena Navarro
As a psychology student Serena believes that knowledge and understanding are the keys to building community and making a difference in society. She displays these beliefs through her work with the Psychology Society, the Sustainability Club, Peer Tutoring, Forum Theatre, and her passionate commitment to her academic career.

Outstanding Councillor of the Year

Tommy Leiu
Tommy has served two consecutive terms on students’ council as the Science and Technology Faculty Representative. He is devoted to student governance, attending Science Faculty Council, SAMRU board, and Council Engagement Committee meetings, while participating in many initiatives and training sessions, such as Student Code of Conduct Training, Budgetary document training, and Governance training. Tommy is also an active volunteer, and has assisted with events such as Project Runway, Calgary Student Caucus, and Exam Relief.

Teaching Excellence Award

Gaye Warthe 
As an instructor in the Social Work program, Gaye works hard to engage her classes and connect with students on a personal level. Her supportive, ‘open door’ policy encourages her students to express themselves and make the most of their classroom experience.

Teaching Excellence Award

Dawn Clark
Dawn is a Child and Youth Studies instructor who always goes the extra mile for her students. She fills every class with current, relevant research, and is always ready to make time for students and provide them with guidance and support.

Teaching Excellence Award 

Marlene Kingsmith
Through her unwavering support and dedication, Marlene has become much more than a teacher in the eyes of her students. She is a mentor, friend, trusted resource, and support system, who is always there to listen and provide encouragement.

Champion Award

Gina Coupland
Gina is a passionate and approachable Student and Practicum Advisor for the Social Work Diploma Program. Her personal experience as a graduate of the program makes her an exceptional advisor as well as a remarkable role model.

Champion Award 

Angie Smith 
Angie goes above and beyond her role in the Child and Youth Studies Department to ensure that students have the resources they need to be successful. She is a compassionate listener, a source of guidance and reassurance, and someone who will do what it takes to find the answers students need.

Champion Award

Cyndi Cave
As an advisor to FAN Club, Cyndi leads by example and takes an active role on campus through her work on various committees. Her friendly nature immediately puts students at ease, and she always makes time to provide help or guidance to those who need it.

View or order professional photos from the event through James C. Stangroom’s website.  
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