Excellence in Student Leadership Awards

The Phillip Stead Memorial Excellence in Student Leadership Award aims to reward and encourage a student with outstanding leadership on the Agricultural Campus and/or within the community. The student must have demonstrated their capacity to have improved student and general life on Agricultural Campus by organizing or leading groups, events and activities on or off-campus. Selection for this award will include academic performance, financial need, and other awards that have been granted to the nominee.

Award Criteria:

• Completion of the nomination form.
• Submission of one to three letters of support within the nomination form.
• Submission of the students CV within the nomination form.        

Letters of Support should address the following questions:

• How has the student nominee demonstrated their capacity to imporve student life on the Agricultural Campus? 
• How would the financial aspect of this award benefit the student nominee's future aspirations?

Thanks to the generous support of the Stead Family the award recipient will receive a $2500 award. 

2023/24 Award Winner: Anagha Kumar, Master of Science | Faculty of Agriculture

The Faculty of Agriculture Leadership Award recognizes a student in good academic standing at the Faculty of Agriculture, who exemplifies the highest level of passion for their discipline, takes initiative in creating new opportunities and encourages their peers to engage in campus initiatives. The award winner positively impacts other students in their faculty and the reputation of their faculty at Dalhousie outside of the classroom. The award recipient will receive a gift at the Excellence in Student Leadership Award Banquet in Truro.  

Award Criteria:

• Completion of the nomination form.
• Submission of one to three letters of support within the nomination form. 

Letters of Support should address the following questions:

• How has the student worked to connect with different campus groups (i.e. international, Indigenous, African decent, diploma students), highlightling how the student has been involved with the campus or larger community? 
• How has the student demonstrated the following leadership abilities; teamwork, communication and problem solving skills?

This award is also presented at the IMPACT Awards in Halifax. 

2023/24 Award Winner: Harichandana Valisakkagari, Master of Science | Faculty of Agriculture

The Campus Housing Leadership Award seeks to celebrate individuals who have played a pivotal role in creating a home away from home for their fellow house mates. Join us in recognizing those who embody the spirit of community leadership, making a lasting impact on the shared living experience at Dal AC. The Campus Housing Leadership Award is dedicated to honoring an exceptional student who has made significant contributions to fostering a vibrant and inclusive community within campus housing. This award celebrates their dedication in forging a sense of belonging, connection, and support among their fellow students. The award recipient will receive a gift at the Excellence in Student Leadership Award Banquet.

Award Criteria:

• Completion of the nomination form.
• Submission of one to three letters of support within the nomination form. 

Letters of Support should address the following questions:

• How has the student demonstrated leadership (Teamwork, Communication and Creativity) within the campus housing community?
• How has the student worked to build an inclusive, equitable, and welcoming campus housing community?

2023/24 Award Winner: Levi Sama, Bachelor Agriculture | Faculty of Agriculture

The Global Citizenship Leadership Award honours an outstanding student who has demonstrated exceptional leadership in building bridges between domestic and international students on campus. This award celebrates individuals who embody the spirit of a global citizen by fostering cross-cultural connections, promoting inclusivity, and creating a harmonious environment that bridges diverse perspectives. It recognizes individuals who foster unity and understanding among domestic and international students, contributing to a more interconnected and vibrant campus. Join us in recognizing those who inspire a sense of global community at Dal AC. The award recipient will receive a $300 monetary prize from the Faculty of Agriculture International Office. 

Award Criteria:

• Completion of the nomination form.
• Submission of one to three letters of support within the nomination form. 

Letters of Support should address the following questions:

• How is the student involved in the campus or larger community? Outline their role and level of responsibility, demonstrating how the student has worked to connect with different campus groups (i.e. international, Indigenous, African decent, diploma students). 
• How has the student demonstrated the following leadership abilities; teamwork, communication and inclusion?

2023/24 Award Winner: Vaishnavi Jayachandran, BSc (Agr) Plant Science | Faculty of Agriculture

The Student Governance Award recognizes a student who has made a valuable and significant contribution to governance at Dal AC. The award celebrates students who actively and constructively participate in campus governance thought associations, councils and committees. The recipient demonstrates collegiality, inclusiveness and dedication to improving Dal AC though effective governance. The award recipient will receive a gift at the Excellence in Student Leadership Award Banquet.

Award Criteria:

• Completion of the nomination form.
• Submission of one to three letters of support within the nomination form. 

Letters of Support should address the following questions:

• How has the student been involvedt on campus?
• How has the student demonstrated their commitment to the campus community through a formalized role on campus related to student governance?

2023/24 Award Winner: Tessa MacIsaac, BSc(Agr) Environmental Sciences | Faculty of Agriculture

The Advocacy Leadership Award is presented to a student advocate who is a voice for the student population, or other communities in need. This student is cause driven. The Advocacy Leadership Award recognizes and celebrates the outstanding contributions of a student who has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to advocacy and social change on our campus. This prestigious award aims to acknowledge and honor individuals whose passion, dedication, and innovative approaches have made a meaningful impact on the lives of their peers and the broader university community. The award recipient will receive a gift at the Excellence in Student Leadership Award Banquet.

Award Criteria:

• Completion of the nomination form.
• Submission of one to three letters of support within the nomination form. 

Letters of Support should address the following questions:

• How has the student demonstrated leadership (Teamwork, Communication and Creativity) within the campus or surrounding community?
• How has the student demonstrated their commitment to advocacy work and social change? Please outline the impact of this work on the campus or surrounding community.  

2023/24 Award Winner: Tyler Schmidt-Schaun, BSc (Bioveterinary Sciences) | Faculty of Agriculture

The Student Wellbeing Leadership Award seeks to celebrate individuals who have dedicated themselves to promoting a culture of health, happiness, and support within the university community. Join us in recognizing those who embody the spirit of wellbeing, making a lasting impact on the overall health and happiness of our students at Dal AC. The Student Wellbeing Leadership Award recognizes an exceptional student who has demonstrated outstanding commitment to enhancing the overall wellbeing of the university community. This award celebrates individuals who have made significant contributions to fostering a healthy and supportive environment, encompassing mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing, whether through athletics, student wellness initiatives, or advocating for essential support services. The award recipient will receive a gift at the Excellence in Student Leadership Award Banquet.

Award Criteria:

• Completion of the nomination form.
• Submission of one to three letters of support within the nomination form. 

Letters of Support should address the following questions:

• How has the student been involved in wellness activities, promotion or advocacy within the campus community? Outline their role and level of responsibility within community initiatives. 
• How has the student demonstrated leadership (Teamwork, Communication and Creativity) within the campus or surrounding community?

2023/24 Award Winner: Alexe Indigo, BSc(Agr) Plant Science | Faculty of Agriculture

The New Student Leader Award shines a spotlight on the vibrant spirit and exceptional contributions of an undergraduate student who, though new to our campus community, has already left an indelible mark on university life. This award celebrates the enthusiasm, dedication, and leadership demonstrated by a student who joined the campus in the current academic year, either as a fresh-faced high school graduate or as a dynamic transfer student. The New Student Leaders Award is not just about making a fresh start; it's about making a dynamic impact. Join us in celebrating those who have embraced their new academic home with open arms and have already become an integral part of the Dal AC family. The award recipient will receive a gift at the Excellence in Student Leadership Award Banquet.

Award Criteria:

• Completion of the nomination form.
• Submission of one to three letters of support within the nomination form.
• Must be a student new to campus, having started their studies at the AC in the current academic year.  

Letters of Support should address the following questions:

• How has the student demonstrated the following leadership abilities; teamwork, communication and inclusion?
• How has the student positively impacted the student experience on the Agricultural Campus?

2023/24 Award Winner: Anya Baklinski, BSc (Agr) Pre-vet | Faculty of Agriculture

The First Year Experience Influencer Award honours an exceptional upper-year student who has demonstrated outstanding commitment to supporting the successful transition of new students into the university community. This award celebrates their unwavering dedication to go above and beyond to ensure that new students feel welcome, connected, and equipped for success during their transition to life at Dal AC. The award recipient has played a pivotal role in ensuring that a new student's journey begins with a warm welcome and a pathway to success. The award recipient will receive a gift at the Excellence in Student Leadership Award Banquet.

Award Criteria:

• Completion of the nomination form.
• Submission of one to three letters of support within the nomination form. 

Letters of Support should address the following questions:

• How has the student been involved in supporting new students transition within the campus community?
• How has the student demonstrated the following leadership abilities; teamwork, communication and problem solving skills?

2023/24 Award Winner: Emily Smith, BSc (Bioveterinary Sciences) | Faculty of Agriculture

The Everyday Leadership Award celebrates the often unseen, yet powerful impact of everyday leadership exhibited by university students. This award recognizes individuals who, through their personal interactions have significantly contributed to the growth and wellbeing of the university community, whether through the indispensable contributions of a student who stands out as the go-to source for course details within the academic realm, or one who rallies students to supports their peers at varsity or club events. Everyday Leadership celebrates the often subtle, yet transformative leadership exhibited by individuals who make a meaningful difference in the lives of their peers. Join us in recognizing those who embody the spirit of leadership in the little things, contributing to the positive fabric of our university community. The award recipient will receive a gift at the Excellence in Student Leadership Award Banquet.

Award Criteria:

• Completion of the nomination form.
• Submission of one to three letters of support within the nomination form. 

Letters of Support should address the following questions:

• How has the student demonstrated leadership (Teamwork, Communication and Creativity) within the campus or surrounding community?
• How have the student's actions or attitude positively impacted the Dal AC community, particularly the student experience?

2023/24 Award Winner: Riley Henderson, BSc (Bioveterinary Sciences) | Faculty of Agriculture

The Best in Barnyard Award is your chance to give a pawsitively outstanding friend the recognition they deserve. So, whether it's a quack-tastic duck, a woolly wonder, or a feathery friend, let's celebrate the critter that rules the roost on our campus! The Best in Barnyard Award—an udderly delightful recognition for the campus's most cherished four-legged friend! This award celebrates the quirkiest, fluffiest, and feathered individuals who bring an extra dose of whimsy to our university grounds. It's time to put on your fanciest hooves and feathers because we're crowning the "Best in Barnyard"!

Award Criteria:

• Completion of the nomination form.
• Submission a photo of the animal. RAC Guidelines

The student who nominated the award recipient will be invited to attend the Leadership Banquet in March. 

Honoured: Emily Smith, BSc (Bioveterinary Sciences) | Faculty of Agriculture and Ellie with twin calves, Holstein | Ruminant Animal Centre

While a student may not meet the criteria for any of the above awards we know they have still achieve personal, professional, and academic goals, and we want to hear about them. Share you own or another student's successes with us! This is your time to say thank you to a study partner, a friend or classmate or acknowledge their recent accomplishment. 

Kudos can be for personal, professional, or academic accomplishments. They will be shared during awards celebration and on our Instagram, @dalacstudentlife, in the days leading up to the event. 

2023/24 Kudos: Residence Guest Sign-in Staff, Chapman RA Team, Trueman RA Team, Fraser RA Team, Chapman House Council, Trueman House Council, Fraser House Council, & Student Success Peer Advisors.