Dalhousie lit the spotlights and rolled out the red carpet for the 4th annual Student Impact Awards on March 26. Students, staff, and faculty members dressed to the nines and gathered in a glittering McInnes Room to celebrate some of Dalhousie’s most inspiring students in style.
“I’ve always thought the Impact Awards were like the Oscars of Dalhousie. Actually, I think the Oscars are more like the Impact Awards of Hollywood,” joked co-hosts Rebecca Elridge and Julian McGuire to the crowd of over 400.
After the soothing sounds of Moe Kabbara on the guitar, and warm welcomes from Dalhousie President Richard Florizone and DSU President Ramz Aziz, the evening’s award ceremony commenced to honour dozens of students and societies for their outstanding contributions to the Dalhousie and Halifax communities.
“We all benefit from the creativity, engagement, and new ideas that come from this remarkable group being honoured tonight,” said Dr. Florizone of the impressive collection of student leaders.
Between award announcements and a delectable three-course meal, the crowd was treated to musical performances from DalJam and Emergency Choir Operation, as well as two vibrant dances from the Sikh Student Association and the Nova Scotia Chinese Culture & Art Club. The venue was teeming with gold and black balloons, a live-tweet projection screen, and Dal-branded cookies at each seat. Throughout the night, guests crowded to commemorate the evening with friends by striking a pose at the event’s professional photo booth.
“I think that the night itself is a great opportunity to bring staff and students together,” says award recipient Anthony Saikali, founder of the Dalhousie Medical Campus Response Team (DMCRT). “It’s inspiring to meet people who have done so much to benefit our community.”
The award ceremony is a fantastic opportunity for students and faculty members to celebrate and share their accomplishments, and continue to inspire positive initiatives within our community.
The Impact Award’s extravagant décor and assortment of awards are a modest appraisal of the outstanding list of achievements made by the students of Dalhousie. In total, there were 82 framed pennants given out to winners for 30 different awards. Five recipients of the Board of Governors' Awards were also recognized. (Read about the winners here.)
The SAIL Impact Awards at the Agricultural Campus were held on March 30, and recognized 14 students along with another 12 who received their Student Advancement in Leadership (SAIL) Certificates.
Below is a list of all recipients from both the Halifax and Truro events.
2015 Impact Award winners (Halifax event)
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.
Meredith Baldwin, Arts and Social Sciences, Burlington, On
Katherine Beaton, Science, Halifax, NS
Sébastien Clairmont, Science, Barrington, NS
Samantha Dixon, Management, Sackville, NS
Jessica Melanson, Science, Dieppe, NB
Scott Rairdan, Arts and Social Sciences, Calgary, AB
Alysha Rose, Science, Saanichton, BC
GuanQiang Song, Management, CangZhou, China
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.
Xavier Hartley, Science, Fall River, NS
Meredith Ivany, Science, Windsor Junction, NS
Byung Jun Kang, Architecture and Planning, Bathurst, NB
Laura Lowe, Arts and Social Sciences, Annapolis Royal, NS
Brandy Morrow, Health Professions, Quispamsis, NB
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.
Joanna Cohen, Health Professions, Richmond Hill, ON
Joe Graham, Arts and Social Sciences, Renfrew, ON
Tori Kort, Architecture and Planning, Kelowna, BC
Katy Mitukiewicz, Management, Elora, ON
Jacqueline Otterbein, Science, Owen Sound, ON
Celia Rossiter, Arts and Social Sciences, Lower Cape, NB
Tareq Yousef, Science, Halifax, NS
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.
Howe Hall Residence Council
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.
Carlisle Norwood, Management, Halifax, NS
GREEN AWARD
Presented to a student who has made a significant contribution to improving awareness on environmental and sustainability issues at Dalhousie, and who has demonstrated passion and inspires others to make a difference.
Rylie Arnell, Arts and Social Sciences, Calgary, AB
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.
Dalhousie Women’s Lacrosse Team
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.
Dalhousie Cricket Society
MOST IMPACTFUL COMMUNITY-BASED SOCIETY
Presented to a student society ratified with the DSU that is active in the Dalhousie 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.
Special Tigers Society
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 Dalhousie 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.
Dalhousie Commerce Society
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.
Dalhousie Biochemistry Students Society
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.
The Dalhousie 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.
The Dalhousie Medical Campus Response Team
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.
DalJam
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.
The Dalhousie International Students’ Association
TIGERS LIVE WELL @ DAL AWARD
Presented to a Dalhousie varsity student-athlete who demonstrates significant contribution to the community, has increased awareness at Dalhousie of a given charity or cause, and demonstrates positive leadership and inspires others to get involved.
Sarah MacNeil, Health Professions, Albert Bridge, NS
RECREATION LIVE WELL @DAL AWARD
Presented to a sport club member who demonstrates significant commitment to Dalhousie’s sport club program, exemplifies the role of sport clubs in developing and promoting student engagement and fun on campus, demonstrates positive leadership, and inspires others to get involved.
Rachel Mays, Science, London, ON
INTRAMURAL LIVE WELL @DAL AWARD
Presented to a Dalhousie intramural participant who demonstrates significant commitment to Dalhousie’s intramural program, exemplifies the role of intramurals in developing and promoting student engagement and fun on campus, and demonstrates positive leadership and inspires others to get involved.
Eliza Jackson, Architecture and Planning, Hamilton, ON
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).
Hillary Geneau, Arts and Social Sciences, Brockville, ON
STUDENT ACTIVIST OF THE YEAR
Presented to the Dalhousie student who demonstrates the highest level of passion and commitment to social justice, leads by example, inspires others, and inspires others to create change.
John (JD) Hutton, Arts and Social Sciences, Halifax, NS
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.
Kaitlynne Lowe, Arts and Social Sciences, Bowmanville, ON
DSU DAL-KING’S IMPACT AWARD
Presented to the King’s student who is most highly engaged and takes on a leadership role at Dalhousie. This is the sister award to the KSU Community Engagement Award for Dalhousie students at King’s, which acknowledges the contribution of a Dalhousie student to the community at King’s College.
Harrington Critchley, Arts and Social Sciences, Toronto, ON
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 Dalhousie.
Sepehr Rassi, Science, Tehran, Iran
DSU TEACHING AWARD
The DSU Teaching Impact Award is given to a Dalhousie 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.
Jin Yue, Department of Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture
Aitazaz Farooque, Department of Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture
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 Dalhousie societies, holding residence leadership roles, and other extracurricular involvement.
Tanisha Chakma, Arts and Social Sciences, Thaka, Bangladesh
Treasure Daniels, Arts and Social Sciences, Awa Iman, Nigeria
Bridget Graham, Arts and Social Sciences, Beachburg, ON
Joseph Johnson, Arts and Social Sciences, Middleton, NS
Harry Makohoniuk, Heath Professions, Moncton, NB
Leah Morris, Arts and Social Sciences, Lindsay, ON
Sam Pajot-Phipps, Management, Calgary, AB
Alyson Petsche, Engineering, Hamilton, ON
Brandon Randall, Arts and Social Sciences, Mississauga, ON
Christine Rankin, Arts and Social Sciences, Oakville, ON
Jeremy Ryant, Arts and Social Sciences, Winnipeg, Manitoba
Christie Silversides, Health Professions, Toronto, ON
Emma Skagen, Arts and Social Sciences, Halifax, NS
Daniel Smith, Architecture and Planning, Esquimalt, BC
Alexis Stevenson, Arts and Social Sciences, Vancouver, BC
Ashley Whelan, Science, Halifax, NS
GOLD Ds
Presented to top Dalhousie 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 Dalhousie 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.
Zahraa Cherri, Science, Halifax, NS
Bobby MacPherson, Arts and Social Sciences, Newmarket, ON
Hima Merdan, Management, Port Said, Egypt
Ranjith Kumar Murugesan, Engineering, Namakkal, India
Vishwa Patel, Engineering, Ahmedabad, India
Chelsea Peterson, Engineering, Charlo, NB
Taylor Quinn, Arts and Social Sciences, Vancouver, BC
Anthony Saikali, Science, Halifax, NS
Jomel Varghese, Engineering, Halifax, NS
FACULTY LEADERSHIP AWARDS
Presented to a student in good academic standing in each Dalhousie 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
Qi Ming (Hugh) Lu, Plant Science, Fujian Province, China
Architecture and Planning
Matthew Jones, Architecture, Halifax, NS
Arts and Social Sciences
Emma Skagen, English, Halifax, NS
Computer Science
Alexis Stevenson, East Lawrencetown, NS
Engineering
Alyson Petsche, Mechanical Engineering, Hamilton, ON
Health Professions
Hanqing Yang, Nursing, Nanjing, China
Law
Kevin Fernandes, Mississauga, ON
Management
Grant Flagler, Management, Toronto, ON
Medicine
Russell Christie, Petrolia, ON
Science
Dan Nicholson, Neuroscience, Sault St. Marie, ON
LILLI JU AWARD
Presented to a student who has exhibited the most signifi cant lifetime achievement of outstanding contribution to university life.
Sagar Jha, Science, Halifax, NS
LEVEL CHAN AWARD
Presented to a student who has made the most outstanding contribution to student advocacy and academic justice.
Ali Calladine, Science, Whistler, BC
MALCOLM HONOUR AWARD
Presented to a Dalhousie student to recognize an elite level of involvement and achievement in campus life over the course of a university career.
Danny Shanahan, Management, Halifax, NS
BOARD OF GOVERNORS’ AWARDS
The Governors’ Awards are the top student awards at Dalhousie 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.
Owen Johnstone, Agriculture, Fall River, NS
Kristy McGregor-Bales, Health Professions, Ottawa, ON
Mahbubur Rahman, Engineering, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Randii-Lynn Sullivan, Health Professions, Dryden, ON
Xinyu (Lokiy) Wang, Management, Jining City, China
2015 SAIL Impact Awards winners (Truro event)
STUDENT LEADERSHIP AWARD FOR A CLUB OR ORGANIZATION
Presented to a student or student group for their commitment, time, energy and resources for making a difference to other students.
Rosalie Madden
IMPACT AWARD FOR STUDENT GOVERNMENT
Presented to a student for their commitment and leadership to Dal AC by taking an active role in student government and by genuinely demonstrating their commitment to DASA and all of the students on this campus.
Harris Bakker
IMPACT AWARD FOR ENVIRONMENTAL LEADERSHIP
Presented to a student for their commitment in providing leadership through creating and/or maintaining a sustainable environment through campus.
Shanthanu Krishnakumar
Rebekah Bailey
COMMUNITY SERVICE STUDENT LEADERSHIP IMPACT AWARD
Presented to an individual who has demonstrated their community spirit by volunteering regularly and whole-heartedly. This student is recognized for maintaining community connections, a great reputation and pride in the work that they do.
Jessica Fogarty
RESIDENCE STUDENT LEADERSHIP IMPACT AWARD
Presented to an outstanding student leader who has demonstrated significant leadership, commitment and spirit to improving the quality of life for students in residence.
Josh Kelly
STUDENT LEADERSHIP HEALTH EDUCATION IMPACT AWARD
Presented to a student leader who, through the creative use of resources, has enhanced the quality of student life and development on this campus.
Ainsley Lofstedt
RISING LEADER IMPACT AWARD
Presented to a first-year student who has demonstrated outstanding school spirit through involvement in campus life.
Mitchell Watt
OUTSTANDING TUTOR STUDENT LEADERSHIP IMPACT AWARD
Presented to a student or student group who provides exceptional help, knowledge and outstanding services to his or her tutee or tutees.
Tonya-Lynne Carew
Falina Dovick
Krista Head
Owen Johnstone
Stephanie Moquin
DALHOUSIE UNIVERSITY FACULTY OF AGRICULTURE SPIRIT AWARD
Presented to a student who exhibits school spirit through his or her enthusiasm and contribution to multiple activities at Dal AC.
Qi Ming (Hugh) Lu
PHILLIP STEAD MEMORIAL EXCELLENCE IN STUDENT LEADERSHIP AWARD
Presented in memory of Phillip Stead, a graduate of the Nova Scotia Agricultural College who devoted much of his personal and professional time to the advancement of Maritime agriculture. It recognizes a student at Dal AC who has demonstrated a significant and positive impact on campus and community life through their leadership skills and initiative; has demonstrated academic achievement; is committed to team work; has influenced the development of future campus leaders; and is recognized as a role model and effective leader by peers, staff, and faculty. The award comes with a $2,500 prize donated by the Stead family, the Nova Scotia/Newfoundland Branch of the Holstein Association of Canada, and the surrounding community.
Jessica Fogarty
STUDENT ADVANCEMENT IN LEADERSHIP (SAIL) CERTIFICATES
Presented to students in the SAIL program who have participated in professional workshops, traveled to conferences, and have experienced practical knowledge in communication, career, leadership and personal development.
Chantal Martine Belanger
Chen Chen
Jessica Lynn Fogarty
Shelby Lynne Jamieson
Hefei Lin
Qi Ming (Hugh) Lu
Lan Anh Nguyen Do
Maleanie Dawn Porter
Punya Raja
Melis Seven
John Yool