It was a packed house in the McInnes Room on Tuesday night, as a crowd of 400-plus celebrated the impressive accomplishments of some incredible Dal students.
From the red carpet at the entrance to the black and gold themed room upstairs (complete with gold star balloons, Impact Awards-branded cookies for everyone, and live tweets and Instagram photos on the projection screens), the event pulled out all the stops.
Hosted by students Raeesa Lalani and Jayde Tynes, the banquet also featured live student entertainment from guitarist Moe Kabarra, singer-songwriter Ana Vidovic, bhangra dancers from the Sikh Student Association, Dal’s Got Talent winner Emily Ambrose and the popular Canadiana folk-pop-rock-bop band Tiger Patrol.
Tiger Patrol featuring Impact winners Utae Lee (l) and George Woodhouse (r).
The night began with words of wisdom from three levels of leadership at Dal. “The Impact Awards reflect the incredible diversity of our student population and the varied backgrounds, interests and talents you each bring to the university,” said Chancellor Fred Fountain.
Speaking for the students, DSU President Sagar Jha reminded the crowd of the reason for the celebration: “These people didn’t do all they’ve done for the awards, and that’s why they’re being recognized.”
Bonnie Neuman, vice-president of Student Services, spoke on behalf of President Richard Florizone, who was called out of town and couldn’t attend. “The students we’re celebrating tonight embody the best of the Dalhousie spirit: passionate, driven, and eager to help,” she said. “You bring fresh and bold ideas to bear on improving the lives of your fellow students, your neighbours, and society at large.”
In all, 70 engraved and framed pennants were handed out for 32 different awards. (The Agricultural Campus celebrated its students at its own event in Truro on March 18.) Below is a list of all recipients.
2014 IMPACT Award winners
RISING STARS
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.
Angela Hou, Arts and Social Sciences, Vancouver, B.C.
Caroline Merner, Arts and Social Sciences, Victoria, B.C.
Ntombi Nkiwane, Arts and Social Sciences, Johannesburg, South Africa
Alyson Petsche, Engineering, Hamilton, Ont.
Maike van Niekerk, Health Professions, Corner Brook, N.L.
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.
Mohamed Assem, Science, Aleppo, Syria
Lauren Dickhout, Health Professions, Port Coquitlam, B.C.
Bobby MacPherson, Arts and Social Sciences, Cedar Valley, Ont.
Kylie Marsh, Science, Moncton, N.B.
Ivan Slywka, Management, Lipton, Sask.
Layne Wilson, Arts and Social Sciences, Coaldale, 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.
Caitlyn Playfair, Arts and Social Sciences, New Glasgow, N.S.
Kate Rumbolt, Science, Pasadena, N.L.
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
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.
David Foster, Science, Dartmouth, N.S.
STUDENT ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
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.
Anuj Shah, Computer Science, Mumbai, India
DAL’S GOT TALENT WINNER
Dal’s Got Talent is an annual, year-long variety show contest hosted at The Grawood that offers a grand prize of $1,000.
Emily Ambrose
MOST IMPACTFUL GENERAL OR 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.
Dalhousie Agricultural Association of Graduate Students (DAAGS)
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 University Cheerleading
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.
DalDance 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.
Dalhousie Feminist Legal Association (DFLA)
MOST IMPACTFUL CHARITABLE STUDENT 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.
Engineers Without Borders - Dalhousie Chapter (EWB)
MOST IMPACTFUL LEVIED SOCIETY
Presented to a Type 1 levied student society ratifi ed 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 Commerce Society
BEST DEPARTMENTAL SOCIETY
Presented to a departmental society ratifi ed 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 Engineering Graduate Society (DEGS)
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.
Dalhousie Science Society
MOST IMPACTFUL CULTURAL/SPIRITUAL SOCIETY
Presented to a student society ratifi ed 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.
Dalhousie Chinese Students and Scholars Association (DCSSA)
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.
Jenna Clarke, Law, Vancouver, B.C.
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.
Danica Cooley, Health Professions, Halifax, N.S.
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.
Kristy McGregor-Bales, Health Professions, Ottawa, Ont.
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).
Andrew Watson, Health Professions, Wingham, Ont.
STUDENT ACTIVIST
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.
Sheena Jamieson, Health Professions, Halifax, 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.
Patrick Vistini, Management, Oakville, Ont.
DSU COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AWARD FOR KING’S STUDENTS
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.
Rowan Laird, Arts and Social Sciences, Vancouver, B.C.
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.
Ranjith Kumar Murugesan, Engineering, India
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.
Michelle Coffin, Political Science
Finalist: Bruce Manion, Management
DSU CERTIFICATE 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.
Joel Cock, Health Professions, Pictou, N.S.
Nicole Droziak, Management, Calgary, Alta.
Blake Fleet, Management, Toronto, Ont.
Mark Grady, Engineering, Halifax, N.S.
Syed Abrar Hussain, Management, Salwa, Kuwait
Tommy Lieu, Science, Calgary, Alta.
Nick Little, Science, Moncton, N.B.
Bobby MacPherson, Arts and Social Sciences, Cedar Valley, Ont.
Ralph Redden, Science, Cole Harbour, N.S.
Ishika Sharma, Health Professions, Delhi, India
Tarah Truant, Management, Red Deer, Alta.
GOLD D
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.
Justin Cooke, Engineering, Bedford, N.S.
Emily Davies, Management, Orillia, Ont.
Karthikeyan Damodara, Computer Science, Pondicherry, India
Chris Parent, Science, Saint John, N.B.
Alexa Reedman, Management, Owen Sound, Ont.
Becky Richter, Management, Huntsville, Ont.
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.
Architecture & Planning
Uytae Lee, Environment, Sustainability & Society (ESS) and Community Design, Langley, B.C.
Arts & Social Sciences
Taylor Quinn, International Development Studies, Vancouver, B.C.
Computer Science
Raghav Sampangi, PhD studies, Mysore, India
Engineering
Jessica LeNoble, Environmental Engineering, Kelowna, B.C.
Health Professions
Talia Orr, Nursing, Halifax N.S.
Law
James Foy, Vancouver, B.C.
Management
Becky Richter, Commerce, Huntsville, Ont.
Medicine
Leo Fares, Halifax, N.S.
Science
Emma Herrington, Neuroscience, Orillia, Ont.
LEVEL CHAN AWARD
Presented to a student who has made the most outstanding contribution to student advocacy and academic justice.
Taylor Quinn, International Development Studies, Vancouver, B.C.
LILLI JU AWARD
Presented to a student who has exhibited the most signifi cant lifetime achievement of outstanding contribution to university life.
Becky Richter, Commerce, Huntsville, Ont.
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.
Alexa Reedman, Management, Owen Sound, Ont.
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.
Ding Fan, Management, Tang Shan, China
Christopher (Kit) Moran, Science, Prince George, B.C.
Ishika Sharma, Health Professions, Delhi, India
Taylor Thompson, Management, Whitby, Ont.
Caitlin Urquhart, Law, Troy, Ont.
George Woodhouse, Arts and Social Sciences, Owen Sound, Ont.
Read more on this year's Governors' Awards here.