Annual awards recognize student and staff leadership
April 4, 2024
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The vibrant and supportive community found at Queen鈥檚 University doesn鈥檛 happen by accident. Students and staff members contribute significant amounts of time and energy to helping create an engaged and inclusive environment for others.
Student Affairs at Queen鈥檚 recently presented their annual awards to celebrate the important leadership role students play, as well as the outstanding service provided to students by staff.
This year鈥檚 recipients of the Peer Leadership Award, the Indigenization, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Anti-Racism (I-EDIAA) Impact Award, the Brian Yealland Community Leadership Award, and the Michael Condra Outstanding Student Service Award were honoured at a reception on campus.
鈥淐ongratulations to all of our award recipients,鈥 said Vice-Provost and Dean of Student Affairs Ann Tierney in her remarks at the reception. 鈥淵our energy, passion, and commitment make our campus and community environment better for everyone.鈥
Nominations for the awards are submitted by students, faculty, staff, and members of the Kingston community.
Indigenization, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Anti-Racism Impact Award
The Indigenization, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility and Anti-Racism (I鈥揈DIAA) Impact Award is presented annually to Queen鈥檚 students who have shown their commitment to the principles the award is named for. The 2023-24 recipients are:
Shania Sheth
Shania is a Bachelor of Health Sciences student, and the Health Science Society鈥檚 EDII-A Commissioner. She has fostered inclusion, empowerment, and belonging through diverse society events and activities, in her academic work, across campus, and in the local community.
Meena Waseem
Meena, a commerce student, has had a deep impact and created positive culture change through extensive involvement at Smith School of Business, and in several aspects of campus life. She worked to develop dining services for students observing Ramadan, she is a peer facilitator for two programs in the Student Experience Office and is a member of The Queen鈥檚 Journal鈥檚 BIPOC Advisory Board.
Brian Yealland Community Leadership Award
The Brian Yealland Community Leadership Award鈥痠s presented to students who work with, and encourage, local youth who are experiencing social, behavioral, economic, or other challenges by helping them realize their worth as individuals and their potential to achieve. It was created in honour of Brian Yealland, Chaplain at Queen鈥檚 University for 32 years. The 2023-24 recipients are:
Mehak Chohan
Mehak is an Emerging Educator with the Kingston School of Art, working with elementary-aged students to create art in a supportive and empowering environment. A Bachelor of Health Sciences student, she serves as the EDII co-director of the Vogue Charity Fashion Show, raising money for local organizations.
Connor Hamlyn
Connor is a Bachelor of Health Sciences student and volunteers in a variety of leadership roles with the Maltby Centre, which provides mental health and autism services for youth. Connor鈥檚 engagement has made a significant contribution to the lives of local youth, as well as to schools and other community agencies, as he helps reduce barriers to support.
Peer Leadership Award
The鈥疨eer Leadership Award鈥痠s presented to students who, through their commitment, skill, dedication, and interest in helping others, have exemplified excellence in peer-to-peer assistance and outreach. The 2023-24 award recipients are:
Nashmia Anwar
Nashmia, a Bachelor of Health Sciences student, is a campus leader, assisting with both the Peer Health Educator and Peer Wellness Coaching programs in Student Wellness Services. She also founded Islamic Relief Queen鈥檚 and is a QSuccess mentor with the Student Experience Office.
Pungavi Linghan
Pungavi, a classics major in the Faculty of Arts and Science, received The Principal's Commendation from Bader College for her exceptional contributions to the program and her peers during her first year in England. In Kingston, she has taken on multiple mentoring roles with the Student Experience Office and is involved in several clubs.
Miles Brackenbury
Miles is completing his concurrent education degree and is co-captain of Queen鈥檚 varsity cross-country team. He has been active with Athletics and Recreation鈥檚 Varsity Leadership Council since his first year, organizing fundraisers and engagement initiatives, and he always supports and advocates for his peers. He is also involved in the local, provincial, and national running scenes.
Michael Condra Outstanding Student Service Award
The Michael Condra Outstanding Student Service Award is presented annually to Queen鈥檚 staff or faculty who have displayed a commitment to providing outstanding service to students, outside of a teaching role. The 2023-24 recipients are:
Megan Bruce
Megan provides exceptional and comprehensive support in the Department of Chemistry as Research and Communications Coordinator of the Carbon to Metal Coating Institute, Program Manager of the CREATE program, and executive assistant to Cathleen Crudden. She is the first point of contact for many, providing reliable guidance, connections, and referrals to meet the diverse needs of students across the department.
Deandra Kabungu
As the Student Success Advisor in the Student Experience Office, Deandra works with Queen鈥檚 Promise and Commitment Scholars, providing ongoing advice and building programs that foster peer mentorship, community-building, leadership, and skill-building. She supports student advocacy and is involved in equity-focused initiatives on campus.
Learn more about the Student Leadership Awards and the Michael Condra Outstanding Student Service Award on the Student Affairs website.