By Communications Staff

The university is recognizing four students for their contributions to Queen’s and the local community through their peer leadership activities and community service initiatives.

“We have established a new awards program to celebrate the strong tradition of peer-to-peer support and community involvement among our students,” says Vice-Provost and Dean of Student Affairs Ann Tierney. “While the recipients’ volunteer activities cover a wide range of areas, they share a common desire to make a difference in the lives of individuals at Queen’s and in the broader community.”

Peer Leadership Award

Sean Doherty and Roopa Suppiah accept the inaugural Peer Leadership Awards.

Sean Doherty (Sc’15) and Roopa Suppiah (Sc’14) have received inaugural Peer Leadership Awards for their dedication to peer-to-peer assistance, education and outreach.

Mr. Doherty is a peer health educator with Health, Counselling and Disability Services. His creativity and initiative on social media and in organizing and publicizing weekly health promotion workshops and club events has led to increased student awareness and participation.

Ms. Suppiah has volunteered with Learning Strategies in Student Academic Success Services (SASS) since 2010. She is now a team leader and delivers one-on-one coaching to students, designs and leads academic success workshops and mentors junior peer learning assistants. Her input and ideas are valued by staff and her peers.

Brian Yealland Community Leadership Award

Tian Lu recently received the Brian Yealland Community Leadership Award. Co-winner Amanda Tracey could not attend the ceremony.

Tian Lu (MSc’14) and Amanda Tracey (PhD candidate, Biology) are the first recipients of the Brian Yealland Community Leadership Award, named in honour of the former Queen’s Chaplain.

Ms. Lu serves as the International Student Affairs Commissioner with the Society of Graduate and Professional Students. She strives to better connect international graduate students and their families with the Kingston community. She has established new workshops, a networking tour and long-term partnerships that will benefit students now and for years to come.

Ms. Tracey is working towards a PhD in Biology and contributes extensively to the Kingston community, as a “Big Sister” and as a volunteer with the Kingston Humane Society and at Hotel Dieu Hospital. She has also shared her expertise with local residents, making presentations on topics such as Kingston’s biodiversity, volunteering at the Queen’s University Biological Station’s open house, judging the Frontenac Science Fair and developing a “computer basics” course for a group of seniors.

More information about the awards is available on the Division of Student Affairs website.