Tricolour Society

2024 RECIPIENTS

Niki Boytchuk-Hale, Artsci'23, Ed'24, MEd'26

Boytchuk-Hale is an inclusive and collaborative leader who has fostered co-operation between students and the administration. In her final year of the Concurrent Education program, she has held several positions with the Alma Mater Society (AMS) since 2020. As AMS director of marketing, Boytchuk-Hale created and implemented the innovative AMS Asks U social media campaign.

Kyla Gibson, Artsci’25

Gibson, a third-year Life Sciences major, is dedicated to creating a more inclusive campus for equity-deserving groups. As co-founder of the Commitment Scholars engagement committee, she designed and implemented a mentorship program, helping more than 20 equity-deserving scholars engage in peer mentoring.

Tara Rezvan, Com’23, MSc’24

Rezvan, a master’s student, has worked tirelessly to bridge the gap between academia and industry through her commitment to producing socially impactful research at Smith School of Business. In collaboration with Smith School of Business’ Research Office, she founded the Research Impact Hub, which connects undergraduate commerce students with opportunities to engage with innovative academic research.

Meena Waseem, Com’24

Waseem, a fourth-year Commerce student, has been a positive force for change throughout her time at Queen’s. She advocated for equitable developments in admissions, curriculum, and financial aid in her program, and organized and co-led the university’s first ever “Ramadan-in-Residence” initiative to create inclusive and robust Ramadan programming for students living in residence.

2023

2023 RECIPIENTS

Laura Devenny, ArtSci’23

Laura is a fifth year Political Studies student who has served students in her various roles within the Alma Mater Society including Chief Electoral Officer, Secretary of Internal Affairs, and most recently as Chair of the Board of Directors. Throughout her experience with the AMS, Laura aimed to create a more accessible and engaging student government through policy, elections, and assembly, with compassionate and inclusive leadership.

Samara Lijiam, ArtSci’23 

Samara is a fifth year Political Studies student who is passionate about equity and social change. While on campus her involvement has included the Queen's Student Alumni Association (QSAA), the Social Issues Commission, the Arts and Science Undergraduate Society (ASUS), and the Queen's Black Academic Society.

Jane Mao, ArtSci’21, MEd’23 

Jane is a Master of Education candidate dedicated to creating spaces of joy for marginalized students to thrive. As the founder of the Gender Affirming Assistance Project (GAAP), Equity Commissioner with the Society for Graduate and Professional Students (SGPS), co-chair of the Social Healing and Reconciliatory Education (SHARE) research cluster, and more, the common thread between Jane’s personal and professional work is passion for direct action, mutual aid, and compassion.

Nishana Ramsawak, PhD’24

Nishana is a fourth year PhD Civil Engineering student researching factors affecting water quality degradation in a drinking water distribution systems. During her time at Queen’s, she has contributed to the enhancement of EDI on campus as one of the first Graduate Inclusivity Fellows and as an Instructor for Black Youth in STEM where she helps to create a safe space for BIPOC kids in grades one through nine to learn more about STEM. She also started a charity drive called "Helping Handbags, Kingston" which provided feminine and essential items for women (sanitary napkins, mittens, shampoo, conditioners, lotion, etc.) to vulnerable homes in Kingston.

2022

2022 RECIPIENTS

Ishita Aggarwal, Meds'23

Ishita Aggarwal is a third-year medical student working to further Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Indigeneity priorities in education, health care, and social services. She served as the first-ever Director of Sexual Health of BIPOC Women’s Health Network, an organization improving the health experiences of BIPOC women across Canada. Ishita also founded Mom’s the Word, a non-profit working to eliminate health illiteracy, maternal poverty, and infant morbidity.

Morgan Lehtinen, Artsci’16, PhD'22

Morgan Lehtinen is a PhD candidate in chemistry and is a passionate cleantech entrepreneur. Selected by NEXT Canada as one of the country’s most talented young entrepreneurs, Morgan founded Micellotech, which combats global water scarcity. Elected as president of the Queen’s Graduate Chemistry Society (QGCS), Morgan was a founding committee member of QC-IDEAS (Queen’s Chemistry – Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity and Awareness Society).

Max Moloney, Artsci’20, MSc'22

Max Moloney is a Loran Scholar and recipient of the Chancellor’s Scholarship. Max’s community commitments include working to end food insecurity on campus. Drawing on his experience as a volunteer with Good Times Diner Soup Kitchen and as manager of the Alma Mater Society (AMS) Food Bank, Max penned a COVID-19 reopening proposal for the AMS Food Bank, which was used as a guide for opening other services on campus. A member of the Queen’s Varsity Football Team, Max was named a U SPORTS Academic All-Canadian, and serves as a reservist and second lieutenant in The Princess of Wales’ Own Regiment.

Alyth Roos, Artsci'22

Alyth Roos is a compassionate leader who has served in a variety of roles as part of the Arts and Science Undergraduate Society (ASUS), most recently as president, where she spearheaded efforts to implement the ASUS130 vision. Fluent in English, French, and Spanish, Alyth dedicated her time as ASUS president to making Queen’s a more inclusive, accessible, and safe campus through a variety of initiatives while also navigating the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic.

2021

2021 RECIPIENTS

Jodi Basch, Con.Ed.’16, PhD’22

Jodi, a professional counsellor, recognized the importance of mental health and helping her follow students as many struggled during the COVID-19 pandemic. She created resources that could be accessed without any financial pressures or long waitlists by offering free psychotherapy treatment sessions and anxiety support groups. She also reached out to various Queen’s community groups on behalf of students to provide extra support.

Shoshannah Bennett-Dwara, Artsci’21

Shoshannah has a long list of volunteer service focused on making the university more equitable, diverse, and inclusive. As co-founder of the Queen's University Advocacy Coalition, she met with student leaders to consult, conduct policy reviews, and brainstorm ways to amplify vulnerable people’s voices. She also worked with various organizations such as Queen's Student Diversity Project and Queen's Black Premedical Association, and served as the Queen's University Undergraduate Trustee.

Catherine Haba, Artsci’21

Catherine has devoted herself to improving student experience at Queen’s for people of colour by working with administrators to make the university more supportive for its most marginalized people. She has been actively involved in numerous organizations such as the Queen’s Black Academic Society and served on the Faculty of Arts and Science Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Indigeneity Implementation Committee.

Nicole Osayande, Cmp’21

Nicole aimed to create an inclusive campus by founding the Queen’s Student Diversity Project and collaborating with the Division of Student Affairs to help members of the university community, local high schools across Canada, and youth groups educate themselves on EDI issues. She served as president for three years and built up a team of more than 30 students that encouraged BIPOC students to consider applying to Queen’s. Nicole was also the first Black and female-identifying don for the Computer Science LLC floor in residence.

Michaela Patterson, NSc’21

Michaela is dedicated to supporting BIPOC students and creating a more inclusive community within the School of Nursing and Queen’s. She is the co-founder of EDI @ SON (Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion at Queen’s School of Nursing) and is also the co-creator of Cultural Humility and Racial Microaggressions (CHARM), a simulation game for students focusing on microaggression management in the clinical setting. She has also served as the Vice President of the Queen’s Black Academic Society.

Kelly Weiling Zou, Com’21

Kelly organizes programming for queer, racialized, disabled, and neurodiverse students to help them find a sense of belonging and community at Queen’s. Aiming to mobilize systemic change, Kelly founded the Instagram page @StolenBySmith to give a platform to unheard experiences from marginalized students. The social media account resulted in numerous changes at the school, such as the creation of needs-based scholarships, and a commitment by administration to address systemic racism.

2020

2020 RECIPIENTS

Beatrice Hur, Artsci'20

Beatrice is an activist who devoted many hours advocating for human rights and equity issues on campus. She founded the Asian Heritage Club when some international students told her they felt left out of clubs and activities. She is also an advocate for science and research. She served as president of Queen’s chapter of Canadian Association of Research in Regenerative Medicine (CARRM), a non-profit that raises money and awareness for stem cell research.

Jared den Otter, Artsci'20

Jared is a passionate student advocate who served for four years on the Physical Health Education and Kinesiology Student Association (including one year as president). He also worked with youth in the Kingston community with disabilities through programs such as Extra Awesome (an after-school program) and Bobbing Buddies (a swim program).

Chayce Perkins, Artsci'20

From facilitating advocacy campaigns on postsecondary issues to coordinating orientation week, Chayce is a driven student leader who contributed to the campus community in many roles. As president of the Arts and Science Undergraduate Society she developed a wellness-focused position to improve the mental and physical health of ArtSci students, established the ASUS Student Professional Development Grant, and hosted the first ever Life After ArtSci networking event in Toronto.

Liam Tharp, Sc'19

Liam served students in many roles, including Vice President (Operations) with the Alma Mater Society, then as the chair of the AMS Board of Directors. He worked on important issues including the JDUC Revitalization Project and the Ontario government’s Student Choice Initiative. As the head manager of EngLinks (the Engineering Society tutoring service), he doubled the organization’s revenues and expanded services.

2018-2019

2018-2019 RECIPIENTS

Zachary Baum (Comp'17, MSc'19)

A transformative leader who has worked tirelessly to put Queen’s School of Computing on the map, Zac has been key in recruiting students to Queen’s while simultaneously strengthening the programming they will be met with upon their arrival on campus.

Erika Shannon Campbell (Artsci'19)

A role model in the truest sense of the word, Erika has addressed the topics of consent and mental health by taking an educational and preventative approach. Using an intersectional mindset, Erika has been a part of various initiatives that make both main campus and The Bader International Study Centre safer and more inclusive places.

Benji Christie (Sc'19)

A true servant in his commitment to the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, Benji has been involved broadly and deeply in shaping the extra-curricular and academic experiences of his fellow students. From the Engineering Advisory Board, to Alumni Relations Committee, to the Board of Directors for the Campus Bookstore at Queen’s, Benji has explored unique ways of making his mark on the community.
 

Olivia Rondeau (Ed'19)

A passionate champion of education in her time at Queen’s, Olivia has become deeply connected with Indigenous communities and has gone above and beyond her capacity as a teacher candidate. Developing and publicizing classroom resources on indigeneity, Olivia is committed to sharing her knowledge with all teachers.
 

Ampai Thammachack (Artsci'20)

A humble and resilient leader, Ampai has made an undeniable impact on marginalized communities and mental health at Queen’s and beyond. Through her charities Step Above Stigma and Glass Slipper, Ampai has raised awareness and funding that is transformative.

2017-2018

Hana Chowdhury (Com'18)

Chowdhury has a long list of activities and roles advocating for students, in particular for women and racialized students on campus, including serving on the Principal’s Implementation Committee on Racism, Diversity and Inclusion, Queen’s Female Leadership in Politics and Queen’s International Affairs Association.

Emilio Frometa (Artsci'17, MIR'18)

Frometa is the offensive captain of the Queen’s football team and the founder of the Autism Mentorship Program, an organization that pairs varsity athletes with children who have Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Max Garcia (Cmp'17)

Garcia has spent much of his time at Queen’s helping students making the transition from high school and then to life after Queen’s, whether that is being a resident donor serving as president of the Queen’s Student Alumni Association. He advocated for classmates as president of the Computing Students’ Association and successfully lobbied the School of Computing to hire another professor.

Asha Gordon (Artsci'18)

Gordon has been an integral part of race and ethnic inclusion at Queen’s through her work with clubs such as Queen’s Black Academic Society and Levana Gender Advocacy Centre. She worked with colleagues, students and alumni to co-found the Queen’s Black Alumni Chapter.

Adam Grotsky (Artsci'16, Law'19)

Grotsky is the former president of Arts and Science Undergraduate Society (ASUS) and current president of Society of Graduate and Professional Students (SGPS) who implemented several crucial programs, most notably the Arts and Science Internship Program, which provides students with invaluable work experience to complement their in-classroom learning.

Alexandra Palmeri, NSc'18

Palmeri has had a positive impact on her faculty during her three years as Nursing Science Society president. Among her many accomplishments were supporting students through the academic appeals process, advocating for curriculum changes, revitalizing two workplaces for students, and co-founding of Threads of Inquiry– a clothing company that raises funds for undergraduate nursing student research.

2016-2017

Mike Blair (Sc'17)

Mr. Blair served on the Alma Mater Society Board of Directors and volunteered with Queen’s First Aid and was a Queen’s 175th Anniversary Coordinator.

Claire Gummo (Artsci'17)

Ms. Gummo championed conversations, wrote policy, created educational programs to address sexual violence at Queen’s, and has been selected as a 2017 Rhodes Scholar.

Tara McDonald (Artsci'17)

Ms. McDonald created the Queen’s Elephant in the Room Anti-Stigma Campaign for mental health. She is a leader who empowers others and never gives up when advocating for equity and social change.

Lauren Winkler (Artsci'17)

Ms. Winkler worked to bring together the Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities at Queen’s by collaborating on the very first Queen’s Native Students Association Indigenous Conference.

Mike Young (Artsci'16)

Mr. Young, Queen’s former rector, worked tirelessly to create an inclusive community by addressing issues surrounding mental health, sexual violence, and gender/sexual diversity.

2015-2016

Michael Coleman, (JD '17)

Michael was honoured for being a tireless champion for equity and diversity both inside the Faculty of Law and in the Kingston community. He was a prison inmate tutor, co-president for the Black Law Students Association and served as a student advisor for the Society of Graduate and Professional Students (SGPS) and co-commissioner of Queen’s Law Equity and Diversity.

Thompson Hamilton (Artsci '13, JD '16)

Thompson was chair of the AMS Judicial Committee, served as Vice President of SGPS, and spent several years with Queen’s Legal Aid.   

John Graydon Simmons (Meds '16)

Graydon was involved with the School of Medicine student government for four years. He coordinated the School of Medicine Orientation Week, worked on the Medical Variety Night and worked on curriculum development within the School of Medicine.

Jennifer Williams (Artsci '16)

Jennifer was actively involved with the Alma Mater Society and helped expand Orientation week. One accomplishment she is proud is creating Majors Night where first-year Arts and Science students meet and get advice from upper-year students.

Catherine Wright (Artsci '15, MIR '16)

Catherine was the AMS Municipal Affairs Commissioner and helped establish the “University District” street signs. The area was previously referred to as the “student ghetto” but Catherine wanted to promote a more positive image and foster better relations between students and the community.

2014-2015

Conrad Behrman, (Sci '15)

Conrad Behrman has fundamentally changed the landscape of the Queen's student experience through his spirit of innovation and his dedication to music and the arts. Conrad came to Queen's five years ago as a first year Engineering student who was passionate about creating music, but who was without a place to indulge and enable his creative spirit. Confident that he must not be the only musician feeling constrained by a lack of opportunity to play and meet fellow artists, Conrad posted notices around campus for any interested musicians to bring their instruments and to meet up to jam at a specified date and time. As such, the Queen's Music Club (QMC) was born. The goal of the Queen's Music Club is to enable students to continue in the pursuit of learning and creating popular music while attending university and to unify the community of amateur musicians at Queen's. The club provides the necessary equipment and access to facilities as well as organizes events to allow students to learn and perform music. Since that first unofficial meeting, QMC has grown exponentially in size, strength, and diversity. Conrad spearheaded QMC for the better part of his five years at Queen's, though 2014-15 saw Conrad take a step back to start handing over the reigns to the next generation to continue the tradition. It was overwhelmingly evident through student testimonials received by the committee that Conrad has changed the lives of hundreds of Queen's students, giving those who often felt on the periphery of student life on campus a place where they can create, thrive, and belong. What started out as an informal jam session between a few students five years ago has grown to be one of the most robust and recognizable campus clubs with hundreds of students who regularly attend meetings and who use, or have used the club's services. Thanks to Conrad's leadership and hard work, QMC now offers instruments for musicians to use, space for bands to practice in, networking opportunities for musicians to find like-minded artists and potential bandmates, and has even progressed to offer some instruction on how to maintain instruments and/or play them. In the words of Conrad - "If someone comes to us with a request, we will make it happen one way or another." It is this very attitude that has set the Queen's student experience apart for generations, and it is this unrelenting desire to foster a creative and inclusive community that makes Conrad truly deserving of our highest honour.

Tuba Chishti (Artsci '15)

Beloved by students and staff alike, Tuba has moved mountains since coming to Queen's. Tuba has been involved in a number of different organizations and initiatives at Queen's, ranging from the Academic Affairs Commission of the Alma Mater Society (AMS), the AMS's Board of Directors as its Chair, and the Queen's Student Alumni Association (QSAA). Though her reach spreads far and wide, there was one particular area of advocacy that stood out among the rest, confirming that she is deserving of this honour. Starting in 2010-11 in her first year, Tuba got involved with the Main Campus Residents' Council (MCRC). Her involvement with the organization continued until 2012-13 when she served as President and CEO of the society. Through this position, Tuba was able to change the landscape of advocacy for students in residence in a way that generations of students will benefit from. Always pushing boundaries of what can be achieved or expected by student leadership, Tuba initiated the process that brought about the creation of the Residence Society (ResSoc) - a student society that unifies residents on main campus and west campus. Tuba tells the story of how a student asked her why they could not participate in an initiative she was planning for her residents on main campus merely because they happened to be live on west. Never satisfied until these sorts of questions are sufficiently answered, Tuba reached out to her fellow student leaders on west campus to try and find a way to work together. As such, the idea of ResSoc was born and developed until it finally took form in 2013-14. Today, ResSoc exists as a robust campus group, even in its infancy, representing all residents in a number of different capacities, including joint representation (for students on Main and West Campus) for the first time on AMS Assembly. The creation of ResSoc was an incredibly significant moment in student advocacy and representation at Queen's that will serve to unite students in residence at Queen's, regardless of where they are placed. A dedicated Senator during her time at Queen's who is consistently a forward-thinker with long-term visions for our student body, Tuba has taken it upon herself to be a mentor for the next generation of student leadership, holding meetings every week to help nurture younger students. Through her accomplishments while working with MCRC and her continued passion for mentoring her peers, Tuba has made sure that the next generation of students and student leaders will be well-equipped to produce incredible things in a way that doesn't leave any voice on the periphery.

Sebastian Gorlewski (Artsci '15)

Each member of the Selection Committee made one thing very clear - they were blown away by the passion with which Sebastian carries himself and has carried himself throughout his time at Queen's. An individual with character of the highest order, Sebastian has been at the very core of mental health support and advocacy at Queen's, instrumental in much of the progress that has been made in the area. Serving as the Director of the Peer Support Centre (PSC) in the Alma Mater Society (AMS), Sebastian completely redeveloped volunteer training to ensure volunteers were better equipped to deal with any and all issues they might be faced with. A creative and passionate leader, Sebastian also helped design the now culturally embedded Queen's TALKS and PSC Cares initiatives that helped drive the usage of the centre to record numbers while under his control. Thanks to the sustainability of Sebastian's work, the centre has seen a continued and steady growth and is helping more students than ever before. In addition to his work with the PSC, Sebastian served as the Co-Chair of the Mental Health Awareness Committee (MHAC) the year prior. While in this role, he worked with Dr. Heather Stuart to create a mental health workshop that received the Queen's Human Rights Initiative Award for its sheer brilliance and effectiveness. While these two positions might overshadow the everyday work Sebastian does to ensure the health and wellness of Queen's students, he will be the first to identify that being a Don for 3 years is one of his most important and impactful contributions to the Queen's community. Sebastian's residents paint the picture of a leader and caregiver who is always looking for ways to make sure they are comfortable, safe, healthy, and happy. Sebastian has gone above and beyond the call of duty in each and every role he's held at Queen's. Though in some ways less tangible, it is the way in which he truly embodies the Tricolour spirit that truly places him in a class of his own. His passion was palpable throughout his entire interview for this award and was clearly evident through student testimonials, speaking to a leader who will leave an incredible legacy of compassion and empathy, institutionalizing a culture of caring for one another within our community.

Ian Moore (MPA '14, JD '16)

Ian is often described by those around him as a "ray of sunshine" who makes his peers feel instantly comfortable and important. Though this speaks to Ian's character, these characterizations are clearly evident through his involvements and accomplishments at Queen's. An individual with an innovative and ambitious attitude, Ian co-founded and serves as Publisher for the Juris Diction newspaper on campus. Juris Diction is the newspaper specific to the Faculty of Law at Queen's that publishes upwards of 10 articles every week on issues that matter most - and that are created by - Queen's Law students. Ian was described as instrumental in developing relationships between the paper at Queen's Law faculty and staff, the Canadian Bar Association, the Law Students' Society of Ontario, and other law newspapers in the country. Arguably the most impressive newspaper from any Law school in Canada, Juris Diction has provided Queen's Law students with an avenue to investigate their curiosities, share their voices, and ignite their passions. In addition to Ian's work with the newspaper, he also serves as the Student Senator for the Law Students' Society (LSS). Throughout his work in this capacity, Ian has focused on Aboriginal reconciliation and student involvement within the wider LSS. In addition to his attention paid to Aboriginal issues in the community, Ian has been incredibly active within the sustainability movement at Queen's, serving as the co-president of the Queen's Sustainability and Environmental Law Club within the LSS. Active in several different channels of social justice, Ian identifies mental health as the area in which much of his passion lies. Always looking out for the health and wellness of his peers, Ian created the "Open Door Brunch Club" - an initiative that has brought more than 60 different people into his house at different times to take a mental health break while cooking and eating delicious, healthy, and socially conscious food together. Additionally involved in the Queen's Law Happiness project, Ian has dedicated much of his own time at Queen's to trying to improve the lives of those around him. An infectious leader who makes the people around him better, Ian's impact within the Faculty of Law and Kingston community cannot be overstated.
 

Eric Rapos (BCmpH '10, MSc '12, PhD '16)

Appropriately described as an institution within an institution, Eric Rapos is a model of selflessness, leadership, and modesty who has served in countless different capacities to better student life over the last nine years. Since arriving at Queen's nearly a decade ago, Eric has taken on 53 different roles and activities, ranging from the Computing Students' Association (COMPSA) to our University Senate. Regarded as a go-to encyclopedia for all things Queen's policy, Eric has consistently demonstrated the willingness to lend his brilliance and time to those around him without a moment's hesitation. When a vacancy needs to be filled in what the majority might avoid due to it's behind-the-scenes and non-glorious nature, Eric answered the call with expertise and enthusiasm time and time again. Eric's legacy within the School of Computing, though often not visible to the everyday Computing student, will impact the student experience for the better for generations of students to come. Starting out as an Orientation Week leader before eventually holding the position as COMPSA President, Eric has remained an advisor to the undergraduate student society to this day. Often called on to recall policy decisions or to help current student leaders work through the issues of the day, Eric has overseen the growth of the School of Computing from the ground up. Beyond a legacy within his own program of study, Eric has been an irreplaceable resource for student elections software. Eric's willingness to go above-and-beyond the call of duty has been consistently demonstrated in his guidance in manoeuvring through voting software malfunctions over the past few years that posed a serious threat to the integrity of student elections. Though it was not his direct responsibility, Eric helped the AMS navigate through some of its most technical issues when they had nowhere else to turn. In fact, it was upon Eric's recommendation that the new voting software was secured for AMS elections - a decision that has already proven incredibly fruitful in a very short amount of time. Through all of Eric's involvements in COMPSA, the SGPS, and the AMS, and each of his 3 Queen's degrees, there exists a common thread: Eric Rapos is a proud member of the Queen's community who represents everything Queen's strives to be. Though Eric has expressed sadness that he will one day leave Queen's behind, it is incredibly clear that his departure will be even more bitter-sweet for this school and it's staff and students. That being said, the effects of this dedication will live on long after his final graduation.

Troy Sherman (Artsci '14)

Those who know Troy will tell you that he's as passionate an advocate as you'll find anywhere. Queen's students have been benefitting in countless ways over the last five years from his relentless dedication to the student cause. Always looking for areas of student life that need attention, Troy founded and served as the Managing Editor for Politicus - an undergraduate research journal that publishes articles from Queen's students written about politics and international relations. Featuring public lectures on issues such as the under-representation of women in politics and political scandals in media, while facilitating debates on things like foreign policy, Politicus has created space for students, faculty, and experts in their fields to engage on issues within Political Studies that had been seriously lacking prior to its creation. Heralded for his institutional knowledge and mastery of policy, many students have come to rely on Troy's experience and expertise in developing their own initiatives and forming new policies to improve the way student politics operate on campus. Many students got to know Troy through his involvement with the Alma Mater Society (AMS) when he served as the Municipal Affairs Commissioner in 2012-13. While his work in this position was certainly outstanding and worth noting, it was his dedication to the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) appeal relating to municipal voting boundaries at the end of his term that truly went above what anyone could have expected. Working with fellow student leaders and district associations in the Kingston, Troy took on the advocacy associated with a successful OMB appeal as his term was ending in the Spring, right on through the summer, and into the next school year. It was no longer his job to represent Queen's students on city issues, but his passion for and dedication to making sure students were being treated fairly kept him active and effective. A tireless advocate, many have cited Troy's work on the OMB appeal as being instrumental to its success. The current student Co-Chair of the Senate Orientation Activities Review Board (SOARB) and Student Centre Officer for the Student Life Centre, Troy has remained heavily involved in serving students in his final year. A fixture at Queen's and a firm believer in the work that students do, Troy's brilliant mind and unrivalled passion will be impossible to replace. A vocal and visible leader and mentor, Troy has been an integral part of facilitating student leadership at Queen's, carrying on the tradition of students serving students like the inspirational leaders before him.

Kevin Wiener (JD '15)

Kevin Wiener is a tireless advocate for the rights of students at Queen's University and has been for many years in many different ways. A lawyer by trade and advocate by nature, Kevin has fought for the fair treatment of Queen's students in a number of different venues. Though Kevin has been involved since his first year at Queen's during his first degree, there is one accomplishment in particular that warrants exceptional recognition. Kevin was one of the named appellants in the Ontario Municipal Board appeal launched in 2013 that challenged the City of Kingston's new ward boundaries. Recognizing that students were not included in the population counts, Kevin was involved with the launch of this appeal on the basis that students were going to be underrepresented under the new model. Though Kevin is quick to point out that the appeal was a team effort and involved many different players, Kevin was one of the student leaders on the front lines and was instrumental in producing an incredibly sound case. After countless hours of tireless work, the appeal was successful and the decision was reversed. The OMB appeal victory was a landmark victory for Queen's students in Kingston that communicated clearly the importance of recognizing students as residents of Kingston, even if only for 8 months of the year in many cases. Though an incredible accomplishment in itself, it is particular extraordinary to note that Kevin did not partake in the appeal within the mandate of any particular position he held on campus. His appeal was not in any way related to any advocacy role held in the community or at Queen's. A principled leader who stands firm for what he believes is right, Kevin isolated an issue of grave concern that needed addressing, stepped up to the plate, and successfully fought for the rights of Queen's students to be adequately represented within Kingston. A leader not appropriately characterized by one single accomplishment, Kevin has held a wide array of student leadership positions at Queen's spanning two degrees. Currently serving as the President of the Society of Graduate and Professional Students, Kevin has been at the heart of student leadership, contributing immensely to student life. A student with an incredible amount of love and admiration for Queen's, Kevin has meant a great deal to this school and to those he has worked with, represented, and served.
 

​2013-2014

Mark Asfar (Artsci '14)

Peers and friends of Mark frequently describe him as a “silent leader,” yet at the same time he is widely known for his unrestrained tricolour spirit and his infectious enthusiasm for all things Queen’s. In his first year, he joined the Queen’s Debating Union (QDU) -- an involvement that deeply influenced him and all of his future endeavors within the university. Founded in 1843, the Debating Union is Canada’s oldest debating society and holds a special place in Queen’s history. The singular spirit of initiative that Mark possesses was evident and shone through during his tenure in the QDU. As the Social Director and later the Equity Officer of the QDU, he worked hard to create a welcoming environment for all members that fostered growth and positive experiences for a diversity of participants. He developed new strategies that served to successfully retain a higher percentage of novice debaters, which had been a longstanding significant challenge for the club. In 2010, a crisis occurred at the internationally renowned annual Chancellor’s Cup hosted by the QDU. Those involved spoke convincingly of the incredible leadership that Mark exemplified as he took action to rescue the tournament. Additionally, Mark addressed issues of accessibility and equity by revising the QDU policy to ensure that the club balanced principles of equity while still preserving the integrity of passionate debate. Aside from his transformative work in the QDU, Mark has excelled in his work as a campus tour guide for three years and held a variety of positions within the AMS including his current impactful role as the Student Life Administration Manager. Queen’s prides itself on bolstering a supportive climate for all students and Mark has been an important proponent of this culture to those around him since he arrived here. His fellow students offered compelling testimony to the breadth and depth of his commitment to assisting, encouraging, and advocating for others. Queen’s has benefited greatly thanks to Mark’s devotion, leadership, and enthusiasm to enhance the student experience inspired by his enduring love for the school and his peers.

Isabelle Duchaine (Artsci '14)

To say that Isabelle is passionate about student rights and advocacy would be a decided understatement. Her relentless commitment to working on behalf of the students of Queen’s University has led her to be widely admired by her peers and regarded as a genuine student leader. As the Academic Affairs Commissioner (AAC) of the AMS, she advocated for a fair tuition fee framework for Ontario students, presenting a vision for affordable and accessible post-secondary education to the Standing Committee on Finance and Budgeting for the Government of Ontario. Isabelle has served on over 30 committees within the University, with the majority of her work concentrating on academic development. The level of commitment that Isabelle displayed as the AAC greatly exceeded the job expectations. Peers and colleagues of Isabelle speak of her profound understanding of the challenges facing the post-secondary sector and specifically note her ability to clearly articulate credible solutions to world-class faculty and senior administration. Her passion for academic quality is especially evident through her countless meetings with individual students to discuss their academic grievances as she worked diligently to ensure that these students were informed of their academic rights. Perhaps even greater than the contributions made through the various positions Isabelle has held is the time and effort she has devoted to nurturing a generation of new leaders. Her fervent belief in the importance of developing and encouraging the next generation of student leadership will leave Queen’s in good hands. Moreover, her dedication to fostering the potential in others is a true representation of the Tricolour spirit. In her current position as Chair of the Student Senate Caucus, Isabelle has been consistently an incredibly tenacious and compassionate leader who always made time for her fellow students; she is widely respected and trusted by her fellow students. Stories of Isabelle’s advocacy for excellence throughout the Queen’s learning environment and her willingness to selflessly support her peers will live on in the minds and experiences of students for generations to come. It is the latter that will be her greatest legacy.

Digvijay Mehra (Artsci '14)

One of the many distinguished traits that sets Digvijay apart from his peers is his innate ability to see potential in areas that are often missed by others. Proud of his heritage, and with a deep desire to share his cultural experiences derived from living in India, Kenya, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Ghana, Digvijay was compelled to spearhead the inaugural Holi Colourfest. This inclusive event was created through the Queen’s South Asian Association, which Digvijay served as a member and as an executive for four years. Each of the many clubs with which he has been associated has benefited greatly from his dedication and leadership. During his first year of studies, Digvijay became involved with the Queen’s International Affairs Association (QIAA) and the Queen's Model United Nations Team. His devotion to these longstanding pillars of the student experience led to a significant increase in its membership. Those who joined during his year as the director of the Model United Nations Team stayed involved and later went on to hold leadership positions in the club – a true testament to his ability to instill confidence in his peers and to motivate and encourage them to get involved. Digvijay served as president of QIAA in his third and fourth year and was responsible for transforming the club into the leading campus group for international affairs. As president, Digvijay established the Right of Reply radio show on CFRC, created the Queen’s Model United Nations Invitational conference, and built numerous partnerships between QIAA and other clubs and organizations on campus extending even to the International Study Centre in Herstmonceux Castle. Thanks to his proclivity for innovation, engaging personality and consistently collegial approach, Digvijay successfully identified opportunities to cross-promote and collaborate with over 40 different clubs through multi-club events. He is rightfully recognized as a genuine community builder within the clubs community. Digvijay’s enthusiasm for enhancing campus club life and his dedication to cultivating relationships between them and individual students has dramatically enhanced the Queen’s extracurricular experience for innumerable current and future students. He has truly had a profound and lasting impact on Queen’s.

Jessica Searle (Nursing '14')

Few students at Queen’s possess the type of passion and sense of responsibility that Jessica demonstrated throughout her time here. During her term as President of the Nursing Science Society, she played a critical role in formalizing the Society and elevating it to a more prominent position within the School of Nursing, the Alma Mater Society, and the College of Nurses of Ontario. By creating three new positions, including a speaker and two internship roles for first years, she made advancements that benefited the Society as a whole. Furthermore, Jessica’s generosity with her time and empathy for students led her to become a beacon of support for many. One of Jessica’s most admirable leadership qualities has been her readiness to seek out wisdom and knowledge from her student colleagues and senior staff, especially when she was aiding a student. She has invariably acted in the spirit of collaboration, consultation and collegiality. Beyond the multitude of complex individual student cases that Jessica addressed, she was a powerful advocate for nursing students on an array of incredibly tough issues. In response to a particularly controversial academic policy, Jessica took a strong stand and fought to ensure that current and future Nursing students would not be negatively impacted. The personal sacrifices she made while fighting to make a transformational change in the absence of any structural support highlight her selflessness and formidable courage. Jessica was also the ThankQ Champion for the Nursing class of 2014, an initiative that aims to raise money for a charitable donation to The Jack Project at Queen’s in support of mental health resources. Jessica’s bold attitude and willingness to devote herself wholeheartedly to serving and leading others will leave a lasting positive impact on the Faculty of Nursing and the Queen’s community as a whole. She leaves Queen’s as a genuinely respected and admired student leader.

Naheed Yaqubian (JD '14)

The extraordinary initiative that Naheed has taken to identify and address issues within the Faculty of Law and the broader Queen’s community is indicative of her inspiring social consciousness and ardent concern for others. While Naheed is known to be a multi-dimensional individual with a variety of interests and a plethora of skills, it is her desire to advocate for and improve the mental health of her peers that led her far beyond the call of duty. Her recognition of a gap in mental health peer support services within the Faculty of Law compelled her to create the “Happyness Project,” which now provides a safe environment for students to connect and to share freely on the topic of mental health. This project has become a contributing factor to the long process of eliminating stigma of mental health and has greatly increased awareness of the issue in the Faculty of Law. Her influence has extended far beyond the Queen’s campus. Naheed has had a huge impact on law schools across the province through her founding of the Law Students Society of Ontario. She was inspired to create this provincial body after learning of the articling crisis that is facing the province. Her initiative has elevated the voices of law students in Ontario and has empowered them to advocate as a collective for their academic and professional needs, significantly assisting law students attending Queen’s. In her final year of studies, Naheed was elected to serve as the Law Student Society President and has done so with distinction. Her achievements in the role include: the implementation of a plan to create institutional memory for the society, rebranding the society, and designing the new “Diversity Project” that seeks to improve diversity within the Faculty of Law and Queen’s. Naheed’s affinity for innovation; her willingness to act in the best interests of others; her remarkable empathy and her continuing commitment to enhancing the well-being and success of her peers make her a very deserving recipient of the Tricolour Award.

2012-2013

Ben Frid (Meds '15)

Ben approaches his life at Queen’s with a dedication, enthusiasm, and passion that the Queen’s community would not be the same without. Before coming to Queen’s he started the Ottawa Chapter of Making Waves, a student-run organization that provides affordable private swimming lessons for children with disabilities. At Queen’s, he founded the Kingston chapter of Making Waves, which has grown to be an extremely successful organization incorporating Queen’s students and the greater Kingston community. In his role as Aesculapian Society president, he has ensured that all medical student opinions are heard and valued. Students have described him as “approachable, accessible, and makes an attempt to engage every member of our class.” One of many initiatives that Ben has undertaken is his formation of a wellness committee to address mental health issues for medical students. His attention to detail led him to the role as founder and president of the Health Care Management Interest Group, a team involved with addressing the deficit in financial literacy that many physicians today are burdened with. Ben’s spirited, inclusive, and enthusiastic approach to life has influenced the lives of innumerous students and the greater Kingston community for the better. His sensitivity to issues within the medical community and the greater Kingston community will continue to have an impact through the multitude of initiatives he has put in place. His driven personality and devotion to the betterment of the community embodies the Queen’s spirit.

Caileigh Simpson (PHE '13)

Caileigh embodies the spirit of initiative that characterizes student life at Queen’s, but what differentiates her from others is her ability to build positive relationships with every single person she encounters. Caileigh has been heavily involved in Physical Health and Kinesiology Education Orientation Week, she served as a Coach in her second year and then served as a Vet in her fourth year. As the 2012-2013 Vice President of University Affairs for the Physical Health Education and Kinesiology Student’s Association, Caileigh has demonstrated exceptional leadership and has been a positive influence on countless students in their involvement at Queen’s University. Caileigh contributed to the formal committee for Physical Education and Kinesiology students for three years, which represents another valued commitment to her school community. In addition, she deserves special recognition for her courage and initiative when she took on the role as AMS Deputy Speaker and Chief Electoral Officer in February 2013. She put in an unbelievable amount of time into maintaining the integrity of the elections and ensuring that all student voices were heard. This was an impromptu situation that required an incredible amount of time that Caileigh gladly stepped up to the plate to take on. She went well above and beyond the call of duty to ensure that AMS Assembly operated smoothly and that the elections were fairly executed by her and the team she led. Her positive attitude and Queen’s spirit has been described by many as “infectious.” Often regarded as a “born leader,” she is never afraid to step forward and take on new projects if she knows that it will benefit those around her. Her hard work ethic has benefited both her School and the greater Queen’s community.

Chi Yan Lam (Artsci '08, BScH '09, MEd '11, PhD '15)

There are few students who truly serve their community in the capacity that Chi has. Since his first year at Queen’s, Chi has been heavily involved in residence life through a variety of positions. His commitment to residence life has left a great impact over a seven-year period, but his time as a residence don for the past five years is an achievement in itself. Many students would know him better as “Papa-Chi,” which speaks volumes to his status as a caring leader for residents and fellow dons. After joining the graduate population at Queen’s, he has been heavily involved in Education Graduate Student Society. In the multitude of representational roles that Chi has held for the Education Graduate Student Society, he consistently approached these commitments with an emphasis on relationship building and collegiality. Chi has been a staple in several Orientation Weeks at Queen’s as a mentor and leader for fellow dons, he has been described as an expert in supporting students’ transition from high school to university life. Over his tenure as a residence don, Chi has been a vocal advocate for the increased ability of residents’ to respond to issues of mental health and non-academic discipline. By starting up a social venture with the mission of providing affordable and accessible first aid training to over 500 Queen’s students, Chi has made the campus a much safer place to live, work, and play. The breadth and depth of Chi’s service to the Queen’s community is incalculable and the student community has been improved because of his efforts while studying here. His passion, commitment, warmth, and long-term endeavours for Queen’s have made it a better place for all students.

Jeffrey McCarthy (Con-Ed '12)

Not many students have demonstrated immense dedication to extracurricular life at Queen’s University like Jeffrey McCarthy has. He has worked tirelessly with First Years Not In Residence, as AMS Clubs Manager, and in his personal time to make the Queen’s experience more engaging and enjoyable for everyone. Throughout his time at Queen’s, Jeffrey has given back to the FYNIRS community as an Orientation Leader, a Chair, and as the Finance and Communications Executive. His hard work and dedication to making the transition for incoming students is well demonstrated by the massive increase in first-year attendance, and upper year volunteering. He has paved the way for the growing FYNIRS community at Queen’s. As AMS Clubs Manager, he has been incredibly approachable and passionate about clubs at Queen’s. He is always working hard to improve AMS Clubs or starting initiatives to help get clubs started. His inclination to be inclusive improve engagement among students led to the creation of the Board Games Club. As founder and president, he funded the club with money from his own pocket so that students had a place to meet and share their interest for board games. As a community builder, his passion for creating, refining, and expanding opportunities for students shines through in everything that he has done at Queen’s. His selfless devotion to the inclusion of everybody and anybody brands him as a distinguished leader at Queen’s University.

Kieran Slobodin (Artsci '12)

Kieran has exemplified an unique type of leadership that has transcended the responsibilities of the many positions he has held at Queen’s. Over his five years here, Kieran served as an AMS Intern to the Academic Affairs Commissioner (AAC), AMS Academic Affairs Commissioner Deputy, Academic Affairs Commissioner, and Vice-President of University Affairs for the AMS. As the AMS AAC Deputy and subsequently the AMS AAC, Kieran had a profound impact on the AAC portfolio where academic grievances were concerned. When Kieran was elected Vice-President of University Affairs for the AMS, he worked tirelessly on a variety of initiatives that have since left a huge imprint on the student community. His highlighted projects include leading the development of a new AMS website, creating the Commission of Environment and Sustainability, and serving as lead AMS representative on the university’s Alcohol Policy review and Non-Academic Discipline Review. Above all, Kieran is a campus leader that a great number of students look to for advice, encouragement, and inspiration. This has been evident during his fifth year of undergraduate study, as many students at large and student leaders have sought counsel from Kieran. Serving in no official capacity to support these students, Kieran has committed immeasurable amounts of time to every student whilst asking nothing in return. This truly speaks to his character as someone who is supportive of his fellow peers and willingness to dedicate substantial time for the cultivation of a better Queen’s. Kieran’s legacy is the mark he will leave on Queen’s as he departs onto the next stage of his life. It is the large number of students he has impacted during his time here who will undoubtedly continue caring for others and enhancing the Queen’s experience for their peers.

Naomi Rosenfeld (Artsci '13)

Naomi’s passion for helping others and raising awareness about injustices has in part defined her distinguished contributions to the Queen’s community. Her work with Holocaust Education Week transformed it into an engaging event that brought in exhibits, survivors, and a partnership with Queen’s STAND Against International Genocide to expand the program’s reach within the Queen’s community. Under her direction, Holocaust Education Week successfully incorporated Queen’s students from all backgrounds and provided them a comprehensive education about the Holocaust. In every role that she has taken on at Queen’s Hillel from first year representative to Chair of Holocaust Education Week, Naomi has shown creativity, attention to detail, and commitment to the work she put forward. Her leadership has inspired others to become more creative in programming events for Queen’s Hillel and more proactive in engaging a large variety of students. She has often been described as an excellent mentor to her peers both through her role in the Hillel and as a Peer Learning Assistant. As an integral member of the Peer Learning Assistant team, her friendly professionalism has helped her establish trustworthy relationships with students, supervisors, and team members. She is often admired for her integrity and deep caring for others. In addition to her work with the Hillel and Peer Learning Assistants, she dedicates her time to an extensive number of groups including volunteering at Martha’s Table, performing in the musical production Down There, and teaching cardio kickboxing and step aerobics at the Athletics and Recreation Centre. The Queen’s community is fortunate to have been impacted by Naomi’s charismatic, creative, and caring personality. Her dedication to helping others is a true representation of the spirit of Queen’s University.

Rico Garcia (Artsci '13)

A defining characteristic of Rico as a person and a leader is his consistency of positive interactions with others and his ability to put others at ease. He has been called a “natural leader” and an “inspiration” by his supporters and peers. It would be difficult to pinpoint where Rico has had the greatest impact on his respective communities due to the wide range of activities he has been involved in. His engagement in the Arts and Science Undergraduate Society spanned from serving as an academic representative on the University Senate to running the society as President. During Rico’s presidency, the BFA programme suspension took place and his tactful approach was key to facilitate discussion amongst relevant parties that led to his strong advocacy for Fine Arts students. Rico later took on the role of President of the Queen’s Student Alumni Association and worked wonders for the organization’s engagement with the alumni, student, and Kingston communities alike. His initiatives as President of the Queen’s Student Alumni Association have included the creation of an international relations portfolio, which connects students on exchange with alumni abroad, foundation of a mentorship program in Calgary, assisting with the Initiative Campaign launch events, and asserting his position as an ex-officio member of the Queen’s Board of Trustees. He also served as the co-chair for the Senate Orientation Activities Review Board, where he oversaw the student-run Orientation Week which is a core part of the student experience at Queen’s. Rico has extended his support and advice far beyond the boundaries of the positions he has held at Queen’s. Even in the past year, he became an informal advisor for CFRC along with other student groups. Rico’s approachability has been a hallmark of his leadership at Queen’s and his dedicated support of his fellow peers and the university deserves great recognition.

Sean Robinson (Artsci '13)

Often referred to as someone who “bleeds Tricolour,” and a role model for his fellow peers, Sean Robinson has an unparalleled sense of pride for Queen’s. Sean had his first taste of leadership in Orientation Week, where he participated as a Gael and subsequently as an Orientation Coordinator for the Arts and Science Undergraduate Society. He also worked on the Life Science Student Council for three years and his initiatives included the introduction of new programs and providing lecture video capture for students. Sean has been an ambassador for Queen’s through his capacity as a Queen’s tour guide for the past three years and has participated heavily in the Fall and March Break Open Houses. His exuberant personality and positive attitude towards Queen’s came through in his role as a tour guide and has been one part of his significant contribution to the Queen’s community. Sean’s most distinguished service to his community was the invaluable work he did for the Queen’s Rotaract Club. From getting involved with the club in his first year at Queen’s, Sean has poured a great portion of his life over his four years into the club itself. Members of the club have remarked at how Sean truly embodied the Rotaract's motto of “service above self." Sean served as the Volunteer Coordinator and subsequently served as President of the club for two years consecutively. Sean was key in bringing the “purple pinky” polio awareness day to Queen’s through the Rotaract Club, which raised money to vaccinate children from polio in countries where the disease is still prevalent. The club grew from 15 regular members to over 60 regular members under Sean’s leadership. His mentorship to new members and incoming executives has been identified as remarkable and invaluable to the club's future success. Supporters have described Sean as “irreplaceable,” but it is evident that his selfless support of others will ensure that his time here at Queen’s will not be forgotten nor short-lived.

2011-2012

2010-2011

2004-2005

2001-2002