1. Funding Awards
  2. Student Leadership Awards

Student Leadership Awards

Every year, Queen’s Student Affairs celebrates extraordinary contributions made by student leaders at Queen’s to support their peers, and local community members and initiatives.

The Student Leadership Awards honour student recipients – individuals or groups – of the Peer Leadership Award, the Indigenization, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility and Anti-Racism (I–EDIAA) Impact Award, and the Brian Yealland Community Leadership Award. Nominations are submitted by students, faculty, community members, and staff.

Nominations for 2024-25 will open December 2024.

If you have any questions about the awards or the nomination process, please email studentaffairs@queensu.ca 

 

Indigenization, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility and Anti-Racism Impact Award

The Indigenization, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility and Anti-Racism (I–EDIAA) Impact Award will be presented annually to Queen’s students, individuals and groups, who have shown their commitment to the principles of Indigenization, equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility and anti-racism. Up to two awards will be granted annually to students (individuals or groups) who have contributed to making Queen’s a more inclusive campus. The recipients will demonstrate contributions to furthering an understanding of the interplay and intersections among different identities on campus and their work will show that diversity strengthens the Queen’s community.

2023-24 Recipients

Shania Sheth

Shania is a Bachelor of Health Sciences student, and the Health Science Society’s 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 (Comm ’24) has had a deep impact and created positive culture change through extensive involvement at the 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’s Journal’s BIPOC Advisory Board.

  • Open to both undergraduate and graduate students
  • Recognition is for demonstrated involvement in, and commitment to, social justice causes that impact the Queen’s community on a broad or small scale
  • Nominees can be associated with any Queen’s program, department, club, organization, or student-led initiative, or a community partner/organization
  • Self-nominations are not accepted

A strong nomination will demonstrate:

  • Impact on the Queen’s community
  • Commitment to the principles of EDII in both co-curricular/extra-curricular involvement and personal development
  • Support for nomination

Congratulations 2023-24 recipients - Shania Sheth and Meena Waseem!
 
Shania Sheth and Dean Ann TierneyMeena Waseem and Dean Ann Tierney
 
 
Congratulations 2022-23 recipients - Layla Haddad and Clarissa de Leon!
 
Head shot of Layla smiling after receiving the award. Head shot of Clarissa in a yellow shirt smiling.
 
Congratulations 2021-22 recipients - Victoria Yu (BScH’22, BEd'23) and Caroline Kim (BASc'22)!
 
 
Left: Victoria Yu 
 
Right: Caroline Kim

2020-21 recipients: Biology Graduate Students and Ishita Aggarwal (MD'23)

1st photo Biology Graduate Students: L-R: Monica Garvie (PhD'23), Harshavardhan Thyagarajan (PhD’23), Kristen Hayward (MSc’21), Hana Thompson (MSc’22), Samantha Gene (PhD’23), Riley Gridzak (PhD'24), Regan Cross (PhD'23), Nell Libera (PhD'22)

2nd photo Ishita Aggarwal

2019-20 Recipients: Miriam John (ArtSci’21) and The Queen’s American Sign Language Club

2018-19 Recipients: Rebecca Gordon (Ed’19) and The Executive of the African and Caribbean Students’ Association (ACSA)

Rebecca Gordon (Ed’19) and The Executive of the African and Caribbean Students’ Association (ACSA)

2017-18 Recipients: Aniqa Mazumder (Artsci'18) and Xin Sun (Artsci’18)

Aniqa Mazumder (Artsci'18) and Xin Sun (Artsci’18)

Brian Yealland Community Leadership Award

Named in honour of Brian Yealland, the Chaplain at Queen’s University for 32 years, the Brian Yealland Community Leadership Award will be presented annually to Queen’s students, individuals or groups,  who make a significant contribution to society by working with and encouraging youth who are experiencing social, behavioral, economic or other challenges by helping them realize their worth as individuals and their potential to achieve.   

2023-24 Recipients

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 with the Maltby Centre, which provides mental health and autism services for youth, in a variety of leadership roles. Connor’s engagement has made a significant contribution to the lives of local youth, who he works with directly, as well as with schools, and other community agencies, to reduce barriers to support.

  • Open to both undergraduate and graduate students
  • Recognition is for demonstrated leadership and initiative in a volunteer capacity
  • Must be associated with a campus or local community-based organization working with youth
    • A letter of support from the organization is highly encouraged
  • Student must be in good standing with the University
  • Self nominations are not accepted

A strong nomination will demonstrate:

  • Breadth of impact
  • Contributions above and beyond what would normally be expected
  • Length of contribution
  • Support for nomination

Congratulations 2023-24 recipients - Mehak Chohan and Connor Hamlyn!
 
Mehak Chohan and Dean Ann TierneyConnor Hamlyn and Dean Ann Tierney
 
Congratulations 2022-23 recipients - Israa Abou El Nour and Jane Mao!
 
Head shot of Israa smiling after receiving the award. Head shot of Jane smiling after receiving the award.
 
Congratulations 2021-22 recipients - Bags of Promise!
 
 
Executive: Celina Lovisotto (ArtSci’24), Megan Stellato (ArtSci’23), Makena Sceeles (ArtSci’24), Bridgett Chau (ArtSci’24)
Service Pillar: Kate Dickie (Comm’24), Patricia Roussel (ArtSci’24), Kyran Sachdeva (ArtSci’25), Lauren Pattison (ArtSci’24)
Advocacy Pillar: Erin Mlynaryk (ArtSci’24)
Education Pillar: Zaynab Karimjee (ArtSci’24), Mehak Khangura (ArtSci’25)
Branding/Marketing and Finance: Isabelle Ettinger (Comm’25), Sophie Omoumi (Comm’24)
 
2020-21 recipient: Claire Michelle Wright (BScH'21)
 
 
Claire Michelle Wright

2019-20 recipients: Christie Gray (Comm’21) and Shakira Brathwaite (MD’21)

L - R: Pedram Akbari (Shakira's nominator), Brian Yealland and Christie Gray

2018-19 recipients: Lindey Felske (MA’20) and Adrienne Fanjoy (JD’20)

2019 recipients Lindey Felske (MA’20) and Adrienne Fanjoy (JD’20)

2017-18 recipients: Emilio Frometa (Artsci’17, MIR’18) and Kennedy Everitt (Artsci'18)

2018 recipients: Emilio Frometa (Artsci’17, MIR’18) and Kennedy Everitt (Artsci'18)

 L-R: Emilio Frometa​, Brian Yealland and Kennedy Everitt​

2016-17 Recipients 

"L-R: Brian Yealland, Gabriel Jayakaran, Dr. Johanne Bénard, and Dr. Benoit-Antoine Bacon"

Alex Chase, Brian Yealland, Chintan Dave and Dr. Tony Sanfilippo, Associate Dean, Undergraduate Medicine Program

1st photo L-R: Brian Yealland, Gabriel Jayakaran, Dr. Johanne Bénard, Associate Dean (Studies) in Student Services (FAS) and Dr. Benoit-Antoine Bacon, Provost and Vice-Principal (Academic)

2nd photo L-R: Alex Chase, Brian Yealland, Chintan Dave and Dr. Tony Sanfilippo, Associate Dean, Undergraduate Medicine Program

2015-16 Recipients


Brian Yealland, Brittany McBeath, Lydia Warren, Ann Tierney (Vice-Provost and Dean of Student Affairs) 

From L-R: Brian Yealland, Brittany McBeath, Lydia Warren, Ann Tierney (Vice-Provost and Dean of Student Affairs) 

2014-15 Recipients
2015 Recipients Katie Ahlin (left) and Katie Deakon (right)

2014-15 recipients Katie Ahlin and Katie Deakon at the presentation ceremony

2013-14 Recipients

Tian Lu, a 2014 recipient of the Brian Yealland Community Leadership Award holds her plaque.
Tian Lu at the presentation ceremony. Co-recipient Amanda Tracey was unable to attend.​

Peer Leadership Award

The Peer Leadership Award will be presented annually to Queen’s students, individuals or groups, who through their commitment, skill, dedication, and interest in helping others have exemplified excellence in peer-to-peer assistance and outreach.

2023-24 Recipients

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’s, and is a QSuccess mentor with the Student Experience Office.

Miles Brackenbury

Miles is completing his Concurrent Education degree, and is co-captain of Queen’s varsity cross-country team. He has been active with A&R’s Varsity Leadership Council since his first year, organizing fundraisers and engagement initiatives, and always supports and advocates for his peers. He is also involved in the local, provincial, and national running scene. 

Pungavi Linghan

Pungavi (ArtSci ’24) 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.

  • Open to both undergraduate and graduate students
  • Recognition is for demonstrated leadership in peer assistance and outreach
  • Must be employed/associated with a Queen’s University program or service
  • Nominee must be in good standing with the University to be considered for this award
  • Self-nominations are not accepted

A strong nomination will demonstrate:

  • Breadth of impact
  • Contributions above and beyond what would normally be expected
  • Length of contribution
  • Support for nomination

Congratulations 2023-24 recipients - Nashmia Anwar, Miles Brackenbury, and Pungavi Linghan

Nashmia Anwar and Dean Ann TierneyMiles BrackenburyPungavi Linghan and Dean Ann Tierney

 

Congratulations 2022-23 recipients - Jacob DesRochers (Education) and Queen's Local WUSC Committee: Aidan Sander (FHS), Alaa Khalaf (FHS), Ayden Harrison (FAS), Nazanin Soghrati (FHS), Princess Talabi (FHS)!

Headshot of Jacob, in black shirt, facing the camera smiling Ann Tierney,Vice-Provost & Dean of Student Affairs, standing next to the award recipients Aiden and Ayden, who all are smiling, posing for the camera.

Congratulations 2021-22 recipients - Landon Montag (BScH’20, MSc’22) and Erin Lee (PhD’24)!

Left: Landon Montag

Right: Erin Lee

2020-21 recipients: Miriam John (BAH'22, Biology) and Rohit Shukla (PhD'22, Civil Engineering)

1st photo: Miriam John (right) with Nominator Mariam Atnasious (left)

2nd photo: Rohit Shukla

2019-20 recipients: Brielle Thorsen (Sc’20) and Step Above Stigma

L - R: Provost and VP (Academic) Mark Green, Melanie Howard (nominator), Brielle and Dean of the Stephen J.R. Smith Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science Kevin Deluzio

2018-19 recipients: Meghann Grenier (Sc’19) and Taylor Bluhm (NSc’19)   

2019 recipients Meghann Grenier (Sc’19) and Taylor Bluhm (NSc’19)

2017-18 Recipients: Atul Jaiswal (PhD candidate, RHBS), Jennifer Williams (Artsci’16, MSc'18) and Sexual Violence Bystander Intervention Trainers

Atul Jaiswal (PhD candidate, RHBS)Jennifer Williams (Artsci’16, MSc'18)Sexual Violence Bystander Intervention Trainers

1st photo: Vice-Provost and Dean of Student Affairs, Ann Tierney and Atil Jaiswal

​2nd photo: Ann Tierney and Jenny Williams

3rd: Sexual Violence Bystander Intervention Trainers with Assistant Dean, Student Life and Learning, Corinna Fitzgerald and VP and Dean of Student Affairs, Ann Tierney

2016-17 Recipients: Anna Geladi (MPL ’18) and Joyce Leung (B.Ed. ’18)

Ann Geladi, Dr. Benoit-Antoine Bacon, Provost and Vice-Principal (Academic) Dr. Johanne Bénard, Associate Dean (Studies) in Student Services (FAS), Joyce Leung and Dr. Rebecca Luce-Kapler, Dean of the Faculty of Education

1st photo L-R: Ann Geladi, Dr. Benoit-Antoine Bacon, Provost and Vice-Principal (Academic)

2nd photo L-R: Dr. Johanne Bénard, Associate Dean (Studies) in Student Services (FAS), Joyce Leung and Dr. Rebecca Luce-Kapler, Dean of the Faculty of Education

2015-16 Recipients 

Christina Lamparter, Jeremy Gooden and Vice-Provost and Dean of Student Affairs, Ann Tierney

From L-R: Christina Lamparter, Jeremy Gooden and Vice-Provost and Dean of Student Affairs, Ann Tierney
Congratulations Christina & Jeremy! 

2014-15 Recipients

Kaylee Clark and Emma Dargie!

Emma Dargie 2015 Recipient of the Peer Leadership Award

Emma Dargie 2014-15 Recipient of the Peer Leadership Award

2013-14 Recipients

2014 Peer Leadership Award recipients Sean Doherty and Roopa Suppriah hold their plaque
2013-14 recipients Sean Doherty and Roopa Suppiah at the awards ceremony, March 2014.

Sean Doherty and Roopa Suppiah