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Making an Impact
Faculty of Agriculture students honored for their contributions to student life

On Monday March 30^th, Dalhousie University Faculty of Agriculture celebrated its 8th Annual Student Leadership Awards, newly coined the 2015 SAIL Student Impact Awards. 

The 2015 SAIL Student Impact Awards is an event that celebrates the leadership, volunteerism and engagement of Faculty of Agriculture students who have made a positive impact on student life on the Agricultural Campus.

 “Recently, LinkedIn named Dalhousie University as one of the Top 5 universities for volunteerism, explained Heather Doyle, Director Student Services, Faculty of Agriculture.  “I think this shows the level of involvement and engagement our students have, both on campus, as well as in the local community,” she added.

Among those celebrated were the student participants in SAIL, Student Advancement in Leadership, who received their Certificate of Completion in SAIL.  In all, the program has seen significant growth to over 50 student participants, with 13 receiving certificates this year. 

The evening was planned and hosted by first year SAIL students who will work towards completing their certificate requirement within the next academic year. 

“The evening’s banquet is an important part of the leadership program, as it recognizes the dedication of our leadership students to their experiential learning and the sharing of their knowledge with others,” explained Monica Sani, Student Success Coordinator, Leadership, Co-Curricular Record.

Thirty-two SAIL students participated in professional workshops, traveled to conferences and gained practical knowledge in communication, career, leadership and personal development.

These students have collectively volunteered over 650 hours in many different areas from reading programs, wildlife rehabilitation and international development, relieve projects, peer mentoring and lending a hand when needed.

“Having students so actively involved on campus goes a long way in ensuring that we are vibrant, active community, added Doyle.  “We are so lucky to have so many inspiring students, who want to make a difference to campus while they are here. It is truly what makes the AC so special!”

2015 Honorees

SAIL Student Advancement in Leadership
This year’s certificate graduates were the seventh group to successfully complete the program which is to be completed over two years.

(L to R) Punya Raja,Maleanie Dawn Porter,Qiming (Hugh) Lu, Chantal Martine Belanger, Shelby Lynne Jamieson,
Melis Seven, Jessica Lynn Fogarty and John Yool

Missing from photo: Chen Chen, Hefei Lin andLan Anh Nguyen Do

2015 Student Leadership Award for a Club or Organization.

This award recognizes a student or student group for their commitment, time, energy and resources for making a difference to other students.  Through unwavering commitment, Rosalie Madden, in a very short period of time, has provided leadership and has inspired collaboration through several clubs and committees on this campus.  Through DAAGS, Ruminate and the Agrology Club, Rosalie has certainly gone above and beyond to demonstrate cooperation and a true love of agriculture.

2015 IMPACT Award for Student Government

This award recognizes a student for their commitment and leadership to Dal AC by taking an active role in student government and by genuinely demonstrating their commitment to DASA and all of the students on this campus.

During his three year term with DASA Harris Bakker has demonstrated a sincere interest in student government.  Harris is instrumental in increasing the attendance at SRC meetings which has improved DASA’s ability to move forward meeting students’ needs.  He has enhanced student life through scheduling many fun and successful events.

2015 IMPACT Award for Environmental Leadership recognizes a student for their commitment in providing leadership through creating and/or maintaining a sustainable environment through campus.

The 2015 IMPACT Award for Environmental Leadership Award is presented to two students this year.  As there was incredible recognition for these two students, the selection committee wanted to recognize both students for their uniqueness and contribution to campus.

Shanthanu Krishnakumar and Rebekah Bailey have worked hard on campus initiatives to improve the sustainability of our campus and to help to enrich student experience by sharing these initiatives.

Shanthanu, for his outreach and dedication to raising awareness about the value of trees in communities, his presentation and work at the East Coast Student Leadership Conference, work with the ECOlymoics and for his participation in “Why Forests Matter” conference.

Rebekah, for her role of Residence Sustainability Representative and the dedication and leadership of her committee, her active role on the Green Residence Forum, World Water Day, Earth Hour and as campus lead in the ECOLympics.

2015 Community Service Student Leadership IMPACT Award.

This award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated their community spirit by volunteering regularly and whole-heartedly.  This student is recognized for maintaining community connections, a great reputation and pride in the work that they do.

During her time here, Jessica Fogarty has certainly made an impact on campus through her genuine interest and the value she places on community service.  She has a great love for sharing her knowledge in Agriculture and sustainable organic practice. From filling in for musicians at local events, volunteering in the Community Garden, promoting the Seed Library, to serving food at local fundraisers, making posters for campus committees, working towards increasing the awareness of student entrepreneurship, attending meetings to support her AC community and for always offering leadership to those who are beginning work of their own, we  thank Jessica.

2015 Residence Student Leadership IMPACT Award

This award recognizes an outstanding student leader who has demonstrated significant leadership, commitment and spirit to improving the quality of life for students in residence.

Known for his dedication and spirit in promoting activities in Residence and as a great Orientation Leaders, Josh Kelly is highly involved in House activities and encourages the people around him to get involved.  His outgoing and positive personality is contagious and he is often heard inviting students to attend social activities, house challenges, Monday night Hockey and much more.  Josh never excludes anyone and encourages everyone to have a good time while ensuring everyone is respecting each other and the House.

2015 Student Leadership Health Education Impact Award

Recognizes a student leader, who through the creative use of resources, has enhanced the quality of student life and development on this campus.

Ainsley Lofstedt has been a great representative for RESPECT and in the past year has made a difference to her peers by working hard to promote health and wellness.  She is genuinely interested in sharing her experiences and knowledge with other students and brings her high energy, enthusiasm, self-motivation and creativity to educating her fellow students on such important health issues such as safer sex, responsible drinking and consent.

2015 Rising Leader IMPACT Award has always been popular as it recognizes a first year student who has demonstrated outstanding school spirit through involvement in campus life.

Mitchell Watt is a student who brings enthusiasm and variety to campus.  He has been a great supporter of residence activities and sits on House Council, is newly elected as Graduation Chair and is participating in SAIL, all while living a full student life in both Halifax and Truro and is helping to provide an inclusive environment for student who want to get to both campuses by sitting on Student Senate. 

Mitchell has an entrepreneurial spirit and is involved with Cultivat8 and Starting Lean and is looking forward to the next three years as a Dal AC student.
 

2015 Outstanding Tutor Student Leadership Impact Award

The nominations poured in this year for this award as campus recognizes the hard work and dedication of all peer tutors on campus.  The Outstanding Tutor Award is given to a student or student group who provides exceptional help, knowledge and outstanding services to his or her tutee or tutees.

During the past year, this group of students has gone above and beyond the expectations of this campus in providing exceptional instruction, mentorship and genuine caring to the first year Veterinary Technology students.  Through their dedication, time, volunteer hours, kindness and helpfulness, the entire Veterinary Technology program benefitted significantly.  These five tutors are outstanding community members and are recognized for the valuable role they have played and the leadership they have demonstrated this year.  Owen Johnstone, Falina Dovick, Krista Head, Stephanie Moquin and Tonya-Lynne Carew.

2015 Dalhousie University Faculty of Agriculture Spirit Award. 

This award recognizes a student’s enthusiasm and contribution to multiple activities at the AC, thereby exhibiting school spirit.

In all of his time here at the AC, Qiming Lu (Hugh), has made it clear that he loves this campus, being in Canada and loves his program.  Hugh has been involved in countless campus events, fundraisers, has been and Orientation Leaders, volunteer for Woodsmen Weekend, is an accomplished SAIL certificate recipient, has attended two East Coast Student Leadership Conferences, has traveled to many different provinces to learn English and experience Canadian Culture.  He is known to generate enthusiasm among his peers and has inspired them to participate in a variety of activities.  Hugh has held several campus positions and is well known, liked and respected.  His million-watt smile says it all!

2015 Philip Stead Memorial Excellence in Student Leadership Award.

This bursary is awarded to a student in the Faculty of Agriculture who demonstrates a love of agriculture and outstanding leadership on this campus and within the community.  The Philip Stead Memorial Excellence in Student Leadership is presented in memory of Philip Stead, a graduate of NSAC who devoted much of his personal and professional time to the advancement of Maritime agriculture.

This award recognizes a student at the AC who has demonstrated significant positive impact on campus and/or community life through their leadership and initiative; have demonstrated academic achievement; is committed to team work; who has influenced the development of future leaders at DAL AC; and is recognized as a role model and an effective leader by peers, staff and faculty.  The recipient of this annual award will receive $2500 as donated by the STEAD family, the Dairy Holstein industry and surrounding community.

As a mature student, Jessica Fogarty has taken on the challenge and commitment to complete her education in Plant Science here at the AC.  During these past three years on campus, Jessica has certainly developed and shown great leadership in all of the positions she has held on campus and within the community.  In addition to being an active member of SAIL and a consistent volunteer in the agricultural community, Jessica has held three DASA roles over the last two years, is a campus tour guide and can be found helping fellow students, staff and faculty at the IT desk in the library.  Jessica is an active member of the Agrology Club, a regular volunteer for ACORN, Agriculture Awareness, Agriculture Literacy Week, a volunteer in support of humanitarian work in Guatemala, is enrolled in Starting Lean through Cultiv8 and holds a permanent position with EcoCert Canada.

Jessica demonstrated to her fellow students that it is possible to achieve goals while maintaining balance between academic, personal and professional pursuits.  She is known to always lend a hand, offer advice and be genuinely interested in the achievements of others.  Jessica demonstrates leadership in all of the things she does to help make this campus the best possible experience for others.