The University of Guelph is proud to have passionate students who take the University motto "Improve Life" to heart. Each year, students who have made a difference, those who are true leaders on and off campus, are recognized through the Student Experience Awards. This year, two students from the College of Social and Applied Human Sciences were among the recipients. We offer a wholehearted congratulations and job well done to these two wonderful students.

The Kishaadigeh Award & Roberta Mason Award Recipient: Jamie Horner, College of Social and Applied Human Sciences

Jamie Horner is a Métis master’s student studying Public Issues Anthropology at the University of Guelph. She has been awarded with the Kishaadigeh Award and Roberta Mason Award because of her outstanding contributions to the lives of Indigenous students at the University. Jamie attends every Aboriginal Student Association meeting even though she is not an executive member and attendance is not required. Despite being a commuter and a mother, Jamie dedicates time and effort to volunteering for events hosted by the Aboriginal Resource Centre. She also belongs to the Racialized Students Constituency and  supports the College of Social and Applied Human Sciences with their Indigenization efforts – originally sitting on a committee with this task, she is now working with Indigenous scholar Prof. Kim Anderson as a graduate student researcher.

Jamie has been described as hard-working, dedicated, kind and passionate by both colleagues and superiors. There is no doubt that these characteristics are extremely deserving of the Kishaadigeh Award & Roberta Mason Award with which she is being honoured.

The André Auger Citizenship Award Recipient: Syvanne Avitzur, College of Social and Applied Human Sciences.

Syvanne is a fourth year student at the University of Guelph studying both International Development and Neuroscience. She is also a research assistant for the Community Engaged Scholarship Institute, where she works to improve services for international students and students with developmental disabilities. On top of this, she is also a senior START facilitator for the Student Transition Office who spends her time supporting new students, helping them ease into life at University.

Syvanne is very involved in her community and spends much of her time volunteering to make the University of Guelph more inclusive. Syvanne is also involved in the World University Service of Canada (WUSC), where she tackles important issues such as refugee rights and sustainable international development. These same interests have spurred her to join the Model UN Club.

She is passionate and kind and has been praised for her focus, determination and unwavering commitment to whatever cause she takes up.