2023 Celebration of Learning Hamilton Spectator Feature
Academic Excellence Award – Allied Health
Alizain Zulfiqar
Alizain is hard working and dedicated towards his studies which are reflected by his excellent grades. Alizain selflessly makes time to assist his peers with course material to help them reach their own academic success. Congratulations on receiving the Academic Excellence Award for Allied Health! It is certainly well deserved.
Academic Excellence Award – Apprenticeship
Kimbel Donayre
Kimbel is an inspirational student with a strong work ethic, motivation and desire to learn. He embraces opportunities to apply his learning within his apprenticeship work and college life in ways to give back to his Mohawk College and surrounding communities. For these qualities, Kimbel is a true role model to his peers. Congratulations on receiving the Academic Excellence Award for Apprenticeship! It is certainly well deserved.
Academic Excellence Award – Building & Construction Sciences & Applied Research (2 awards)
James Kretz
James is an incredible student leader with exceptional dedication to his studies and future career. As a research assistant with the Unmanned and Remote Sensing Innovation Centre (URSIC) throughout his academic journey, he demonstrated innovation and passion in his field, is a resource within his industry and a mentor to his peers. James continued to immerse himself in learning opportunities by earning his advanced operator certificate for remotely piloted aircrafts systems (RPAS) and becoming the lead instructor for the RPAS courses at Mohawk College Continuing Education. His passion for his field is evident in everything that he does. Congratulations on receiving the Academic Excellence Award for Building and Construction Sciences!
Academic Excellence Award – Building Systems & Sustainability
Michelle Satake Machado
Michelle is an exceptional life-long learner with an deep commitment to her studies and to her Mohawk College and surrounding community. Not only has she achieved an amazing GPA, but continued to build positive relationships amongst her community within her many volunteer roles. A second time Celebration of Learning award recipient for her program, Michelle proves that she is a true leader, setting positive examples for future students and future women within technology and trades. Congratulations on receiving the Academic Excellence Award for Building Systems & Sustainability for the second year in a row!
Academic Excellence Award – Business
Bilal Ahmed
Bilal exhibits true leadership qualities in all that he does within the Mohawk College community. He is highly revered by his faculty and peers for his dedication to supporting others in their success and empowering them to be the best version of themselves. Bilal brings joy to the classroom with a positive attitude and a genuine interest in others. His zest for learning, hard work and dedication translates to his excellent academic achievements. Congratulations on receiving the Academic Excellence Award for Business!
Academic Excellence Award – Business (Mississauga)
Joyce Bassey
Joyce brings cheerfulness and a positive attitude to the classroom. She takes pride in her work and continuously strives to be the best she can be both academically and personally. Joyce’s discipline and commitment to excellence is inspiring and she readily mentors her peers in their journey to success. She serves the community through volunteering to guide new professionals in their quest for a corporate career, by proudly sharing her experiences. Her faculty are proud of her outstanding achievements. Congratulations on receiving a well-deserved Academic Excellence Award for Business - Mississauga!
Academic Excellence Award – Chemical, Biotechnology & Aviation
Miranda Martin-Kinsman
Miranda is an ambitious life-long learner with a keen enthusiasm for knowledge. As a peer tutor and leader among her peers she engages others and entices them to participate in conversation, expanding learning objectives by asking thoughtful and insightful questions, and supports others in their academic journey. Co-founder and Vice-President of the Mohawk Aviation Club Miranda inspires and creates opportunities for aviation enthusiasts. Miranda’s incredible initiative is recognized by her faculty and peers and her commitment to education is displayed by her high academic performance. Congratulations on receiving the Academic Excellence Award for Chemical, Biotechnology, & Aviation!
Academic Excellence Award – Communication & Global Studies
Xuanjun Si
Xuanjun is an outstanding student who demonstrates leadership by initiating and fostering an extremely collegial mindset and practice which is reflected by his high GPA. He consistently displays a positivity for learning that is both engaging and contagious with his peers. Congratulations on receiving the Academic Excellence Award for Communication & Global Studies!
Academic Excellence Award – Community Studies
Ma. Reina Eleanor Asprec
Reina is an extraordinary student who has made an incredible impact within the Mohawk College and surrounding community. With compassion and dedication, she goes above and beyond to support her classmates and students within the college, especially through her work with the CICE program. Reina is committed to learning and models that hard work can result in academic success. Congratulations on receiving the Academic Excellence Award for Community Studies! It is certainly well deserved.
Academic Excellence Award –Computer Science & Information Technology
Moniefa Ebo
Moniefa is an exceptional student and role model to her peers. She embraces opportunities to grow personally, professionally and academically, while eagerly helping others also reach their academic success. Within her role with the New Developers Club Moniefa creates engaging opportunities for students to learn and connect with their Mohawk College community. Congratulations on receiving the Academic Excellence Award for Computer Science & Information Technology!
Academic Excellence Award – Continuing Education
Rana Al-Suffi
Rana is a bright and enthusiastic learner who accomplishes outstanding grades. She engages others with thoughtfulness and curiosity and inspires creativity in learning development. Rana is a well-rounded student and an excellent role model to others. Congratulations on receiving the Academic Excellence Award for Continuing Education! It is certainly well deserved.
Academic Excellence Award – Creative Industries
Sidra Gul
Sidra encompasses the key values that one should as a Mohawk College student. She leads every day by being student-focused, committed to excellence while creating engagement opportunities within her community and being fully inclusive, and holding herself and her peers accountable in the most honest of ways. Sidra displays a true passion for building meaningful relationships with others and striving towards her personal growth. Congratulations on receiving the Academic Excellence Award for Creative Industries!
Academic Excellence Awards – Electrical, Transportation & Innovation
Appaar Bagga
Appaar is an inspirational student leader who strives for high academic achievement while selflessly contributing to his Mohawk College community. As a Peer Tutor, Appaar displays a strong commitment to supporting his peers by fostering learning environments suitable to those he works with. Congratulations on receiving the Academic Excellence Award for Electrical, Transportation & Innovation!
Academic Excellence Awards – Health Studies
Emma D’Souza
Emma has a true passion for learning and applying her knowledge in her academic, professional and person life. Her excellent grades are a result of her perseverance and dedication. Emma embraces opportunities to give back to her community through volunteering and team work. Congratulations on receiving the Academic Excellence Award for Health Studies! It is certainly well deserved.
Academic Excellence Awards – Liberal & Administrative Studies
Emily Ashworth
Emily has an admirable commitment to her education. She works extremely hard to maintain a high GPA, while also working and volunteering her time to support her classmates. Recognizing the value in a fulsome college experience, Emily readily immerses herself in campus events and activities. Congratulations on receiving the Academic Excellence Award for Liberal and Administrative Studies!
Academic Excellence Awards – Liberal & Administrative Studies (Mississauga)
Jashandeep Kaur
Jashandeep is an incredibly dedicated and outstanding student. Throughout her journey at Mohawk College, she has been an active participant in class discussions and provided excellent support to her peers by being a Study Buddy, volunteering her time and talent to tutoring and assisting her peers to succeed. Jashaneep’s academic achievements, work ethic and interpersonal skills are impeccable, and she serves the surrounding community with care and a loving personality. Congratulations on receiving the Academic Excellence Award for Liberal and Administrative Studies - Mississauga!
Academic Excellence Awards – McKeil School of Business & Centre for Entrepreneurship
Mariana Niembro Garcia
Mariana is an outstanding student who takes pride in her academic achievements. She is a pillar of resilience and hard work. Mariana’s true joy for learning is admirable and apparent to others. Congratulations on receiving the Academic Excellence Award for McKeil School of Business & Centre for Entrepreneurship! It is certainly well deserved.
Academic Excellence Awards – Nursing
Andrea Levy
Andrea is a compassionate and dedicated student who brings professionalism, confidence and a friendly personality to her work and with the diverse students, staff and clients she engages. She generously contributes her time to volunteer and welcomes opportunities to foster meaningful relationships to support her community. Andrea’s knowledge, ethical values, and patient advocacy will be an asset in future settings of her education and employment. Congratulations on receiving the Academic Excellence Award for Nursing!
Academic Excellence Award - Social Services and Justice Studies
Kayla Coates
Kayla is a stand out student who seizes every opportunity to continue her journey of life-long learning. She has made a lasting impression with her faculty and community partners as a high performer, achieving an extensive list of impressive training, certificates and grades. A leader in the classroom, Kayla participates with an inquisitive and thoughtful nature. Congratulations on receiving the Academic Excellence Award for Social Services and Justice Studies!
Accessibility Leadership Award
Sunshine (Tanya Tara Ann Noel)
Sunshine is a highly engaged student leader who fosters a welcoming and inclusive environment for those around them. Sunshine use your their lived experiences to help their peers better understand complicated issues related to mental health and illness. Sunshine’s commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion is intentional in creating awareness and change, while supporting others . Congratulations on receiving the Accessibility Leadership Award!
Alumni Outstanding Student Leader Award
Monica Fisher
Monica is an amazing student and collaborator within the Mohawk College community. Using her remarkable communication, organization, and interpersonal skills, Monica applies her learning and skills to create engaging approaches to her work and with the students she supports. Monica has proven to be a valuable leader and team member, acquiring campus employment with three student service areas. Her connection to the college community will carry on after she graduates. Congratulations on receiving the Alumni Outstanding Leader Award!
Co-Curricular Volunteer Award
Karen Herrera-Vargas
Karen has an impressive and diverse Co-Curricular Record, with over 100 hours and 22 different positions from both on and off campus. She has an immeasurable dedication and compassion for her community. As a true ambassador for Mohawk College, Karen displays a true passion for building meaningful relationships with others, contributing to her community, and striving towards personal growth. Congratulations on receiving the Co-Curricular Volunteer Award!
Commitment to Education Award
Juhainah Hussein
Juhainah has a true passion for learning and has overcome great challenges to achieve her academic success. She is diligent in her studies and continues to show dedication in her pursuit to graduate and serve within the field of community services in order to improve the lives of others. Congratulations on receiving the Commitment to Education Award! It is certainly well deserved.
Co-Operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning Award
Brandon McKay
Brandon has made a tremendous impact at PCL. During his co-op terms, he seized every opportunity to learn and apply his knowledge and skills to create new initiatives that foster a positive community experience for those he works with. Brandon is a role model to other students, demonstrating a passion for his field while sharing his experiences to motivate and support others. Congratulations on receiving the Co-Operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning Award!
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Impact Award
Ariel Tvrdon
Ariel’s work as an executive with the Women In Technology and Trades (Witt) Club has furthered her reach to create resources, support and a sense of community for women in STEM fields at Mohawk College. She is an excellent student leader with a strong dedication to continue to foster equity, diversity and inclusion in traditional male dominated fields and create an environment of support for all in her future career. Congratulations on receiving the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Impact Award!
Indigenous Leadership Award
Michelle Rivers
Michelle is an extraordinary student with a keen passion for learning and making a difference in our world, specifically within the Indigenous communities. She impresses her faculty and peers with her thoughtful contributions and the many ways she supports her peers. Michelle’s story is one of strength, resilience and social contribution, and we are honoured to present her with this award. Congratulations on receiving the Indigenous Leadership Award!
International Student Leader Award
Justin May Tinio
Justin is an all around excellent student and ambassador of Mohawk College. She has been an active and passionate member in the Mohawk College Community, dedicating her time to volunteer both on and off-campus, and enthusiastically taking on roles as a Campus Ambassador, Tour Guide, event speaker, and the list goes on. Justin’s impact spans broadly across Mohawk College among the Filipino community and with all of the students she works with to support and inspire. Congratulations on receiving the International Student Leader Award!
Learning Support Center Engagement Award
Muskan Vahora
Muskan is such a supportive and passionate student leader. Representing the Stoney Creek campus, she has hosted countless events such as math drop-ins and class visits to support her peers. Muskan continually goes above and beyond, lending a helping hand, and acting as a true champion of the Learning Support Centre. Congratulations on receiving the Learning Support Centre Engagement Award!
Learning Support Center Innovation Award
Rahma Noushin
Rahma’s compassion and positivity instills confidence in those that she tutors. Her thoughtful and innovative approach to each student’s needs allows her to create resources to aid in their math and academic success. Congratulations on receiving the Learning Support Centre Innovation Award! It is certainly well deserved.
Learning Support Center Leadership Award
David Spring
David is a strong leader in the Learning Support Center community, playing a key role in his PASS Leader position. He is always ready and willing to step up to the plate and provide guidance and leadership to other PASS Leaders. David is able to reach beyond his role to help improve others student experience. Congratulations on receiving the Learning Support Centre Leadership Award! It is certainly well deserved.
MoSpirit Award
Kristine Rose Sayaco
Kristine is one of the most dedicated and ambitious students we have ever met. Her commitment to her studies is exemplified by her excellent grades, academic scholarships, and relationships with her peers and faculty alike. Beyond the classroom, Kristine is always striving to improve her skills by attending workshops, conferences and events, volunteer roles, and leadership opportunities. She has held multiple roles on campus with both Student Life and Marketing and Recruiting, proving her ability to make the most out of her college experience and inspiring others to do the same. Your talent for building community on campus and making others feel seen and heard is truly outstanding. Congratulations on receiving the MoSpirit Award!
Outstanding Recreation Participant Award
Justice Bighetty
With a strong passion and enthusiasm for sports, Justice has been a valuable contribution to the staff and students at the David Braley Athletic and Recreation Centre. Through his participation in the Volleyball, Basketball, and Dodgeball Intramural leagues, he has made many connections with his peers and is always willing to help other students work on their skills on the court. Justice is continuously positive and radiates a joy and passion for recreation and sport which makes him an obvious choice for this honour. Congratulations on receiving the Outstanding Recreation Participant Award!
Outstanding Varsity Athlete Award
Abigail Woods
Abigail’s involvement both on and off the field has had a huge impact on our College community. She was recognized as an OCAA First Team All-Star for Women’s Varsity Soccer this past season—a high honour in her sport. Beyond the field, Abigail was also actively involved in her Hamilton community as a volunteer youth league soccer coach at the Peoples Church Hamilton, sharing her passion for soccer with those around her. Congratulations on receiving the Outstanding Varsity Athlete Award! It is certainly well deserved.
Sustainability Award
Cassiopeia Brennan
Cassi’s leadership and expertise in our College’s Sustainability initiatives have not gone unnoticed! She has been an outstanding ambassador of Sustainability as she led the pilot launch of the Green Team volunteer program. Cassi shared her knowledge of sustainability best practises, provided educational programming to our student population, and supported her fellow Green Team peers in their own exploration of Sustainability in our ever-changing world. Congratulations on receiving the Sustainability Award!