Celebration of Learning Recipients 2020

2020 Celebration of Learning Hamilton Spectator Feature

Celebration of Learning 2020 - Hamilton Spec

Accessibility Leadership Award

Dorice Robichaud

Dorice Robichaud


Dorice is a true asset to our community. Dorice is a pillar of resilience, compassion, and hard work. As an excellent ambassador for accessibility, you create a much-needed space for open dialogue and learning. With the help of Dorice's trusted sidekick, Darwin, she was able to shed a light on the misconceptions of invisible disabilities, rendering them not only visible, but also better understood by those with whom you interact. Congratulations on receiving the Accessibility Leadership Award!

Alumni Outstanding Student Leader Award

Jessica Westbrook

Jessica Westbrook


Jessica has been an outstanding volunteer with the Alumni department, as well as many other departments across campus. Jessica was always willing to offer a helping hand and step up into a leadership role in order, enhancing her own personal and professional development and that of those around her. Congratulations on receiving the Alumni Outstanding Student Leader Award!

Applied Research Award of Excellence

John Margaritis

John Margaritis

John is a shining example what hard work, commitment to excellence, and perseverance can achieve. Within John's role as a co-op student, he has displayed excellent problem solving skills and great initiative. While John worked efficiently independently, he has also helped create a work environment that fostered teamwork and collaboration. Congratulations on receiving the Applied Research Award of Excellence!

Co-Curricular Volunteer Award 

Jay (Jincheol) Shin

Jay (Jincheol) Shin


Jay is an impressive and diverse Co-Curricular Record, with over 400 verified volunteer hours and over 30 different positions from both on and off campus. The time Jay had given is immense, but he is not solely receiving this award based on numbers. Jay has an immeasurable dedication and compassion for his community. As a true ambassador for Mohawk, Jay displayed a true passion for building meaningful relationships with others, contributing to his community, and striving toward personal growth. Congratulations on receiving the Co-Curricular Record Award!

Co-operative Education and Work Integrated Learning Award

Kevin Robinson

Kevin Gordon Robinson


Kevin has made a tremendous impact on the Walters Group. Within his co-op, Kevin was trusted to effectively complete complex tasks and to handle essential responsibilities with professionalism and proficiency. With an eagerness to help, to learn, and to challenge himself, he knows what it takes to make the most of a co-op experience, and to succeed while doing so. Congratulations on receiving the Co-Operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning Award!

Indigenous Leadership Award

Jasmine Pauze

Jasmine Pauze


Jasmine was an active and committed member of both the Indigenous community and the Mohawk College community. Jasmine displayed a sincere drive to do well in her program, in the hopes that by joining the police force, she will be able to assist her community in enhancing relationships with law enforcement. This philosophy is evident when Jasmine offers her time in volunteering efforts and very intentionally, and with conscientious determination, aim to foster positive relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous folks. Congratulations on receiving the Indigenous Leadership Award!

International Student Leader Award

Yewande Abidakun


Yewande Abidakun

Yewande, you are an excellent student leader and huge support to your fellow international students. You are always looking out for your peers, jumping to share valuable information and opportunities with them. Not only that, but your joy, enthusiasm, and passion for Mohawk College, brings everyone together. Congratulations on receiving the International Student Leader Award!

Learning Support Centre Leader of Distinction Award

Tara-Jane Zimmerman

Tara-Jane Zimmerman


Tara-Jane exemplifies true dedication to helping students excel academically. Tara-Jane has an honest and admirable commitment to the peers in which she tutors. Tara-Jane always went above and beyond her duties by offering students flexibility and individualized learning strategies. With a vast array of knowledge to share, Tara-Jane is an excellent example of someone who helps their peers succeed while also maintaining their own outstanding GPA. Congratulations on receiving the Learning Support Center Leadership Award!

Learning Support Centre Leader of Distinction Award

Gregory Burt

Gregory Burt


Gregory has an enthusiasm for the topics he teaches and a strong conviction that every student is capable of success. By holding steadfast in his belief that any student can overcome learning barriers with the right mindset, Gregory is a true motivation to others. Congratulations on receiving the Learning Support Center Leadership Award! 

Learning Support Centre Leader of Distinction Award

Rita Medeiros

Rita Medeiros


Rita is a positive, approachable, and encouraging student leader. Rita is always motivating to her peers while helping them reach their goals in writing and communications. With great appreciation, we recognize Rita's efforts to instill confidence in their writing abilities. Congratulations on receiving the Learning Support Center Leadership Award! 

MoSpirit Award

Lena Bouma

photo of Lena Bouma


Lena is the embodiment of MoSpirit. Lena's positive energy, enthusiasm, and strong work ethic is contagious to the students she serves, and the leaders and staff that she worked alongside. Lena has played an active role in creating a culture of collaboration, compassion, and dedication on campus and her efforts and initiatives have made a visible impact. Congratulations on receiving the MoSpirit Award and the President’s Award of Student Excellence!

Outstanding Recreation Participant Award

Jinil Patel

Jinil Patel


Jinil is an exceptional student leader. Jinil put forth a positive attitude and determination in everything he committed to, both on and off the field. Jinil is known not only for his excellent work ethic, but also for a strong commitment to helping others. Congratulations on receiving the Outstanding Recreation Participant Award!

Outstanding Varsity Athlete Award & President's Award of Student Excellence

Amanda Kuiper

Amanda Kuiper


Amanda demonstrated the focus, determination, and sheer joy that is paramount for success, not only on the court, but also within her academic career. As a life long learner, Amanda recognizes that there are always opportunities to grow and learn in life. Amanda is also passionate about advocating for mental health and helping create a world without stigma, which has left a tangible impact on the Mohawk community. Congratulations on receiving the Outstanding Varsity Athlete Award!

Sustainability Award

Haley McRae

Haley McRae


Hailey demonstrates an exceptional commitment to sustainability leadership on campus and in the community. During her time at Mohawk, Hailey has worked on numerous campaigns and projects to foster sustainability skills, awareness and participation amongst your peers. As the first Mohawk College student, and one of the first in Canada, to receive a Living Planet Leader designation from WWF-Canada, you Hailey was recognized for her campus and community volunteerism, leadership, and personal commitment to building a healthier, more resilient future. Congratulations on receiving the Sustainability Award!

Social Inclusion Award

Tamiko Chiba

Tamiko Chiba


Tamiko has fostered a welcoming and safe environment for students under they're care as a Residence Advisor. In Tamiko's role, they've organized and lead a wide variety of events to appeal to the diverse interests of Mohawk students living in residence. Tamiko has encouraged new friendships amongst the Mohawk community and has worked critically and compassionately to find ways to foster those connections. Congratulations on receiving the Social Inclusion Award!

Academic Excellence Award, Allied Health

Lauren Giordano

Lauren Giordano


Lauren, you are an excellent role model and inspiration for other students, always willing to lend a hand and volunteer your time. You have been nothing short of outstanding during the entirety of your program, and you continue to amaze your faculty every day. You are humble, professional and passionate about your field and you will be a true asset to your future employers. Congratulations on receiving the Academic Award of Excellence for Allied Health!

Academic Excellence Award, Apprenticeship

Brody Huk

Brody Huk


Brody has a true passion for his trade. Brody is always providing suggestions to enhance the machine shop and the Stoney Creek campus as a whole, improving the student experience for students. Brody is a leader amongst his peers, sharing the work and set ups he's created with other students and providing opportunities for learning. Brody's classmates have confidence and trust in him, as evidenced by his elected role as class/lab lead hand. In addition to that, Brody's accomplishments extend past the classroom, as evidenced when he took Gold for Mohawk College in May 2019 in the CAM contest at Skills Ontario. Congratulations on receiving the Academic Award of Excellence for Apprenticeship!

 

Academic Excellence Award, Building & Construction Sciences

Ardaela Gjoka

Ardaela Gjoka


Ardaela is an exceptional student that exemplifies the highest qualities we strive to instill in our students and graduates. Ardaela's classmates speak highly of her compassion and willingness to assist others in need of support, and her hard work and initiative is inspiring.  Working as a keystone member of the Applied Research Team, Ardaela constantly volunteered to help others and was heavily relied on for many projects. Congratulations on receiving the Academic Excellence Award for Building and Construction Sciences! It is certainly well deserved.

 

Academic Excellence Award, Business

Hasmita Arora

Hasmita Arora


Hasmita is always striving for personal, academic, and professional growth, and has been successful in all avenues. Hasmita's passion for volunteering is evident in her work both on campus and within the community. Hasmita has volunteered  at the Hamilton Public Library helping new immigrants to learn English, supported the Walk Smart program, acted as both a Peer Mentor and a Peer Tutor, and the list continues... Congratulations on receiving the Academic Excellence Award for Business!

Academic Excellence Award - Business & Media Graduate Studies

Maria Becerra

Maria Becerra


Maria is an excellent communicator and a responsible citizen. Maria's quiet nature and beautiful smile make everyone feel comfortable and welcome. Maria is also a highly engaged and hardworking student who displays the technical skills and knowledge required of Business Analysis. Congratulations on receiving the Academic Excellence Award for Business and Media Graduate Studies!

Academic Excellence Award, Community Studies

Sally Rabie

Sally Rabie


Sally is a strong student leader who has positively contributed to the Mohawk community. Sally has impressed faculty with her active participation in class discussions and her ability to draw on her own experiences and observations to develop thoughtful opinions on a variety of issues. Along with her academic success, Sally instinctively put in the time to help someone in need. Congratulations on receiving the Academic Excellence Award for Community Studies!


 

Academic Excellence Award, Construction & Building Systems

Erica Manherz

 


Erica, has been a well known student to faculty. Erica's punctuality, active participation, and willingness to help others make her an exceptional role model to her classmates. Not only that, but Erica's presentations are always top-notch and it is evident that her peers look forward to them. In a work environment, Erica is highly reliable and delivers excellent work with minimal supervision. Congratulations on receiving the Academic Excellence Award for Construction & Building Systems!

Academic Excellence Award, Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology

Deanna Stender

Deanna Stender


Deanna has a strong commitment to her education and the goals she sets for herself. As a student leader, Deanna has the excellent ability to communicate sophisticated, technical ideas to an audience in an approachable and appealing manner. Deanna has gone above and beyond what is expected of her.  Congratulations on receiving the Academic Excellence Award for Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology!

Academic Excellence Award, English for Academic Purposes 

Maria Gabriela Sulbaran & Edgar Lopez


Maria Gabriela Sulbaran  Edgar Lopez 2

Gabi and Edgar are extraordinary individuals who have been devoted to re-shaping their lives so that they can re-shape the world for their son and others who live with Autism. Gabi and Edgar impress their faculty and peers with their commitment to education here in Canada, their positive outlook, and the many ways they support others. Their story is one of partnership, persistence and social contribution.  Congratulations on receiving the Academic Excellence Award for English for Academic Purposes!

Academic Excellence Award, Chemical, Environmental, Biotechnology, Aviation, Mechanical, and Non-Destructive Evaluation

Areej Elrassoul


Areej Elrassoul

Areej is an outstanding student leader and a great source of support to her peers. Areej is known for her active participation, strong organization skills, and excellent work. As a leader in her lab, Areej is constantly helping others who may be struggling with a course and act as role model to other students. Congratulations on receiving the Academic Excellence Award for Chemical Engineering Technology!

 

Academic Excellence Award, Health Studies

Olivia Scibetta

Olivia Scibetta


Olivia is an inspirational student leader with intrinsic curiosity, eagerness to learn, and excellent communication skills. Olivia strives for high academic achievement, but also displays a strong commitment to supporting her peers and her community. Olivia's leadership style fully embraces and epitomizes Mohawk’s ideal for engaged learning and community impact. Congratulations on receiving the Academic Excellence Award for Health Studies!

Academic Excellence Award, Industrial and Motive Power

Timothy Humphrey

Timothy Humphrey


Timothy has an admirable commitment to education. Timothy works extremely hard to maintain a high GPA, while also working and volunteering his time to support his classmates. Timothy has been described as an asset to his program and to his campus and has made a tangible impact on his peers through his work in the Gathering Place. Congratulations on receiving the Academic Award of Excellence for Industrial and Motive Power!

Academic Excellence Award, Liberal Studies 

Carla Baglin

Carla Baglin


Carla is an exceptional, smart, and very hard working. Carla's professors appreciate her passion for and dedication to her program and her peers value the support she provides them both inside and outside of the classroom. Carla is known for her big heart and approachability, and can always be counted on to assist new students with patience and kindness. Congratulations on receiving the Academic Award of Excellence for Liberal Studies!

Academic Excellence Award, Media & Entertainment

Tien Nguyen

Tien Nguyen


Tien is an excellent role model to his peers. Tien is a team player who listens to and values the opinions of his peers, and leads them in delivering fantastic and well thought out solutions to tasks you are challenged with. Tien has impressed Mohawk with his drive, passion, and work ethic over his time at the college and has made meaningful contributions to our local community. Congratulations on receiving the Academic Award of Excellence for Media & Entertainment!

Academic Excellence Award, Nursing

Jenna Turgeon

Jenna Turgeon


Jenna has made an outstanding first impression on her faculty and peers. Jenna's commitment to academic excellence – as displayed by her impeccable GPA - is only matched by her kind and friendly disposition. Jenna is a well-rounded student leader and an excellent role model to others. Congratulations on receiving the Academic Award of Nursing!

Academic Excellence Award, Social Services & Justice Studies

Rocky Stone

Rocky Stone


Rocky has a true passion for learning and a strong commitment to his academic goals. Rocky takes great pride in his studies and strive to assist others in reaching their academic potential as well. Outside of the classroom, Rocky is regularly involved in both the Mohawk and Hamilton community, with the hope of leaving a positive impact on both. Congratulations on receiving the Academic Excellence Award for Social Services and Justice Studies!