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Christina Clare, ArtSci ’10, was nominated for her work in queer activism. Clare has been involved in the Positive Space program since her first year at Queen 91��Ƭ�� ’s. She co-chaired the Education on Queer Issues Project (EQuIP) in 2007-08. That year, she and co-chair Anna Fischer took the Pride Week portfolio out of EQuIP and started Queen 91��Ƭ�� ’s Pride Project (QPP). Clare said EQuIP is funded by the AMS, which means the group doesn’t qualify for an opt-outable student fee to help finance it. QPP, on the other hand, can go to referendum to introduce a fee. SHe said she thinks the award sends a strong message that doing anti-oppression work on campus is valuable.

“It shows we recognize not only is [queer activism] worthwhile for those marginalized groups, it 91��Ƭ�� ’s also recognized by a wider audience as well.” Paula Mosbrucker, MA ’10, said she was shocked but excited when she learned she was one of the recipients of the award. “I really worked in the area of academic representation in terms of curriculum development, tuition policy and the greater University vision with the Engineering Society and in conjunction with the AMS in a number of roles,” she said, adding that she was also chair of the Campus Bookstore 91��Ƭ�� ’s board of directors. Mosbrucker said she thinks she 91��Ƭ�� ’s been successful in her time at Queen 91��Ƭ�� ’s in ensuring that students have an opportunity to voice their thoughts on academic representation. “The thing I really tried to do was to rethink the model for academic representation in terms of making sure that more students have an ability to really, constructively contribute to higher-level university dialogue,” she said.

Pat Welsh is truly a Queen's University veteran. After eight years, and three degrees, he knows the intricacies and complexities of being a student at this institution better than almost anyone else. More importantly, Pat is an eager and dedicated leader who, during his time here, has consistently ensured that newcomers to the institution felt welcome, safe, and at ease.  He served the Queen's community ably during his undergraduate career, first as a member of the campus first responders team, Queen's First Aid, and later as a determined advocate for quality in post-secondary education as Academic Affairs Commissioner for the AMS.  He continued with this trend of service during his time as a law student, both as a volunteer for Queen's Legal Aid, and as the Law Student Senator.  Throughout his involvements, Pat has shown his tremendous passion for promoting opportunities and success for law students at Queen's. However, Pat's contributions to his fellow students have also made a significant impact in bringing law students closer to the broader Queen's community.  He has engaged them with student government and university operations issues while simultaneously imbuing Sir John A Macdonald Hall with the Tricolour spirit. Whether this involved initiating a comprehensive review of how the law students interacted with other graduate and professional students, starting up a used book sale for law students, or aiding other members of his program in forming strong relationships with administrators, Pat always brought energy, enthusiasm, and optimism to the table – in addition to the good judgement and willingness to debate that earned him the respect of his peers. As a mentor and role model, Pat's good nature and humility, excellent communications skills, and kind heart make him exemplary among students at Queen's.

• Michael Koichopolos, Commerce'09
• Aaron Myran, ArtSci'09
• Eveline Traxler, Nursing'10
• Allison Williams, ArtSci'09

Christopher DeLuca is working towards his third degree at Queen 91��Ƭ�� ’s—a PhD in Education with a focus on assessment in curriculum theory.

DeLuca 91��Ƭ�� ’s on the executive of the Education Graduate Students Society. He was also PhD representative in the Graduate Studies in Research Committee, member of the Queen 91��Ƭ�� ’s Branch of the General Research Ethics Board and a peer reviewer for the Canadian Journal of New Scholars in Education.

DeLuca said he believes collaboration and discussion are important educational tools.

“When you get people in dialogue with each other, it sparks up new dialogue,” he said. “When you bring people from different areas together, it spurs on learning and new directions and opportunities.”

Alexandra Harris was co-founder and inaugural President of the Queen 91��Ƭ�� ’s Health Science Student Association (QHSSA) in 2006.

Harris was also nursing class president during her first year and vice-president of the Nursing Science Society during her second year at Queen 91��Ƭ�� ’s. This year, she 91��Ƭ�� ’s president of the National Health Science Student Association (NHSSA).

“Nursing is in a bubble,” Harris said. “I was trying to break that bubble and show that nursing students could be involved in policy and could be engaged.”

Harris is spending her summer as an intern at the World Health Organization in Geneva, Switzerland and has a full-time job lined up at Toronto General Hospital in September.

Ryan Marien is the founder of Goatface Non-Profit Group, a role he took on in 2006 when he oversaw the annual Goatface Ball with the intent of reworking the event 91��Ƭ�� ’s negative image.

Marien emphasized the ball 91��Ƭ�� ’s charity aspect and found a new cause for the event, raising funds for palliative care at Kingston General Hospital.

Marien was named Youth Philanthropist of the Year in 2007 by Kingston 91��Ƭ�� ’s Association of Fundraising Professionals.

In September 2007, Marien created a TA education and training program. The program is now a prerequisite for TAs in two engineering courses.

“My goal is to spread this [program] University-wide so that every TA has to do a full term course. … Every TA should have a very good understanding of what teaching is.”

Adam Say is one of the 2007-08 Agnes Benedickson Tricolour Award recipients. 

Michele Romanow, Sci ’07 and this year 91��Ƭ�� ’s Agnes Benidickson Tricolour Award recipient, has a list of accomplishments that runs from volunteering with the AMS Kaleidoscope program, to being chief FREC during Frosh Week 2004, to serving as vice-president (communications) of the Engineering Student Societies Council of Ontario.

Romanow 91��Ƭ�� ’s main project over the past three years, however, has been with the Tea Room. In the planning stages of the environmentally sustainable coffee shop, she was the director of the development committee.

Romanow is currently the Tea Room general manager and is recognized as one of the coffee shop 91��Ƭ�� ’s founders.

Romanow got started with the Tea Room project in her second year, lobbying for approval and funding to get the coffee shop off the ground. She spent last summer in Kingston working on the Tea Room overseeing construction and finding suppliers.

• Jennifer Holub, Arts'06
• Ahmed Kayssi, Sci'03, Arts'03, MSc'06, Meds'09
• David Thomas, PhD'06

With a tireless enthusiasm for the internationalization of education, Michelle has worked to promote an inclusive and diverse university community. As a second-year student, Michelle founded the Chat program ( http://www.campuschat.ca ), an initiative promoting inter-lingual and inter-cultural dialogue. The initiative was born of her belief in an international and multilingual university experience. The Chat program involves coloured buttons worn by students to invite communication in different languages and the initiative has been an outstanding success with 1600 participants across 17 languages. Within the English-speaking academic environment, international and multilingual students find that their facilities in other languages diminish. Chat provides a needed outlet for practice and also invites students to engage with one another's culture. Queen's provides a thoroughly international learning environment and Michelle was passionate about this celebrating cross-cultural diversity within an extra-curricular setting. The Chat program has rapidly expanded at Queen's over Michelle's three years of leadership with great publicity through campaigns, “Just say Hi!” contests and, quite literally, “word-of-mouth.” The strength of the program owes to Michelle's vision, perseverance, leadership and passion and both Carleton and Dalhousie hope to adopt the initiative at their campuses. Michelle's passion for international education is further evidenced by her work in the International Educators Program, through which she developed nationally-utilized training materials, and her volunteer contributions at the Queen's International Centre, a meeting place and support service for international students. Atop this, Michelle has been active in student representation, serving as a Senator and representative for to the Alma Mater Society for Concurrent Education students. In the latter role, she served on a committee which examined student fee protocols at Queen's and delivered landmark reform of the student fee system. On this committee, she actively worked to ensure wide consultation of stakeholders to ensure the equity and accountability of the new system. She is a genuine and energetic advocate for a broad and complete education. Her initiative and gumption have registered an indelible mark on the Queen's broader learning environment.

Over the course of a 1-year Master's program at Queen's and having arrived just this Fall, Brandt Blimkie contributed extraordinary vision, dedication and leadership to the creation of the Queen's Apprentice – the highly popular Queen's version of the Apprentice television show. It was through Brandt's creative inspiration, management of a complex production schedule and process, and motivation of a diverse team that the initiative came to fruition. As a graduate student, he fully immersed himself in providing an educational experience for a largely undergraduate production team and audience. Over its eight week's of production, the show developed massive popularity, providing both entertainment and proving an important example of education outside the classroom. Furthermore, Brandt fostered a truly inclusive approach to the show, involving a range of students from a full cross-section of faculties and disciplines. His deep desire to promote entrepreneurship is further evidenced by his creation of the Queen's Entrepreneurs' Society this past fall. Indeed, Brandt imbedded a pedagogical purpose within the Queen's Apprentice, aiming to foster an entrepreneurial spirit of independence and ingenuity and to showcase the application of classroom learning to real-world problem-solving. Brandt humbly shrugs off credit for the show's success but his team testifies firmly that it was his inspiring mentorship, infectious zeal and logistical savvy that drove them through a gruelling production. Brandt also leveraged the show to promote local citizenship and corporate social responsibility with challenges that focused on charitable fundraising and on Kingston 's economic development. New to Queen's this fall, Brandt's short but impactful stay will be remembered for a can-do culture of initiative, for bridging the communities of graduates and undergraduates and for promoting local stewardship and citizenship.

Mike Jones exemplifies citizenship and epitomizes Queen's spirit. He has served his communities in an exceptional breadth of roles, linking the diverse sectors of the Queen's community. From drama and music to athletics, from charitable works to student representation, Mike has not simply been widely engaged in his community but has actively fostered a sense of connection and encouraged a broad and inclusive Queen's identity. He has passionately promoted responsibilities of our Queen's community to the less fortunate and deeply devoted himself to local outreach and charitable fundraising. On campus, he has spearheaded fundraising for an impressive array of causes with unmatched energy, wit and dedication. In his work with the Good Times Diner Soup Kitchen, Mike has furthered the engagement of Queen's students in advancing the welfare of the Kingston community. Mike conveys humility, honesty and humour to every person he encounters. Colleagues can count on his candour and sincerity on any issue. He furnishes a leadership style of truly unique warmth and inspiration. While serving as the Vice-President of University Affairs for the Alma Mater Society, Mike displayed the highest level of passion and conscience, taking on the less glamorous but essential issues. He approached student politics without pretention and, with unflagging conviction, Mike also always kept his perspective, refusing to ever take his role too seriously and infusing student representation with a lighter view of itself.

Grant Bishop has been described by his peers as a “mentor,” “visionary,” “leader,” and a “living legend.” His contributions to the Queen's community include serving as a vice-president, and later president, of the Engineering Society, authoring numerous articles in campus publications such as the Queen's Journal and Golden Words, and working in Residences as a don. While many Queen's students are heavily involved in extra-curricular activities, the extent of Grant's compassion, modesty, and dedication truly set him apart from the crowd. His articulated vision for an inclusive and welcoming Engineering community inspired scores of his colleagues into making it a reality. He also spoke up eloquently and passionately about campus-wide issues on numerous occasions. Under Grant's leadership, the bar was raised so high that people will undoubtedly continue to speak of the “Grant Bishop era” of student leadership for years to come.

Actively contributing to a campus newspaper is a challenging and demanding commitment at the best of times. Wesley “the campus media giant” Fok, however, contributed to five, and did so with such dedication and excellence that several publications credit him with their success. While serving as Co-Editor of the Queen's Journal, Wesley inspired and motivated his staff to reshape the Journal into a more professional and relevant student publication. He selflessly undertook tasks that ordinarily required several weeks and finished them in an astonishing few days. He acted as a mentor and guide to his colleagues, teaching them computer and editing skills, and helping them to grow in the process. Wesley Fok's devotion to Queen's has greatly enhanced its cultural and intellectual wellbeing, and his impact will be felt long after he graduates.

While Kym Shumsky's time at Queen's was short, her contributions to student life on campus were significant. She set up a website that will enable future generations of MPA students to build an institutional memory and avoid challenges that she and her colleagues overcame when they started their student government from scratch. She spearheaded the Rainbow Foundation charity initiative, which provides surgery to needy children with cleft lip and palate. In the words of one of Kym's classmates, she “made us all realise the importance and value of teamwork.” What is most impressive is that Kym did not have the traditional immersion into the Queen's culture and spirit from which students in lengthier programmes benefit. Knowing that she only had twelve months to make an difference, she worked tirelessly, and selflessly, to leave a lasting impact – one from which future generations of Queen's and MPA students will undoubtedly benefit.

Few students demonstrate as exemplary a commitment to advocacy for the students and community of Queen's University as Michael McNair. From his first moments at Queen's, Michael became involved within the Alma Mater Society, beginning as a member of the Strategic Planning Committee, and going on to serve as Vice-Chair and then Chair of the Board of Directors. Without question, the extent of Mike's contributions to the AMS will be felt for years to come. As the inaugural AMS Human Resources Officer, Mike took what had only been a vision on paper and made it a resoundingly successful reality. The establishment of this Office has added substantial value to the AMS through providing greater opportunities to the students of Queen's, and Mike, through his work, has set the standard for all future Human Resources Officers. Despite Michael's bid for AMS Executive falling just short, his determination and dedication to addressing the needs and desires of the students has remained throughout. Michael's unselfish efforts and frank approach have inspired so many - his vision and enthusiasm has left a great mark throughout the Queens community.

Ashifa Kassam is one of the Agnes Benedickson Tricolour Award winners for 2002-2003.

The Queen's community is privileged to benefit from the talents, compassion and integrity of Ryan Sim. Ryan's quiet leadership and strength of character have been ever present in his contributions to the University. Most significantly, Ryan's involvement with Queen's First Aid, from his first year on campus, has been responsible for the impressive evolution of the service. Under Ryan's direction, Queen's First Aid became a 24-hour a day, seven day a week service, implemented improved operating policies and procedures, and acquired an Automated External Defibrillator, dramatically raising the standard of service Queen's First Aid provides to the university community. Ryan's empathy and ability embody the selfless yet effective contributions he has strived to make to the staff, students, and faculty of Queen's University.

Throughout his time at Queen's, Omar Mawjee has remained fervently dedicated to fostering an open and inclusive campus environment, promoting pluralism and cultural diversity across our alma mater. He has championed a breadth of charitable and social causes, proving himself a genuine and committed ambassador of this university. In his final year, Omar brought together campus religious and cultural groups at a Cultural Summit – a most daring and visionary initiative through which he aimed to cultivate multiculturalism at Queen's. The Summit provided strong impetus for inter-cultural dialogue on campus, and from it evolved a series of athletic events between these campus cultural groups, promoting tolerance, diversity, and sportsmanship.

Throughout his various roles in the Queen's Ismaili Muslim Students Association, Omar's passionate and visionary leadership transformed the organization into a powerful and supportive force for the Ismaili community at Queen's, imbedding students in a strong social network and contributing great community service through fundraising and outreach in the Kingston community.

In his second year of study, Omar founded the Queen's International Hockey League, seeking to promote inter-cultural interaction in a fun, co-ed setting, and, through Omar's steady leadership, the league has flourished, mounting consistent charitable efforts for food banks, service organizations and Tsunami relief, including a world record-setting longest continuous ball hockey game in support of the Royal Canadian Legion .

Omar is an intensely caring individual who pours his heart into all he undertakes, always conveying deep humility and applying a self-deprecating sense of humour which endear him to everyone with whom he works. He is genuine and passionate leader with endless energy and a deep commitment to his alma mater. He is a true ambassador of and his work a tribute to Queen's University.

Few students give so selflessly of their time as Hannah Varto. She has been volunteering for all of her 5 years here at Queen's University. Hannah has volunteered as a peer health educator, she has been an orientation leader, and she has been actively involved with the Queen's Students and Community Services Group. Hannah greatest involvement, however, has been with the Sexual Health Resource Centre. She has served as a volunteer, the summer director, the External Educator, and is currently the director of the Centre. Hannah has been professional, inspiring, hardworking, and dedicated. She has worked to improve and revitalize the Sexual Health Resource Centre, and has been successful in making this service more accessible to all Queen's students. Hannah has made many positive reforms, within the SHRC and beyond. Her efforts have influenced all students at Queen's and they will continue to impact future generations. Hannah has worked tirelessly for the students of Queen's and she epitomizes the criteria for the Agnes Benidickson Tricolour Award.

It is difficult to find a student as dedicated to student government as Bindu Dhaliwal. From her first moments at Queen's University, Bindu has been involved with the Law Student's Society- Bindu has volunteered with Queen's Legal Aid, she has been an orientation leader and she has sat on the Faculty Board. Bindu has also served on the Equity Committee, has held the positions of Equity Commissioner for the Faculty of Law, and in this, her final year, has served as the president of the Law Student's Society. Bindu performed her extensive official responsibilities with meticulous care but also went above and beyond all expectations. Last year, as the Equity Commissioner for the Faculty of Law, Bindu helped to rewrite and implement the equity policy. This year as President, Bindu has fought tirelessly for future law students in the tuition debate. In addition, Bindu remains actively involved in the community at large, always attempting to integrate her community work with her work at Queen's. Bindu Dhaliwal is a woman with a vision who unselfishly advocates for students, both present and future. Her achievements and contributions affect not only the Faculty of Law, but also the entire Queen's community. She is an ideal recipient of the Agnes Benidickson Tricolour Award.

Throughout his university career, Micah Melnyk has tirelessly worked to promote and maintain the spirit of Queen's University. Micah became extensively involved in the Engineering Society, and in so doing helped shape the development and direction of EngSoc, as an organizer of the Canadian Student Summit on Aerospace and chair of the Conference on Industrial Relations: Queen's University Engineering (CIRQUE+), in addition to serving terms as the Society's Chief Returning Officer, Deputy Speaker, and as a member of the Engineering Society Review Board, as well as through his extensive contributions to the governance of the Society. Micah's involvement, however, did not stop within his faculty. As an orientation leader, member and later co-chair of the Senate Orientation Activities Review Board, Micah worked passionately to strengthen and improve the Queen's Orientation experience. Micah also went on to serve as one of the three student members of the Board of Trustees, and his relentless involvement and constant enthusiasm continue to distinguish him as one whose service both within and outside of his faculty has been of immense value to Queen's University.

Few students exemplify leadership qualities as well as David Contant. He has been ArtSci '01 Class President, President of the Arts and Science Undergraduate Society (ASUS) and Chair of the Canadian Student Leadership Conference and he goes beyond the call of duty each time he begins a new project. He is professional, inspiring, hard working and dedicated. David ensures that each new endeavour he undertakes is a success and is willing to fight for the benefit and rights of the students of Queen's University. David made many positive reforms, within ASUS and beyond, and always looked to the future, leaving behind a platform for the next person to come along and improve upon. David tirelessly worked for the students of Queen's and he epitomizes the criteria for the Agnes Benidickson Tricolour Award.

It is difficult to find a student as dedicated to student government as Kathleen Cowick. From her first moments at Queen's University, Kathleen became involved. She has held the positions of Law '01 Class President, Vice-President Communications of the Society of Graduate and Professional Students (SGPS) and President of SGPS. Kathleen performed her extensive official responsibilities with meticulous care but also went above and beyond all expectations to help unite the students of the SGPS and increase their involvement in the university and interest in the government. Under her devoted leadership the SGPS has been revitalized. In addition, Kathleen also remains actively involved in the Law Students' Society by sitting on various committees and participating in many activities. Kathleen Cowick is a woman with a vision who unselfishly advocates for students, both present and future. Her achievements and contributions to Queen's University make her an ideal recipient of the Agnes Benidickson Tricolour Award.

Lisa Stevenson exemplifies all of the criteria for which the "Tricolour Award is presented. Her dedication is apparent through all of her activities and contributions she has made to the Law Students' Society and Queen's University. Lisa's peers recognize and appreciate her energy, and willingness to help in all of her tasks. She continually works above and beyond the call of duty to aid her fellow students in their present studies and future careers. Lisa also freely gives her time to the Kingston community, helping in every area she can. Because of her selflessness and vision, Lisa Stevenson is a most deserving recipient of the Agnes Benidickson Tricolour Award.