BU students recognized for commitment to leadership, reconciliation

Brandon University (BU) has honoured 25 students for their commitment to leadership.

Their efforts were recognized at a celebration dinner on Wednesday that capped the 2017–18 Student Leader Certificate Program. The students attended a series of eight free workshops throughout the academic year, each on a different topic related to leadership.

“It’s very rewarding to see a very diverse and engaged group of our students, representing each of our faculties, take part in the Student Leader Certificate Program,” said Courtney Adams, Acting Director of Recruitment and Retention at BU. “These are non-credit workshops, and many of our students are extremely busy through their academic study as well as in their lives outside of university. To have them set aside the time to take part in these workshops shows a strong commitment to personal growth.”

Reconciliation was a theme of this year’s program, with Indigenous perspectives and teaching woven into the subject matter of each workshop. Elder Barb Blind offered leadership and guidance throughout the program.

“As a mature student I found the student Leader Certificate Program a fun and enlightening experience. I gained the tools needed to positively deal with difficult conversations, to be an advocate for people who have suffered from tragic life experience and how to become a leader within my peer group while still being empathetic to their personal situations,” said Student Leader Stacey Preston. “I would recommend taking the time to attend the Student Leader program not only for the vast knowledge you will receive but for the experience of meeting new people who also wish to make a difference in the world.”

Tasha Spillett was the keynote speaker, while Leonard Sumner provided entertainment for the event. Spillett is an educator and poet. Sumner is an Anishinaabe singer/songwriter and MC, who released his newest album, Standing in the Light, earlier this week. Sumner and Spillett also gave a free public performance earlier in the day at the Lorne Watson Recital Hall as part of Indigenous Awareness Week at BU.
The Student Leader Certificate recipients are:

• Fatima Abdullahi
• Kaylee Alexander
• Sheree Blacksmith
• Krystal Drain
• Armando Galindo
• Danielle Gillam
• Melissa Hollands
• Jessie Jannuska
• Taylor King
• Maria Luna
• Israt Lisa Mizan
• Jenna Murray
• Rachel Murray
• Jana Neufeld
• Nina Onwuachi
• Tanise Osbourne
• Aesha Patel
• Kanisha Patel
• Stacey Preston
• Courtney Rozsa
• Maria Schigol
• Kristin Smart
• Lenya Wilks
• Cassandra Wilson

Contact