2014 President's Award winners announced

The University of Calgary has announced the recipients of The President’s Award for Excellence in Student Leadership for 2014. The award was established in 2008 to recognize exceptional students who have a record of academic achievement, consistently demonstrate leadership and make significant contributions to our community.

Amar Bhikha Deshwar, Bachelor of Science

As an elected Faculty of Science student representative, Amar advocated for the academic and personal interests of over 5,000 students, serving on committees to help bridge the gap between administration and students. His academic record is exemplary and he availed himself of student research opportunities by working each of the past four summers in various medical laboratories. Amar co-founded the Right to Learn club on campus, and in four years has raised over $68,000 to support international development projects. He has also made time for fun — participating in intramural soccer and playing his acoustic guitar and participating in the University of Calgary World Music Ensemble.

Emily Macphail, Bachelor of Health Sciences

With extraordinary dedication and commitment to the campus and local community, Emily demonstrates a superior ability to make an impact, connect with others and lead with compassion. She spearheaded the Because You Matter initiative, a campus-wide effort to promote a culture of support, and has worked on mental health awareness efforts on- and off-campus. She was the VP Academic for the Students’ Union this year, and is an active volunteer with the Alberta Children’s Hospital and South Health Campus.

Elizabeth Romo Rábago, Master of Science

Elizabeth is a true leader. She knows how to initiate action, but she also lets others shine. She has also persevered beyond challenges and puts her values into practice. Elizabeth has been a major contributor to the Sustainable Energy Development (SEDV) program at the university. Speaking at an Eco Village of Hope fundraiser, Elizabeth convinced hundreds of people to donate to a project to build a biodigester in a leprosy colony in China. She developed a social enterprise to create environmental education workshops and manufacture environmentally friendly handcrafted goods. She also helped start the SEDV program’s community garden, and contributes to environmental workshops and summer camps for Nature’s Ride.

Yuan Jian (Jay) Wang, Bachelor of Health Sciences

As part of his student club involvement, Jay helped organize conferences and events such as the Interdisciplinary Research Forum, Calgary World Health Organization Simulation, and the Health Science Student Association Winter Gala. It is to Jay’s great credit that his efforts as an undergraduate have focused on supporting and improving the academic, career, social and life experiences of all students at the university. He recently received the Elected Official of the Year award from the Students’ Union recognizing his contributions.

Nabeela Nathoo, Doctor of Philosophy

Nabeela represented the Graduate Students’ Association on various university research policy committees, contributed to the university’s 2012 Strategic Research Plan, and received the Alberta Graduate Citizenship Award twice. She was also the recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award from the GSA in 2013 for her significant contributions throughout her graduate studies.

To learn more about this award, visit the President’s Award for Excellence website.