Winners of the 2016 President's Award announced

The University of Calgary has announced the recipients of the President’s Award for Excellence in Student Leadership for 2016. The award was established in 2008 to recognize exceptional students who have a record of academic achievement, who consistently demonstrate leadership and make significant contributions to our community.

Andrew Buckley, Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology

As captain and starting quarterback for the Dinos varsity football team, Andrew Buckley contributed to three Hardy Cups, was twice named the most outstanding player in Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) football, and recently won the the 2016 Borden Ladner Gervais LLP Award as the top male CIS athlete of the year. As a research assistant, Buckley co-authored two research abstracts and presented his findings nationally. As a volunteer, Buckley met weekly with two late-stage Alzheimer’s patients for two years, and was also a volunteer at the Colonel Belcher Seniors Residence. Internationally, Buckley spent two weeks in Guatemala helping build clean, safe and efficient wood-burning concrete stoves for families in need.

Douglas Kondro, Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering

As part of a summer research project, Douglas Kondro developed prostheses for an abandoned rooster who lost his toes due to frostbite. Kondro also took a lead role in a human surgical simulator project by training incoming intern students on lab equipment. His research experience resulted in a business opportunity and further research possibilities. In his short academic career, Kondro has been part of three academic studies related to biomedical discoveries. Kondro has been a member of the Dinos cross-country team for the past five years and received the CIS Academic All-Canadian award three times. He was also a volunteer coach for the Dino Youth Athletics program. In addition to his athletics involvement, Kondro volunteered in 2015 to build a house for a local family in Tijuana, Mexico, spent a year as an engineering intern in Switzerland, and studied abroad in Greece.

Mark S. Lee, Bachelor of Arts (First Class Honours) in Philosophy and Bachelor of Commerce in Finance (with Distinction)

Fascinated by complex global issues, Mark S. Lee has written award-winning papers on global social justice issues and represented the university in various business competitions. Lee’s research paper on political solutions to eradicate global poverty was recognized for its innovative research contribution, and was presented widely at global conferences. Through the Institute for Sustainable Energy, Environment and Economy Student’s Association, Lee made a number of contributions including helping to found Energy and Environment Treks, where students visit sustainable local companies to find out about their projects. As a member of the Dinos varsity track and field team, Lee captured back-to-back gold medals in the Junior Men’s Alberta Cross-Country Championships and was also a three-time recipient of the CIS Academic All-Canadian award.

Connor Scheu, Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering (with Distinction)

Passionate about sustainability and renewable energy, Connor Scheu studied global climate systems as a participant on the Ice Arctic International Student Expedition. Through public discussions, Scheu then shared his Antarctic research and experience at the poles to promote sustainable thinking. Scheu also mentored new students in the Emerging Leaders Program, the Schulich Scholar Program and in the Scholars Academy. In addition to his research and volunteer commitments, Scheu has represented the University of Calgary and the City of Calgary at a national level in rowing, and teaches both summer youth rowing camps and adult “learn to row” programs. Scheu also enjoys distance running and is a black belt in Shito Ryu karate.

Andrew Stewart, Master of Science in Kinesiology

Andrew Stewart was instrumental in developing the first combined student, faculty and staff influenza clinic on main campus. To communicate the importance of immunization, he shares his personal story about being quarantined with a serious case of influenza. In the community and through university events and programs, Stewart volunteers and connects with high school students to provide support and guidance as they plan for the next steps in their educational career. Stewart was a member of the University of Calgary rowing club, and is currently still a member of the Calgary Rowing Club where he continues to participate at provincial and national events.

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