2018 Award Recipients
As this academic year comes to an end, it is our pleasure to announce the recipients of The President’s Award for Excellence in Student Leadership. This 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.
Rena Far, Bachelor of Health Sciences (First Class Honours) in Biomedical Sciences
During her time at UCalgary, Rena Far has been a passionate volunteer, devoted mentor, gifted musician and outstanding student. She contributed over 600 volunteer hours on campus, including her work as co-founder and chair of the Mental Health Alliance and co-president of the Mental Health Awareness Club. Having played the violin daily for over 17 years, Far’s musical achievements include three solo performances with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra and the prestigious role of orchestra Concertmaster for UCalgary’s 50th anniversary concert.
Committed to using her talents to help others, she joined the Neurorehabilitation Summer Concert Series and performed concerts at Foothills Hospital for patients recovering from strokes and other brain injuries. As a participant in the Young Artists Development Program, she and two other musicians performed at elementary schools throughout Calgary. Far has also produced multiple award-winning presentations based on her biomedical sciences research.