Past Recipients
2024 Recipients
Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research:
Liam Mason
Liam is a first-year graduate student pursuing a Masters of Atlantic Canada Studies. Liam also holds a Bachelor of Commerce, with a double major in Marketing and Economics and a minor in Irish Studies, alongside a Certificate in Peace Education and Conflict Management from Saint Mary's. Liam has demonstrated leadership in the Saint Mary’s community through his roles as the Founder and President of the SMU Irish Society, Treasurer of the SMU Peace Education Society, a member of the Irish Studies Committee, and a Teaching Assistant for Atlantic Canada Studies. Beyond campus, Liam contributes to various boards including An Cumann - The Irish Association of Nova Scotia, Peaceful Schools International, and as Secretary for the Heritage Model’s Museum. Upon graduating, Liam envisions pursuing further studies in either a PhD or Juris Doctorate. Regardless, Liam aspires to continue his involvement in the Halifax Irish community and Irish language revitalization in Nova Scotia.
Faculty of Arts:
Madison Vanderlinden
Maddie is a fifth-year undergraduate student completing a Bachelor of Arts degree, with a double major in French and Intercultural Studies, and a minor in Asian Studies. Maddie has held various positions in the Global Learning & Intercultural Support Office such as being the International Programs Assistant and the Global Skills Opportunity Ambassador. She also has held positions in the International Centre as the International Student Engagement Advisor and the Students Acting for Global Awareness Coordinator. Through these roles Maddie has supported incoming and current international and exchange students at Saint Mary’s. Maddie has also volunteered with the World University Service of Canada society and the French society. Maddie’s top highlights at Saint Mary’s have been planning International Night in 2023 and leading the SAGA team for two years. Maddie plans to continue furthering her education after completing her undergraduate degree. Her next academic goals are to pursue a master’s degree abroad.
Olivia Brennan
Liv is a third-year student completing a double major in Anthropology and Public Humanities and Heritage, as well as a minor in Ancient Studies. Her passion for student leadership has led her to many different leadership roles at Saint Mary’s University. Liv currently works as the Student Life Coordinator for the Student Success Centre where she strives to provide exciting and equitable events for the entire student community, assists with the planning of Welcome Weeks in the Fall and Winter, as well as facilitating student leadership opportunities for students. Liv has also taken on the title of the Keep it Social Ambassador for the university and oversees her own volunteer team with the aim to reduce the harms and educate students about issues related to alcohol and cannabis use. Liv is also an active executive member of the SMU Anthropology Society, a teaching assistant, and a former Residence Assistant.
Rory McGarvey
Rory is a fourth-year student pursuing a Bachelor of Environmental Studies. As the Men's Track and Field team captain and an AUS Cross-Country First-Team All-Star, he helps lead a team of motivated athletes. Beyond athletics, he serves as Vice-President of the SMU Geography Society, is a dedicated member of the SMU Environmental Society, and also captains a fundraising team for the Special Olympics Marathon for Sport. Additionally, he is a writer for the SMU Journal, spotlighting notable athletes and causes in his articles. Acknowledged for his commitment to academics, athletics, and community service, Rory received both the 2024 Track and Field and Cross-country AUS Community Service Awards—prestigious honours given to just four student-athletes in Canada, one from each USPORTS region. As a three-time Academic All-Canadian and Dean's List recipient his dedication to academics is evident. He plans to continue his passion for environmental justice by attending law school following his graduation.
Sobey School of Business:
Anubhav Gupta
Anubhav Gupta is a dedicated individual with a passion for making a positive impact through community initiatives. He is a 4th year Finance and Computing & Information Systems student and has been involved on-campus as a Teaching Assistant in the Finance Department, the Financial Director for the Commerce Society, and in SMU Enactus’s Options Online Program. He also served as a Global Skills Opportunity Ambassador and the Co-Curricular Record Engagement Facilitator. His co-op experience at the Department of Community Services honed his skills in project management and financial operations, leading to successful initiatives like the Child Tax Benefit Reconciliation Project. Currently, as a Residence Assistant and Vice President of Advocacy for SMUSA, Anubhav continues to advocate for student welfare and spearhead impactful projects, including the Zero Textbook Cost Course List. Their dedication to improving student experiences and addressing important issues reflects their proactive and collaborative approach to creating positive change.
Ashish Ganapathy
Ashish is a third-year Accounting and Finance major and serves the SMU community in various ways. For the past 2 years, Ashish has served as a Peer Academic Leader, providing academic support to first and second-year students. By connecting with dozens of students, Ashish has created a tangible impact within the SMU community. Additionally, Ashish acts as a de facto academic and professional mentor for many students.
Ashish also currently serves as the Chair of the Board of Directors of SMUSA where he leads a 9-member Board. In this role, Ashish has worked closely with the Board and President to achieve various targets and build upon the work of the Board in prior years. His biggest achievement is receiving collective buy-in from his colleagues towards the Board’s vision under his chairpersonship. Upon graduation, Ashish aims to pursue his CPA designation and continue creating an impact in the community around him.
Lydia Lee
Raised in a family of nine, Lydia is a third-year commerce student majoring in economics and marketing. Over the past three years, she has been actively engaged with Enactus Saint Mary’s, a society dedicated to using entrepreneurship for social and environmental impact while working to address the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Lydia's entrepreneurial journey has been recognized with her nomination for the 2023 HSBC Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership Award. She attributes much of her success to her involvement with Square Roots, one of Enactus Canada’s longest-running projects. As the Project Manager for Square Roots, Lydia contributed to diverting over 150,000 pounds of produce to communities in Nova Scotia. Off-campus, Lydia is a music educator at the Scotia Suzuki School of Music. With over 15 years of musical experience, she has learned five instruments and has performed with 4-time Grammy winner Michael Bublé. Lydia aims to complete her bachelor’s degree before pursuing her MBA while continuing to be involved with social enterprises, as she deeply values using entrepreneurship to drive social impact.
Faculty of Science:
Amaan Ahmed
Amaan Ahmed, a fourth-year Computer Science student at Saint Mary University, embodies dedication and hard work. As the current SMUSA Vice President of Marketing and Communications, he demonstrates unwavering commitment to his responsibilities. Alongside his studies, Amaan has co-founded a successful marketing agency in Halifax, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit and determination. His leadership qualities shine through his ability to inspire others and make a lasting impact both at SMU and beyond. Amaan's relentless work ethic and charismatic personality make him a role model for his peers, driving him to continually strive for excellence in all his endeavors.
Katherine Myers
Katherine Myers is a fourth-year honours student in Astrophysics studying galaxy evolution. In addition to her studies, Katherine is also the co-founder and co-chair of the Equity, Diversity, Inclusivity and Accessibility committee in the department of Astronomy and Physics, founder and Vice President of the Astronomy and Physics society, co-chair and organiser for the 2023 Atlantic Undergraduate Physics and Astronomy Conference, the Astrophysics undergraduate student representative, and so much more. She has been recognized for her academic excellence, leadership contributions, and research potential with multiple scholarships and awards over the years. Her leadership at Saint Mary’s has been directed at improving the community atmosphere within the astronomy and physics student body and supporting underrepresented groups in STEM. Katherine has received multiple offers from graduate programs across four different countries, and wherever her destination may be, she will be continuing her advocacy and volunteer work in new and exciting ways.
Paige Deering
Paige is a fourth-year student perusing a bachelor’s Degree in Science with a Major in Biology. She is a member of the Women’s Varsity Volleyball team, and by balancing her sport, academics, and extracurricular activities, she finds ways to be a leader on and off the court. She has earned the honor of Academic All-Canadian and been on the Dean’s list for the past 3 consecutive years. She has included her team in initiatives by organizing blood drives and fundraising $2000 to help in the restoration of the radiation therapy garden at the VG hospital. Since September Paige has volunteered in the palliative care unit at the QEII hospital, where she uses her own experience to provide companionship and emotional support to patients and their families. Paige has volunteered for the taking strides foundation and the SMU motion ball event, to help create opportunities for people of all abilities to participate in sport. Paige plans to stay involved in the community and aspires to attend Dental school after graduation this spring.