2019 Award Recipients

Jacob Belanger

Jacob is working towards a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

Jacob has demonstrated his leadership in academics as a Tutor, Teaching Assistant for Anatomy and Physiology, and Research Assistant within both the School of Nursing and the Psychology Department’s Human Evolution Lab. Off-campus, Jacob volunteers with the North Bay Regional Health Centre’s Elderly Life Program, Youth Leadership Advisory Team and the Healthcare Leadership Program. He has also done fundraising for One Kids Place and has lobbied the North Bay Regional Health Centre Foundation to get involved in fundraising initiatives for Regional Aboriginal Mental Health Services.

As a Research Assistant with the School of Nursing, Jacob was involved with organizing data for incorporation into a Best Practice Guidelines document regarding clinical pain assessment and management. In the Human Evolution Lab, Jacob has been responsible for data collection for several novel research studies. He has completed literature reviews for incorporation into publications, assisted with difficult assays, and aided participants through complex protocols. His hard work has led to a lead authorship role on an invited entry chapter on hormones for the Encyclopedia of Evolutionary Psychological Science. Jacob is also a co-author of a submitted manuscript on a recent immune function study conducted in the lab. 

Jacob is personable, thoughtful, and kind. He freely gives his time to others whether through volunteering or aiding with research and he does so while maintaining an excellent GPA.The university community congratulates Jacob on his Dave Marshall Leadership Award in the Academic Category!

Trevor Gansekoele

Trevor is working towards a Bachelor of Science Honours Specialization in Mathematics and a Bachelor of Education in the Junior / Intermediate Divisions.

Trevor has demonstrated leadership in academics through both his strong academic record and his various contributions to the Department of Mathematics at Nipissing University. In the summers of 2015 and 2017, Trevor worked as a Research Assistant for the department after receiving two NSERC awards. He also took on the role of Teaching Assistant, a role which he held for 3 years despite typically being reserved for upper year and graduate students.

Trevor further contributed to the department and institution by volunteering more than 200 hours over 4 years to the Nipissing University Math Circles program, educating children from grades 3 - 12. Through this program, he challenged students to grow academically. Trevor also volunteered his time to represent the institution at the Ontario Universities’ Fair and Recruitment Open House events.

Trevor balances his academic and extra-curricular work with ease. He sets high goals and standards for himself and achieves them. He is always willing to help others with their academic pursuits and his perspective is valued and sought out by his peers. Trevor's clear way of communicating has contributed to his success in the Math Circles program, and will no doubt contribute to his future success in either graduate studies or as a Math Teacher.The university community congratulates Trevor on his Dave Marshall Leadership Award in the Academic Category!

Ryoga Hojo

Ryoga is working towards a Bachelor of Science Honours Specialization in Biology.

Throughout his studies at Nipissing University, Ryoga has demonstrated his leadership in academics as a Chemistry Tutor, Teaching Assistant, Research Assistant, Volunteer, and three-time President's scholarship recipient. 

Ryoga took the initiative to volunteer within the Organic and Medicinal Chemistry Research Lab in 2017-2018 in order to learn the techniques employed in organic chemistry research to prepare for graduate school. While volunteering, he collected significant high-quality research results, which will lead to scientific publications. He is also currently working on a manuscript which will be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed scientific journal.

In addition to these research-related pursuits, Ryoga has also volunteered as an ambassador of the Department of Biology and Chemistry for the "You Be the Chemist Canada" Chemistry Competition which occurred on October 10th, 2018. He has also volunteered with the Nipissing University Ice Fishing Club, for a local retirement home and as a chemistry tutor helping students develop their skills.

Ryoga is an honest, energetic, hardworking individual. He always strives for excellence, which is evident in the quality work he produces both in the classroom and in his various research-related roles. Ryoga will undoubtedly find success in graduate studies in the future. The university community congratulates Ryoga on his Dave Marshall Leadership Award in the Academic Category!

Taylor Hummel

Taylor is working towards a Bachelor of Business Administration with a stream in Marketing.

Taylor has demonstrated her leadership in academics through her roles as a Teaching Assistant, Research Assistant, and Classroom Contributor. She has been involved with a research project investigating organic produce consumption patterns in Canada. This led to the acceptance of a co-authored paper by the 2019 Academy of Marketing Science World Marketing Congress Conference in Edinburg, Scotland. She has also successfully represented the university at the WinCan Ontario Project with The Knowledge Management Institute of Canada at York University’s, Lassonde School of Engineering. In this capacity, Taylor worked with academic and workplace partners to build a more innovative workforce in Canada by targeting post-secondary students and employees in the public, private, and social sectors.

Taylor is a three-time recipient of the Nipissing University Business Community's School of Business Leadership Award, nominated by her peers. She has shown leadership as Manager of Operations for the 2018 Lakers Break the Ice on Mental Health event, and at the 2017 Northern Ontario Business Case Competition at Algoma University. Taylor has also planned career development workshops for her peers on topics such as proper business resume writing, and networking skills. In these roles, she showed incredible creativity, a capacity to elevate her peers, and the ability to inspire others to achieve excellence.

After graduation, Taylor plans to return home to Ottawa to pursue employment in marketing. The university community congratulates Taylor on her Dave Marshall Leadership Award in the Academic Category!

Caleb Mady

Caleb is working towards a Master of Science in Kinesiology.

Caleb has demonstrated his leadership in academics through a variety of research projects within the Department of Physical and Health Education. He has been a Research Assistant in both the Psychology of Physical Activity and Health Promotion Lab, and the Exercise Physiology Lab. In the former, Caleb contributed to faculty research by assisting in the analysis of data from questionnaires, focus groups, and movement analyses. In the latter, Caleb played a primary role in the development of a research instrument designed to measure muscle force production during isometric contractions. Currently, he is conducting an ambitious research study examining the influence of muscle oxygenation on low load resistance training using a variety of complex research techniques.

Caleb is also the Strength and Conditioning Coach for the Women’s Varsity Basketball Team. His commitment to the team is extensive; spending numerous hours per week, during both competitive and off-season, designing training programs, conducting movement assessments and leading educational workouts. Caleb applies his knowledge of exercise physiology while helping athletes on the team achieve their fitness & performance goals.

Caleb plans to become a professional Strength and Conditioning Coach within the realm of professional sports in Canada. He also intends to continue his ongoing training to one day compete in Olympic Weightlifting provincially and nationally. The university community congratulates Caleb on his Dave Marshall Leadership Award in the Academic Category!

Teagan Retty

Teagan is working towards a Bachelor of Physical and Health Education and a Bachelor of Education in the Intermediate/Senior Divisions.

Teagan's leadership in academics is evident through his consistently outstanding marks and his ongoing thesis research within the Centre for Physical and Health Education’s Exercise Physiology Lab. For his proposed research, Teagan aims to work with novice runners to improve the metabolic cost of locomotion through real-time visual feedback and simultaneous measurement of the oxygen consumption and biomechanical aspects of running. Teagan is passionate about exercise physiology and applies knowledge from both his Bachelor of Education and Bachelor of Physical and Health Education when conducting research. He has submitted his Research Ethics Application, finalized his literature review, and is moving into the data collection phase of his thesis.

Teagan is also passionate about running. He has been a member of the Varsity Cross-Country Running Team for four consecutive years, and has dedicated many hours every week to building his running fitness. He further demonstrated his leadership as Team Captain and was twice recognized as MVP. Teagan is committed to balancing academics, athletics, and research. He is a four-time Academic All-Canadian award recipient.

Upon graduation, Teagan plans to continue his research while completing his Master of Science in Kinesiology with the ultimate goal of attending medical school. The university community congratulates Teagan on his Dave Marshall Leadership Award in the Academic Category!

Mackenzie Senior

Mackenzie is working towards a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

Mackenzie has demonstrated leadership in academics through his role as a Research Assistant and involvement with a variety of research projects within the Department of Nursing. Mackenzie took the initiative to spearhead and submit his own research project through the ROMEO system that will attempt to understand best practices for clinical placements using both qualitative and quantitative methodologies.

Mackenzie is a student who has achieved academic success while pursuing extracurricular activities. He aims to learn about the nursing culture and helps to guide other students in their pursuit by maintaining executive positions with the Nipissing University Nursing Society as well as the RNAO Nursing Students of Ontario interest group. He regularly seeks out professional development opportunities and brings that learning back to the classroom to share with his peers.

Makenzie dedicates his time to volunteering on a regular basis at both the North Bay Regional Health Center and The Gathering Place in the kitchen and the community garden throughout the summer. Mackenzie also works as a Pharmacy Assistant where he applies knowledge from his degree program while gaining practical experience.

Mackenzie is eager, professional, bright and motivated. In the future, he intends to further his education in the healthcare field and hopes to use his leadership to educate the next generation of healthcare professionals. The university community congratulates Mackenzie on his Dave Marshall Leadership Award in the Campus Category!

Katie Talbot

Katie is working towards a Bachelor of Science Honours Specialization in Biology and a Bachelor of Education in the Intermediate/Senior Divisions.

Katie has demonstrated her leadership in academics as a Tutor, Teaching Assistant, and Researcher within the Department of Biology and Chemistry. As a Researcher, Katie is currently working on a Thesis project studying foliage samples of heavily browsed trees from Gros Morne National Park and conducting chemical analysis to determine the samples' nutritional quality. Results of this analysis are shared with Parks Canada Biologists to help them manage declining forests and moose populations in Western Newfoundland.  In support of her thesis, Katie was awarded a Talon Research Assistantship. Katie has also received a Schulich Scholarship, Carl Sanders' Scholarship, and President's Scholarship.

As a Teaching Assistant, Katie supported the Ecology of Ontario Trees and Forests course, the Biology Field Camp course, and an Introductory Chemistry Course by leading field trips, overseeing the collection of field data, marking tests and assignments, evaluating plant collections, and supporting students.

As an Executive member for both the Biology and Chemistry Societies, Katie has been involved in organizing events and fundraisers such as the Biology/Chemistry Thesis Night, fundraisers in support of the North Bay and NUSU food banks,  a "Where Will Your Biology Degree Take You" presentation and more. After graduation, Katie hopes to become a Secondary School Science Teacher and advocate for environmental issues and conservation in her community.

The university community congratulates Katie on her Dave Marshall Leadership Award in the Academic Category!

Parker Anderson

Parker is working towards a Bachelor of Physical and Health Education and a Bachelor of Education in the Intermediate/Senior Divisions.

Parker has demonstrated his campus leadership through his roles as Volunteer, NUSU Elections Committee Member, Lakers Crew Member, Director-at-Large, Men's Volleyball Team Manager, and Men's Volleyball Assistant Coach.

Parker has gone above and beyond to fight for causes that help others. He has volunteered with the NUSU Movember fundraiser which aims to bring awareness around men's health issues such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health, and suicide prevention; the Men's Volleyball Hunger Spike fundraiser, an annual volleyball skills and fundamentals clinic for children aged 9-14 in support of the NUSU Food Bank; and Shinerama, a fundraiser in support of cystic fibrosis research. Parker has been involved in Movember fundraising for over 6 years, raising more than $3000 in that time.

Parker is the kind of leader who fosters positivity, promotes community engagement, and unites those around him. As a volunteer, he has logged more than 1000 hours as Team Manager and Assistant Coach for the Men’s Volleyball Team. He also volunteers as a Laker’s Crew Member where he can be found motivating students to come out to Lakers’ Games and show their Lakers Pride.

After graduation, Parker plans to pursue a Master of Science in Kinesiology with the ultimate goal of becoming a high school Phys Ed Teacher and Volleyball Coach.The university community congratulates Parker on his Dave Marshall Leadership Award in the Campus Category!

Jordan Cascagnette

Jordan is working towards a Bachelor of Education in the Intermediate/Senior Divisions with Physical Education and Biology Teachables.

Throughout his time at Nipissing university, Jordan has demonstrated his campus leadership through his roles as an Athlete, Assistant Coach, and Volunteer. He has volunteered to assist the Varsity Rowing Team, the Nordic Ski Club, and to help with the OUA's in 2018. He balanced being an athlete on the Nordic Ski Team and Cross Country Running Team while completing his previous degree and is currently balancing his role of Assistant Coach for the Ski Team while completing his Bachelor of Education.

Jordan has represented Canada at three major international competitions for Nordic Skiing: the World Junior Championships in Estonia in 2011, the World University Games in Italy in 2013, and the World University Games in Kazakhstan in 2017. In addition to these competitions, Jordan won two gold medals at the OUA’s in 2018. He currently has 27 notable athletic achievements, including a number of gold, silver, and bronze finishes in the OUA Championships and Canadian National Championships.

Jordan's attitude and willingness to help his teammates have played a large part in propelling Nipissing to one of the top schools in the country for Nordic Skiing. He is the kind of leader who inspires others to get involved and this has directly resulted in new athletes joining the Nordic Ski Team.

Jordan is hardworking, modest, and always puts others first. After graduation, he hopes to combine his passions for sport, coaching, and education into a meaningful career path as a varsity or youth level coach or as a Phys Ed Teacher.

The university community congratulates Jordan on his Dave Marshall Leadership Award in the Campus Category!

Lynne Cormier

Lynne is working towards a Bachelor of Arts with a Specialization in Sociology.

Lynne has demonstrated her leadership on campus as a volunteer for the Office of Indigenous Initiatives’ programs and events. She volunteered for the Welcome Pow Wow, the Peer2Peer Mentorship program (which pairs Indigenous students at Nipissing University together for mentorship), the Wiidooktaadwin mentorship initiative (a group mentorship program for Indigenous students in local high schools), and for Debwendizon (an annual on-campus Indigenous youth education and recruitment gathering). Lynne also volunteered her time for talking and sharing circles with visiting Elders, as well as a number of other social, cultural, and special events.

With the Wiidooktaadwin mentorship initiative, Lynne mentored youth at Northern Secondary School in Sturgeon Falls. She went above and beyond in this role to make homemade bannock and fry bread, perform songs with her drum, and share traditional teachings with her mentorship group. The way she engaged with the youth led to increased participation in the program and inspired teachers at Northern Secondary School to start their own mentorship program.

Lynne is strong, humble, kind and determined to create a welcoming space for those around her. She is an advocate for Indigenous youth and those who are unable to advocate for themselves. She is driven to build community and takes the initiative to share her traditional cultural knowledge with others.

In the future, she hopes to continue to learn and grow as a proud two-spirited Anishinaabekwe, trying to make positive impacts in all that she does.The university community congratulates Lynne on her Dave Marshall Leadership Award in the Campus Category!

Armaan Dattani

Armann is working towards a Bachelor of Arts Honours Specialization in English and a Bachelor of Education in the Intermediate/Senior Divisions.

Armaan has demonstrated his leadership on campus through his roles as Residence Don, Living Learning Community Don, Community Assistant, Ontario Universities’ Fair Representative, and Campus Tour Guide. In each of these roles, Armaan has been an active contributor to, and promotor of Nipissing University student life.

In the three years that Armaan devoted to residence life, he excelled. Each year he took on additional responsibility and complex portfolios, grew and developed as a professional, and balanced his academic priorities while simultaneously creating long-lasting, meaningful relationships with students. Armaan's ability to inspire and foster leadership on campus is exemplified in the way he has been able to motivate students to get involved, whether through participating in programming or taking on leadership roles themselves.

As an Ontario Universities’ Fair Representative and Campus Tour Guide, Armaan’s passion for Nipissing University is evident in his interactions with prospective students and their supporters. He is able to help students feel at ease about their transition to university and excited for the experience. The authentic way he shares his experience with prospective students really resonates. Students and supporters have reached out time and time again to tell us that Armaan is the reason they decided to attend Nipissing. The university community congratulates Armaan on his Dave Marshall Leadership Award in the Campus Category!

Mitchell Hanniman

Mitchell is working towards a Bachelor of Liberal Arts with French and Spanish Minors.

Mitchell has demonstrated his leadership on campus through his roles as a Residence Don, Living Learning Community Don, and Nipissing Canadore Christian Fellowship President.

Mitchell naturally creates community wherever he goes. He hosts regular pancake breakfasts and game nights to bring folks together and is always willing to extend a hand to those in need. He is a genuine and caring person and is for that reason regularly sought out for support by peers. Mitchell is known to encourage students to pursue leadership opportunities within Residence, such as becoming a floor representative or joining a committee.

Mitchell is the type of leader who encourages others to think positively, view situations from other points of view, and to treat everyone with kindness because you never know what they're going through. He inspires others to be more outgoing, kind and involved on campus. As the Nipissing Canadore Christian Fellowship President, Mitchell encourages others to actively practice their faith and to get involved in events and activities that the fellowship puts on.

Next year, Mitchell plans to return to Nipissing for the Bachelor of Education program, with the future goal of becoming an Elementary School Teacher. The university community congratulates Mitchell on his Dave Marshall Leadership Award in the Campus Category!

Emilia Langill

Emilia is working towards a Bachelor of Physical and Health Education.

Emilia has demonstrated her leadership on campus through her involvement with both the Equity Centre and Varsity Athletics. She is a two-time Academic All Canadian award recipient, the Varsity Rowing Team Captain, a member of the Equity Centre Executive, and the Student Athletic Trainer for both the Men’s and Women’s Varsity Hockey teams.

As a Varsity Rower, Emilia exhibits the characteristics of dedication, perseverance, and accountability. In recognition of this, she received the Lakers P.R.I.D.E. award in 2018. As the Rowing Team Captain, Emilia took the initiative to organize team bonding activities such as potlucks, movie nights, and social gatherings. As a student trainer for the varsity hockey teams, Emilia assesses injuries and treats athletes at practices, home games, and away games. She mentors injured athletes, making referrals to the head athletic therapist when needed.

Emilia is a tireless advocate for campus inclusivity as a member of the Equity Centre. In this role, she helped to plan and co-host a “Camping for Pride” event at Algonquin Provincial Park and has volunteered her time with other campaigns and events such as a recent HIV/AIDS awareness campaign.

Emilia is the kind of leader who connects with others one on one and tailors the support and mentorship needed to the individual. In the future, Emilia aspires to become a registered Kinesiologist and a certified Athletic Therapist or Massage Therapist.The university community congratulates Emilia on her Dave Marshall Leadership Award in the Campus Category!

Paige Linklater-Wong

Paige is working towards a Master of Environmental Studies.

Paige has demonstrated her campus leadership through a variety of artistic contributions, volunteering, and as a representative of the indigenous student experience locally, provincially, and internationally. 

As an artist, Paige facilitated a public mural as part of Akawe Daadakokii Art Collective through the White Water Gallery. This public mural was a reconciliation initiative that invited indigenous folks with something to say about improving our ways of living together to contribute to the project. Paige’s artwork ‘Two Bodies One Heart,’ which expresses the life experiences of an indigenous mother, received 5th place in the Ingenious Arts and Stories contest in 2016.

As a volunteer, Paige contributed to the "Deeping Our Collective Understanding, Redefining Student Success" research project to help define success for Indigenous students in post-secondary. She also volunteered for the launch of the Treaty Learning Center in 2016 and represented Nipissing University at the Canada-Mexico Roundtable on Indigenous Higher Education which was held in Mexico in the Fall of 2018. In 2016, Paige spoke on behalf of the indigenous student experience during a visit from the Special Advisor on Indigenous Issues to the Assistant Deputy Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Development.

Paige is a role model for how to balance education while being a parent. She freely gives her time to bring people together around traditional food and traditional learning.

After graduation, Paige plans to work in either her home community or in another First Nations community. The university community congratulates Paige on her Dave Marshall Leadership Award in the Campus Category!

Taylor Mueller

Taylor is working towards a Master of Science in Kinesiology.

Taylor has demonstrated her campus leadership by taking the initiative to launch the #iamstrongher campaign which featured a week of events on the topic of positive body image including Mirrorless Monday, Talk About it Tuesday, What We Love About Our Body Wednesday, Smash the Scale, and Feel Good Friday.

For Mirrorless Monday, the mirrors in restrooms across campus were covered for the day and students were encouraged to be good to themselves and their bodies regardless of appearance. Talk About it Tuesday engaged students in an online discussion about why body positivity is important to them. What We Love About Our Body Wednesday asked students to write down what they love about their bodies to be posted around campus. The Smash the Scale event invited students to physically smash a scale to show that a number on a scale does not determine their self-worth. The week culminated with Feel Good Friday, which featured a body positive Zumba class.

Taylor is a kind, caring, hardworking individual. She strives to empower others to be the best they can be. Upon graduation, Taylor would like to become a fundraiser. Specifically, she would like to work for a nonprofit that raises funds for eating disorder awareness, prevention, and treatment. Taylor would like to see the #iamstrongher campaign implemented on other university campuses so that the message can reach even more women and girls. The university community congratulates Taylor on her Dave Marshall Leadership Award in the Campus Category!

Alexis Poirier

Alexis is working towards a Bachelor of Education in the Junior/Intermediate Divisions with a Physical Education Teachable.

Alexis has demonstrated her campus leadership in a number of ways. She has been an active participant and recruiter for intramural sports. She contributed to the ibelgonatnipissingu.ca student blog. She participated in the Kinesiology Games in Vancouver in 2014 and became the head coordinator for the games in 2016. She was selected to represent Nipissing University in March 2018 at the Annual Meeting of the Provincial Assembly conference held by the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation in Toronto. She has also been both a Junior/Intermediate Representative and President of the Teacher Candidate Advisory Council. Alexis was instrumental in the creation and organization of the first Orientation to Education for incoming Bachelor of Education students graduating in 2020.

Alexis organized a number of events, fundraisers, and feedback sessions for Bachelor of Education students on campus. Based on feedback from current students in the program, Alexis planned the first ever Orientation to Education day for incoming teacher candidates.  The event was born out of the need to foster a sense of community, security, and comfort among new students in the program and the resulting event received tremendous feedback from participants.

Alexis is hard-working, dedicated and passionate. Upon graduation, she plans to travel internationally to teach in England. She is excited to see where in the world her passion for teaching, travelling and helping others will take her in her future. The university community congratulates Alexis on her Dave Marshall Leadership Award in the Campus Category!

Carly Renaud

Carly is working towards a Bachelor of Arts Honours Specialization in English with a major in Classical Studies.

Carly has demonstrated her campus leadership through her involvement with a variety of the Office of Indigenous Initiatives’ programs and events. She has volunteered to be a Peer2Peer Mentor for three years, which involves being available to students for help with school work, advice, or even just a chat to relieve stress. She also has three years of experience volunteering with the Wiidooktaadwin Mentorship Program to mentor Indigenous students at local high schools. In 2018, Carly was a speaker for the Dibwendizon Student Conference that brought Indigenous high school students from across Ontario for a two-day visit to our campus. Beyond this, Carly was chosen to speak on behalf of indigenous students with the Minister of Crown Indigenous Relations, Carolyn Bennett.

Carly advocates for Indigenous youth to consider post-secondary and is a positive role model for the high school student she mentors. Simply by being herself and sharing her experiences, she models for them that they too can attend university and be successful. Carly does an excellent job of building confidence in others in both of her mentorship roles.  She consistently acts with kindness and humility and works to help those around her feel strong and confident in who they are and the skills the posses.

After graduation, Carly plans to pursue a Master of Interdisciplinary Studies at Laurentian University and eventually work in the field of Indigenous Academia.The university community congratulates Carly on her Dave Marshall Leadership Award in the Campus Category!

Emily Teeter

Emily is working towards a Bachelor of Arts Honours Specialization in Psychology and a Bachelor of Education in the Primary/Junior Divisions.

Emily has demonstrated her campus leadership through her roles as Residents' Council Yearbook Chair, Formal Committee Member, Residence Don, Living Learning Community Don, Community Assistant, Conference Presenter, Residence Open House Volunteer, and Frosh Leader.

Throughout her time in Residence, she took on increasing responsibility and eventually came to lead a team of Don’s as a Community Assistant. Emily supported students through difficult transitions and empowered them to grow, learn, and get involved. She helped to plan, market, and promote various creative events and educational programs to bring the community together. Emily also volunteered her time for Residence recruitment events to help new students feel apart of the Lakers community.

After transitioning out of residence, Emily sought out the opportunity to continue to grow her leadership skills as a Frosh Leader. In this role, Emily’s bright personality and energizing presence helped her to be a positive role model for many incoming students. Emily is the kind of leader who acknowledges the potential in others and makes space for them to shine in their own right. She is deeply caring, kind-hearted and passionate about Nipissing and its student community.

After graduation, Emily aspires to become an Elementary School Teacher who promotes positive mental health among students. The university community congratulates Emily on her Dave Marshall Leadership Award in the Campus Category!

Mykaela Volpe

Mykaela is working towards a Bachelor of Science Honours Specialization in Biology.

Mykaela has demonstrated her leadership on campus through her roles as Varsity Athlete, Captain of the Women's Varsity Soccer Team, International Student Mentorship Program Mentor,  Children's Soccer Coach, Volunteer Intramural Referee, Biidaaban Youth Group Volunteer, and Academic Success Program Student Assistant. Mykaela is also a recipient of an Academic All Canadian award, and a Ted Chase Award for her commitment to both academics and athletics. 

Mykaela is generous with her time and seeks out opportunities to help others whenever she can. As Women's Varsity Soccer Team Captain, she organized study halls to bring the team together to support each other academically. Mykaela also used her leadership to inspire her teammates. Before the team's first playoff game, she gave a motivational speech despite the fact that she wouldn't be starting in the game herself, something she had been looking forward to her entire soccer career. She motivated players with the message that they would make history for the institution, and the team went on to win, 4-0.

Mykaela is an intelligent, hardworking, and honest leader who puts others before herself. She volunteers in the community as a children’s soccer coach, has been involved with the International Student Mentorship Program for two years, and has recently started volunteering with the Office of Indigenous Initiatives’ Biddabaan Youth Group.

In the future, Mykaela plans to pursue a Bachelor of Education at Nipissing University with the ultimate goal of teaching the sciences at the intermediate/senior level.

The university community congratulates Mykaela on her Dave Marshall Leadership Award in the Campus Category!

Riley Cormier

Riley is working towards a Bachelor of Science Honours Specialization in Environment and Physical Geography.

Riley has demonstrated community leadership through his extensive involvement within the community throughout his degree. He has been on the board of directors for both the Friends of Laurier Woods and Nipissing Naturalists. He has volunteered his time to provide educational guided hikes through Laurier Woods on topics such as insects, native pollinators, and the history of the woods. This past September, he organized a tree planting event in partnership with the North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority which resulted in a few hundred trees being planted along Chippewa Creek and contributed to reducing soil erosion in the area. In addition to this, Riley also volunteers with the North Bay Air Search and Rescue where he trains other volunteers to be prepared for search and rescue missions in North Bay and surrounding areas.

Riley also helped to organize a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) day on campus which brought together high school students, university students, university staff, folks from local businesses, and members of municipal, provincial, and federal government, including the Deputy Chief of the North Bay Police Department for an introduction to Geographic Information Systems and how they are used locally.  As part of the day, Riley helped to deliver a specially designed demonstration within the Geography Department’s GIS lab for the 50 high school students in attendance. The event was a great success and would not have happened without Riley’s initiative, dedication and leadership.

After graduation, Riley plans to pursue a Master of Science in Geography at Carleton University.

The university community congratulates Riley on his Dave Marshall Leadership Award in the Community Category!

Dawn Corston

Dawn is working towards a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Native Studies and a Bachelor of Commerce.

Dawn has demonstrated her community leadership through her volunteer roles with the office of Indigenous Initiatives as Peer2Peer Mentor, Biidaaban Youth Group Volunteer, and Debwendizon Panelist.

As a Biidaaban Youth Group Volunteer, Dawn hosted a weekly after-school program for youth ages 4 - 10 at the North Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre where she offered help with homework as well as crafts and games. This program meets a need for Indigenous academic support within the community of North Bay. Dawn's consistently positive energy and cheerful way she interacted with the children was a big part of the programs week-to-week success. Dawn also donated her time to speak as part of a panel for the Debwendizon Indigenous Youth Education Gathering which welcomed Indigenous Youth from across Ontario to Nipissing University for hands on learning activities. Beyond this, Dawn also donated her time to mentor through the Peer2Peer mentorship program.

Dawn demonstrates to others how to balance multiple responsibilities in a healthy way. She is a wife, mother, volunteer, and student and still finds time to support others whenever she can. She is a welcoming and friendly face within the EnjiGiigdoyang Student Lounge, where she encourages others to make good choices and seek out support when needed.

Dawn is cheerful, adaptable, flexible and reliable. In the future, she aspires to become an elementary school teacher who teaches Indigenous culture to students.

The university community congratulates Dawn on her Dave Marshall Leadership Award in the Community Category!

Kyle Cuthbert

Kyle is working towards a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice in the Policing Stream.

Kyle has demonstrated his community leadership through volunteering with the Crown Christian Society, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Near North Baptist Church’s Youth Ministry, the Canadian Mental Health Association, and Victim Services of Nipissing District.

Kyle strives to make a positive impact on others in everything he does. This is exemplified through his service in multiple volunteer roles. As a Crown Christian Student Society Coordinator, Kyle runs a weekly Bible study and facilitates regular religious programming for students. Kyle is a devoted and courageous Christian who shows dedication to what he believes through the way he actively shares the Gospel with peers and community members. In order to both better himself, and be better able to support folks in need, Kyle has sought out certifications such as safeTALK, Straight Talk, Mental Health First Aid, Non-Violent Crisis Intervention, Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training, Consent+, Gender 101 and many more.

In addition to his various volunteer roles off campus, Kyle also sought out opportunities to support student on campus as a General Council member, a Vice-President Athletics and Wellness, Residence Don, and a Psychology Society Representative. In all of these roles he has demonstrated compassion, empathy and drive to make a difference in the lives of others.

After graduation, Kyle plans to pursue a career in Policing while continuing to volunteer. He aspires to become a resilient, courageous leader and a role model capable of encouraging change.

The university community congratulates Kyle on his Dave Marshall Leadership Award in the Community Category!

Samuel Levac

Samuel is working towards a Bachelor of Education in the Junior/Intermediate Divisions with a Physical Education Teachable.

Samuel has demonstrated his community leadership through his three years of experience as a volunteer coach for North Bay Spartan’s Basketball. In this role, Samuel coached the 3 on 3 program and 2 rep teams per season while completing his degree program. He also volunteered his time to run a summer program for serious basketball athletes to continue to work on skills and strength. His positive influence has contributed to the success of many local athletes.

Samuel is an amazing coach who, because of his even temperament, great personality, and knowledge of the sport, has the ability to connect with young athletes and push them to achieve (or want to achieve) their potential. Samuel has gone above and beyond to support families in need. Rep sports typically come with a cost, and not all athletes can afford the fees. Believing in the importance of equal access to sports programs, Samuel helped families through the paperwork required to apply for funding so that children who ordinarily could not afford to participate were able to join the team.

Samuel is a thoughtful, empathic coach and individual. In the future, he hopes to become a teacher who inspires students to become confident in whatever they would like to do in their futures. In his spare time, Samuel intends to continue volunteering in the North Bay sports community to pay forward what his previous mentors and coaches have done for him.

The university community congratulates Samuel on his Dave Marshall Leadership Award in the Community Category.

Lisa Truong

Lisa is working towards a Bachelor of Science in Nursing through the Scholar Practitioner Program.

Lisa has demonstrated her community leadership by advocating for, and educating others about, the need for bone marrow transplant donors in Canada.

During her practicum, Lisa became aware of the silent crisis occurring in the bone marrow transplant community. Through research, Lisa discovered that only 2% of Canadians were registered to be a donor and that there is a particular need for more ethnically diverse stem cell donors. Certain bone marrow transplant recipients have an even lower chance of finding a donor due to the lack of donor diversity. As a result, Lisa became passionate about advocating for greater awareness and education surrounding stem cell donation and donor registration in Canada.

Lisa took the initiative to conduct research, and apply knowledge from her degree program to create educational resources on the topic. She then requested to have these resources displayed at Princess Margaret Hospital to raise awareness. Lisa also reached out to Canadian Blood Services and One Match to inquire about the possibility of facilitating donor drives to increase donor registration and education. Currently, there are no such programs in Canada. Lisa hopes to be able to work towards making donor drives as easily accessible as those in the United States.

Upon graduation, Lisa hopes to begin her nursing career at SickKids within the Bone Marrow Transplant Unit in Toronto. She plans to specialize in pediatric oncology and the care of bone marrow transplant patients.

The university community congratulates Lisa on her Dave Marshall Leadership Award in the Community Category!