Students awarded

Eight students inducted to Tricolour Society, a 29-year high

Eight recipients of the Agnes Benidickson Tricolour Award were announced this week, a near-record number for the past 30 years.

The award is given to students who contribute to the University in non-academic and non-athletic capacities.

The last time this many students received the award was 1984. Last year, only one recipient was chosen by the selection committee, which is comprised of 16 student representatives.

Upon receiving the Tricolour award, students become inducted into the Tricolour Society, one of the highest achievements that a student can be awarded with at Queen’s.

Ben Frid, Med ’15

After two years in the Medicine program, Frid’s impact on Queen’s includes acting as the president and founder of the Healthcare Management Investment Group, the president of the Aesculapian Society and the president and founder of Making Waves Kingston, which offers swimming instruction to young people with special needs.

Frid said he’s most proud for the success that has come out of his organization.

“We started about a year and a half ago with a dozen children from the local community, and since then we have more than tripled in size,” he said. “It’s got terrific momentum and I’m really excited to see how quickly it’s growing.”

Rico Garcia, ArtSci ’13

Garcia served as the President of ASUS, and this year he’s the President of the Queen’s Student Alumni Association. Garcia said his most rewarding accomplishment this year was helping launch the Initiative Campaign, a fundraising effort which hopes to raise $500 million for the University.

“I am very humbled and honoured,” he said. “This award is really to be shared with all the student leaders on campus. My Queen’s experienced has been shaped by so many and it’s important to recognize everyone.”

Chi Yan Lam, ConEd’ 09, MeD ’12 and PhD ’15

Lam has been at Queen’s since 2005, and said he feel his greatest extra-curricular achievement at Queen’s has been his involvement as a Residence Life Don for five years. Chi said being a good Don is a lot like being a good teacher.

“It’s about sharing what I know, and leading them to do what they want in life academically, socially and growing as a student. We have seen in the past couple of years how central the residence experience is. It sets the tone for the rest of the Queen’s student experience.” Jeffery McCarthy, ConEd ’12

McCarthy’s legacy includes a revamp of the AMS clubs portfolio in his position as AMS Clubs Manager, as well as his involvement with FYNIRs (First Years Not In Residence), where he acted as Chair.

McCarthy said his proudest accomplishment at Queen’s was his work with FYNIRs.

“It’s an organization that’s seen a lot of turn around. Seeing the results of the hard work you’ve put in is amazing,” he said. “I’m really humbled that I’ve been labeled as a student leader.” Sean Robinson, ArtSci ’13

Robinson’s most significant extra-curricular contribution to the University has been acting as president for the Queen’s Rotaract Club, which provides opportunities for students to give back to the community. “I’m really proud that I could give so much to the school, and the fact that they’re recognizing me for it is more than I could have ever needed or asked for,” he said.

Naomi Rosenfeld, ArtSci, ‘13

Rosenfeld’s extracurricular activities range from fitness instructor at the ARC to vice-president of Queen’s Hillel. She’s been involved in the organization of Holocaust Education Week, is a peer learning assistant, and has played on an intramural dodgeball team. She was also part of this year’s production of Down There.

“Everyone is so involved. It’s something so special about Queens,” she said. “It’s the true embodiment of the Queen’s spirit that there are eight winners this year.”

Caileigh Simpson, PhysEd ’13

Simpson has participated in many extra curricular activities within the physical education and kinesiology student association for three years. Through this she has been involved with Revved Up, which is an exercise program for those with developmental disabilities and spinal cord injuries. She has also worked with the AMS and was acting chief electoral officer during the election period.

“I was shocked and elated [when I won],” she said. “To have this kind of credit at the end of four years is something I never would have expected.

One of the reasons I hold this award highest is because I am receiving it with other students, and being recognized at the same level as them is an honour.”

Kieran Slobodin, ArtSci ’13

Slobodin began his involvement in his first year, when he worked with the AMS Academic Affairs Commission (AAC). In his third year he became the AAC commissioner and last year he was the AMS vice-president of university affairs. He’s part of the AMS Board of Directors as well as Senate.

He described his participation in the academic planning process at Queen’s to be one of the most rewarding.

“I’ve seen the impact everyone has had on the school and I’m very honoured to be part of that group,” he said.

Tags

Award, Tricolour

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