Awards Listing
Students' Union Involvement Awards
General Application Eligibility
- Only one application is required for all Student Involvement Awards listed on this page.
- Please note that only UNDERGRADUATE students are eligible for the Student Involvement and Centenary Awards.
- Undergraduate students may apply for up to three (3) Involvement and Centenary Awards, and can be additionally considered for the Students' Union Excellence Award and Coca Cola Student Achievement Awards.
- Under the "Conditions" section of each award are "Must" and "Preference" conditions.
- "Must" conditions have to be mentioned somewhere in the application in order to be considered for the award.
- "Preference" conditions will be given priority in the adjudication process but are not necessary to receive the award.
- Applicants must have a GPA of 1.8 or higher in the preceding academic terms to be considered for Involvement Awards.
- Where academic consideration is a condition, the minimum GPA required is 3.5 in the preceding academic terms.
The preceding academic terms for the current applications are Fall 2023 and Winter 2024.
Applicants are only eligible to receive each award once in their lifetime.
How to apply for these awards:
- Read the descriptions of the Involvement Awards below.
- Complete the application for UASU Involvement, Centenary, and Coca-Cola Awards, which will be made available at uasu.ca/Awards.
- Select the three Awards for which you believe you are most deserving. The selection committee reserves the right to consider you for any additional Student Involvement Awards that you may qualify for. Note that if you are applying for a Centenary Award, it counts as one of your top three. You must be in your graduating year to qualify for a Centenary Award.
Applications or documents received after 11:59PM MST on July 9th, 2024 will not be accepted.
Applicants will be required to upload the following documents. Failure to submit all required information or documentation will result in immediate disqualification:
- One resume outlining paid and volunteer experience, including dates (maximum two pages).
- One personal statement, outlining why the applicant qualifies (maximum one page or 500 words, whichever comes first)
- Minimum one, maximum two letters of reference (maximum one page, single-sided per reference letter)
- Unofficial Transcript (Access this through BearTracks)
Reference letters can be uploaded directly by the applicant, or submitted directly to the program by the reference writers. For reference writers who prefer to submit letters directly, please submit reference letters, by email, to awards@uasu.ca. Late documents will not be accepted. If your references opt to send their documents directly to the program, please upload a document on your application which identifies who will be submitting letters on your behalf.
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Involvement Award Descriptions
Alberta Treasury Branches Volunteerism Award
Established by Alberta Treasury Branches to recognize students who maintain good academic standing while making a contribution to the community through volunteerism.
Number of Awards:
- 1 award each year
Value of Each Award:
- $1200
Conditions:
- Must be enrolled in a business-related program.
- Must have contributed volunteer time to the community.
- Academic standing is also a consideration.
Bill Smith Student Mentorship Award
Established to honour W. D. (Bill) Smith, Students’ Union General Manager from 1991-2008. During his time as General Manager, Bill provided guidance, compassion and a sense of humour that inspired 17 years of student leaders. Bill’s zest for life, be it with an English football discussion, a passionate plea for his beloved Saskatchewan Roughriders or his early morning smile provided a great atmosphere in the Students’ Union each and every day.
Number of Awards:
- 4 awards each year
Value of Each Award:
- $1000
- Recipient's name engraved on the trophy
Conditions:
- Must be an active member of an on- or off-campus organization that focuses on mentorship.
- Must be a full-time student.
- Must be a Saskatchewan Roughriders fan or be willing to switch.
BMO Award for Outstanding Academic Involvement
The BMO Award for Outstanding Academic Involvement recognizes students who have contributed to an academic initiative. Contributions to research do not need to be published, but preference will be given to those featured in peer-reviewed contexts.
Number of Awards:
- 1 award each year
Value of Each Award:
- $1000.00
Conditions:
- Must have contributed to an academic field.
- Preference will be given to students whose work underwent a peer-review process.
CIBC Community Investment Award
Established by CIBC to recognize students who maintain good academic standing while serving as a leader in the community.
Number of Awards:
- 2 awards each year
Value of Each Award:
- $1000
Conditions:
- Must have shown leadership in an off-campus program or initiative.
- Must have contributed volunteer time to the community.
- Academic standing is also a consideration for this award.
Cristal Mar Memorial Award
Established to remember and celebrate Cristal’s contributions to the University of Alberta until she passed away in 1995. While working towards her acceptance into the Faculty of Pharmacy, Cristal balanced significant contributions to the university community with academic excellence. She was an active member of Safewalk and played a key role in the inaugural 1995 National Campus Safety Conference.
Number of Awards:
- 4 awards each year
Value of Each Award:
- $1000
- Recipient's name engraved on the trophy
Conditions:
- Must have contributed to the greater campus community.
- Must demonstrate compassion towards fellow students.
- Must be a full-time student.
- Preference will be given to students involved in a campus safety organization.
Dean Mortensen Award
Established to perpetuate the memory of Dean Mortensen, a first year Science student at the University of Alberta, and resident of St. Joseph's College who tragically disappeared on January 23, 1992 and has not since been found. Dean Mortensen contributed to student life in many ways, namely through his dedication and commitment to St. Joseph's College and the St. Joseph's Rangers.
Number of Awards:
- 4 awards each year
Value of Each Award:
- $1000
- Recipient's name engraved on the trophy
Conditions:
- Must show strong participation in the University's campus recreation and intramural programs.
- Must demonstrate strong leadership skills and a dedication to others.
Dr. Randy Gregg Athletics Award
Dr. Randy Gregg was a student at the University of Alberta from 1972 to 1980, receiving a Bachelor of Science and a Doctor of Medicine degree. He was a key player on the Golden Bears Hockey team and, as captain in 1979, led the team to National Championship. Randy Gregg represented Canada as a member of the hockey team in the 1980 Winter Olympic Games, and went on to join the Edmonton Oilers in 1983.
Number of Awards:
- 4 awards each year
Value of Each Award:
- $1000
- Recipient's name engraved on the trophy
Conditions:
- Must be actively involved in an athletics program.
- Must contribute to student life at the University of Alberta.
Edo Japan Global Citizenship Award
As a component of its lease agreement with the Students' Union, each year Edo Japan will provide funding for the Students' Union Awards.
Number of Awards:
- 2 awards each year
Value of Each Award:
- $1000
Conditions:
- Must either be a Canadian student who has participated in an international exchange program, or be an international student currently studying at the University of Alberta.
- Must demonstrate an understanding and commitment to global citizenship.
Eugene L. Brody Award
Established to perpetuate the memory of Eugene L. Brody, B.A., B.Sc., a student at the University of Alberta for twenty-three years who had cerebral palsy and was able to make outstanding contributions in extra-curricular activities. Eugene Brody's contributions were made with a strong personal philosophy, "To have a full life, one has to struggle every step of the way."
Number of Awards:
- 4 awards each year
Value of Each Award:
- $1000
- Recipient's name engraved on the trophy
Conditions:
- Must have made a valuable contribution to extra-curricular campus activities.
- Must show a sincere dedication to student life on campus.
- Preference will be given to students with a disability, or to students that work with those with a disability.
- Academic standing is also a consideration for this award.
Executive of the Year
Established to recognize Student Group executives who go above and beyond the expectations of their position. They often spearhead events, gather required resources, introduce different recruitment strategies and much more, while maintaining the groups dynamic and ability to progress.
Number of Awards
- 1 award each year
Value of Each Award:
- $1000
Conditions:
- Must be an executive of a group registered with Student Group Services.
- Include a reference letter detailing critical involvement in the groups operations.
Filistix International Student Excellence Award
The Filistix International Student Excellence Award recognizes the invaluable contributions that international students bring to the University of Alberta campus each year. Their involvement must have contributed to enriching the campus life of their peers.
Number of Awards:
- 1 award each year
Value of Each Award:
- $1000.00
Conditions:
- Must have been an international student in the previous academic year.
- Must have been involved in an initiative that actively contributed to the campus life of their peers.
Hilda Wilson Memorial Volunteer Recognition Award
Established to recognize qualities of congeniality and humanitarian dedication. At age 57, Hilda Wilson entered the Faculty of Law after two years in the Faculty of Arts at the University of Alberta. Unsurpassed in her dedication to her fellow students, Hilda's enthusiasm and energetic confidence as a volunteer endeared her to many.
Number of Awards:
- 4 awards each year
Value of Each Award:
- $1000
- Recipient's name engraved on the trophy
Conditions:
- Must be a volunteer member of an organization that actively contributes to the community.
- Must promote community-based issues or initiatives on campus.
Hooper-Munroe Academic Award
Named for Major R.C.W. Hooper, the past Dean of Men, and Miss Isobel Munroe, the past Dean of Women, the Hooper-Munroe Academic Award is intended to reward students who achieve academic excellence.
Number of Awards:
- 4 awards each year with no more than 2 being awarded to individuals of the same gender identity.
Value of Each Award:
- $1000
- Recipient's name engraved on the trophy
Conditions:
- Must have a minimum grade point average of 3.5 in the preceding Fall and Winter Term.
- Must have the highest academic standing in the preceding Winter Term of all those who apply, based on both grade point average and number of credits completed.
- Must have not previously received this award.
- In the event that a distinction cannot be drawn on the basis of academic achievement, involvement in extra-curricular activities will be considered.
Hula Poke’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Award
The Hula Poke’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Award recognizes students who actively contribute to making campus and the community a safer space for everyone to thrive. These contributions may be in the form of events, education, research or advocacy that contribute to uplifting the whole people.
Number of Awards:
- 1 award each year
Value of Each Award
- $1000.00
Conditions:
- Must have demonstrated initiative to increase equity, diversity and inclusion on campus over the past year.
- Should outline ways in which their efforts have contributed to change in their community or to personal learning.
Lorne Calhoun Memorial Award
Established to perpetuate the memory of Lorne Calhoun, B.A., a student at the University of Alberta from 1946 until his death in 1951, Lorne Calhoun was active in debating (President of the Debating Society, founder of Debating Union, twice a member of the McGoun Cup Intervarsity team), national and international organizations (member of International Relations Club, Chairman of Alberta Committee of International Student Services, executive member of Political Science Club, Speaker of Parliamentary Forum), and miscellaneous organizations (The Gateway, History Club, Men's Economics Club, Philosophical Society, Arts and Science Club, University religious groups, chess and athletics).
Number of Awards:
- 4 awards each year
Value of Each Award:
- $1000
- Recipient's name engraved on the trophy
Conditions:
- Must have played an instrumental role in the operation of an on-campus club or organization.
- Must demonstrate cooperation with other campus clubs, organizations or initiatives.
Louise Veillard Social Justice Activism Award
Established by the Students’ Union to recognize student involvement in the pursuit of humanitarianism and involvement in activism.
Number of Awards:
- 4 awards each year
Value of Each Award:
- $1000
Conditions:
- Must be involved in campus and/or community-based activism that aims to advance or promote issues of social justice or human rights.
Luke Jansen Performing and Visual Arts Community Award
Established to celebrate the life of Luke Murray Jansen, B.A., a student at the University of Alberta from 2013 to 2017, this award recognizes students who contribute positively to the visual and performing arts communities, on campus and beyond. This award celebrates students who bring leadership to the visual and performing arts communities and to the student body in their own unique way – those students who know that the arts can enrich everyday life.
Luke, who was known as a bassist and lead vocalist in the band North of Here, passed away 4 months after his convocation. Luke and his band played at the 2017 Week of Welcome in quad – on stage in the glorious sunshine with his dear brother, who was beginning his first year looking on, hundreds of students relaxing and listening, and his U of A Alumni parents on the guest list to enjoy the special moment. Luke was an active participant in student life through the Political Science Undergraduate Association, working for the Students’ Union as a Deputy Returning Officer, and bringing “Tiny Concerts” to surprising spaces on campus with other musicians. Luke built community in creative ways wherever he went, including academic research for his political science honours thesis that explored the live music scene in Edmonton.
Number of Awards:
- 4 awards each year
Value of Each Award:
- $1000
- Recipient's name engraved on the trophy
Conditions:
- Open to Undergraduate students in any faculty with an interest in the performing and visual arts, and the communities associated with them.
- Must have contributed positively to the visual and performing arts communities on campus and/or the broader community.
Moody Tax Law Award
Established by Moodys Gartner Tax Law to recognize tax-related community contribution and/or tax-related academic work, carried out by undergraduate students.
Number of Awards
- 2 awards each year
Value of Each Award
- $1000
Conditions:
- Must show tax-related community contribution and/or academic work.
- Preference will be given to applicants who demonstrate tax law-related contribution and/or academic work.
OPA! Souvlaki Student Achievement Award
As a component of its lease agreement with the Students' Union, each year OPA! Souvlaki will provide one thousand dollars ($1000.00) in awards.
Number of Awards:
- 1 award each year
Value of Each Award:
- $1000
Conditions:
- Must demonstrate personal growth and development in the face of adversity.
- Must be involved in extra-curricular activities in the campus community or the community at large.
Outstanding Resident Award
Established to recognize contribution to improving residence life at the University of Alberta; whether it is planning movie nights or cleaning up after every one of them. The Outstanding Resident will have shown immense dedication to their residence community.
Number of Awards:
- 4 awards each year
Value of Each Award:
- $1000
Conditions:
- Must be living in a University of Alberta residence building.
- Preference will be given to those involved in their residence organization and its events.
- Must submit a reference letter from an officer of Residence Services or a Residence Association.
RBC Involvement Award
Established by the RBC to acknowledge individuals who complement their educational experience with extra-curricular involvement.
Number of Awards:
- 1 award each year
Value of Each Award:
- $1000
Conditions:
- Must demonstrate a combination of volunteerism and leadership, both on-campus and in the greater Edmonton community.
- Academic standing is also a consideration for this award.
Saba and Sara Saadat Memorial Award
Established to celebrate the life of Saba Saadat, a student at the University of Alberta from 2016 to 2020, and her sister Sara (UAlberta 2019). Saba, Sara, and their mother Dr. Shekoufeh Choupannejad perished on board Ukraine International Airlines Flight PS752 on January 8th, 2020.
Saba was an avid volunteer and passionate mentor to her peers and community members. She especially cared about creating connections with youth and children through organizations like Heart of the City Music Program on campus, Big Brothers Big Sisters Edmonton, and the Helping Hampers project. She was also a mentor for newcomer students in the Iranian community. Saba had a passion for research in medicine and women’s reproductive health, and was working towards a Bachelor of Science with a minor in Psychology.
Sara had begun her journey towards achieving a doctorate degree in clinical psychology in the United States. She had set her sights on being an advocate for LGBTQ+ youth throughout her career.
This award recognizes students’ outstanding contributions to initiatives or organizations in behind-the-scenes roles.
Number of Awards:
- 4 awards each year
Value of Each Award:
- $1000
Conditions:
- Must include a reference letter from someone involved in the event or organization outlining the level of contribution to the initiative.
- Preference will be given to group members that do not hold executive positions.
- Preference will be given to students involved in advocacy work for marginalized groups.
- Preference will be given to students involved in organizations and initiatives related to medicine, especially in the gynecology and reproductive health.
Scotiabank Award for Collaborative Initiatives
The Scotiabank Award for Collaborative Initiatives recognizes students who have spearheaded a collaborative initiative involving community and campus partners. This initiative should go beyond campus to involve the surrounding community.
Number of Awards:
- 1 award each year
Value of Each Award:
- $750.00
Conditions:
- Must have spearheaded a collaborative initiative involving community and campus partners.
Students' Union Award for Global Connection
Established to recognize outstanding acceptance and promotion of multiculturalism at the University of Alberta, by sharing their own culture while embracing the diversity that makes up the campus community.
Number of Awards:
- 4 awards per year
Value of Each Award:
- $1000
Conditions:
- Preference will be given to international students on a student visa.
- Must be part of an organization or initiative that helps fellow international students transition to a new country and culture.
Students' Union Award for Outstanding Innovation
In today's "there's-an-app-for-that" generation, true innovation is hard to come by. When everything's been done, where do you go? Whether you have invented, created, defined, theorized or refurbished an idea that has never been thought of before , this award is for you. This is not a grant to fund research but rather an award to recognize a finished product, idea or innovation.
Number of Awards:
- 4 awards each year
Value of Each Award:
- $1000
Conditions:
- Must include a reference letter from someone in the field to talk about the potential impact the innovation could have.
Students' Union Award for Perseverance
Not every student fits the traditional student ideal. Many are mature students, parents, or attend part-time. This award recognizes exceptional commitment to community and/or campus involvement, while balancing multiple responsibilities and roles.
Number of Awards:
- 4 each year
Value of Each Award:
- $1000
Conditions:
- Preference will be given to non-traditional students (single parents, part-time students, mature students etc).
- Preference will be given to extraordinary campus and/or community involvement.
- Must have satisfactory academic standing.
Subway Community Service Award
As a component of its lease agreement with the Students' Union, each year Subway Sandwiches will provide one thousand dollars ($1000.00) in awards.
Number of Awards:
- 1 award each year
Value of Each Award:
- $1000
Conditions:
- Must be an active member of an organization that combines campus involvement and community service.
- Must be a full-time student.
- Academic standing is also a consideration for this award.
Tevie Miller Involvement Award
Established to recognize the outstanding commitment and dedication of the Honorable Associate Chief Justice Tevie H. Miller. Justice Miller was a Students' Union President. Subsequent to convocation, Justice Miller continued his involvement as President of the Alumni Association, and in 1980 was elected as a member of the University Senate. In 1986, Tevie Miller was elected Chancellor of the University of Alberta.
Number of Awards:
- 4 awards each year
Value of Each Award:
- $1000
- Recipient's name engraved on the trophy
Conditions:
- Must be an active contributor to a Students' Union program, service or other activity.
- Must not receive a salary or honorarium from the Students' Union for their contributions.
- Academic standing is also a consideration for this award.
Tom Lancaster Memorial Award
Established to perpetuate the memory of Tom Lancaster, General Manager for the Students' Union from 1989-1991. Tom Lancaster brought stability and warmth to the Students' Union through his concern and care for students.
Number of Awards:
- 4 awards each year
Value of Each Award:
- $1000
- Recipient's name engraved on the trophy
Conditions:
- Must have made an outstanding contribution to student life on campus through dedication and a strong commitment to others.
- Must show active involvement and leadership in the Students' Union through volunteer work.
Teapsy Empowerment Award
As a component of its lease agreement with the Students' Union, each year Teapsy will provide a one thousand five hundred dollar ($1500.00) award.
Number of Awards:
- 1 awards each year
Value of Each Award:
- $1500
Conditions:
- Must be a full-time or part-time student at the University of Alberta.
- Must demonstrate a positive impact on the campus community or the community at large by inspiring and enabling others to take action.
The Violet King Award for Black Student Leadership & Involvement
This award has been made possible by a generous donation from the Canadian Association of Black Lawyers.
The Violet King Award was established to recognize Violet King Henry, who was a student at the University of Alberta from 1948 - 53.
During her time at the University, Violet was heavily involved in the campus community. She was the first known Black Executive of the Students’ Union, serving as Vice President when Peter Lougheed was President.
Out of 142 students in the Faculty of Law, Violet was one of only three women, and was the only woman in her graduating class. Violet went on to a legendary career as Canada’s first Black woman lawyer, and the first Black lawyer admitted to the Alberta Bar.
To remember her legacy, each year, the Students’ Union will present the award to one undergraduate student who identifies as Black and has demonstrated involvement and leadership in the campus community while at University.
Value of Each Award:
- $1000
- Recipient's name engraved on the trophy
Conditions:
- Open to all undergraduate students who identify as Black
- Applicants must write an essay of no more than 750 words that describes their experiences as a Black student at the University of Alberta and the ways in which they have contributed to their campus community and demonstrated leadership.
- Preference given to students involved in BIPOC-centred community-based issues or initiatives on campus
- Applicants must have a GPA of 2.0 or higher in the preceding academic terms to be considered for this award
Phone
780-492-7134
Monday-Friday
10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Student Life Central
0-81, Students' Union Building
University of Alberta
8900 - 114 Street NW
Edmonton, AB
T6G 2J7
