Student Wellness Services at the University of Guelph proudly announces the staff, volunteer, and student award recipients of the Student Wellness Services Recognition Awards for the 2024-2025 academic year. A total of eleven award winners from the year were honoured, including the distinguished Robin Begin and Forrest Caldwell staff awards.

Wellness Education & Promotion Awards

Marlene Pfaff Wellness Education & Promotion Award: Myah Robinson & Isabella Jakusik

This award recognizes a Peer Wellness Educator who demonstrates initiative and compassion through their commitment to social justice, inclusivity, collaboration, and the well-being of all students.

Liz Honegger Student Support Network Award: Megan Famme

This award is aimed at honouring a student who has given above and beyond the requirements of a Student Support Network volunteer, and has exceeded in the areas of commitment, balance, attitude, care for others, and peer counselling skills.

Wellness Education & Promotion Centre Volunteer Award: Martina Sarabura

This award recognizes a volunteer who demonstrates initiative, teamwork, enthusiasm and leadership.

Student Accessibility Services Awards

Barry Wheeler Volunteer Award: Avery Vieveen

This award is presented annually to a student who has offered their time and expertise toward assisting students registered with Student Accessibility Services. The recipient of this award demonstrates a strong commitment to caring for others, providing consistent support and enhancing accessibility on campus.

Bruno Mancini Accessibility Award: Malcolm McLeod

This award is named in honour of Bruno Mancini who served as founding Director of Student Accessibility Services from 1990 to 2015. Throughout his career, Bruno served as a tireless advocate for persons with disabilities and played a key role in raising awareness, removing barriers and creating an inclusive environment. In honour of Bruno's legacy as a champion for accessibility, this award honours an individual or group, including students, staff and faculty, who have contributed significantly to promoting and advancing accessibility at the University of Guelph.

Health & Performance Centre Awards

Cyndy McLean Award: Reagan Parris

The Cyndy McLean Award recognizes a volunteer who demonstrates compassion, altruism, dedication, enthusiasm and leadership.

Outstanding Physiotherapy Volunteer: Claire Danis

This award recognizes an HPC physiotherapy volunteer who has gone above and beyond in their role.

Outstanding Chiropractic Volunteer: Aiden Chou

This award recognizes an HPC chiropractic volunteer who has gone above and beyond in their role.

Student Wellness Services Staff Awards

Forrest Caldwell Memorial Award: Sam Mihalco

Forrest Caldwell was a cherished physician who dedicated 20 years to serving the University of Guelph community. As a member of the SWS team, Forrest was a champion for collaboration within the department. Forrest endeavored to be available and approachable to both students and staff, and was known for managing many demands with a whistle and a tune. This award recognizes an individual within Student Wellness Services who has contributed significantly to fostering a positive and collaborative atmosphere within the department.

Robin Begin Student-Focused Leadership Award: Julie Elliotson

This award is named in honour of Robin Begin, who served as a tireless advocate for students, helping them to find a voice in the face of difficult circumstances. In honour of Robin's legacy as a champion for students who are navigating large and complex systems, and her commitment to connecting on a human level, this award honours a member of the Student Wellness Services team who takes initiative to have a positive impact on the wellbeing of students at the University.

Congratulations to all of our award winners – and thank you to all of our amazing Student Wellness staff, students & volunteers for a wonderful year!