College of Arts Awards Ceremony February 2026
College of Arts February Awards Ceremony
The University of Guelph's College of Arts is proud to host its Summer semester awards ceremony on Thursday, February 5th, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Arts Research Centre (ARC). The event, dedicated to recognizing the exceptional achievements of undergraduate students in the College of Arts, will bring together University student award recipients, award donors, faculty, staff, and other members of the University community. A range of prestigious awards spanning many disciplines within the College of Arts will be presented to students by College of Arts faculty members. The event program and a full listing of awards and recipients can be found below.
Dean's Message
Welcome to this semester's celebration of outstanding achievements of College of Arts students. This is a wonderful opportunity to recognize the dedication and love of learning that underlies the teaching and learning activities in which we engage. We are most grateful to donors for establishing awards and for their continued support. Their ongoing participation in the University of Guelph’s educational mission is most appreciated and helps us to celebrate student achievements to the greatest extent we can.
Congratulations to all on this happy occasion.
Samantha Brennan
Dean
Award Search
Event Itinerary
| Time | Event | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 4:00 pm - 4:15 pm | Registration, and Mix and Mingle | Register in the Arts Research Centre (ARC) Lobby, where you may also socialize with award winners, donors, and guests! |
| 4:15 pm - 4:30 pm | Award Ceremony | Mix and mingle and enjoy the refreshments. This is a great opportunity to meet fellow award recipients, faculty and donors! |
| 4:30 pm - 5:15 pm | Welcome | Welcome and Certificate Ceremony by the Dean of the College of the Arts, Dr. Samantha Brennan. The ceremony will be held in MacKinnon 113. |
| 5:15 pm - 6:00 pm | Mix and Mingle | Ceremony ends and guests are welcome to mix and mingle, take photos, and enjoy snacks and refreshments! |
| 6:00 pm | End of the Event | End of Event. |
College of Arts Dean's Office
Murdo MacKinnon Scholarship
Award Winners:
- Samantha Gauer
Provided by the Murdo MacKinnon Scholarship Fund. Awarded to Student(s) registered in an honours major program in the College of Arts in Music, Drama, Art History, Studio Arts, English, History, Philosophy, Languages and Literatures or French Studies with the highest cumulative average in his/her honour subject(s).
Nathan Max Goldman Choir Scholarship
Award Winners:
- Suebin Choi
Established by Mrs. Anne Goldman and the family of Nathan Max Goldman. Awarded to the students registered in any degree program who are currently a member of the University of Guelph Symphonic Choir and / or the Chamber Choir and have been a member of the University of Guelph Choirs for at least two years.
Dr. Donald Bruce & Dr. Donna Pennee Arts and Sciences Scholarship
Award Winners:
- Rachel Tribe
- Sophie Le
Established by Dr. Donald Bruce & Dr. Donna Pennee along with support from additional donors. Awarded to students with the highest cumulative average.
Dean's Scholarship
Award Winners:
- Samuel Johnson
- Alexandra Mussar
- Luminitza Manea
- Grace Nelson
- Katherine Gutteridge
- Megan Doyley
- Katie Greenley
- Martha Matsui
- Taylor Martin-Robbins
Established by the Board of Governors' in 1991 to recognize the academic achievements of students. Awarded to students who have been on the Dean's Honours List for two consecutive semesters.
Carole Steart Arts Graduate Scholarship
Award Winners:
- Antonio Zanoni
Established by friends and colleagues of Carole Stewart. Awarded to students with highest academic average on a rotated basis.
D.S. Wilson Entrance Scholarship
Award Winners:
- Robyn (Hale) Nicholson
Established by Dr. Ann Wilson. Awarded to the student who demonstrates high academic performance and overall academic merit as indicated by the student’s admission application.
McClelland & Stewart Scholarship
Award Winners:
- Maria Giesbrecht
Provided by McClelland & Stewart Ltd. Awarded based on students work to date and anticipated major project.
Wallace and Audrey Little Scholarship
Award Winners:
- Salomé Perdomo Gonzalez
Established by Bethany Philpott in honour of her grandparents. Awarded to the student who demonstrates the most significant volunteer experience.
Department of History
Ruth and Eber Pollard Doctoral Scholarship In History
Award Winner:
- Antonio Zanoni
- Daniel Berry
Established by Ruth and Eber Pollard, both passionate supporters of Canadian history research and in their estate they endowed funds to establish the Pollard Doctoral Scholarships in History. Awarded to students studying Canadian history with high academic achievement and research performance.
James Snell Scholarships for Outstanding Achievement In History (HIST*2100 Recipient)
Award Winners:
- Grace Jaklitsch
Established by Dr. James Snell and Mrs. Leslie Snell Awarded to the top student in each of the required core courses in the History program (HIST*2100 and HIST*2600), in the previous academic year.
James Snell Scholarships for Outstanding Achievement In History (HIST*2100 Recipient)
Award Winners:
- Piper Helen Boyd Bell
Established by Dr. James Snell and Mrs. Leslie Snell Awarded to the top student in each of the required core courses in the History program (HIST*2100 and HIST*2600), in the previous academic year.
Marion Mckenzie Scholarships for Outstanding Achievement in History (HIST*1050 Recipient)
Award Winners:
- Anja Leifso
Established in the memory of Marion McKenzie and generously provided by Dr. James Snell and Mrs. Leslie Snell. Awarded to the top student in each of the required core courses in the History program (HIST*1050, HIST*2450,) in the previous academic year.
Marion Mckenzie Scholarships for Outstanding Achievement in History (HIST*2450 Recipient)
Award Winner:
- Noah Tucker
Established in the memory of Marion McKenzie and generously provided by Dr. James Snell and Mrs. Leslie Snell. Awarded to the top student in each of the required core courses in the History program (HIST*1050, HIST*2450,) in the previous academic year.
Ruth and Eber Pollard Scholarship in Canadian History
Award Winner:
- Sophie Kaloudas
Established by the Guelph Historical Society and supported by Ruth and Eber Pollard. Selection will be based on the strongest essay from a history major who has completed a 3000- or 4000- level history course that includes Canadian history.
The Edward Stewart Scholarship in Scottish Studies
Award Winner:
- Sierra Susi
Provided by Friends and family of the late Dr. Edward Stewart, former Deputy Minister of Education and Secretary of Cabinet in the Ontario Government, to honour his lifelong interests in higher education, Scottish culture and history. Awarded to students in their first or second year in the field of Scottish Studies with the highest cumulative average.
Department of Philosophy
Edmund C. Bovey Scholarship in Philosophy
Award Winner:
- Renee McKenzie
Awarded to the student with the highest cumulative average in Philosophy courses who has completed 6 semesters in the major honours, combined honours, or specialized honours program in Philosophy.
Philosophy Excellence Scholarship
Award Winner:
- Julian Bellamy
Established by the Faculty of Philosophy. Awarded to the student that achieved the highest grade in a PHIL*1000 level course.
Jay Newman Memorial Scholarship in Philosophy
Award Winner:
- Lili Ann Prenger
- Francis Bout
Established by the Estate of Professor Jay Newman to recognize and encourage students to pursue philosophical studies. Awarded to students with the highest cumulative averages.
Omid Payrow Shabani Memorial Philosophy Scholarship
Award Winner:
- Isabella Simone
Established by friends, family, & colleagues of Omid Payrow Shabani. Awarded to students who have achieved the highest grade in PHIL*3230 Theories of Justice.
William Hughes Memorial Scholarship in Philosophy
Award Winner:
- Michael Pougnet
Established by Friends and family of the late Professor William (Bill) Hughes. Awarded to entering philosophy students, based on admission application materials and high academic standing.
School of English and Theatre Studies
A.M. Ross Centennial Scholarship
Award Winner:
- Isabel Reader
Offered by Professor A.M. Ross. Awarded to a student with the highest standing in ten or more English courses taken during the first 6 semesters at the University of Guelph.
Kaya Firth Scholarship in English
Award Winner:
- Stella Shaughnessy
Through the generosity of Train Trailer Rentals, this scholarship was established in honour of Kaya Firth, a fourth year English major who was devoted to her family, friends and her University newspaper – The Ontarian. Awarded to students registered in an English major within the College of Arts and Selection will be based on a passion for literary study and have a unique and creative critical voice as demonstrated by a portfolio of written work.
Mclean Scholarship in English
Award Winner:
- Samuel Johnson
- Julia Garner-Wowk
Students in a B.A. program in English who have completed semester 4 in the previous Spring, Fall or Winter semesters with a high academic standing.
Sundar Singh Hilsendager Theatre Studies Scholarship
Award Winner:
- Olivea Wade
Established by Gabriella Sundar Singh (BA '11) and Jeremy Hilsendager. Awarded to students who have demonstrated the most significant contributions to building community in theatre studies as demonstrated through volunteer roles, work, and/ or extracurricular roles, both at and outside of U of G.
Michael R Weiss Memorial Theatre Workshop II Scholarship
Award Winner:
- Olivea Wade
- Megan Doyley
Established by Michael R. Weiss to recognize academic excellence in the technical and production aspects of performance and theatre arts. Selection will be based on the two highest grades in Theatre Workshop II THST*2190.
Michael R Weiss Memorial Theatre Workshop III Scholarship
Award Winner:
- Alexandra Mussar
Established by Michael R. Weiss recognize academic excellence in the technical and production aspects of performance and theatre arts. Awarded to student with highest grade in Theatre Workshop III THST*3190.
Edward Y Morwick Graduate Scholarship In Creative Writing
Award Winner:
- Brittany Coy-Pinnock
- Lois Chan
Established by Edward Y. Morwick. Awarded to students entering the Master of Fine Arts, Creative Writing Program with high academic performance and who is dedicated to developing skills in the craft of creative writing.
Connie Rooke Scholarship
Award Winner:
- Lois Chan
- Katherine Collins
- Brittany Coy-Pinnock
- Tessa C. Fleming
- Veronica A. Fredericks
- Maria Giesbrecht
- Annabel J. Griffiths Fitzsimmons
- Jessica (Lawson) Hannaford
- Rachelle-Anne I. Lawka
- Selena Mercuri
- Jacqueline George
- Suliat Giwa
Awarded to enterring graduate students who have demonstrated significant achievement in creative writing.
School of Fine Art and Music
Guelph Creative Arts Association, Gordon Couling Scholarship
Award Winner:
- Andi Syme
Established by the Guelph Creative Arts Association in memory of Gordon Couling. The student who achieved the highest grade in Art History and Studio Art courses will be selected.
Marlene Pike Memorial Scholarship
Award Winner:
- Mei Salter
Provided by the family and friends of Marlene Pike. Student majoring in Studio Art who has completed 12.50 credits, including SART*3300 Sculpture II and who is judged to have made an outstanding contribution in sculpture classes as manifested in the quality of work produced as well as in the effort expended and promise shown.
Mary Alice and Marion Munn Scholarship
Award Winners:
- Karleigh Martin
Established by Dr. John Munn in memory of his mother Mary Alice (Harris) Munn. The scholarships will be awarded to the student who best combines excellent potential in the area of vocal studies with involvement in extra-curricular music activities, particularly choir or other forms of vocal performance.
Ralph and Edith Kidd Memorial Scholarship in Music
Award Winner:
- Diana Valliant
Established by the Friends of Music of the University of Guelph in honour of Ralph Kidd, first chairman of the Department of music, and his wife Edith Kidd. Awarded to the student with the highest average in Music courses.
Norman and Audrey Harley Music Scholarship
Award Winner:
- Tristan Blears
Established by James Harley in memory of Norman and Audrey Harley. Awarded to the student with the highest cumulative average.
Margaret Priest Graduate Scholarship
Award Winner:
- Sandra Smolski
Provided by Margaret Priest. Awarded to a student entering the Master of Fine Art program with exceptional studio work (drawing and architecture) as demonstrated by portfolio submitted with application to the Master of Fine Art program.
Tony Scherman Graduate Scholarship
Award Winner:
- Hamidullo Atiqullo
Provided by Tony Scherman. Awarded to students with a minimum cumulative academic standing of 80% and exceptional studio work (specifically in painting) as demonstrated by a portfolio submitted with application to the Master of Fine Art program.
Year 2 MFA Studio Art Scholarship
Award Winner:
- Eunice Luk
Provided by Members of the Faculty of Studio Art. Awarded to the student who demonstrated exceptional studio work.
School of Languages and Literatures
J.M. Bell Classics Scholarship
Award Winners:
- Rayann Meerwali
Established in memory of Dr. John M. Bell, a distinguished teacher of classics and Chair of the Department of Languages and Literatures. Awarded to a student continuing in an honours program in Classics with the highest average in 4.00 credits from Classical Studies, Greek, or Latin courses beyond the 1000 level.
Nancy Stoten Memorial Scholarship
Award Winner:
- Laura Popa
Provided by the parents, family and friends of Nancy Stoten, a former student in French Studies. Students registered in the French Studies with fewer than 15.50 credits who have completed, FREN*2020, FREN*2060 and FREN*2520. The student who has achieved the highest average calculated on the grades in the above courses will receive the award.
SOLAL Travel Grant
Award Winner:
- Laura Popa
These travel grants have been established to support students taking part in the study abroad programs specifically related to programs offered by the School of Languages and Literatures (SoLaL). Students registered in any major or minor offered by the School of Languages and Literatures who have completed a minimum of 8.0 credits, have a minimum 70% cumulative average and have been accepted into an international study abroad program of at least one semester through the Centre for International Programs.
Thomas & MacDonald French Studies Excellence Scholarship
Award Winner:
- Hannah Abush
Established by Dr. Alain Thomas and Gillian MacDonald. Awarded to students pursuing French studies with the highest cumulative average.
French As A Second Language Scholarship
Award Winner:
- Elizabeth Langlois
- Zelia Forrest
- Hannah Fitzgerald
Provided by Association des collèges et universités de la francophonie canadienne. Awarded to students entering full-time into the MA in Integrated Humanties-French Studies and selected based on highest admission average.
Anishinaabemowin Creative Arts and Translation Scholarship
Award Winner:
- Timea J. Enge
- Sebastian T. Park
Provided by Community, faculty, staff and alumni donors. This scholarship is intended to contribute to its revitalization and celebrate the achievement of Indigenous language learners who best demonstrate creativity, which is essential to the spirit of Anishinaabemowin. Awarded to students who submitted the best and most creative translation of a poem, story, or song that captures the spirit of the Anishinaabe, as a course requirement in INDG*1100 Indigenous Language and Culture.
Interdisciplinary Programs
Agnes Varis Scholarship in SXGN
Award Winners:
- Cameron Rudyk
Established by Dr. Agnes Varis. Awarded to student who has a passion and commitment to advancing education for women including cis and trans women, marginalized genders, non-binary and gender non-conforming people. Selection will be based on the highest grade in SXGN*3010 Experiential Learning in Sexualities and Genders: Transforming Community.
Congratulations to all award winners! 🎉
