Sooraj Modi, Zante Botha Receive Top 2021 Student Experience Awards

Two College of Engineering and Physical Sciences undergraduate students in the School of Computer Science and the School of Engineering are receiving top U of G Student Experience awards for 2021.

School of Computer Science student Sooraj Modi receives the Brian D. Sullivan Leadership Award, presented to a graduating student who has made significant contributions to student leadership through her/his involvement as an elected or appointed student representative at the University of Guelph. From Student Experience:

"Sooraj has been involved in a variety of clubs, organizations and initiatives during his time at the U of G from Director of the CSA, to a member of the Executive of the Society of Computing and Information Sciences (as Vice President Internal and as President), a member of Jack.org and is Co-Chair of the Student Senate Caucus and a member of the Board of Undergraduate Studies. His time in student leadership has been marked by a constant appreciation for diverse opinions, inclusivity, determination, commitment, and ethical process. Alongside all of his hard work and involvement, Sooraj has also participated in outreach and recruitment activities for the School of Computer Science showing others just how great U of G is."

School of Engineering student Zante Botha receives the R.P. Gilmor Student Life Award, presented to an individual student or student group AND an individual staff or faculty member/group who shares Paul Gilmor's commitment to improving the student experience and has contributed to the betterment of student life at the University of Guelph. From Student Experience: 

"Zante is a student athlete, part-time employee and chair of the Athletic Advisory Committee within the Department of Athletics. She lead the initiative to develop a club tennis program which eventually got to compete in a Tennis Canada National event – the first Gryphon team to compete in this event. She also advocated for NRG passes to be free of charge to students with financial need which lead to Athletics having 5 bursaries to distribute each year. Outside of Athletics, Zante was also involved in Interhall Council from 2016-2018 and the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences Student Council where she was the VP External and President for the 2018/2019 and 2019/2020 terms respectively and was the Co-VP Sponsorship for the Ontario Engineering Competition, responsible for raining approximately $100k in sponsorship funds. Though she has transitioned out of her roles in the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences Student Council, she has volunteered her time this year to help run a virtual Women in STEM conference."

Learn more about the awards.