On Tuesday, July 7, 2026, Dr. Carol Dauda Peer Contact Scholarship recipient Jeremy Martin was introduced to retired faculty Dr. Carol Dauda. Martin has completed his third year in Political Science and is heading into year four.
Dr. Dauda understands the impact of peer-to-peer mentorship and played an integral role in establishing the Political Science Peer Contact (PSPC) Program, founded in 2006. The PSPC Program enlists student volunteers to provide mentorship and social connections for their fellow students, helping them navigate university life and achieve success in the political science program.
"It was my great pleasure to work with the Political Science Peers over the years," noted Dr. Dauda. "Teaching classes from first year to fourth in the early 2000s, I wondered how we might give our majors an opportunity to build community through their common interest in political science. My experience with third- and fourth-year majors told me that they would be very capable mentors for the first and second year students. When first organizing the Peers, I was impressed with their great ideas for our ‘socials,' sharing information and experience on choosing courses, and using time productively, encouraging students to get involved in the university, and discussing options for moving beyond their undergrad studies. Jeremy’s enthusiasm demonstrates how the Peers continue to innovate and foster community among students in Political Science and I am proud of them!"
That's twenty years of students supporting students. The PSPC Program has been built by the students that make up the membership, and they have made lasting connections that help fellow Political Science majors move further in their studies and, likely, in their blossoming careers. These connections are the kinds that last, and they exist thanks to Dr. Dauda's thoughtfulness in starting the program.
Political Science Department Chair, Dr. Troy Riddell noted that, "Dr. Dauda has shown an admirable level of devotion to student learning and mentoring. She is a leader and demonstrated that when creating the Political Science Peer Contact group in 2006." Dr. Riddell continued, "She has left a lasting legacy not only from her teaching and advising, but in her contribution to the Peer Contact Program for hardworking students like Jeremy Martin."
This scholarship in Dr. Dauda’s honour helps celebrate the Political Science Peer Contact who achieves the highest cumulative average. This past 2025-2026 academic year, Jeremy Martin was selected.
Martin is so appreciative of receiving this scholarship and has been an active member in the Political Science department and the PSPC Program during his three years studying at the University of Guelph. "I was so nervous, but I was pleasantly surprised to see that, yes, professors are very kind and are always happy to talk to or help a student whenever they have a question. As a PoliSci Peer myself, I have continued to give this advice to any students I have had the pleasure of meeting during our club meetings, as well as the advice to try out and join different clubs on campus. I have gotten the chance to experience how these two aspects of student life truly make a difference, and I will always be happy to share that experience with others."
Not only has Dr. Dauda's scholarship benefited Martin but so has the program that she helped start in 2006. Dr. Dauda's connection to helping University of Guelph students has come full circle and the legacy of community-building continues.
CSAHS is happy to feature this heart-warming story and highlight Dr. Dauda's inspiring legacy in our Political Science department and beyond. Everyone who meets Martin knows that he has done great things and will continue to accomplish incredible feats – we can't wait to see what comes next.