Dear Donors,
My name is Myah Robinson, and I am a recent graduate of the Criminal Justice and Public Policy (CJPP) program at the University of Guelph. I am deeply honoured to be the 2026 recipient of the Dr. William (Bill) O’Grady Prize for Excellence in CJPP.
This award recognizes Dr. O’Grady’s outstanding contributions to the CJPP program and is presented at summer convocation to the graduating student with the highest cumulative average. Thank you for your generosity and for investing in students through this meaningful award.
When choosing my undergraduate program, CJPP stood out because of its interdisciplinary approach to understanding law, politics, and public policy. I was excited by the opportunity to develop a strong foundation in sociology and political science while exploring diverse perspectives across psychology , history, and philosophy. As I reflect on my undergraduate experience, I am incredibly grateful for the knowledge and skills I gained through this interdisciplinary education, which helped me grow as a student, peer, and leader. Looking back, I can confidently say that choosing CJPP was one of the best decisions I have made.
Throughout my studies, I had the privilege of learning from exceptional faculty, staff, and alumni whose encouragement and mentorship shaped both my academic and personal growth. One particularly memorable experience was taking Youth Justice (SOC*3710) wit h Dr. O’Grady in Fall 2022. His ability to connect research to practice with passion, clarity, and authenticity made a lasting impression on me. Over the years, I have often described Youth Justice as one of my favourite undergraduate courses, making this award especially meaningful to receive.
My time at the University of Guelph was further enriched by opportunities for experiential learning. Through co - operative education, independent research courses, and the Peer Helper Program, I was able to apply classroom learning in meaningful ways and discover the work that inspires me most. In particular, my role as a Senior Peer Helper at the Wellness Education & Promotion Centre sparked a passion for supporting survivors of sexual and gender-based violence.
This September, I will begin my Juris Doctor at Western Law, and I hope to build a legal career advocating for and supporting survivors.
As I begin this next chapter, I look forward to building on the strong foundation the CJPP program has provided.
Please accept my sincere gratitude for your generosity and commitment to supporting CJPP students. Knowing that faculty, staff, and alumni have come together to make this award possible makes this recognition especially meaningful. I am truly grateful for your kindness and investment in students like me.
Sincerely,
Myah Robinson