Each year at convocation, MacEwan University recognizes the outstanding achievements of our graduates with academic awards. Here are the award recipients for the Spring Class of 2023.

President’s Medal for Academic Excellence and Student Leadership

The President’s Medal recognizes students for their exemplary combination of academic achievement and contribution to the betterment of MacEwan University. Medal recipients are graduates who demonstrate the best qualities of a MacEwan student by maintaining a high grade point average while demonstrating leadership through active participation in university-wide committees, groups, organizations or extra-curricular activities. One medal may be awarded to a graduating student in a certificate or diploma program and one medal to a graduating student in a degree program.

SHANNON MAJEAU
Bachelor of Science, Honours Psychology
President’s Medal for Academic Excellence and Student Leadership – Degree

Shannon Majeau had repeat appearances on the Dean’s list, completed honours research that looked at the motivations behind and approaches to engaging in political conversations and will be the first MacEwan Griffins student-athlete to be named a USPORTS Academic All-Canadian Canadian six years in a row. She was captain of the women’s basketball team between 2019 and 2023, president of the Griffins Student-Athlete Council and has volunteered for many campus initiatives to raise awareness about mental health issues, sexual violence prevention and breast cancer research. 

"I came to MacEwan to play basketball, and specifically to play for coach Katherine Adams and the program she has built here. She cares so deeply about her players and wants to help us grow into successful individuals – in sport and beyond. Over the past six years, I have learned a lot about myself, including what it takes to be a leader and how my words and actions have the ability to empower and instill belief in others. 

I chose psychology because I’m fascinated by how people think and feel, even without being fully aware of how or why we think and feel certain things. I was drawn to psychology research because it can be applied to real-world situations in ways that help people interact with each other and the world around them. When used appropriately, psychology research offers insight into how humans operate and how we can improve our personal relationships, mental health and well-being, and our interactions with the world. 

My plan is to eventually go back to school for physiotherapy, and eventually work with athletes. I would like to be able to help others in the ways that trainers and therapists have helped me throughout my athletic career. I hope my background in psychology will help me approach athletes in a unique way, and provide insight into how our thought processes and attitudes can impact how we play. 

Sport can be incredibly hard at times, but can also be incredibly rewarding. To be able to experience the highs and lows of team sport with the many incredible people I have met along the way has been such an amazing and unique experience."

LISA KOTELNISKI
Music Theatre Performance Diploma
President’s Medal for Academic Excellence and Student Leadership – Diploma

Lisa Kotelniski was awarded the President’s Medal for Academic Excellence and Student Leadership for her leadership skills and her dedication to creation. She volunteered both on and off campus, sat on Student Council and served the MacEwan community as an Ambassador. She was also the president and founder of the Musical Theatre Club, and performed in choirs for various MacEwan events, including Spring 2022 Convocation and MacEwan’s 50th Anniversary celebration.

"At the age of five, my parents enrolled me in dance, and that decision set my course. Since then, I have been certain that the performing arts are my true calling.

Last school year, I had the privilege of being involved in two main stage musical productions: Spring Awakening and Company. Being on the Triffo Stage, surrounded by my closest friends, was a truly transformative and unforgettable experience that will always hold a special place in my heart.

One individual who truly made a difference during my time at MacEwan was Dawn Sadoway, my program coordinator, professor and mentor. Her dedication and commitment to the Music Theatre Performance program and the growth of each student were truly inspiring. Dawn wholeheartedly believed in my abilities and dreams, providing me with a safe environment to explore, take risks and learn from my mistakes. Without her invaluable guidance and support, I would not be where I am today. 

I have made the decision to pursue my undergraduate degree at MacEwan. Starting this fall, I will be enrolled in the newly introduced Bachelor of Fine Arts program with a major in Music Theatre Performance. Art is valuable and essential in society, and my own life. Moving forward, my aspiration is to foster a vibrant sense of community in Alberta – an environment that provides artists with opportunities to showcase their art, share compelling stories and establish sustainable careers." 

Governor General’s Silver Medal (Degree)

The Governor General’s Silver Medal is awarded to the student who achieves the highest overall academic standing based on their Graduation Grade Point Average (GGPA) in a degree-level program. This medal is awarded at Spring Convocation.

• Hayleigh Catya Dansereau, Faculty of Arts and Science

Governor General’s Bronze Medal (Diploma)

The Collegiate Bronze medal is awarded to the student who achieves the highest overall academic standing based on their Graduation Grade Point Average (GGPA) in a diploma-level program (minimum two-year, full-time duration). This medal is awarded at Spring Convocation.

• Denae Jarilyn Weiss, Faculty of Health and Community Studies

Dean’s Medal for Academic Excellence

The Dean’s Medal is each faculty or school’s highest academic honour. Each dean may award one medal to a graduating student in a certificate or diploma program and one medal to a graduating student in a degree program. Medal recipients are recognized by the dean for their exemplary success in meeting the learning challenges and academic requirements of their programs of study.

• Kairo Martens, Bachelor of Arts, Honours – English, Faculty of Arts and Science
• Ruqiya Omar, Bachelor of Applied Human Service Administration, Faculty of Health and Community Studies
• Sarah Maxine Haugen, Child and Youth Care Diploma, Faculty of Health and Community Studies
• Olivia Noelle Goodnough, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Faculty of Nursing
• Natalie Rose Kuehn, Psychiatric Nursing Diploma, Faculty of Nursing
• Reinette Schabert, Bachelor of Music, Recording and Production, Faculty of Fine Arts and Communications
• Christina Weare, Theatre Production Diploma, Faculty of Fine Arts and Communications
• Daylin T. J. Van De Vliert, Bachelor of Commerce, Accounting, School of Business
• Brian Hunter Gulbraa, Business Management Diploma, School of Business
• Harmeet Kaur, Gerontology Certificate, School of Continuing Education