Saskatchewan Polytechnic celebrates graduates each year with Outstanding Citizenship Awards and Student Innovation Awards at our convocation celebrations. The Outstanding Citizenship Awards recognize inspiring and encouraging students working to make a positive change on campus and in their communities. The Student Innovation Award recognizes students who achieve a high standard of excellence on a project or demonstrate innovation methods within their program of study.
“Congratulations to our exceptional students who were recognized at our convocation celebrations with Outstanding Citizenship Awards and Student Innovation Awards,” says Dr. Larry Rosia, Sask Polytech president and CEO. “Your dedication to your studies, community and campus is truly commendable. I am immensely proud of your achievements and have no doubt that your contributions will continue to shape a brighter future for our society. Keep up the outstanding work and good luck with your future endeavours."
Congratulations to this year's five student award recipients. We are extremely fortunate to have inspiring graduates making a difference in our communities and the workforce.
Rajesh Chandran, a graduate of the Hospitality and Tourism Management post-graduate certificate, was recognized with the Outstanding Citizenship Award for Prince Albert campus. Chandran served as the vice president of Sask Polytech’s Students' Association (SPSA) and as a member of the executive committee of the Federal Student Advocacy Alliance. Chandran also volunteered for Chesterfest, Prince Albert’s Downtown Street Fair and is a community advisor for Community Affairs with the City of Prince Albert. Chandran is passionate about community building and creating inclusive spaces.
Samuel Suchorab, a graduate of the Mental Health and Addictions Counselling program, was recognized with the Student Innovation Award. Suchorab’s essay titled The Cowboy Way: Rodeo and Mental Health, confronts the stigma of toxic masculinity surrounding mental health and addictions. He is happy for this recognition as it brings more attention to the topic of toxic masculinity in cowboy culture, something that’s not often discussed in North America.
Tristen Hansen, a student of the Culinary Arts program, was recognized with the Outstanding Citizenship Award for Saskatoon campus. Hansen loves helping her classmates succeed. Some of Hansen’s volunteer activities include assisting with the Zoogala fundraiser at the Forestry Farm and Canada’s Great Kitchen Party event at TCU Place. Juggling school, her young family and volunteer work can be a challenge for Hansen, but she says it’s all worth it. She has wanted to be a chef since grade six and loves to see people excited to enjoy her meals.
Ujjval Chavda, a graduate of the Supply Chain Management post-graduate certificate, was recognized with the Outstanding Citizenship Award for Saskatoon campus. Chavda served as the vice president of Sask Polytech’s Students' Association (SPSA) and was a member of the Youth Advisory Committee for City of Moose Jaw and volunteered regularly at local community events. Chavda also was chair of the Student Open Forum Assembly in Moose Jaw to discuss ideas and concerns from Moose Jaw students, further demonstrating his commitment to giving back to others. Chavda enjoys volunteering and making a difference in his community.
Thien Huy Vuong Doan, a graduate of the Business Information Systems program, was recognized with the Outstanding Citizenship Award for Regina campus. Huy Vuong Doan served as the Regina campus representative of Sask Polytech’s Students' Association (SPSA) and participated in a wide range of Sask Polytech activities, including Welcome Weeks, Career Fairs, the Frost Festival, Stress Better, Council Connect, the KNOW Conference, lntercultural Weeks and wellness events. His volunteer work doesn’t stop on campus, he is also helping at the Regina Open Door Society. As an international student Doan has been busy volunteering, with a goal of making new friends, having fun and making a difference in his community.
Congrats to all of the award recipients!