Student Experience Awards shine light on outstanding student leadership
This momentous occasion was a cause for celebration for these student leaders who contributed to the university community. Photo credit: Clifton Li.
On April 12, the annual Student Experience Awards was hosted both in person at Arcadian Loft and streamed live. This year, 125 outstanding student leaders were celebrated at the event, organized by the Office of the Vice-Provost, Students (OVPS).
“I would like to take a moment to congratulate my peers and all the deserving award recipients for making it to this momentous occasion,” said graduating fashion student Jasmeet Rattan in an address to attendees. “I believe that your resilience, compassion and strong leadership has allowed you to conquer every challenge that has come your way.”
Jasmeet Rattan spoke about how when she first stepped foot on the bustling Ryerson campus she knew it would be one of the most memorable and unforgettable chapters of her life. Photo credit: Clifton Li.
Rattan, who received a 2022 Dennis Mock Student Leadership Award, hopes to pave the way for other Sikh women in the fashion industry like herself. Throughout her four years at Ryerson she took part in extracurricular activities and says that her leadership experiences helped her grow and be confident in her cultural identity.
“I think it’s important to be proud of where you come from because that’s what makes us all unique,” says Rattan. “There are many ways that you can add your own experiences into your work – the possibilities are endless.”
The Dennis Mock Student Leadership Awards recognize graduating students who have made outstanding voluntary extracurricular contributions to their school or academic program, department, their faculty, or to Ryerson University as a whole.
Rattan is serving her second term as president for the Society of the Creative School (SCS) and works as the events and community relations ambassador for the Indigenous Fashion Support program (IFS) and the Fashion Zone. She was also involved with RU Leadership as the 2019 and 2020 co-chair for the annual student leadership conference, and worked as a student leadership assistant facilitating and supporting several programs within Student Life and Campus Engagement.
In naming the awards after Dennis Mock, Ryerson recognizes his commitment to higher education. His leadership and dedication, demonstrated during his 28 years at the university, are qualities embodied in students chosen to receive this award - students committed to making a difference. Photo credit: Clifton Li.
Student leadership runs in the Rattan family. In 2019, her sister Simran also received the Dennis Mock award and was the student speaker at the event that year where she shared her personal stories of persevering through difficult times and getting involved on campus.
“It’s always difficult to follow student accomplishments, never mind one with a family legacy,” said Jen McMillen, vice-provost, students, as she wrapped up the event. “It’s an honour to close an event like this that celebrates the achievements of these students, both their leadership and academic successes.”
In addition to the Dennis Mock Student Leadership Awards, a host of other awards were presented, including the University-wide Office of the Registrar Awards, OVPS Awards, Career Boost Awards and Salad King International Student Awards.
To see the full list of award recipients, visit the Student Experience Awards website.
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