Students honoured for being ‘exceptional’ neighbours

Students

Lend a helping hand: McMaster students received Exceptional Student Neighbour Awards on Monday for their efforts to foster good community relations. The awards were presented during a morning ceremony in MUSC.


For many students living off campus, being a good neighbour is all about building a stronger community — one small gesture at a time. 

On Monday, a group of 17 students were honoured with Exceptional Student Neighbour Awards thanks to their efforts to be outgoing, courteous and respectful local residents.

The awards are presented annually by McMaster University, Hamilton Police Services, the Ainslie Wood/Westdale Community Association (AWWCA) and the City of Hamilton.

“To be nominated for an award says a lot about your character and how you carry yourself,” said Sean Van Koughnett, associate vice-president (Students and Learning) and dean of Students. “You all represent the school very well, and should be proud.”

“There are a lot of good students out there, and this program was established to help recognize those who make a difference,” added Shelli Eisenberg, student liaison with the AWWCA.

All of the students were nominated by their neighbours, many of whom delivered glowing letters of commendation to the organizing committee.

“I needed and received help from two students on the Wednesday when it snowed all day,” wrote local resident Mary Stauber, who nominated a pair of students living at 215 Haddon Ave. S., Benji Schaefer and Cameron MacKay.

“They came at 12:30 p.m. and shoveled my driveway and my neighbour’s, who was away for March Break. And because the snow continued all afternoon, they returned around 8 p.m. and shoveled again. They did everything: the driveway, sidewalks and the porches right up to our front doors. What an example of being a good neighbour.”

Madison Giffen, a third-year Social Sciences student, said the award was a pleasant surprise for her and six other housemates at 76 Arkell St.

“Our next-door neighbour used to work on campus, and one day she said she wanted to give us all a surprise. It turned out to be this award,” said Giffen. “Our neighbours have always been fantastic. They look out for us, and we do our part by shoveling and taking care of the property. Westdale is such a beautiful area, and we’re glad to be part of it.”

Award winners received a letter signed by McMaster President Patrick Deane, Hamilton mayor Bob Bratina and Glenn De Caire, chief of police, Hamilton Police Services.

This year’s award winners are:

Alexandra DeJong
Alexandra Annibale
Alana Fraser
Belle Cao
Karissa Holyer
Pardh Chivukula
Moeen Mamaparo
Madison Giffen
Chris Harper
Marty Hutchinson
Alex Sapa
Kendra Habing
Ania Mrowinski
Alana Petrella
Dustin Hayward
Benji Schaefer
Cameron MacKay