Posted on June 3: Science student wins Governor General’s Academic Medal

[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/gov_small.jpg” caption=”Lydia Zanon”]She has the highest grade point average of any student graduating from McMaster this week. For earning a cumulative average of 11.9 out of a possible 12 points, McMaster science student Lydia Zanon will receive the 2004 Governor General's Academic Medal, a prize awarded to a graduating student who achieves the highest academic standing in his/her undergraduate degree program. Zanon is graduating with an honours bachelor of science in kinesiology, with a minor in psychology.

Zanon says her four years at McMaster were extremely rewarding, from the stimulating classes and beautiful campus, to the great people, including students, administrative staff and especially the professors, who she says are not only excellent teachers, but funny and helpful as well. “Mac is definitely the place to be and has been the ultimate experience,” she adds.

She has applied for a master's degree in both physical and occupational therapy and is awaiting an offer of admission into either of these programs. A career in physical or occupational therapy she says would enable her to actively work with people and to improve their quality of life. To gain experience in this field, she has volunteered at a sports injuries clinic observing and assisting clients with their rehabilitation programs.

During that time she competed at five world championships and won gold medals at two consecutive World Age Group Championships in the synchronized event. The experience enabled her to make new friends around the globe and travel worldwide, including Australia, South Africa, and across Europe, providing the opportunity to enjoy diverse cultures. Zanon says that her time as national athlete on the Canadian trampoline team from 1994 to 2002 also enhanced her interest in the study of human movement.

“Trampoline has fostered discipline, a positive work ethic, and communication skills,” she explains. It also allowed her to experience first-hand how integral her physiotherapist was to my recovery from injury, both physically and mentally.

Currently she is involved in trampoline as a coach of recreational through national level athletes, enabling her to share her knowledge and love of the sport. She says she can offer much support and encouragement to athletes because she can relate on a personal level, having experienced similar situations and setbacks myself.
Zanon is currently employed as a customer service representative at Medigas, a provider of respiratory gases, equipment and related products and services to the healthcare market. There, she provides service for oxygen, continuous positive airway pressure treatment (CPAP), homecare equipment, feeding and tracheal supplies to a diverse clientele. At work she has enjoyed learning about the various healthcare aids and interacting with customers.

This summer she plans to volunteer at the Humane Society. Her other hobbies include camping, hiking, outdoor activities, and reading.
Zanon has received numerous scholarships and awards, including the Ontario Graduate Scholarship offer, April 2004 for 2004-2005; McMaster University Scholar's Award  George and Nora Elwin Scholarship, 2000-2004; Betty Taylor Campbell Scholarship, 2003; J.L.W. Gill Prize, 2003; University (Senate) Scholarship, 2001 & 2002; McMaster Scholar (Entrance) Award.