Ian Finlay, Kasia Kucemba and Suparna Sharma have been recognized for their leadership and extensive involvement in extracurricular activities with the President's Award of Excellence in Student Leadership.

The award acknowledges significant intellectual, social, cultural and/or athletic contributions to the McMaster community through outstanding leadership qualities, as well as those made to the local, provincial, national and/or international communities.

Finlay, a political science major, was an active member of several student groups on campus throughout his time at McMaster, which culminated with his serving as vice-president and chief financial officer of the McMaster Students Union.

With his high academic standing, his roles with the rowing team and the marching band, his volunteer work coaching local hockey teams and his participation in voter engagement campaigns during provincial and federal elections, Finlay is an ideal recipient for the award.

“I was honoured when I found out that I was being given the award, especially since it's for doing what I love to do,” said Finlay, who will be returning to McMaster to get his MBA.

Finlay says that of all the things he was involved with as an undergraduate student, he'll miss helping out with Welcome Week the most.

“Being able to work with a team of great Welcome Week reps and influencing first-year students in a positive way was fantastic. It was probably the most meaningful extracurricular activity I was involved in.”

Kucemba, a talented musician, was an engaged student in the School of the Arts, working as the music and vocal director for the McMaster Musical Theatre's production of Footloose and as a member of the McMaster University Choir. She is also the co-founder and co-president of the McMaster University Music Council, something she considers to be her most important accomplishment.

“Starting the council was a great experience, and I think it will really help the study of music grow at McMaster.”

The recipient of several academic and music-specific scholarships and awards, Kucemba was also an active fundraiser and volunteer with many local charities and organizations, particularly those within the local Polish community.

Sharma, a health sciences graduate, held volunteer leadership positions during Welcome Week and was the co-president of the McMaster Medicine and Health Society. Her role as a research assistant in the neurology department at the McMaster Children's Hospital took her to Halifax, where she presented her findings on sleep disorders.

Sharma's most valued accomplishments, however, lie in her volunteer work at various hospitals helping children with disabilities. She also traveled to Nicaragua and India and was co-president of the McMaster chapter of Amnesty International.

“Doing outreach programs and going abroad to volunteer as part of international health initiatives is something that I am definitely passionate about,” said Sharma. “Going to those two countries really gave me an important perspective on social justice.”

“It's definitely a huge honour to be given this award.”

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