[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/StudentRecognitionNight09.jpg” caption=”Pictured are this year’s inductees to the McMaster Honour Society. (L to R) Pei Wen Chou, Michael Pett, President Peter George, Temara Brown, Arati Sharma, Katie Stiel. Photo courtesy of the MSU.”]As another academic year wraps-up, student leaders from across campus are being recognized for their dedication to the McMaster community. Two ceremonies, Residence Recognition Night and the 29th Annual Student Recognition Night honoured students for varying roles of leadership this academic year.

The 29th Annual Student Recognition Night applauds outstanding students and alumni for their contributions as leaders.

Five new members were admitted into the McMaster Honour Society, one of the highest distinctions a student can receive at the University. The awards are presented to those who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, volunteer service, contribution and/or achievement in extra-curricular activities. This year's recipients are Temara Brown, Pei Wen Chou, Michael Pett, Arati Sharma, and Katie Stiel.

Kenneth Kernaghan '62 received the MSU Alumni Association Lifetime Achievement Award for Leadership, which recognizes a graduate of the University who demonstrated superior leadership first as an undergraduate student and again in the community following graduation.

Kernaghan was an active volunteer at McMaster, including holding the position of MSU president. He is now a leader in the study of public administration, being the recipient of the Vanier Medal for Public Administration and a member of the Order of Canada.

The University's Crisis Management Team received the Rudy Heinzl Award of Excellence for an outstanding one-year achievement that improves the lives of McMaster students. The team led the response in the wake of a serious fire that displaced more than 500 residents from Brandon Hall during the fall term.

For a list of other awards presented at the 29th Annual Student Recognition Night, please click here.

Residence Recognition Night, an event hosted by the McMaster Inter-Residence Council (IRC), celebrates the contributions of student leaders from McMaster's 12 residences.

Kevin Beatty, residence life co-ordinator with Housing & Conference Services, presented the Andrew “Rocky” Taylor Award for outstanding contribution to programming to Samantha Chien, IRC representative for Mary E. Keyes Residence.

McMaster's associate vice-president (student affairs) and dean of students, Phil Wood presented the Les Prince Hall Award to outgoing IRC president Eshan Fernando. Named in honour of the iconic former dean of students, the award recognizes the highest qualities of leadership, academic excellence, and contribution to the quality of residence life.

Fernando closed the proceedings of Residence Recognition Night with a comment that each of McMaster's student leaders can relate to as they reflect on their own experiences this past year.

“In my time volunteering as a student leader, I have learned a great deal about myself and those around me,” said Fernando. “Most importantly, I've learned that to succeed as student leaders we must learn to look beyond perceived boundaries and to appreciate different perspectives.”

For a list of other awards presented at Residence Recognition Night, please click here.