College of Arts January 2025 Awards Ceremony
The University of Guelph's College of Arts is proud to host its Winter semester awards ceremony on Friday, January 24. The event, dedicated to recognizing the exceptional achievements of undergraduate and graduate students within the College of Arts, will bring together award recipients, donors, faculty, staff, and other members of the University community. A range of prestigious awards spanning multiple disciplines within the College will be presented by College of Arts faculty members. Below you’ll find the event itinerary, followed by a detailed list of the January 2025 award recipients and award descriptions.
Awards Search: College of Arts Awards | School of Theatre, English & Creative Writing | MA Creative Writing | School of Fine Art and Music (SOFAM) | School of Languages and Literatures (SOLAL) | Department of Philosophy | Department of History | Scottish Studies | Arts and Sciences
Event Itinerary
College of Arts Awards
Presenter: Andrew Bailey
Dean's Scholarships
Award Winners:
- James Benum
- Samantha Gauer
- Katie Greenley
- Emma Harris
- Taylor Martin-Robbins
- Laura Popa
- Rachel Tribe
- Zoe Tucker
- Lily Van Huisseling
Established by the Board of Governors in 1991 to recognize the academic achievements of students. Awarded to College of Arts students who have been on the Dean’s Honours List for two consecutive semesters, with the highest academic performance in the College.
Murdo MacKinnon Scholarship
Award Winner:
- Zelia Forrest
Student(s) registered in an honours major program in the College of Arts in Music, Drama, Art History, Studio Arts, English, History, Philosophy, Languages and Literatures, or French Studies with the highest cumulative average in his/her honour subject(s). Preference will be given to students who have done all of their work at the University of Guelph.
Carole Stewart Arts Graduate Scholarship
Award Winners:
- Celeste Cares (SOFAM)
- Mikaela Hart (SOLAL)
Established in recognition of Carole Stewart’s contributions to the College of Arts from 1966 to 2001, including terms as Chair of the Department of Philosophy, from 1985 to 1992, and dean from 1993 to 2001. The award will be given based on highest academic average and will be rotated among programs.
D.S. Wilson Entrance Scholarship
Award Winner:
- Madelyn Switzer-Bomhof
This scholarship is awarded to the student entering a full-time Master of English or Theatre Studies program student who demonstrates high academic performance and overall academic merit as indicated by the student’s admission application.
School of Theatre, English & Creative Writing
Presenter: Sally Hickson
A.M. Ross Centennial Scholarship
Award Winner:
- Rose Van Hemmen
Offered by Professor A.M. Ross (funded in part on royalties derived from the O.A.C. Centennial Alumni publication of The College on the Hill). Students in the 7th semester of the honours English program who have the highest standing in ten or more English courses taken during the first 6 semesters at the University of Guelph. An 80% average in these courses is required.
Anna Graham Technical Theatre Studies Scholarship
Award Winner:
- Grant Byce
Established in memory of Anna Graham to recognize passionate student involvement in technical dramatic production. Awarded to an upper-year student majoring in Theatre Studies with high academic achievement and involvement and interest in technical theatre studies as demonstrated through course work, theatre practice, and work experience.
Kaya Firth Scholarship in English
Award Winners:
- Luminitza Manea
- Hridhaye Singh
Through the generosity of Train Trailer Rentals, this scholarship was established in honour of Kaya Firth, a fourth-year English major who was devoted to her family, friends and her University newspaper – The Ontarian. Students registered in an English Major within the College of Arts, who have completed a minimum of 13 credits, and no more than 18.5 credits, and who have a cumulative average of at least 80%. The qualified students will have a passion for literary study and have a unique and creative critical voice demonstrated by a portfolio of written work totaling no more than 8 pages.
McLean Scholarship in English
Award Winners:
- Emma Russell-Trione
- Rebecca Swan
Established in the memory of Professor Ernest Cyrus McLean, a member of O.A.C. from 1921 to 1960 and Chair of the Department of English from 1954 to 1960. Awarded to third-year Honours student(s) with the highest cumulative average in the program.
Michael R. Weiss Memorial Theatre Workshop II Scholarship
Award Winners:
- Emma Russell-Trione
- Riley Stewart
Established by Michael R. Weiss (Mike) to recognize academic excellence in the technical and production aspects of performance and theatre arts. Awarded to students who completed THST*2190 ‘Theatre Workshop II’ with the highest grades.
Michael R. Weiss Memorial Theatre Workshop III Scholarship
Award Winner:
- Janaye Couture
Established by Michael R. Weiss (Mike) to recognize academic excellence in the technical and production aspects of performance and theatre arts. Awarded to the student who completed THST*3190 ‘Theatre Workshop III’ with the highest grade.
Betty King Memorial Graduate Scholarship
Award Winner:
- Lindsay Mayhew
This award commemorates the work of Betty King, a staff member in the former Department of English and the School of Languages and Literatures and Performance Studies in English from 1990 to 1998. Betty was particularly caring and helpful to graduate students in the College and significantly contributed to a supportive work environment for colleagues. The student assessed as having the highest academic performance (both in completed courses and in research progress to date) after the first two semesters of study in the program will be recommended for the award.
Nancy Bailey Graduate Teaching Prize
Award Winner:
- Anthony Damiao
Established in honour of retired Professor Nancy bailey in recognition of her excellence as a teacher. Awarded to a full-time student registered in a program offered by the School of English and Theatre Studies who provided teaching assistance in the previous semesters.
Paul M. Waters Memorial Prize
Award Winner:
- Zahra-Sadat Mirabolfathi-Nejad
Given to a full-time student who have completed two semesters in the English MA program who have gained the respect of graduate students both by demonstrating a high level of commitment to academic and community activities and by a light-hearted perspective toward all endeavours.
MA Creative Writing
Presenter: Sally Hickson
Edward Y. Morwick Graduate Scholarship in Creative Writing (MFA CW)
Award Winners:
- Unice Leim
- Kelly Westerveld
Edward Y. Morwick, honorary alumni, Barrister and Solicitor, of Hamilton, Ontario, created this scholarship to encourage and reward a student entering the Master of Fine Arts, Creative Writing Program with high academic performance who is dedicated to developing skills in the craft of creative writing.
McClelland & Stewart Scholarship (MFA CW)
Award Winner:
- Emily Dial
The award recipient will be selected on work to date and anticipated major project in the MFA Creative Writing Program.
School of Fine Art and Music (SOFAM)
Presenter: Kimberly Martin
Guelph Creative Arts Association – Gordon Couling Scholarship
Award Winner:
- Isabella Lanci
Established by the Guelph Creative Arts Association in memory of Gordon Couling. The student who achieved the highest grade in Art History and Studio Art courses will be selected.
Marlene Pike Memorial Scholarship
Award Winner:
- Julia Rodrigues
Provided by the family and friends of Marlene Pike. Awarded to an upper-year Studio Art major who has completed SART*3300 ‘Sculpture II’ and who has made an outstanding contribution in sculpture classes.
Michael Scotchmer Scholarship
Award Winner:
- Tuesday Troup
Awarded to a student majoring in Studio Art based on the quality of their portfolio.
Margaret Priest Graduate Scholarship
Award Winner:
- Tayler Buss
Awarded to a student entering the Master of Fine Art program with exceptional studio work (drawing and architecture) as demonstrated by portfolio submission with application. Students must have a minimum cumulative academic standing of 80%.
Tony Scherman Graduate Scholarship
Award Winner:
- Aubin Kwon
Full-time students with a minimum cumulative academic standing of 80% and exceptional studio work (specifically in painting) as demonstrated by a portfolio submitted with application to the Master of Fine Art program.
Year 2 MFA Studio Art Scholarship
Award Winner:
- Vida Beyer
Selection for this award is based on demonstrated exceptional studio work as evaluated at end of semester critiques. The award is given to full-time students registered in the Master of Fine Art (MFA) Studio Art program with the highest average amongst the first-year MFA students.
Music Awards
Presenter: Music Faculty
Mary Alice & Marion Munn Memorial Scholarship
Award Winner:
- Clara Blenkinsop
Established by Dr. John Munn in memory of his mother Mary Alice (Harris) Munn, and his sister, Marion Catherine Munn. Awarded to a student registered in a Music major or minor who best combines excellent potential in the area of vocal studies with involvement in extra-curricular music activities, particularly choir or other forms of vocal performance.
Nathan Max Goldman Choir Scholarship
Award Winners:
- Alexia Castiglione
- Emma Robinson
Established in honour of Mr. Goldman, an OAC graduate (1945 and 1947) and former President of the Philharmonia Society at the University of Guelph. The scholarships will support two students who demonstrate outstanding leadership and vision in the Symphonic Choir and/or the Chamber Choir.
Norman and Audrey Harley Music Scholarship
Award Winners:
- Chantal Begley
- Nathan Kasprzyk-Heuff
Established in memory of Norman and Audrey Harley. Awarded to a student majoring in the Music program with the highest cumulative average.
Ralph and Edith Kidd Scholarship
Award Winner:
- Ben Finnell
Established by the Friends of Music of the University of Guelph in honour of Ralph Kidd, first chairman of the Department of Music, and his wife, Edith Kidd, who were responsible for establishing the Thursday at Noon concert series in 1968. Awarded to a 4th year student majoring or minoring in Music with the highest cumulative average.
School of Languages and Literatures (SOLAL)
Presenter: John Walsh
J. M. Bell Classics Scholarship
Award Winner:
- Monika Hadley
Established in memory of Dr. John Bell, a distinguished teacher of Classics and Chair of the Department of Languages and Literatures. Awarded to the student specializing in Classics with the highest average in Classical Studies beyond the 1000 level.
Nancy Stoten Memorial Scholarship
Award Winner:
- Alicja Chryscienko
Provided by the family and friends of Nancy Stoten, a former student of French Studies. Awarded to an upper-year student majoring in French Studies with the highest average in French courses.
SOLAL Travel Grants
Award Winners:
- Lucie Arsicot
- Joel Zimmermann
These travel grants have been established to support students taking part in the study abroad programs specifically related to programs offered by the School of Languages and Literatures (SOLAL). The recipient must have been accepted into an international study program offered trough the Centre for International Programs which is at least 8 months in length.
Thomas & MacDonald French Studies Excellence Scholarship
Award Winner:
- Zelia Forrest
Established by former professor of French Studies, Dr. Alain Thomas and Gillian MacDonald (BSc ’76, BA ’94) in support of undergraduate students pursuing French Studies and demonstrating high academic performance. Awarded to an upper-year student majoring in French Studies with the highest cumulative average.
Department of Philosophy
Presenter: Karyn Freedman
Edmund C. Bovey Scholarship in Philosophy
Award Winner:
- Sofia Trillia
Donated by Sandra and Joseph Rotman. Awarded to an upper-year student, majoring in Philosophy, with the highest cumulative average in Philosophy courses.
Jay Newman Memorial Scholarship
Award Winners:
- Renee McKenzie
- Sarah Urquhart
Established by the Estate of Professor Jay Newman, Ph.D., F.R.S.C, a philosopher and Professor at the University of Guelph from 1971 to 2007 to recognize and encourage students to pursue philosophical studies. Awarded to the two students majoring in Philosophy with the highest cumulative averages.
Omid Payrow Shabani Memorial Philosophy Scholarship
Award Winner:
- Ayad Al-Jader
Established in honour of our colleague and friend, Professor Omid Payrow Shabani. Omid was passionate about philosophy and believed it could help change the world. He wrote and cared deeply about democracy and role of civil society in bringing about social change, especially in his home country of Iran. He is missed by his colleagues and students. Selection will be based on the highest grade in PHIL*3230 ‘Theories of Justice’ in the previous academic year.
Philosophy Excellence Scholarship
Award Winner:
- Elisa Holla
Established by the Faculty of Philosophy to inspire students to choose Philosophy as a major. Awarded to a student majoring in Philosophy who earned the highest grade in PHIL*1000 ‘Classical Thinkers.’
Robert Carr-Wiggin Prize
Award Winner:
- Dylan White
Established in memory of Robert Carr-Wiggin, one of the first students to graduate from the PhD program in Philosophy. Awarded to a student on philosophy for the best paper that has been submitted to either a scholarly journal or a scholarly conference during the preceding year.
William Hughes Memorial Scholarship in Philosophy
Award Winner:
- Olivia Barbaro
Professor Hughes was the founding member of the Philosophy Department at the University of Guelph, a professor from 1965 until his retirement in 1997. Selection will be made on the basis of the student’s admission application materials and high academic standing.
Department of History
Presenter: Mathew Hayday
James Snell Scholarship for Outstanding Achievement in History
Award Winners:
- Mya Trombley
- Zoe Tucker
Established in honour of James Snell, former faculty member of the History Department. Awarded to the two students, specializing in History, with the top grades in core courses HIST*2100 ‘Histories of Canada to 1867’ and HIST*2600 ‘Histories of Canada Since 1867.’
Marion McKenzie Scholarship for Outstanding Achievement in History
Award Winners:
- Grace Jaklitsch
- Eden Ridpath
Established in memory of Marion McKenzie (1905-1994), a teacher with a love of learning and a continuing curiosity about the world both past and present. Awarded to students with the top performance in required core courses of the History program HIST*1050 ‘Invitation to History’ and HIST*2450 ‘The Practising Historian.’
Ruth and Eber Pollard Scholarship in Canadian History
Award Winner:
- Ryan Brown
Established by Ruth and Eber Pollard, former President and Treasurer, respectively, of the Guelph Historical Society during the years 1972 to 1993. Awarded to a student specializing in History with a cumulative average of 80% or greater, a demonstrated passion for Canadian History, and ongoing participation in exercise, wellness, or athletics.
Wallace and Audrey Little Scholarship
Award Winner:
- Aidan Nault
Bethany created the Wallace and Audrey Little Scholarship in History in honour of her grandparents. Selection will be based on the applicant who demonstrates the most significant volunteer experience
Alan Gordon Scholarship in Canadian and Public History
Award Winner:
- Christos Floros
Established in honour of Alan Gordon, esteemed Professor and colleague in the Department of History from 2003 to 2022. Alan was passionate about teaching and research, notably in the areas of Canadian and public history. He was an ardent supporter of graduate students, and keenly aware of the financial challenges they faced while completing their degrees. Selection will be based on academic performance and exceptional research.
Ruth and Eber Pollard Doctoral Scholarship in History
Award Winner:
- Sara Wilmshurst
Ruth and Eber Pollard were passionate supporters of Canadian history research and in their estate, they endowed funds to establish the Pollard Doctoral Scholarships in History. Preference will be given to students studying Canadian history. Selection will be based on high academic achievement and research performance, as demonstrated by transcripts, publication record and participation in scholarly activities such as conferences and symposia.
Scottish Studies
The Edward Stewart Scholarship in Scottish Studies
Award Winner:
- Megan Gamble
Selection will be based on the highest cumulative average. Application is not required. Full-time students registered in their first or second year in the field of Scottish Studies (M.A. or Ph.D. Programs in History) with a minimum cumulative average of 80% upon entry to the program or after the first year of study.
Arts and Sciences
Presenter: Pat Barclay
Dr. Donald Bruce & Dr. Donna Pennee Arts and Sciences Scholarship
Award Winners:
- Emily Eising
- Cora Howard
- Emily Lindzon
Dr. Donald Bruce, former Dean in the College of Arts and Dr. Donna Pennee, former Associate Dean of Arts and Sciences, established the first scholarship for students in the BAS program. Awarded to students(s) with the highest cumulative average in the BAS program.
Congratulations to All Award Recipients!
We extend our warmest congratulations to each award winner recognized today. Your hard work, enthusiasm, and dedication truly enrich our campus community, and we wish you continued success in all your future endeavors.