Congratulations to our 2023 Spring Award Winners! | Renison University College

Convocation is a time of celebration, and we are pleased to announce our Spring Convocation student and faculty award winners!

Anna Renee Henry

Winner of the Board of Governor’s Award for Academic Achievement

Anna is graduating with a degree in Social Development Studies, with minors in Psychology and Sociology. Before coming to Renison she studied Practical Nursing at Mohawk College, followed by Child and Youth Work at Fanshawe. During her time at Renison she was a volunteer research assistant with Dr. Sharon Roberts, and focused her studies on mental health stigma. She will begin a Master of Sociology degree at the University of Guelph in September, and hopes to continue the research started with her Senior Honour’s Thesis.

Anna also received the University of Waterloo Alumni Gold Medal for Academic Achievement, and we sat down with her to talk about her award to learn more about here Renison experience. Read more about Anna.

Dawn Freingruber

Winner of the President’s Special Award for Academic Achievement

Dawn is graduating with a degree in Social Development Studies with a specialization in Social Work. Before coming to Renison, Dawn completed the Social Service Worker program at Conestoga College. She will begin the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program at Renison in September.

Jennifer Bradley

Winner of the President's Merit Award for Outstanding Contribution to Life at Renison

Jennifer graduates with a Social Development Studies Honours degree, with a minor in Sociology and specializations in Education and Social Policy and Social Action. During her time at Renison, Jennifer was very involved in the Renison community. She was a Peer Leader, Conversation Partner, Open House Volunteer, member of Renison’s Academic Student Council, among other roles. She also volunteered with Elmira District Community Living in a swimming program for adults living with mental and physical disabilities. In addition, Jennifer received a number of scholarships and awards, including the Renison President’s Scholarship, Yuen-Mei Cheung Chan Scholarship, A.W. Rees Scholarship, and Honourary Renison Peer Leader Award. Jennifer will be moving to British Columbia to start her Master of Education at UBC in Measurement, Evaluation and Research Methodology.

Simon Peebles

Winner of the Social Development Studies Book Prize for Academic Achievement

Simon is graduating with a Social Development Studies Honours degree, with a minor in Psychology and specialization in Social Work. In addition to their studies, they have been a Mentor at the Halton Children’s Aid Society, and a Virtual Host for Adults in Motion where they host weekly skill-building and respite programs for children, adolescents and adults with disabilities. Simon has been accepted to University of Toronto's Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work Master of Social Work (MSW) program, but plans to defer for a year. During their year between studies, Simon will continue their work in the recreation sector to provide leadership and to a private swim organization in Oakville, and continue volunteering. In addition, Simon plans to submit their senior thesis (with Prof. Craig Fortier's supervision) focused on exclusionary and harmful practices within the sport of hockey in Canada to an academic journal.

Dr. Rob Case

Winner of the Renison Faculty Service Award

Dr. Rob Case has demonstrated an exceptional level of service to Renison through his work in negotiating the first-ever collective agreement for the Renison Association of Academic Staff. He is steadfast in his commitment to institutional change through inclusive and accountable leadership.

Dr. Young Gon Kim

Winner of the Renison Faculty Teaching Award

Dr. Young Gon Kim is a pioneer in the field of teaching Korean as a foreign and additional language. Students know him as a passionate and engaging educator.

Dr. Kristina Llewellyn

Winner of the Renison Faculty Research award

Dr. Kristina Llewellyn is an internationally recognized scholar in equity and history education. Her large body of work has had significant impact both in academia and in the public sphere.