Each year, St. Jerome's University recognizes current and graduating students for their contribution to the University, as well as the greater community.
Current student awards
Nominations for the following current student awards are due February 14, 2025.
D.R. Letson Community Service Award
Each year, St. Jerome's University recognizes a co-registered student or a student in residence for their commitment to and involvement in service to the community beyond our campus.
- It is awarded annually to an undergraduate student in any year of study.
- Recognizes a student for their involvement in voluntary community service beyond the St. Jerome's University or University of Waterloo campus. Voluntary community service might include working with vulnerable and under-served populations. Such service can occur in a student's hometown or the local Kitchener-Waterloo community.
| Previous Recipient | Year |
|---|---|
| Sinead Costello | 2025 |
Todd Earl Spirit Award
The Todd Earl Spirit Award is awarded to a first-year student in their 1B term with exceptional enthusiasm and commitment through their passionate engagement in student life at St. Jerome's University.
| Previous Recipient | Year |
|---|---|
| Ava Legaspi | 2025 |
Betty G. Headley Senior Essay Award
The Betty G. Headley Senior Essay Award was established in memory of Sara Elizabeth Headley's (BA' 04) mother. This annual award honours two upper-year undergraduate students' essays - Best Course Essay ($1,500)and Best Personal Essay ($500).
Deadline is December 20, 2025 at 4:30 p.m.
| Award | Recipient | Essay Title |
|---|---|---|
| Best Course Essay - 2024 | Sarah Baughan | "Death, Desire, and Disillusionment: Finding Emily Dickinson in Ethel Cain's Preacher's Daughter" |
| Best Course Essay - 2024 | Andie Kaiser | "So I Turn but I Learn": Sylvia Plath's Transformative Presence in the Lyrics of Lana Del Rey" |
| Best Personal Essay - 2024 | Nadia Khan | "Therapy Brought Me Hope" |
Graduating student awards
Zach Ralston Award
The Zach Ralston Award recognizes academic excellence and contributions to student life and community-building at St. Jerome's University. Contributions to community building outside of campus may be considered.
This award is awarded to a student in the calendar year of their undergraduate convocation. It is normally awarded to a St. Jerome's academically co-registered student; however, when a suitable candidate cannot be found within the academic community, consideration may be given to any student with an identifiable connection to the St. Jerome's community (i.e. student in residence or member of the faith community). Normally, only one award is presented per calendar year; however, up to two awards may be presented to equally deserving candidates.
| Previous Recipient | Year |
|---|---|
| Zoe Fitzsimmons | 2025 |
University Life Award
The University Life Award recognizes a student who has achieved academic excellence and contributed to student life and community building at St. Jerome's University. Contributions to community building outside of campus may be considered.
This award is awarded to a student in the calendar year of their undergraduate convocation. It is awarded to a St. Jerome's academically co-registered student; however, when a suitable candidate cannot be found within the academic community, consideration may be given to any student with an identifiable connection to the St. Jerome's community (i.e. student in residence or member of the faith community). Usually, only one award is presented per calendar year, but up to five awards may be presented per calendar year.
| Previous Recipients | Year |
|---|---|
| Kat Moller | 2025 |
| William Patterson | 2025 |
| Chelsea Graham | 2025 |
Community Contribution Award
The Community Contributions Award recognizes contributions to student life and community-building at St. Jerome's University.
It is awarded to a St. Jerome's academically co-registered student; however, when a suitable candidate cannot be found within the academic community, consideration may be given to any student with an identifiable connection to the St. Jerome's community (i.e. student in residence or member of the faith community). Up to five awards may be presented per calendar year.
| Previous Recipients | Year |
|---|---|
| Caleigh Davies-Knies | 2025 |
| Isabelle Carreira | 2025 |
| Sam Casais Ponce De Leon | 2025 |
| Smiksha Sharma | 2025 |
Academic Student Awards
Each year, during our Celebration of Graduates, St. Jerome's recognizes one student from each department for their academic excellence. Each academic department is responsible for selecting and awarding these academic awards.
The following is the list of individuals who received these awards in the 2023 - 2024 academic year.
| Department/Award | Recipient |
|---|---|
| English Award | Alexandra Veenstra (BA '24) |
| History Award | Eric Norris (BA '24) |
| Legal Studies Award | Sahib Grewal (BA '24) |
| Sociology Award | Emily Pihokker (BA ’24) |
| Psychology Award | Emilie Stanley (BA ’24) |
| Sexuality, Marriage, and Family Studies Award | Jayden Bousfield (BA ’24) |
| Health Humanities Award | Avery Beavers (BSc ’24) |
The Gabriel Niccoli Italian Culture Award
The Gabriel Niccoli Italian Culture Award recognizes a graduating student for their academic excellence in the study of Italian culture. This award was created in honour of Professor Emeritus Gabriel Niccoli, long-time department Chair and recipient of the University of Waterloo's Distinguished Teacher Award.
| Previous Recipient | Year |
|---|---|
| Anthony Girmenia (BA '24) | 2024 |