COVID-19 updates: There is a province-wide stay-at-home order in effect, but Seneca’s on-campus activities are not affected. The Canadian government has suspended all flights from India and Pakistan.
Program delivery information: summer 2021 and fall 2021
Seneca would like to virtually recognize the 2019-2020 Student Leadership Award winners for their outstanding contributions to life at Seneca and within their communities. Each winner is highlighted below with some sharing what winning this award means to them.
ACL Student Benefits — Seneca’s student health, dental and extended health plan insurance broker — annually presents two awards to students who have shown outstanding leadership. The recipients of this award must have maintained a cumulative GPA of 2.5 while making significant contributions to the Seneca community or their local community. This award recognizes a student who is an “unsung hero," who quietly works behind the scenes to make Seneca a better place while still maintaining their academics and juggling other responsibilities.
Electronics Engineering Technology (Co-op) (EETC)
"What actions are most excellent? To gladden the heart of human beings, to feed the hungry, to help the afflicted, to lighten the sorrow of the sorrowful, and to remove the sufferings of the injured.” – Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
“The award I received was to be given to an ‘unsung hero’ — a person who does good and leads in the right direction, all while behind the curtains. Receiving this award rooted my confidence in the saying, ‘You get what you give.’ Even the slightest effort can make a difference, and this is what keeps me going regardless of how trivial my contributions are.”
Law Clerk (LCK)
Seneca Alumni has established an annual award for student government and club leaders. Applicants must have:
911 & Emergency Services Communications (ESC)
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” – Nelson Mandela
“Winning the Alumni Student Leadership Award has meant a great deal to me as it represents the strong bond I have had with Seneca, which dates back to the age of eight.
At the age of eight, I started my journey with Seneca when my parents enrolled me in the Seneca Kids multi-sports camp. It was my first interaction with Seneca and the bond only grew stronger. I continued mentoring students, represented Seneca at many events, raised money for the many fundraisers as well and always promoted Seneca in the community and on social networks.
After I graduated from Police Foundations to now being one of Seneca’s ambassadors, I am #SenecaProud to be an alumni, student and employee. The award meant so much as it gave me great joy to give back to other students and the Seneca community.”
ACL Student Benefits — Seneca’s student health, dental and extended health plan insurance broker — is pleased to recognize the student who best exemplifies a “true humanitarian” in all aspects of school and personal life. This award was established in memory of Barb Morel, a founding member of The Morel Group, the parent company of ACL Student Benefits, in honour of her many humanitarian endeavours. Full-time students with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 are eligible.
Social Service Worker – Immigrants & Refugees (SSWI)
“The difference between a broken community and a thriving one is the presence of women who are valued.” – Michelle Obama
I am so delighted to be chosen for the 2019-2020 Barb Morel Humanitarian Award. Winning the award has shown me that it takes a true hardworking individual to lead within their community.”
This award is presented annually to full-time students currently living at either the Newnham or King campus residences. The recipients must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher and be able to demonstrate their contribution to student life at Seneca through direct involvement in at least two of the following areas:
Social Service Worker (SSW)
"Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
“This is an encouragement and a motivation for me as an international student. I am grateful to Seneca for providing me with endless opportunities and such a reward.”
Social Service Worker – Gerontology (SSW-G)
"Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
“It means I do have leadership inside of me.”
Awarded to a full-time international student who demonstrates integrity and civic engagement inside or outside of Seneca. This award recognizes Daniel Atlin's service to the Seneca Student Federation (SSF) and Seneca in his role as Vice-President, Strategy and College Affairs from 2009 to 2015. This award is funded by the SSF Leadership Awards fee.
Business – International Business (BUI)
"A great person attracts great people and knows how to hold them together.” – Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe
“The satisfaction that when you act with love and kindness in order to help others, there is no better reward than a society that appreciates your efforts and became a better one.”
Honours Bachelor of Commerce (BMI)
"To command is to serve, nothing more and nothing less.” – Andre Malraux
“I am working as an international ambassador and my job is to answer different questions about Seneca and answer questions on basic immigration, refugees and citizenship information. It encourages me a lot because it is a recognition of my achievements at Seneca. This award will always remind me to believe in myself and always try to improve my service to my clients.”
Business Administration – International Business (BAB)
"The rare individual who unselfishly tries to serve others has an enormous advantage.” – Dale Carnegie
“I remember observing the Student Leadership Awards ceremony last year and seeing how valuable this experience was for award recipients. I thought, ‘That must be most fulfilling to be a leader and to be recognized for your leadership.’ I decided to step up. Being a newcomer, it was hard to integrate and get involved more at first. Starting as a volunteer for SSF and Open House, I gained sense of community that allowed me to now serve as a Student Ambassador of Student Recruitment, SMILE mentor and the Chair of SSF Board of Directors. These experiences gave me a feel of care for student concerns and a desire to address them — this genuine feeling allowed me to contribute and win the Daniel Atlin Leadership Award this year. Even though I did not get a chance to come up to a stage with my name announced to receive an award like I wanted a year ago, I realized that it is the contribution itself that made me #SenecaProud of myself and other leaders of the Seneca community. It is pride for how we were there for one another, how we volunteered our time to help a classmate, represented Seneca or SSF on different levels and, most importantly, how we are showing gratitude for having each other’s support and patience during this hard time. I’m grateful to professors and Student Recruitment managers that provided me with the most valuable asset — knowledge.
I’m grateful to Valarie Simmons who not only became my first manager and helped me to grow as an employee and proud member of the Seneca community, but also provided a recommendation for me to win the award. I’m grateful to all student leaders for motivating me. I’m grateful to Seneca for bringing us all together and giving us resources to master our future. I'm grateful that our efforts are recognized, but I realized that it's about what we do, not what we receive in return. Gratitude and humbleness are what forms a servant leader.”
Awarded to a King Campus student who has gone above and beyond for the Seneca community or their local community outside of Seneca. The recipient has devoted their time to helping others. Grace Cuff worked in Recruitment and Student Services at Seneca for more than 30 years, inspiring and empowering students to go beyond what they thought was possible to achieve more than they ever thought they could. Throughout the years, Grace affected the Seneca community with her kindness, warmth, positive attitude and unwavering support for students.
Social Service Worker – Gerontology (SSW-G)
Prior to the incorporation of the SSF in 1999, the King Student Administrative Council established an award to assist students in their second, third or fourth year of their program, and to assist graduating students. Students must demonstrate leadership qualities through active contributions to the development of the King Campus community, as well as maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
Honours Bachelor of Community Mental Health (BCMH)
"Change will not come if we wait for some other person or if we wait for some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.” – Barack Obama
“Winning this award has meant that I have worked hard to prove my leadership skills to my King community. I am very proud of this recognition and it has reinforced my own belief in myself as a leader and mentor to other students.”
Honours Bachelor of Therapeutic Recreation (DTR)
"Leadership is about empathy. It is about having the ability to relate to and connect with people for the purpose of inspiring and empowering their lives.” – Oprah
“This award has given me the confidence to continue pushing myself forward academically, personally and professionally knowing that I am encouraged and supported by such a great institution and student community. That motivation has meant so much especially at this uncertain time. Thank you!”
This award has been established in honour and memory of Larry DeFlorio, Seneca’s Distinguished Alumni Award recipient, Ontario Premier’s Award nominee, former faculty member and Co-ordinator of the Animation Arts Centre (AAC), as a tribute to his vision, leadership and contribution to Seneca life, students and alumni.
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
Graphic Design (GRA)
“Your art is your sanity.” – Johanne Daoust
“Winning this award gave me the validation and assurance that channeling all my anger and negative energy into art and design was in fact, the right decision. The award is a tangible reminder that art got me through.”
Established by the Computer Studies Student Council as a tribute to Laura Flanagan, Chair, School of Computer Studies, dedicated teacher and friend to all that knew her at Seneca, this award is open to any student currently enrolled in a full-time, daytime program in the Computer Systems Technician (CNS) or Computer Systems Technology (CTY and CTYC) programs with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5. Applicants must demonstrate unique or outstanding contribution towards Seneca life, student life or community work in a volunteer capacity. References for this award should be provided by a staff or faculty member who is related to the CNS, CTY or CTYC programs at Seneca.
Computer Systems Technology (CTYC)
"If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” – John Quincy Adams
“Indeed, winning the Laura Flanagan Memorial Award (CNS, CTY, CTYC) encouraged me to continue my pursuit in both educational and leadership paths.”
Established by the Computer Studies Student Council as a tribute to Laura Flanagan, Chair, School of Computer Studies, dedicated teacher and friend to all that knew her at Seneca, this award is open to any student currently enrolled in a full-time, daytime program in the Computer Programming & Analysis (CPA and CPAC) or Computer Programmer (CPD) programs with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5. Applicants must demonstrate unique or outstanding contribution towards Seneca life, student life or community work in a volunteer capacity. References for this award should be provided by a staff or faculty member who is related to the CPA, CPD or CPAC programs of Seneca.
Computer Programming & Analysis (CPAC)
The Marcia Donaldson Student Ambassador Award was created to recognize outstanding student ambassadors at Seneca. This award is named after Student Services Co-ordinator, Marcia Donaldson, to recognize her years of exceptional service and dedication to students. This award is available to students who are currently involved as a Student Ambassador and who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, teamwork and energy in this role, while maintaining good academic standing (minimum GPA of 2.5). The recipient:
Nursing Leadership & Management (NLM)
"Leaders become great, not because of their power, but because of their ability to empower others.” – John Maxwell
Honours Bachelor of Commerce – International Business Management (BMI)
"To command is to serve, nothing more and nothing less.” – Andre Malraux
“I am working as an international ambassador and my job is to answer different questions about Seneca and answer questions on basic immigration, refugees and citizenship information. It encourages me a lot because it is a recognition of my achievements at Seneca. This award will always remind me to believe in myself and always try to improve my service to my clients.”
Honours Bachelor of Commerce – Financial Services Management (FSM)
“Nobody ever won a chess game by resigning.” – Savielly Tartakower
“It is exciting to be recognized by the Seneca community and I am honored to be nominated alongside the individuals who have inspired and motivated me throughout my postsecondary journey. Thank you for making Seneca a home away from home. All this would not be possible without such great mentors, teammates and friends. Winning this award is an extraordinary source of inspiration and highlights the importance of working together for the common good. Congratulations to all Student Leadership finalists!”
This award is presented annually to a SMILE mentor. Applicants must have:
Honours Bachelor of Commerce – International Accounting & Finance (IAF)
"The pessimist complains about the wind. The optimist expects it to change. The leader adjusts the sails.” – John Maxwell
“Winning this leadership award at Seneca means a lot. Recognition plays a part in motivation (it’s an external motivation, but a true leader needs to be motivated internally). Though the work I am doing (to make this world a little better than I found it), is not to get these awards, but the awards do help monetarily and assist in achieving the goals. I am proud to serve the Seneca community, representing Seneca internationally and serving people outside of Seneca. I am glad that Seneca chose me and honoured me with these awards. My journey still continues, and I am thankful to Seneca for all the support.”
Honours Bachelor of Aviation Technology (FPR)
"Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.” – John F. Kennedy
“Being recognized in such a meaningful way by this organization is truly an honour, and even more so motivating to work harder and do more!”
This award is open to any student enrolled in their second or third year of a full-time program based on academic achievement, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5. Applicants must demonstrate leadership, initiative and dedication to academics.
Honours Bachelor of Commerce – International Accounting & Finance (IAF)
“Keep exploring. Keep dreaming. Keep asking why. Don’t settle for what you already know. Never stop believing in the power of your ideas, your imagination, your hard work to change the world.” – Barack Obama
“Winning this award has given me more confidence in my leadership ability and provided me more reasons to exercise leadership in any environment I find myself to effect positive changes in a thoughtful way.”
Honours Bachelor of Aviation Technology (FPR)
“When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it.” – Henry Ford
The SSF, representing all Seneca student governments, will annually present awards to students who have demonstrated a unique or outstanding contribution towards improving the quality of student life at Seneca.
Office Administration – Executive (EXS)
“When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened for us.” – Helen Keller
“Winning this Leadership Award meant that Seneca does not overlook the success and contributions of its students — it definitely was a confidence booster! Seneca opened so many doors for me and I will always be thankful for that.”
Fire Protection Engineering Technology (FPTC)
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou
“I am extremely grateful and humbled to be receiving the Seneca Student Federation (SSF) Leadership Award. This year, I had the opportunity to be the President of the Fire Protection Student Association (FPSA) at Seneca. The FPSA works closely alongside the SSF each year, which made receiving this award more special. Accepting this award solidifies that all my hard work put into my final year at Seneca has paid off. I have made many amazing friendships and connections that will last a lifetime! I am excited to see what is to come and I wish everyone the best of luck in their future endeavours.”
Civil Engineering Technology (CVTC)
“There is absolutely no greater high than challenging the power structure as a nobody, giving it your all, and winning!” – Abbie Hoffman
“It’s recognition for sure. It’s also encouragement to be active in my community after graduation. This sets the bar high for me for me to continue being a leader in my academic and professional career.”
Honours Bachelor of Commerce – International Accounting & Finance (IAF)
Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road is easy that leads to destruction, and there are many who take it. For the gate is narrow and the road is hard that leads to life, and there are few who find it. (Matthew 7:13-14)
I am incredibly grateful to receive this award. It is truly an honour to have support and validation for the hard work many of us at Seneca put in. I look forward to bringing the skills and work ethic I have developed at Seneca to the workforce after graduation.”
The SSF will annually present a trophy and award to one recipient in recognition and honour of retired President, Stephen E. Quinlan. A large trophy with the name of each year's recipient will be displayed at Seneca, and the recipient will also receive a commemorative trophy as a keepsake. This award is funded by the SSF Leadership Awards fee.
The major criteria for the award include:
Journalism (JRN)
"Life sometimes brings enormous difficulties and challenges that just seem too hard to bear. But bear them you can, and bear them you will, and your life can have a purpose.” – Barbara Walters
“Winning this award has been such an honour to me. I have had such amazing examples in female mentorship during my time at Seneca. From our incredible Chair in the School of Media, Beth Agnew, to my mentor and former Prof. Paula Todd, being able to learn and grow under a staff of empowered, capable, successful women was beneficial to me as both a young woman and now as a journalist. By winning this award, I hope I have both made them proud and shown the ways that their leadership has empowered me.”
Financial awards will be presented to students who have demonstrated outstanding leadership in student life programming, including but not limited to orientation, equity and diversity; service-learning; campus clubs; or initiatives of a cultural or artistic nature. Students with outstanding contributions to their community are also eligible. The applicants must have achieved high academic standing throughout the semester.
Social Service Worker – Immigrants & Refugees (SSWI)
“The very essence of leadership is that you have to have vision. You can't blow an uncertain trumpet.” – Theodore M. Hesburgh
“This award has motivated me even more to do what I love doing, that is reaching out and continuing to help the vulnerable in my community.”
Biotechnology – Advanced (BTA)
Leadership is the action of inspiring and empowering people to turn the vision into reality by transplanting it within the framework of team to achieve targeted success.
“Receiving this award has inspired me to improve myself as a leader and be prepared for the challenges that I will encounter as I enter future leadership roles.”
Business Administration – Entrepreneurship & Small Business (BAS)
You can maximize your impact on others, as well as your own happiness, by doing something that resonates with your personality.
“Winning this award has made me realize that I’ve actually contributed a lot towards the quality of student life at Seneca. My work towards improving student life has been a passion of mine and I wish I could have done even more!”
Urgen Kuyee was an engaged Seneca student and is now a proud graduate. This award will be presented to a student in good academic standing who demonstrates leadership qualities toward the enhancement of the quality of student life at Seneca. The recipient must demonstrate a contribution to others and to the community by being involved in initiatives such as organized study groups, educational and fundraising initiatives, sports or student government. Preference will be given to a student who is volunteering or has volunteered at Toronto Public Libraries.
Business Administration – Marketing (BAMC)
“I alone cannot change the world but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.” – Mother Teresa
“Winning the Urgen Kuyee Leadership Award and the Marc Caira Business Marketing Award makes me feel that working hard and giving your best efforts while being kind to yourself and others can get you anything. As the recipient of this award, I have to say that everything that I am and all my successes are because of my parents’ efforts. It is also a reminder for me to stay humble and mindful of my roots and look back at how far I’ve come.”
The Vicki Milligan Carter Leadership Award was created by the SSF to honour Vicki Milligan Carter, a long-time employee of Seneca on the date of her retirement. As a former faculty member, departmental chair, director of Student Services and voting member on the SSF’s Board of Directors, Vicki's zest to improve student life, assist anyone in need and make Seneca a better place spoke volumes about her commitment to Seneca.
This award is open to any Seneca student with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 who has shown academic achievement, leadership, commitment to people and a passion for all things Seneca. This award is funded by the SSF Leadership Awards fee.
Social Service Worker – Immigrants & Refugees (SSWI)
“The greatest leader is not necessarily the one who does the greatest things. He is the one that gets the people to do the greatest things.” – Ronald Reagan
“Winning this award is an incredible honor. As a woman of colour, this nomination is especially felicitous. It strengthens my motivation to push further and aim for positions in leadership where racialized and marginalized communities are poorly represented. It is also a reminder that the work I do on behalf of our environment and community, day in and day out, matters. I’m proud to be among an elite group of leaders who are fighting and collaborating to make our future great and the world a better place for all without exception.”
Honours Bachelor of Aviation Technology (FPR)
"Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.” – John F. Kennedy
“Being recognized in such a meaningful way by this organization is truly an honour, and even more so motivating to work harder and do more!”
The SSF will annually present an award to a student who demonstrates outstanding leadership in the enhancement of student life at Seneca. This award was created to recognize and honour retired Seneca Vice-President, International and Business Development, Wayne Norrison, for his many years of outstanding leadership and support for the SSF. Any Seneca student may apply for this award to recognize leadership related to student life at Seneca. Applicants must have achieved high academic standing throughout the semester. This award is funded by the SSF Leadership Awards fee.
Accounting & Payroll (APP)
“I can accept failure, everyone fails at something. But I can’t accept not trying.” – Michael Jordan
“Being the recipient of the Wayne Norrison Leadership Award is a huge achievement in my student life journey at Seneca. The astonishing leadership, selfless commitment, perseverance along with high academic standing are the attributes that have been highlighted in this award. Going the extra mile and being of service gives me the fulfillment of being a great leader and a mentor. This award serves as my inspiration to strive harder and take one step forward at a time to achieve my goals in life. An award that made me realize that everything is possible as long as you work hard for it by overcoming my fears and shortcomings, and continually acquiring knowledge and skills to deepen my understanding of what true leadership is.”
Honours Bachelor of Commerce – International Accounting & Finance (IAF)
"The pessimist complains about the wind. The optimist expects it to change. The leader adjusts the sails.” – John Maxwell
“Winning this leadership award at Seneca means a lot. Recognition plays a part in motivation (it’s an external motivation, but a true leader needs to be motivated internally). Though the work I am doing (to make this world a little better than I found it), is not to get these awards, but the awards do help monetarily and assist in achieving the goals. I am proud to serve the Seneca community, representing Seneca internationally and serving people outside of Seneca. I am glad that Seneca chose me and honoured me with these awards. My journey still continues, and I am thankful to Seneca for all the support.”
This trophy and award are presented to a student in their final year of studies who has demonstrated an ability to function as a leader of student leaders in the enhancement of the quality of student life at Seneca. A minimum GPA of 2.5 plus outstanding leadership related to a short-term project or a yearlong activity will be the major criteria.
Civil Engineering Technology (CVTC)
“There is absolutely no greater high than challenging the power structure as a nobody, giving it your all, and winning!” – Abbie Hoffman
“It’s recognition for sure. It’s also encouragement to be active in my community after graduation. This sets the bar high for me for me to continue being a leader in my academic and professional career.”