Leadership Awards

About the Canisius Leadership Awards

Each spring, the Canisius Leadership Awards recognize the individuals and organizations that keep our campus vibrant and mission-driven. From first-year standouts who jump-start new ideas to seniors whose impact will echo long after graduation, these awards honor students, advisors, faculty, and staff who embody the Jesuit ideals of magis—striving for “the more” in service of others. Whether leading a club meeting, mentoring peers, or advancing social justice in Buffalo and beyond, our nominees and recipients remind us what’s possible when passion meets purpose. Explore the categories below, discover this year’s honorees, and be inspired by the many ways Griffins “go and set the world on fire.”

Lee F. Fassi Outstanding Student Organization of the Year
Description: This award is given to the student organization that has gone above and beyond to engage the students of Canisius University.
Recipient(s): Afro American Society

Student Organization Advisor of the Year
Description: Voted on by the student population, this award is given to the club advisor who goes above and beyond for the organizations they serve.
Recipient(s): Shawn Johnson
Office/Organization: USA Vote

Faculty/Staff Mentor of the Year
Description: This award is voted on by the students via an online ballot during the USA executive board elections. It is presented to someone who students feel has had an impact on their college experience and on whom they can depend for advice in all aspects of life.
Recipient(s): Graham Stowe
Office/Organization: USA Vote

Rev. Edmund G. Ryan, S.J. Student Activities Leadership Award
Description: Recognizes students who have gone above and beyond in service to their student organizations.
Recipient(s): Arianna Council, Adreana Marino, Maddie Kotch

Student Life Excellence Award (Seniors)
Description: Honors seniors who have made outstanding contributions not only to their student organizations but to student life as a whole.
Recipient(s): Ian Gotthelf, Mercedes Sailor, Amy Holt, Sharon Smith

Outstanding First Year
Description: Highlights the student who is able to make a significant positive impact in their first year at Canisius.
Recipient(s): Leang Henriquez

Outstanding Sophomore
Description: Highlights the student who is able to make a significant positive impact in their second year at Canisius.
Recipient(s): Briana Wasil
 

Outstanding Junior
Description: Highlights the student who is able to make a significant positive impact in their third year at Canisius.
Recipient(s): Daeshyon Riley

Outstanding Commuter Student
Description: Highlights the student who is able to make a significant positive impact as a commuter student at Canisius.
Recipient(s): Masuma Uddin

Outstanding Graduate Student
Description: Highlights the student who is able to make a significant positive impact as a graduate student at Canisius.
Recipient(s): Megan Campbell

Outstanding International Student
Description: Highlights the student who is able to make a significant positive impact as an international student at Canisius.
Recipient(s): Ai Shimizu
Office/Organization: Center for Int'l Education

Undergraduate Student Association Executive Board
Description: Celebrates exceptional leadership in student government positions and thanks them for their efforts this year.
Recipient(s): Tim Sanders, Analee DeGlopper, Gabby Kaderlli, Aaron Hall

ALANA Student Center Executive Board Members of the Year
Description: Recognizes a student who has excelled in a leadership position in one of the ALANA student organizations.
Recipient(s): Leyla Akil
Office/Organization: ALANA

Rookie Resident Assistant of the Year
Description: Highlights the new Resident Assistant who has made a significant positive impact in their first year as a paraprofessional at Canisius.
Recipient(s): Adrienne Steele
Office/Organization: Residential Life

Resident Assistant of the Year
Description: Highlights a returning or graduating Resident Assistant who has made a significant positive impact this year as a paraprofessional at Canisius.
Recipient(s): Analee DeGlopper
Office/Organization: Residential Life

Dorothy Day Social Justice Award
Description: Honors a student that embodies Dorothy Day's legacy of social justice, peace, and radical hospitality.
Recipient(s): Jeb Braunscheidel
Office/Organization: Campus Ministry

Ignatian Spirit Award
Description: Honors a student who embodies the saying attributed to St. Ignatius: "go and set the world on fire".
Recipient(s): Maddy Lockwood
Office/Organization: Campus Ministry

Pedro Arrupe, S.J. "Faith that Does Justice" Award
Description: Honors a student who embodies Pedro Arrupe's legacy as a selfless Jesuit who is truly present to the people they serve.
Recipient(s): Eamon Wallace
Office/Organization: Campus Ministry

St. Ignatius "Magis" Award
Description: Honors a student who embodies the Latin word "Magis," seeking to do more for a higher purpose.
Recipient(s): Mitchell Popovski
Office/Organization: Campus Ministry

The Vance Stinson Dedication Award
Description: Given in memory of Vance Stinson (Class of 2016), one of the most dedicated students this campus has ever known.
Recipient(s): Michael Dobrasz