Celebration of Learning Recipients 2019

Kathy Huynh

Kathy is known for her creativity, problem solving skills, and desire to learn content deeply and apply it broadly. A student leader, Kathy demonstrates an impressive capacity for reflection, putting her learning and interests to work in ways that contribute to the College and to the broader Hamilton community. She is an anomaly, a fire cracker, unstoppable, and in short: amazing.

Remon Essa

Remon’s demonstrated commitment and dedication to work and study is inspiring. He is known for his positive attitude and impressive communications skills—skills which he uses to inspire others to succeed.

Thomas Williams

Thomas is a high achieving and ambitious student, who is involved in many different facets of campus life. With an impressive academic performance and outstanding contributions to the campus community, Thomas gives back to his academic community through various co-curricular activities including acting as a member of the Enactus team, the Vanier College Case Challenge Team, SURGE, and as a P.A.S.S. Leader. He sits on the MSA Board of Directors as the Vice President of Finance, advocating for students across all campuses. Additionally Thomas is highly involved as a Student Leader, having logged 230 volunteer hours on his Co-Curricular Record. He attended the Mohawk Student Leadership Academy, and is an active member of the MoCrew team providing engaging experiences for his peers.

Ashwin Sakthivel

Ashwin is an inspiring young professional who goes beyond expectations to help others succeed. He is academically outstanding and a leader who supports growth and skill development in his peers as a tutor and as a team member. In our diverse learning environment, he is a collaborator whose actions portray his belief of inclusivity and who presents innate professional conduct in class and beyond.

Sanah Kazmi

Sanah is a strong academic student who dedicates her time to the community through volunteerism. She is an excellent communicator and collaborator, demonstrating both skills in class and outside with faculty and peers. She is an outstanding peer mentor who is passionate about teaching and learning. She is an exemplary model of a well-rounded student who takes all opportunities to build her skills and the skills of those around her.

Katherine O'Hearn

Katherine is a dedicated Peer Tutor always willing to welcome and support others. An engaged learner, Katherine seeks to not only better her own academic performance, but to help improve the performance of others. She can often be found working alongside tutees in the shop setting providing hands on tutelage to reinforce classroom concepts. Katherine was also an active participant in Mohawk’s Jamaica project assisting with fundraising and scoping for renovations to Bowden Hill Primary. She also gives back locally by contributing to the Building Renovation Community Project in cooperation with City Housing Hamilton.

Elizabeth Dimand-Buczek

Elizabeth is an outstanding student recognized for her commitment and leadership within the Mohawk community as a P.A.S.S. Leader and as a MoCrew Student Leader. She is one of those students who thrives on engagement and who has made a myriad of meaningful, lasting, wholehearted contributions to Mohawk in the time she has been at the college. A leader and a problem solver, she provides peer-to-peer support to newer student leaders, encouraging them to meaningfully engage as workshop attendees and as student event facilitators.

Sibel Kinaci

Sibel is an excellent student and a pleasure to work with. She is friendly and thoughtful towards faculty and peers.

Filesha Wiltse

Filesha is a strong, articulate communicator who emulates Mohawk’s institutional learning outcomes. She is a strong leader and a team player who demonstrates a willingness to share knowledge and lift up others. She is a resourceful problem solver and has repeatedly been commended for being employment ready following academic placement opportunities. Additionally, she is active in her sustainability pursuits, having acted as Mohawk’s Community Garden Student Coordinator this past season.

Matthew Grossi

Matthew is a student who boasts high academic achievement alongside an active Co-Curricular Record. With a strong commitment to education, Matthew is known as a hard worker who adds to his success by supporting his peers.

John Conlin (Posthumous)

John was nominated for this award by faculty and peers in recognition of his academic achievements and of the legacy he built during his time as a Mohawk student. John used the skills he learned in a Peer Support Training course run by the Ontario Peer Development Initiative to support a large number of community organizations including St. Leonard’s and Brantford’s Welcome In shelter. He also volunteered at Shalom Village, working with palliative care patients, Eatery 541, and Good Shepard, all while performing at the top of his class in the General Arts & Science program. John was a collaborative peer leader and an effective communicator who shared his mindfulness practice with those he supported.

John was a bright and resilient individual who has left a lasting impact on our community.

Bethany Loney

Bethany is a fourth semester Graphic Design student who is both academically successful and highly engaged in our campus community. She is an effective communicator who volunteers with the Campus to Community program, at special events, and helps engage her peers as the graphic designer for Student Life. She is a positive influence on her peers and a hardworking student commended for her professionalism and dedication to the graphic design industry.

Haley Verkaik

Haley dedicates her time to academic success and supporting her peers. Nominated by three of her peers for her outstanding ability to lead by example, Haley takes pride in her work and is a model of excellence in the Nursing program.

Robert H. Bidaman

Robert self-described as a “vintage” student. Robert works hard at Mohawk to build his skills and professional identity to help those in need within the Hamilton community. He volunteers his time as a Mohawk radio host for 101.5 The Hawk and as a performer in community hospices and long-term care homes. He is a high achieving student who is dedicated to his learning journey.