Arts Co-op students and employers recognized for work term excellence

The Arts Co-op team is celebrating March, the National Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) month by recognizing the outstanding work of employers and students. On January 23, 2025, the Arts Co-op team hosted the annual Arts Co-op Employer and Student of the Year ceremony. The ceremony is a chance to celebrate the work term accomplishments and dedication of Arts Co-op students and employers alike. The 2024 in-person award ceremony was held in the Hunter Hub for Entrepreneurial Thinking’s Collision Space. Students, employers and their respective guests came together to celebrate and show support for the achievements of Arts Co-op students and employers throughout the past year. 

In total, 27 students and 27 supervisors were nominated in three categories: On-Campus, Off-Campus Large Organization (500+ employees) and Off-Campus Small/Medium Organization (less than 500 employees). Nominations were carefully assessed by an independent panel of five judges who graciously volunteered their time. A total of 6 winners and 6 honourable mentions were awarded and celebrated at the ceremony. 

Students expressed their gratitude and appreciation for their supervisors and the skills and experiences they gained during their work terms. David Thomas, one of the two Honourable Mentions for the Student of the Year On-Campus award, shared how his experience with the Centre for Career & Personal Development (CCPD) and Food Hub helped him “develop as a professional and also personally as well,” emphasizing how his work terms have helped him narrow down his focus regarding future career paths. Similar sentiments were expressed by Mena Hassan, the Honourable Mention for the Student of the Year, Off Campus Small/Medium Organization, who commented on how she “learnt so many hard skills about what it means to be a good student but once [she] entered into the work force, [she gained invaluable] soft skills.” Students were appreciative of how completing a co-op work term provided them with professional development and provided clarity with their career prospects.

Employers similarly asserted how working with co-op students have benefited them as well. Victoria Wert, the winner of the Employer of the Year On-Campus Award, commented on how as a supervisor she was able to “learn so much about new ways to supervise and new ways to communicate.” Employers also expressed the importance of the work co-op students do and the value they add to the workplace. Mika Blundell, the Honourable Mention for the Employer of the Year On-Campus Award, voiced how although students may start off nervous and unsure, “overtime, they grow and they develop and they add so much to the work that we do, especially at the office of Experiential Learning.” Employers were also grateful to be recognized and nominated by their students. 

The celebration is always a highlight for the Arts Co-op Team, who were happy to acknowledge and celebrate the work of students and employers and to hear the positive experiences of the Co-op program. 

Student of the Year Awards

• On-Campus 
  • Winner: Justin Lo – Faculty of Arts, Office of the Dean, Communications. Nominated by Marion Garden
  • Honorable Mention: David Thomas – Student Experience and Support, Centre for Career and Personal Development. Nominated by Heather Ramshaw
  • Honorable Mention: Sumaiya Shoma – International Student Services, Student Experience and Support. Nominated by Isabel Fandino
• Off-Campus, Large Organization. 
  • Winner: Raqiba Aminzadah – The City of Calgary. Nominated by Eren Cervantes-Altamirano
  • Honorable Mention: Chelsea McKitrick – Global Affairs Canada. Nominated by Meaghan Pelton
• Off-Campus, Small/Medium Organization
  • Winner: Dorjee Parsur – the Office of MP Arif Virani. Nominated by Tanis Darling
  • Honorable Mention: Mena Hessan – The Calgary Airport Authority. Nominated by Emika Gagne

Employer of the Year Awards

• On-Campus
  • Winner: Victoria Wert – Taylor Institute for Teaching and Learning, Office of Experiential Learning. Nominated by Rica Bandigas.
  • Honourable Mention: Mika Blundell – Taylor Institute for Teaching and Learning, Office of Experiential Learning. Nominated by Ace Arellano. 
• Off-Campus Large Organization
  • Winner: Lisa MacDonald – Bird Construction. Nominated by Tara Meehan.
• Off-Campus Small/Medium Organization
  • Winner: Bre-Anne Smith – Invest Alberta Corporation. Nominated by Trang Nquyen
  • Honorable Mention: Dango Gogo – McMurray Regional Law Office. Nominated by Favor Oguntuase