Arts Employer and Student of the Year Awards

The annual Arts Co-op Employer and Student of the Year, 2021 Award Ceremony was held on Jan. 27, 2022, celebrating the hard work of Co-op students and the support they received from employers over the past year. A recording of the virtual event is available on the Arts Co-op website.

Twenty-six students and thirty supervisors received nominations. These were reviewed by an impartial judging panel of four who volunteered their time to review the nominations and determine the winners and honorable mentions. Dr. Jason Wiens, Associate Dean (Acting), Teaching, Learning and Student Engagement presented the awards in the following categories: Off-Campus Large Organizations, Off-Campus Small/Medium Organizations and On-Campus departments.

Employers recognized included TC Energy, Suncor, Global Affairs Canada, Navigator Ltd, Aubin Consulting, and Platform Calgary.

“It was wonderful when I received the email to know that Nhat thought so highly of his experience on our team and that he took some time to fill out a nomination form in his busy schedule. He is dedicated beyond measure. He works quite a lot outside of his time with us, he volunteers, and he has another job, so he's just one of those exemplary ambassadors for the university” - Vanessa Gagnon, Platform Calgary, Employer Honourable Mention, Small/Medium Organization

The student winners came from a variety of programs of study – International Relations, Political Science, Law and Society, Economics, Communications and Media Studies and Sociology.

“I remember back when I was starting out, trying to find a co-op opportunity. I was applying everywhere, and if it wasn't for CNOOC giving me a chance, to someone who had basically no industry experience - I definitely wouldn't be here today.” - Madison Lee, Communications and Media Studies, Honourable Mention, Student of the Year, Large Organization

During their Co-op terms students learn from industry professionals, develop skills, and become integral members of their teams. Many students experienced virtual work terms with a few gaining in-person experiences. It was evident from the thoughtful acceptance speeches that both work formats led to strong interpersonal relationships, and even friendships, leading to continued professional and personal connections. Employers noted how impressive the students were and their positive impact and contributions to their teams, resulting from their energy, initiative, and strong work ethic.

The Awards Ceremony is a highlight for the entire Co-op team who are happy to be part of the process and to witness the success of students and work with such supportive supervisors and employers, on and off-campus. Please join us in congratulating and acknowledging the hard work of the finalists.

Student Winners – Off-Campus, Large Organization 

Winner: Ahona Raisa, nominated by Shawn Mahoney, Suncor
Honorable Mention: Vikram Gill, nominated by Julia Gangji, TC Energy
Honorable Mention: Madison Lee, nominated by Robbie Armfield, CNOOC Petroleum

Student – Off-Campus. Small/Medium Organization

Winner: Daniel Kohse, nominated by Mihaela Cozma, Canada Energy Regulator
Honorable Mention: Krushi Patel, nominated by Randy Dawson, Navigator Ltd
Honorable Mention: Marija Tunic, Nominated by Eva Ristic, Nanalysis

Student – On-Campus

Winner: Elizabeth Venton-Parnell, nominated by Nanako Furuyama, Women’s Resource Centre
Honorable Mention: Freshta Akbary, nominated by Mandy Foley, Arts Co-op Program
Honorable Mention: Madison Buckland, nominated by Mandy Foley, Arts Co-op Program

Employer – Off-Campus, Large Organization

Winner: Julia Gangji, TC Energy, nominated by Vikram Gill
Honorable Mention: Shawn Mahoney, Suncor, nominated by Ahona Raisa
Honorable Mention: Meaghan Pelton, Global Affairs Canada, nominated by Nicole Flemming

Employer – Off-Campus, Small/Medium Organization

Winner: Randy Dawson, Navigator Ltd., nominated by Krushi Patel
Honorable Mention: Aaron Aubin, Aubin Consulting, nominated by Emma O’Reilly
Honorable Mention: Vanessa Gagnon, Platform Calgary, nominated by Nhat Vu

Employer – On-Campus

Winner: Steve Mason, Student Success Centre, nominated by Angela Ma, Melanie Li, Sinit Abraha, Keanu Dickson
Honorable Mention: Gareth McVicar, Leadership and Student Engagement, nominated by Clara Rofaeil
Honorable Mention: Greta Vardazaryan, Graduate Science Centre, nominated by Isha Patel, Yoanna Nikolova