Brock’s Smart Start program is designed to help incoming students transition to University life, but for student volunteer Aidan Smyth, it was a catalyst for leadership.

Applied Health Sciences graduate student Smyth (BEd, PHED ’14) has always been interested in leadership, but it was his high school basketball coach who first told him that to be a great leader, he needed to learn to project his voice.

Seven years later, Smyth now lists among his public speaking accomplishments, the speech he delivered to a packed gymnasium last November at Brock’s 2015 Remembrance Day Ceremony.

“I spent my first three years at Brock somewhat uninvolved. It wasn’t until my first summer working for Smart Start that I received any training in public speaking and professional conduct,” says Smyth, who was named one of three graduate student recipients of the 2016 President’s Surgite Award.

In addition to helping incoming students, the Smart Start Orientation program also provides returning students with the opportunity to gain valuable training and work experience.

“One of the biggest opportunities our Smart Start team members receive is through our training program. They get the chance to enhance their public speaking and customer service skills,” says Curtis Gadula, Manager, Off Campus Living and Neighbourhood Relations.

“Smart Start really became a catalyst for my involvement,” says Smyth.

“The constructive criticism, helped push me to build the necessary skills to take on other challenges.”

Once outside his comfort zone, Smyth learned that intimidating experiences can be great learning opportunities.

Last May, Smyth wrapped up his one year term as the 2015-16 Graduate Students’ Association (GSA) President while working on his masters degree full-time.

“My role as President of the GSA really marks the culmination of my leadership efforts and the mentorship I received throughout my time at Brock. The experience taught me a great deal about what it means to lead effectively,” he says.

This role required Smyth to represent almost 1,800 graduate students, participate in the selection process which led to the nomination of Shirley Cheechoo as the University’s Chancellor and represent Brock on a national scale at the Canadian Association for Graduate Studies conference in Calgary.

Smyth’s involvement in the Brock community also extends to supervising student volunteers for the SeniorFit program at the Brock-Niagara Centre for Health and Well-being and working as a personal trainer in the Zone Fitness Centre.

“All of my accomplishments are largely due to the generous support I have received along the way. In my seven years at Brock, I have learned to be resilient, seek new challenges, and ultimately strive to embody our University’s motto, Surgite,” says Smyth.

In recognition of his outstanding involvement, Smyth was selected as a recipient of the 2016 President’s Surgite Award.

“It is certainly an honour to be a recipient of the President’s Surgite award. While I appreciate this recognition from the university, my accomplishments are merely a reflection of the great faculty, staff and students here. I am grateful to everyone who has inspired me to become a better student, teacher, leader and person,” says Smyth.

For the past two years, Smyth’s masters work has been focused on men’s fitness and body image. Among the awards for his research are the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council Graduate Scholarship, Ontario Graduate Scholarship and the GSA Bursary.

“Aidan’s work has always been outstanding,” says Master’s Supervisor and Kinesiology Associate Professor Kimberly Gammage.

“When Aidan was selected for the 2016 President’s Surgite Award, I remember looking at the list of all the things he was involved in at Brock and feeling surprised because as his supervisor, I never knew just how involved he was,” says Gammage.

“He’s a great student, but more importantly, a great person.”

Smyth defended his thesis last month.

The President’s Surgite Award is presented to 10 recipients annually, seven to undergraduate students and three to graduate students. Also recognized with the 2016 President’s Surgite Award for their outstanding achievements as graduate students were Dinara Salaeva (Applied Health Sciences) and Jessica Vickruck (Math & Sciences).