Brock President Lesley Rigg (centre) and Associate Vice-President, Students Brad Clarke (far right) present the President’s Surgite Awards to (from left) Aishah Sonekan, Ashley Giroux, Hamed Karagahi, Angelica Pangilinan, Emily Bonisteel, Rakha Zabin, Larissa Dellaventura, Sophie Johnston and Wantao Xiao. Ten Brock student leaders have been recognized with President’s Surgite Awards for their contributions to the University and Niagara communities.
One of Brock’s most prestigious student honours, the awards recognize graduate and undergraduate students who have shown exemplary leadership in a Brock student club, organization, association or team; made a significant contribution to student life at Brock; advanced the University’s academic reputation; or provided a valuable service to Brock or the wider community.
The awards were presented by Brock President and Vice-Chancellor Lesley Rigg during a luncheon to celebrate the recipients on Thursday, April 27.
“These exceptional students represent the very best of Brock,” says Rigg. “It’s inspiring to see their leadership, dedication to academic excellence and generous service to others. I know they’ll continue to make the entire Brock community proud as they work towards their goals both at the University and out in the world beyond graduation.”
Hamed Karagahi is happy to be wrapping up his time at Brock on such a positive note.
“My experiences at Brock have shaped me to become a leader who prides himself on the extent of the change he has been able to witness in his environment,” says the Public Health student, who will graduate in June. “Surely, the number of students I have been able to connect with is more than enough for a satisfying end to my journey at Brock University.”
Over the past four years, Karagahi has pioneered several initiatives that support marginalized groups on campus, including implementing frameworks for gender-inclusive sexual health education rooted in harm-reduction principles in his role as a Sexual Health Lead with Brock’s Student Wellness and Accessibility Centre.
He has also served as a Gender and Sexual Violence Mentor for Brock’s Human Rights and Equity office, an International Student Ambassador and a member of the President’s Advisory Committee on Human Rights, Equity and Decolonization.
Advocating for others has also been central to Rakha Zabin’s Brock experience.
“I feel really honored and humbled receiving this award because I feel that it values student leadership and extends our efforts in the realm of student advocacy,” says the PhD student in Educational Studies.
Zabin has represented graduate students on a number of University committees, including the University Senate. She says her work with the Graduate Students’ Association (GSA) has been her greatest opportunity to enrich the experience of her fellow graduate students. Currently the GSA’s Vice-President, External Affairs and Deputy President, she will be taking on the role of President and CEO in May.
“These academic, leadership and community experiences have prepared me immensely in various areas such as collaboration, team building, advocacy and many others,” says Zabin. “I would like to say that these engagements have not only added to my knowledge but have also enriched my skill set and helped me grow as an individual.”
The 2022-23 President’s Surgite Award recipients include:
- Emily Bonisteel (Kinesiology)
- Larissa Dellaventura (Public Health)
- Ashley Giroux (Therapeutic Recreation)
- Sophie Johnston (Medical Sciences)
- Hamed Karagahi (Public Health)
- Evelin Melekh (Medical Sciences)
- Angelica Pangilinan (Sociology)
- Aishah Sonekan (Psychology)
- Wantao Xiao (Biotechnology)
- Rakha Zabin (Educational Studies)
