The 2024-25 President’s Surgite Award recipients with President and Vice-Chancellor Lesley Rigg. Front row, from left: Muskaan Waraich, Chantal Brioux, Rigg, Muhammad Rashad Jaffar Hussain and Larissa Lobo. Back row, from left: Alpreet Kaur, Lucy Teminski, Caroline Hummell, Daniel Oguejiofor, Moyosore Babalola and Jack Rupcic.A passionate advocate for mentorship in sport, Caroline Hummell knows all too well the powerful impact of leading by example.
It’s a lesson the PhD in Applied Health Sciences candidate has learned through her research on mentorship for girls and women in sport — and one she also works to apply in her everyday life.
Hummell’s research efforts along with her volunteerism in the community recently saw her recognized as one of 10 Brock University student leaders to receive a 2024-25 President’s Surgite Award.
The awards honour students who exemplify leadership, academic excellence and a commitment to making a difference in their communities. This year’s recipients — recognized during an awards ceremony and luncheon with President and Vice-Chancellor Lesley Rigg on Wednesday, April 2 — reflect Brock’s dedication to fostering innovation, inclusivity and leadership across disciplines.
“This award recognizes students who are not only excelling academically, but who are also leading with purpose and compassion,” Rigg says. “This year’s recipients reflect the very best of Brock; they are curious, courageous and committed to making a difference in their communities and in the world.”
Hummell’s research delves into the critical distinction between role models and mentors in sports mentorship programs. Currently in the analysis phase of her research, Hummell has already identified key insights into the influence of mentorship on positive youth development in all areas of life.
“One of the biggest challenges I’ve noticed is having a clear understanding of the difference between mentors and role models,” she said. “Mentorship involves the development and maintenance of a deep, personal relationship.”
Beyond her research, Hummell is involved in mentorship initiatives on and off campus. Her leadership in developing and supporting programs aimed at fostering meaningful mentor-mentee relationships has impacted numerous young athletes and students alike.
Brock’s 2024-25 President’s Surgite Award recipients are:
- Jack Rupcic, fourth-year Business Administration student
- Chantal Brioux, fourth-year Sport Management student
- Lucy Teminski, fourth-year Neuroscience student
- Alpreet Kaur, fourth-year Business Administration student
- Daniel Oguejiofor, third-year Medical Sciences student
- Muskaan Waraich, fourth-year Political Science and Women’s and Gender Studies student
- Muhammad Rashad Jaffar Hussain, third-year Medical Sciences student
- Caroline Hummell, PhD in Applied Health Sciences candidate
- Larissa Lobo, PhD in Applied Health Sciences candidate
- Moyosore Babalola, second-year Master of Science Management (Finance) student
