Student Recognition
Neil Russell Student Leadership Award
The Neil Russell Student Leadership Award honours TRU undergraduate students who have demonstrated leadership and have made outstanding contributions to TRU, their communities and/or the society-at-large. This award is given in recognition of Neil Russell, former TRU VP Student Affairs and VP Academic, for his dedication to student achievement and leadership.
Congratulations to Gavin Edwards, winner of the 2024 Neil Russell Student Leadership Award.
Gavin Edwards was named winner of the Neil Russell Student Leadership Award for being an exemplary planner, developer and student leader. Based on his work, TRU has been made a better place for his fellow students."
An active member of the TRUSU Computing Science Club, the Game Development Club, the Gaming Club, and the Anime Club, Gavin volunteered countless hours to support student orientation, recruitment, and other initiatives from the Computing Science department. He has also worked with the wider academic community, setting himself apart from other students.
Gavin typically organized at least two to four student events each month, with 40 to 80 students attending each event. One of the most significant feats was a weeklong game development workshop. He also coordinated logistics and took five students to a Game Development conference. He is now organizing a trip for ten TRU students to attend the next Game Development conference in San Francisco.
More information about this award
The successful candidate will receive a monetary award of $1000 and will be honoured at a luncheon with the adjudication committee.
Note: This award is for students enrolled in a program at the undergraduate level. Nominators must be a faculty or staff member of Thompson Rivers University.
Application
A complete application package must include the following completed documents and be sent to lead@tru.ca no later than the first Wednesday in March by 4:00 pm.
Nominator Form along with two, 300-500 word responses to the information requested on the nominator form.
Co-Nominator Form along with a 300-500 word response to the information requested on the co-nominator form.
Nominee form along with a 300-500 word response to the information requested on the nominee form.
TRU Peer Leader of the Month Recognition Award
The TRU Peer Leader of the Month Award recognizes one or two Peer Leader(s) per month from September to April of each academic year for contributions they have made to their mentees, peer leader group, the TRU community, and/or the broader Kamloops community. This award recognizes the diverse contributions made by peer leaders and rewards students who exemplify attributes such as passion, leadership, resilience, excellence, creativity, and empathy.
More information about this award
Application
If you are a Peer Leader Coordinator and have questions regarding nominating a peer leader, please send an email to lead@tru.ca.
TRU Peer Leaders of the Month
February 2025
Ppriyanka Bokey
Career Ambassador
Ppriyanka exemplifies passion, leadership, creativity, and excellence through her outstanding Career & Experiential Learning ambassador contributions. Priyanka has been incredibly active in bringing new ideas to the team, showcasing her creativity and commitment to enhancing the student experience. She has been a hands-on advocate for students' career development, demonstrating her initiative and leadership skills. Her ability to engage with students is exceptional - she consistently fosters meaningful connections, providing guidance and support with empathy and enthusiasm. Ppriyanka has been incredibly active in bringing new ideas to the team, showcasing her creativity and commitment to enhancing the student experience. Also, having experience as an Orientation and Transition Ambassador and Student Storyteller, her knowledge base has enabled her to confidently assist students and deliver excellent support, making her an invaluable resource for her peers and the broader TRU community. Ppriyanka's dedication, innovative thinking, and ability to inspire others make her an ideal recipient of this award. She has made a lasting impact on the students she has worked with and the Career Ambassador program.
January 2025
Bensly Roods Pierre
Undergraduate Research Ambassador
Bensly is a superstar upper-level student entering his final semester of TRU's Computer Science program. Bensly's creativity shines through the thoughtful ways he manages the student clubs, coursework, and paid positions. His ability to read the room and translate what he perceives through media is unique—if you can imagine it, he can make it! He's an amazing peer mentor, Research Coach, Research Assistant, and student caucus member. You'll likely see him fist-bumping every other student as he walks down the hall, evidence of his keen community-building skills and ability to make people feel like they belong.
December 2024
Paromita Roy
BBA Peer Mentor
As a BBA Peer Mentor, Paromita is an intuitive, supportive, reliable, and adaptable student leader. She generates many creative ideas about future programming while assessing the team's successes and challenges to ensure continuous growth and improvement. Paromita is celebrated for her initiative, care, compassion, and logistical support; she often provides guidance or can anticipate when shifts need to be covered, filling those gaps without being asked.
November 2024
Doan Nguyen Phat
Intercultural Ambassador
As an Intercultural Ambassador, Doan Nguyen Phat is known for being thoughtful, humble, empathetic and passionate about advancing equity, inclusion and intercultural engagement at TRU. Having been a part of the Intercultural Ambassador team for two years, Phat has led several projects, including the name inclusion project, created marketing and communication assets for upcoming intercultural events, and hosted the first-ever Intercultural Teatime in House 4. Phat has modelled personal growth, resilience and bravery and leads by example and with deep compassion. This is Phat's last semester at TRU, and he will be remembered for contributing to meaningful change at TRU and beyond.
October 2024
Jenna Marshall
Senior Student Storyteller
As a senior Student Storyteller, Jenna Marshall is dependable, strategic, and a multi-talented producer of exceptional and meaningful digital content. Jenna's technical skills have grown significantly over the years, and she's very generous with information and insights to help others feel empowered. Above all, Jenna's approaches to leadership are particularly heartening. She supports junior students on project work with care and compassion and engages in various on-campus events with intelligence, interest and enthusiasm. Jenna is completing her final semester as a BBA student and marketing major and will be missed.
September 2024
Manuel Centeno
Supplemental Learning Leader
In his role as a Supplemental Learning Leader Manuel is known for his positive energy and for being an extraordinarily hard-working individual. Despite a demanding timetable of courses, volunteer work, and other commitments, Manuel never says no to an opportunity to help. Manuel has taken on responsibilities to better manage the SL space and supplies. He often volunteers on Fridays at the community Homework Club, and he is always around to help the students attending his sessions. This year, Manuel will be returning to TRU not only as a Supplemental Learning Leader, but also as a Mentor and Peer Academic Coach. Manuel’s enthusiasm, caring nature, and respect for others make him an exceptional member of the Supplemental Learning team.
