21 April 2026

For over 40 years, the SAMRU Awards have highlighted and celebrated post-secondary excellence at Mount Royal University (MRU).

On April 11, students, faculty and community leaders gathered in Wyckham House for the SAMRU Awards.

The SAMRU Student Governing Board (SGB) was on hand for the ceremony and had the distinct honour of presenting over $42,000 in awards.

See the full list and bios of winners below! All bios are written by the winners.

Enrichment Awards

Clubs Awards

Palestinian Culture Club | Excellence in Community Service Award
CAMRU (Computing Alliance of Mount Royal University | Excellence in Membership Service Award

Staff and Faculty Awards

Dr. Sara Smith | Teaching Excellence Award
Jordan Kidney | Teaching Excellence Award
Mackenzie Fraser | Champion Award

Endeavour Awards

Excellence Awards

Enrichment Awards

Beyond Disabilities Award Winners
Ava Chow

Ava Chow is a first-year student studying Psychology, with a minor in French Language and Francophone Studies. She is passionate about education and helping students build confidence in their learning.

Outside of school, Ava works as a tutor, supporting students with a range of learning needs, encouraging them to develop both academic skills and self-belief. She also volunteers at a local school, where she works closely alongside students with varying mental and physical disabilities. Through this experience, she has developed a strong passion for supporting individuals with disabilities as well as their families, creating an environment where all students feel understood and supported.

These experiences have strengthened her interest in psychology and deepened her curiosity about how people think, learn, and develop. At Mount Royal, she is also a member of the Psychology Student Society, where she enjoys connecting with others who share an interest in psychology and mental health.

Laurel Krbavac

Laurel is an Elementary Education student with a minor in Physical Literacy. She is passionate about supporting people with disabilities, particularly in sport and recreation settings. She is committed to creating inclusive, participant-centred environments where individuals of all abilities can experience movement, confidence, and connection.

Currently, Laurel volunteers as one of the MRU CAPA program coordinators, where she helps plan and lead adapted physical activity sessions for children and youth with diverse needs. Through this role, she develops accessible programming, supports volunteers, and works to ensure meaningful participation for every child.

Laurel also regularly volunteers in the Dominican Republic, supporting local school and community sport initiatives for children living in poverty. She has been especially involved in an early learning centre for preschoolers, helping to provide a safe and supportive learning environment as well as access to sport and recreation opportunities. Whether in academic, work, or volunteer settings, Laurel continually works to foster inclusion, remove barriers to participation, and create spaces where everyone has the opportunity to engage in both sport and education.

Deanna Cardinal Memorial Award
Angie Deranger

Édlánet’é?, Si Angela Deranger Hule’ya’. Angie is a Dene Su’line woman from Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation, Fond du Lac Dene First Nation, and a community member of Lutsel K’e Dene First Nation. Angie is also a proud mother of seven children and a grandmother. Angie’s identity as a Dene woman, mother, helper, and learner guides everything she does.

Education, for Angie, is not individual achievement—it is collective responsibility. It is about restoring balance for our families, our youth, and our Nations.

Gender and Sexual Diversity Award
Regan Gallagher

Regan is currently a first-year Bachelor of Social Work student with a minor in Indigenous Studies. Passionate about helping others, she supports students through her volunteer work at SAMRU’s Peer Support and Pride Centre. Furthermore, guided by the principle of empathy, she strives to create inclusive, safe and welcoming environments while volunteering at the Peer Support and Pride Centre.

Additionally, she has volunteered with the Good Human Campaign as a facilitator at their event ‘Beyond the Small Talk’ and at Mount Royal’s Pow Wow Children’s Corner. Through her volunteer work and ongoing academic pursuits, Regan is committed to fostering inclusive, accessible, and supportive environments for all individuals.

Inspiring Culture Award
Amal Mouaouia

Amal feels fortunate to have taken part in a number of leadership and community initiatives during her time at Mount Royal University. Through her involvement with SAMRU, the Peer Learning Program, and her writing with The Reflector, she works to amplify student voices and improve everyday experiences on campus.

Amal also serves as Co-President of the Kids First Foundation, where she helps organize initiatives supporting student-parents and families facing financial strain. She is grateful for the opportunities to both learn from and contribute to the MRU community, and looks forward to continuing to support students and initiatives that make campus life more inclusive and connected.

Clubs Awards

Excellence in Community Service Award
Palestinian Culture Club

The Palestinian Culture Club (PCC) has fostered a strong sense of unity among students from diverse backgrounds, encouraging a deeper appreciation for Palestinian culture and heritage across the Mount Royal University community. Through a wide range of initiatives, the club has created meaningful opportunities for students and community members to engage with Palestinian traditions, artistic expression, cuisine, and history.

Beyond cultural celebration, PCC is also committed to amplifying voices that are silenced. This commitment has been demonstrated through interactive cultural events, educational panels, community gatherings, and charitable initiatives. Notably, the club raised over $32,000 in humanitarian aid to support relief efforts in Gaza in just one evening, reflecting the compassion and dedication of its members. What truly distinguishes the Palestine Culture Club is its ability to seamlessly bring together cultural celebration and meaningful advocacy, creating a space where education, community, and social responsibility can coexist and thrive. PCC continues to bring togetherness and excitement while always centring Palestine at the heart of all that they do.

Excellence in Membership Services Award
CAMRU (Computing Alliance of Mount Royal University)

The Computing Alliance of MRU (CAMRU) is a premier student organization at Mount Royal University dedicated to fostering innovation and professional growth within the field of computing. Serving as a vital bridge between the classroom and the tech industry, the club provides an inclusive environment where students can master technical skills, expand their professional networks, and build lasting community ties.

CAMRU is widely recognized for its flagship Annual Networking Night, which stands as the largest tech-focused recruitment event on campus, hosting nearly 300 students and over a dozen industry partners. Beyond career-building, the organization offers educational services, including industry-standard Git workshops, and insight panels with major firms such as ATB and RBC.

Whether its members are expert coders or curious beginners, the club empowers them with the resources and confidence needed to navigate the digital landscape. Through its steadfast leadership, CAMRU remains an essential pillar of the MRU campus community.

Staff and Faculty Awards

Teaching Excellence Award Winners
Dr. Sara Smith

Dr. Sara Smith is an Assistant Professor of Ecology and the Student Research Coordinator in the Department of Biology. Before joining Mount Royal University in 2022, she taught a variety of student-centred courses and workshops at the University of Calgary, the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre, and Harvard University.

At MRU, Dr. Smith focuses on inquiry-based, experiential learning to give students the opportunity to gain authentic research experiences and hone relevant skills for today’s science job market. As the Biology Student Research Coordinator, Dr. Smith’s goal has been to demystify the hidden curriculum of academic research by organizing public Biology Research Day and Science Showcase events and lowering the barriers to entry for course-based research experiences.

Her favourite moment in the classroom is seeing a concept or topic connect with a student for the first time, making the abstract and weird world of biology relatable and accessible to everyone in her class.

Teaching Excellence Award
Jordan Kidney

Jordan Kidney is an educator who believes that teaching begins with care. He works to create spaces where students feel seen, supported, and safe enough to learn, struggle, and grow. With a kind and compassionate approach, he strives to make learning feel approachable and meaningful, helping students believe in themselves even when they doubt their own abilities.

Jordan is known for bringing warmth, patience, and authenticity into the classroom, always trying to meet students where they are and remind them that they matter. For him, teaching is about more than sharing knowledge. It is about building confidence, nurturing curiosity, and creating a sense of belonging. He hopes that the students who pass through his classroom leave not only with new skills, but also with a stronger sense of their own worth, resilience, and potential.

Champion Award
Mackenzie Fraser

Mackenzie Fraser is an instructor in the Bachelor of Child Studies program at Mount Royal University. A graduate of the program herself, Mackenzie returned to Mount Royal University in 2022, bringing over 13 years of direct practice experience to the Child and Youth Care Counsellor (CYCC) stream. Her extensive background spans residential treatment, mental health services, schools, and community-based programming.

As a passionate CYCC and educator, Mackenzie’s practice is deeply rooted in being relational, strengths-based, and authentic. She is committed to trauma-informed approaches and strives to foster a sense of belonging for every student and young person she works alongside. Beyond the classroom, Mackenzie is a published children’s author, with work inspired by the curiosity and creativity of the youth she serves. Grounded in real-world experience, she remains dedicated to sharing her passion for the field and supporting the next generation of practitioners in Calgary, Alberta.

Endeavour Awards

Citizen Award Winners
Dani Wakulich

Dani Wakulich is a psychology student graduating this June. Throughout her degree, she has been actively involved in her campus community while maintaining strong academic standing, earning placement on the President’s Honour Roll in both the 2023/24 and 2024/25 academic years. Dani has contributed to student life through leadership, volunteering, and mentorship, working to create supportive and engaging spaces for fellow students.

She first became involved on campus as an Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (EDIA) Peer Leader, where she supported initiatives aimed at fostering a more inclusive and welcoming campus environment. Dani later joined the Mount Royal University Justice Advocates, first as a member and later serving as a Design and Events Executive for the club. Through these roles, she has worked to promote student engagement and advocate for social justice and equity within the campus community. Dani hopes to continue this work beyond the MRU campus in the future.

Demola Yusuf

Demola Yusuf is in his final year of the Anthropology Honours program at Mount Royal University, minoring in Indigenous Studies. Throughout his undergraduate degree, Demola has been actively involved across campus as a student member on MRU’s Human Research Ethics Board, a Student Director with the Archaeology Society of Alberta – Calgary Centre, and a volunteer peer supporter through the MRU After Hours Peer Support Program, where he provides crisis support to fellow students.

Demola has also dedicated much of his time at MRU conducting his honours thesis on the medicinal plant knowledge systems of the Siksikáítsitapi Nation. He has been presented with the Robert Spence Memorial Scholarship, the Humphreys Memorial Scholarship in Archaeology, and the Alberta Innovates Summer Research Studentship. Demola plans to pursue medicine following the completion of his undergraduate degree.

Hiba Adam

Hiba is a dedicated student and community-driven member of the campus community whose work blends artistic expression with meaningful social impact. As a Muslim, Hiba was raised to believe that all people, especially children, deserve the opportunity to excel in life, regardless of their shortcomings. Her love of children, as well as her lifelong goal of pursuing healthcare as a career path, evidently show through her work with non-profit organizations.

Hiba balances her time in academics with volunteer work both on and off campus, despite being a first-year student. She aligns herself with organizations that foster unity, inclusion, and shared purpose, such the Calgary Public Library, MRU Camps, SAMRU clubs, and Calgary Arts Development.

Academically, Hiba seeks deeper understanding of her degree program through practical applications in her volunteer work. Whether she is working on bake sales, event set-up and logistics, child care, designing professional merchandise, art development, or serving those in the community who are less fortunate, Hiba brings intention, empathy, and a strong sense of identity into everything she does. During the rest of her time at Mount Royal, she hopes to foster a sense of vibrancy, belonging, and unity on campus..

Committed Learner Award Winners
Jemina Lumaban

Jemina Lumaban is a fourth-year Accounting student at Mount Royal University who is passionate about supporting both her campus and local community. She serves as a Senior Learning Peer with the Peer Learning Program, where she facilitates collaborative learning sessions that help learners strengthen their understanding of course concepts through guided problem-solving and discussion. She also contributes to the program’s social media outreach by helping create posts that promote events, share wellness and facilitation tips, and recognize Learning Peers.

In addition, Jemina volunteers with the Students’ Association of Mount Royal University (SAMRU), supporting initiatives that enhance student wellbeing. She also volunteers with The Mustard Seed, contributing to programs that provide resources and support for individuals experiencing homelessness, low-income families, and children’s education.

Kailum El-Kadri

Kailum El-Kadri is a fifth-year student at Mount Royal University in Calgary, where he is completing a Bachelor of Arts in History with a minor in the Business of Sport and Recreation. He is the founder and president of KJ Events Co., the organization behind the All-Canadian Classic, a national high school football showcase that brings together top student-athletes from across Canada to compete, develop their skills, and gain exposure to post-secondary opportunities. Alongside his work in sport and event management, Kailum remains committed to learning both inside and outside the classroom.

Through his work with the All-Canadian Classic, Kailum has helped create opportunities for dozens of young athletes each year while building partnerships with coaches, sponsors, and community supporters across the country. He is also actively involved in coaching and mentoring youth athletes, reflecting his passion for sport and leadership development.

Kailum is committed to growing sport in Canada and creating platforms that help young athletes pursue their goals both on and off the field.

Excellence Awards

Bronze Award Winners
Ayden Ali

Ayden Ali is a fourth-year Sociology student with a minor in Business at Mount Royal University, and holds a strong record of academic excellence. He has contributed to Mount Royal’s research community through two terms as a Research Assistant in both the Department of Humanities and Communication, supporting faculty-led projects regarding student activism at Canadian universities, as well as exploring the effects of digital media on civic and political attitudes.

Beyond research, Ayden is deeply involved in university-wide governance and student advocacy, serving on major bodies including the General Faculties Council, the Student Affairs Committee, the Teaching and Learning Committee, Arts Faculty Council, and the Health, Community & Education Council. Across research, governance, and student engagement, Ayden is committed to improving the student experience and helping build a more informed, inclusive, and engaged campus community.

Daniel Owoeye

Daniel Owoeye is a fourth-year Bachelor of Nursing student at Mount Royal University and a student-athlete on the MRU Men’s Basketball team. Throughout his time at MRU, he has demonstrated a strong commitment to leadership and academic excellence and has become a prominent advocate for representation, and community engagement. Daniel balances the demands of varsity athletics with a rigorous nursing program while maintaining a passion for mentorship and service.

Beyond the classroom and the court, Daniel is a committed mentor and community leader. In 2025, he founded a free community basketball development camp themed on “Resilience,” providing elite coaching to underserved youth. His extensive volunteer portfolio includes serving as a respite caregiver for over three years and coaching for the WIN Basketball Club. Currently working within Alberta Health Services as an undergraduate nurse in a Perioperative Unit, Daniel plans to transition into a career in healthcare where he can continue to champion equitable, compassionate care and positively impact his community.

Mehak Grewal

Mehak (she/her) is a fourth-year Psychology student with a minor in Marketing. Her academic interests include women’s and children’s mental health, in addition to consumer behaviour. On campus, Mehak has been actively involved as a Peer Health Educator, New Student Orientation Leader, and New Student Registration Leader, while also serving in an executive role in the Psychology Student Society. Through these roles, she advocates for student well-being. Beyond campus, Mehak volunteers with Kids Help Phone and the University of Calgary, guiding individuals through personal challenges and contributing to research.

Silver Award Winners
Francine Cerbino de Santana

Francine Cerbino is a Bachelor of Science student in Biology at Mount Royal University who will graduate with Honours while maintaining a GPA of 3.96. She has earned a place on the Dean’s Honour Roll every semester and the President’s Honour Roll each year, demonstrating consistent academic excellence throughout her degree.

As a mature student and mother, Francine returned to university with a strong sense of purpose and has balanced her studies with leadership and service. She contributes to the Peer Learning Program as both a Learning Peer and a Senior Learning Peer, facilitating collaborative learning sessions, mentoring students, and supporting peer training initiatives.

Beyond campus, she volunteers in animal care settings, reflecting her commitment to community involvement and compassionate service. Through her resilience, leadership, and dedication to supporting others, Francine has made a meaningful impact at MRU and beyond.

Alaskan (Trinity) Manywounds

Alaskan identifies as a mixed Native woman, with roots in both the Tsuut’ina and Cree Nations. She is currently in her second year of the Child and Youth Care Counsellor program at Mount Royal University, where she is developing the knowledge and skills needed to support children, youth, and families in meaningful and culturally grounded ways.

In a short time, Alaskan has achieved many meaningful milestones. In 2025, she embraced the title of artist, something that once felt like only a childhood dream. That dream has grown into a platform where she shares her story with youth, encouraging them to follow their own paths and believe in their potential.

This year, she was also invited by an alumna to join the Treaty 7 Student Advisory Committee, further expanding her involvement in Indigenous student leadership and community advocacy. Through her education, creativity, and community engagement, Alaskan continues to inspire and uplift those around her.

Gold Award
Aisyah Ghazali

Aisyah is a second-year student in the Bachelor of Child Studies: Child and Youth Care Counselling (CYCC) program at Mount Royal University. Passionate about inclusive care, she has dedicated herself to supporting children, youth, and families through adversity. Alongside her studies, she is also an active volunteer with Ups and Downs: Calgary Down Syndrome Community, helping to organize events that promote inclusion and support individuals with Down Syndrome. In her free time, Aisyah loves to go hiking and skiing, and has recently worked in Japan facilitating outdoor activities with children and school groups.

Aisyah’s commitment to advocacy and community engagement is rooted in her personal experiences and a deep desire to make a meaningful impact in the lives of vulnerable children and youth, and she looks forward to continuing her research in child development with the Palix Foundation: Alberta Family Wellness Initiative this summer.

Outstanding Student of the Year
Laila Malik

Laila Malik is a journalism student at Mount Royal University and a passionate community leader dedicated to advocacy, service, and storytelling. Born and raised in Calgary, she brings a diverse perspective shaped by her Indian Punjabi and Kashmiri heritage and her experiences travelling internationally. Laila is the founder and president of the Sisterhood in Action Club at Mount Royal University, where she works to create supportive spaces for women and encourage community engagement on campus. She also serves on the Muslim Students’ Association Advocacy Team, supporting initiatives that amplify student voices and address issues affecting the Muslim community.

Beyond campus, Laila is the co-founder of the Together for Sudan Foundation, a humanitarian initiative focused on raising awareness and support for communities affected by crisis. She hopes to combine journalism and medicine in the future to highlight humanitarian issues and advocate for underrepresented communities. Through leadership, journalism, and advocacy, Laila strives to create meaningful social impact

Congratulations are in order for not only the winners, but also all those who applied!

Are your contributions to the Students’ Association deserving of recognition? We encourage you to continue your exceptional engagement. Award applications will open at the beginning of the winter semester.

Further information regarding the SAMRU Awards can be found here. For any questions or inquiries, please contact info@samru.ca.

Let's connect

Everything that happened at the 2026 SAMRU Awards

Enrichment Awards

Clubs Awards

Staff and Faculty Awards

Endeavour Awards

Excellence Awards

Search Our Site

Featured Content

Student Toolkit

Recent News & Updates

Paying for Textbooks Shouldn’t Be a Debt Sentence: A Guide for Course Affordability at MRU

Everything that happened at the 2026 SAMRU Awards

Social Feed

Share This!

Students' Association of Mount Royal University

Who We Are

What We Do For You

Opportunities

News & Events

Wyckham House Student Centre

Contact

Volunteer Login

Donate

Follow Us on social

Navigation

Search the site

Follow Us on social

Navigation

Search the site