Student volunteers and leaders recognized for their community service
The University of Niagara Falls Canada honoured its most dedicated student leaders at the second annual Student Leadership Awards Celebration, recognizing students whose innovation, service, and community spirit have left a lasting mark both on campus and across the Niagara region.
More than 175 student leaders were invited to this year’s ceremony, the largest yet, reflecting UNF’s deep commitment to student-centred learning and engagement beyond the classroom. The Student Success Office received more than 150 nominations across seven award categories, a clear sign of how many students are stepping up to lead and serve.
“All of our nominated students are truly deserving of recognition,” said Sam Edgar, Associate Director of Student Experience.
UNF’s culture of community engagement was on full display during the evening event held at The Exchange, with students contributing 5,437 volunteer hours in 2025 alone and more than 2,335 hours already logged this year. Bronze, Silver, and Gold volunteers were recognized for their contributions, with levels determined by number of volunteer hours. Four students reached Platinum status, each surpassing 150 hours of service: Rupinderjit Kaur, Maria Gianelli Hilario Laudato, Jasvinder Kaur, and Chanda Subedi.
2026 Award Recipients
Community Leadership and Service Award
Presented by Felicia Werner, Executive Director of Community and Alumni Relations, to a student who represents UNF with integrity and compassion in the Niagara community, this year’s award went to Ian Howard Sabiiti, recognized for his work supporting the Niagara Falls Winter Festival of Lights volunteer team, among many other community initiatives.
UNF Spirit Award
Honouring students who embody UNF’s community spirit, Jenna Freeland, Manager, Student Life, handed out awards to this year’s recipients, Chisom Selina Ogbeyalu Elyon, Vernique Theophile, and Luong Huyen Linh Dong.
Club of the Year Award
With 27 active clubs and more than 1,000 students engaged through UNFConnect, Zoey Truong, Student Life Facilitator, noted UNF’s club community continues to thrive. She announced the French Language Club as the Club of the Year, recognizing the inclusive, interactive learning space they create twice weekly throughout the year.
NSO All-Star Award
Celebrating the volunteers who welcome new students to campus, Bhanu Shree, Student Life Facilitator, presented this year’s award to Mariana Lopez Walter, recognized for the warmth and care she brought to every New Student Orientation interaction.
Co-Curricular Achievement Award
Recognizing a student’s commitment to growth beyond the classroom, Shree announced this year’s recipient as Carla Cazorla. She stood out for her curiosity, consistency, and engagement across UNF’s co-curricular programming.
Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award – Bronze Level
UNF celebrated its first-ever Bronze Level achievers, sibling graduate students Jabeen Mohammed Toffiq Bakali and Sana Mohammed Toffiq Bakali, who completed 52 hours of skill-building and service over the course of 13 weeks. While handing it out, Freeland noted that the sisters capped it off with an 18-kiloemetre Adventurous Journey hike from Ancaster to Dundas Peak.
President’s Leadership Award
The evening’s top honour, handed out by David Gray, President and Vice-Chancellor, went to Edith Agbons Igiewe, a graduate student whose sustained leadership has shaped university life across multiple roles, including Class Representative, Program Representative for the Master of Management program, and member of both the Student Council and UNF Academic Council since its inception.
“What distinguishes her most is the consistency and authenticity of her leadership,” said Gray.
“In every space she enters, she demonstrates that leadership is practiced. Across all her roles, she leads through service by showing up, contributing, and strengthening the spaces she is part of.”
A dance party closed out the evening, along with dessert and a photo booth. As the club community continues to grow, UNF looks forward to celebrating more student leaders next year.
