Join us for the Brantford Student Leader Celebration!

Mark your calendars for the Student Leader Celebration and join other student leaders across Laurier’s Brantford campus as we celebrate a year of exceptional student leadership.

Celebration Details 2026

Date: Tuesday, Mar. 24, 2026
Time: 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Location: One Market Atrium

This event is all about celebrating a year of hard work, fun times, and the achievements of student volunteers and staff on a large scale! Stay for a free lunch, amazing prizes, and an award ceremony with our cross-campus awards.

Award Information

We see how much time, effort, and passion you pour into your volunteer and student staff positions, which is exactly why we designed the awards ceremony. This is our opportunity to highlight some Brantford's most influential leaders and teams.

The award process will consist of a self, staff and peer nomination(s). To nominate yourself, a friend/peer, or one of your fellow staff/volunteers, fill out the nomination form by Friday, Feb. 27, 2026 at noon.

Individual Awards

Rookie of the Year Award

Celebrates the outstanding achievements and contributions of a newcomer within their first year of joining a specific department or undertaking a new role. This award recognizes exceptional performance, enthusiasm, and dedication demonstrated by an individual who has made a significant impact on the Laurier experience within their first year in their role. During their participation in their role, they have been a strong role model and mentor for those around them.

Golden Hawk Spirit Award

Celebrates an individual who embodies what it means to be a Laurier Golden Hawk. They demonstrate positivity, enthusiasm, and team spirit within the campus and Brantford community. This award recognizes someone who consistently uplifts others, fosters a supportive environment, and brings energy and vitality to every interaction. They take pride in sharing their love of Laurier with other students. The recipient of this award radiates resilience, and inclusivity, inspiring those around them to reach their fullest potential.

Outstanding Leadership Award

Celebrates an individual who has not only demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities but also shown significant personal and professional growth within our campus community. This prestigious award recognizes their journey of continuous improvement, resilience, and dedication to expanding their leadership capabilities. The recipient has exhibited exemplary leadership skills, vision, and effectiveness in guiding and inspiring others, while also embracing challenges and opportunities for development. Their commitment to growth, coupled with their impactful leadership, has not only achieved remarkable results but has also inspired positive change and fostered a culture of excellence within the Laurier community.

Inclusivity and Encouragement Award

Celebrates an individual who has demonstrated outstanding commitment to promoting equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging within our campus community. This award's recipient has shown outstanding leadership, advocacy, and action in promoting a culture of respect, equity, and acceptance for all campus community members. Through their initiatives, programs, and collaborations, they have made a significant and positive impact on campus climate, representation, and accessibility. This award recognizes their exemplary efforts in championing equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging, and acknowledges their role as a catalyst for positive change within our community.

Lifetime Achievement Award

The pinnacle of recognition, honouring an individual's extraordinary contributions, achievements, and enduring impact over the span of their Laurier journey. This award celebrates a legacy of excellence, leadership, and profound influence in the campus community. Recipients of this award have left their mark, inspiring and shaping the lives of others through their vision, dedication, and unwavering commitment to Laurier. This award serves as a testament to their lasting legacy, leaving a profound and lasting imprint on the community for generations to come. This award is specific to students in their final year of study in their current program.

Team Awards

Excellence Award

An outstanding event/initiative recognizes the outstanding contribution of a program or event that has significantly enriched the campus community and enhanced the student experience. The recipients of this award have demonstrated innovation, creativity, and dedication in organizing and executing a program or event that has made a lasting impact on campus life. Whether it's an educational workshop, cultural celebration, philanthropic initiative, or recreational event, the Excellence Award recipients have successfully engaged and inspired students, faculty, and staff alike. This award celebrates excellence in programming and acknowledges the efforts of those who have gone above and beyond to create meaningful experiences and foster a vibrant campus community.

Team of the Year Award

Recognizes the outstanding achievements and collective impact of a student volunteer or staff team within our campus community. The recipients of this award have demonstrated exceptional teamwork, collaboration, and dedication in fulfilling their responsibilities and achieving shared goals. Through their efforts, creativity, and commitment, they have significantly impacted the Brantford campus, contributing to the well-being and success of our community. The Team of the Year exemplifies the spirit of unity, excellence, and service, setting a shining example for their peers and leaving a legacy of teamwork and achievement.