2025/2026 Student of Distinction Recipients

The MSU Students of Distinction Award is granted in recognition of individuals or groups who have made a significant contribution to the betterment of the MSU or student life at McMaster University. Nominations are received and bestowed by the MSU Executive Board. Nominations can be submitted by or on behalf of the nominee(s). If you would like to nominate an outstanding student for an MSU Students of Distinction Award, please visit the MSU Awards website for criteria information.

Congratulations to the 2025/2026 winners of the MSU Student of Distinction Award:

Daisy Huynh-Lacza is a connector, a builder, and a champion for student life—earning her recognition as a Student of Distinction for her remarkable leadership, dedication to service, and unwavering commitment to uplifting the McMaster community.

As Vice-President (Internal) for the McMaster Science Society, Daisy supports over 50 student leaders across 15 program societies—coordinating events and fostering engagement in McMaster’s largest faculty.

In the Office of Undergraduate Research, Daisy redesigned and manages the official website, helping 10,000+ students access research opportunities. Through her work with the Science Careers and Experience Centre (SCEC), she offers free headshots to support student career growth. Her dedication to providing mentorship to her peers earned her the 2024 Most Enthusiastic Mentor Award.

Through student governance, mentorship, research advocacy, and cultural engagement, Daisy has made an impact that’s wide-reaching and deeply felt. Her time at McMaster is defined not just by what she’s accomplished—but by how she’s brought others along with her. She truly embodies the spirit of a Student of Distinction.

Lathusha Sritharan is a powerhouse of leadership, advocacy, and community care—earning her the well-deserved title of Student of Distinction.

For five years, she’s been the heart of the International Women in Science Day Conference (IWiSci)—serving as Co-President for the last three years. Under her leadership, conference attendance increased by 450%, and their Instagram following grew more than 5x. Despite the challenges of balancing her club responsibilities and school work, she didn’t stop there—Lathusha launched a mentorship program for students, pairing them with real-world professionals to break down barriers in STEM.

Lathusha also co-leads Champions of Change, a club advocating for women through community-building and equity-focused programming. Off campus, she supports immigrants in Hamilton through SCORE!, developing diabetes education tools with a culturally sensitive lens. As Creative Publishing Lead for McMaster SickKids, she’s authoring a children’s book for pediatric patients—set to be donated to the McMaster Children’s Hospital.

In everything she does, Lathusha leads with purpose, creativity, and heart—leaving McMaster and her community better than she found them.

Midhaa Ahmed is a leader, advocate, and community-builder, earning recognition as a Student of Distinction for her dedication to student life, advocacy, and equity at McMaster.

Cassandra Soares is a trailblazer of empathy, innovation, and advocacy, earning her recognition as a Student of Distinction for shaping her student journey into opportunities that build community and belonging for others.

Tina Liu, Brett Sicard, Ofure Itua, Paris Liu, Sarah Gonder, Taskin Eera, Rhea Saini, David Landry, Kenneth Chen, and Xin Law-Gallagher are the driving force behind McMaster Students for BikeShare – transforming transportation and sustainability on campus.

Since November 2022, this team has worked tirelessly to bring affordable biking to students, successfully advocating for a heavily discounted Hamilton Bike Share pass for all undergraduates. Their campaign collected over 900 signatures, built partnerships with the MSU and Hamilton Bike Share, and made the pass available at $24.50 annually (an 88.7% discount from the standard $192 cost). The impact was immediate: students gained an accessible way to commute, buy groceries, exercise, and travel safely across Hamilton.

Their advocacy didn’t stop there. This year, they expanded the pass to 5,000+ graduate students through referendum. When City Council threatened to cut funding for Bike Share entirely, the group mobilized again, hosting letter-writing workshops, gathering 18 video and 83 written testimonials, and personally delegating them to Council. Their efforts, alongside the help of community partners, led to a unanimous 13–0 vote to protect Hamilton Bike Share funding.

By introducing the most affordable bike-sharing option in Canada, the team has reshaped student life at McMaster while setting a national precedent for sustainable, and equitable transportation. Through collaboration, creativity, and persistence, they’ve ensured that biking isn’t just a mode of transport; it’s a movement.

Together, this team has proven what’s possible when students lead with vision and action.

Alexa Cairns is a dedicated leader, advocate, and community-builder, shaping brighter futures on and beyond McMaster’s campus.

As Vice-President (Internal) of the McMaster Rehabilitation Club, Alexa co-led a team of 17 executives and 150 members to raise awareness about careers in rehabilitation science. She launched monthly newsletters, coordinated panels with leading clinicians and faculty, and helped establish MentorMatch – pairing 46 students with rehabilitation professionals. These efforts not only fostered student success but also inspired Alexa’s own passion for Occupational Therapy.

Beyond rehabilitation, Alexa served as Executive of Content & Education for the McMaster Mindfulness Club, championing student well-being through 24 consecutive weeks of events and online outreach, which reached over 700 students. By creating mindful spaces for reflection, she reminded her peers of the importance of balance during the demands of university life.

Her commitment to care extends into the Hamilton community. At the Ron Joyce Children’s Health Centre, Alexa supported pediatric patients in the Developmental Pediatrics and Rehabilitation unit, contributing to assessments alongside an interdisciplinary team. At SMILE Therapy for Kids, she built hands-on experience with innovative interventions to strengthen motor skills in children.

In everything she does, Alexa leads with empathy, perseverance, and purpose, leaving McMaster and her community stronger.

Matthew Hammond is a community builder, champion for equity, and compassionate leader whose impact can be felt throughout McMaster. His commitment to creating safe, empowering spaces is evident through his roles as a Peer Support Coordinator for the Diversity + Equity Network and Facilitator of Shades of Strength Affinity Group for Community Advisors. His thoughtfulness in ensuring events are personalized and providing students with the opportunity to share their own stories speaks to his focus on fostering comfort and connection.

Matthew’s leadership extends to his roles as President of the McMaster Genetics Society, President of the Canadian Obesity Network Students & New Professionals McMaster Chapter, and VP Education for Global Medical Brigades, where he brings students together through education, advocacy, and meaningful global engagement. Additionally, he supports both learning and financial stewardship within the McMaster Indigenous Health Movement, showing his dedication to strengthening the community.

His dedication to service extends from mentoring students in science communication and Indigenous health to volunteering with Ronald McDonald House and St. Joseph’s Villa. Most recently, he helped raise $1,260 for the Prison Education Program, advancing educational access for incarcerated Indigenous peoples.

In everything he does, Matthew leads with humility, conviction, and heart – truly embodying the spirit of a Student of Distinction.

Caleb Smolenaars is an advocate and community-builder whose leadership has strengthened student life and queer representation at McMaster. Driven by their lived experience, they work to ensure that students most impacted by inequity are not only supported but also included in shaping meaningful change on campus.

As a Community Advisor since their second year, Caleb has helped create residence spaces where first-year students feel safe, connected, and welcomed. Their focus on accessible programming and student-centred support has contributed to a more compassionate living environment – one where community care is a tangible daily practice, not just an abstract value.

Caleb has been a driving force in transforming working conditions for students. They played a key role in the historic unionization of over 200 Residence Life student staff, advocating for fair compensation, improved health and safety, and a stronger voice for student workers. As co-host of Beyond the Binary on CFMU 93.3 FM and as a photographer for student publications, Caleb has expanded queer representation and helped document the communities that shape McMaster’s culture.

Through advocacy, storytelling, and relationship-building, Caleb has not only improved systems – but they’ve also helped students feel seen, supported, and empowered to shape their own futures.

Ahmad Zobair Omar has earned the title of Student of Distinction for his initiative, Care for Others, and a push to better student life.

As Co-President of McMaster Gift of Life, Ahmad has spearheaded increasing awareness around organ and tissue donation through inclusive advocacy. He has led multiple fundraising and education projects, helping the organization raise over $1,000 last year and remaining on track to do the same this year.

Ahmad’s leadership extends to his work as the VP Events for the McMaster Afghan Students Association. He organized cultural events, including a Nowruz formal that welcomed over 350 attendees from ten universities across Ontario, showcasing his ability to manage complex logistics while creating meaningful spaces for connection. His dedication to student support is also reflected in his mentorship roles with Bridge Builders Mentorship and the Kinesiology Society, where he works closely with first-year students as they navigate the transition to university.

He has also made a tangible impact on campus safety as a founding member of McMaster SHIELD, a harm-reduction initiative developed in partnership with the university’s Health and Safety Services. Through this work, Ahmad helped coordinate the distribution of over 50 naloxone kits across campus and delivered educational presentations in first-year classes, translating public health priorities into practical, life-saving action.

Across his academic research, volunteering, and leadership roles, Ahmad’s work carries thoughtfulness and a genuine desire to contribute – creating a presence that has strengthened the student community in lasting ways.

Ariya Chumber is a thoughtful leader within the McMaster community, earning her the title of Student of Distinction. 

As a South Asian, first-generation university student, Ariya understands firsthand the challenges of navigating university without culturally relevant mentorship or support. Wanting to ensure others didn’t face the same barriers she experienced, she launched the McMaster Punjabi Women’s Network’s first mentorship program. The initiative connects younger South Asian women with upper-year students in similar career paths, establishing the connections for others that weren’t provided to her.  

Ariya’s impact extends across campus through her leadership in multiple organizations. As Vice President of HealthCare4Her, she leads a team of over 12 executives, helping to create accessible mentorship opportunities and supportive spaces for women pursuing a career in healthcare.  

Additionally, through Golden Z, she assembles hygiene and birthing kits for women in shelters, reflecting her belief that advocacy must be practical and compassionate. This is further reflected by her work with the interdisciplinary care teams at St. Joseph’s Villa in Dundas, where she develops opportunities for adults with a diverse range of disabilities to engage meaningfully.  

Alongside her leadership roles, Ariya serves as a Teaching Assistant, tutor, and three-time returning Community Advisor, currently supporting first-year students in the Health and Wellness Living Learning Community. Through intentional programming and acts of care that extend beyond campus, such as her collaborative yoga event with The Pulse Fitness Center, she consistently ensures students feel supported, valued, and seen. Congratulations, Ariya!  

As the co-founder of McMaster SHIELD (Support, Harm Reduction, Information, Education, and Life-Saving Devices), Imeth Illamperuma spearheaded the development of a student-led harm reduction initiative that addresses substance-related risks on campus. He worked with the University’s Health and Safety team as well as the Student Wellness Centre to implement McMaster’s Emergency Naloxone Station Program, helping place over 30 naloxone kits across campus and developing a digital map to improve accessibility during emergencies.

Imeth also created the 2-Minute Naloxone Crash Course. Developed in collaboration with nursing students, it introduces overdose response and naloxone use in a clear, approachable format – reaching thousands of students while helping reduce stigma and normalize harm-reduction practices within academic spaces.

Beyond campus initiatives, Imeth’s academic and volunteer work reflect a broader commitment to health equity. His research explores topics such as algorithmic fairness in cardiovascular disease and the health impacts of ultra-processed foods. He has also volunteered at the Juravinski Hospital Cancer Centre, where he helped develop an opioid safety pamphlet for oncology patients, and worked as a Sports Specialist Rehabilitation Assistant at DBAC, supporting care in a multidisciplinary rehabilitation setting.

Through his leadership and service, Imeth has contributed to a safer, more informed, and supportive campus community!

As the Arts and Culture Director for McMaster University’s Nursing Society, Savneet Klair has spent the past two years creating spaces that bring students together. She founded the Nursing x HeArt Sci Coffeehouse, transforming a Welcome Week tradition into an ongoing opportunity for students to connect across faculties and see themselves reflected in all fields.

Savneet’s work with Welcome Week spans three years, where she has served as a General Representative, Interfaculty Coordinator, and Nursing Co-Planner. Throughout her years supporting Welcome Week, she launched the HENS tradition, mentored a team of over 120 representatives, and helped lead her faculty to a third-place finish in the Faculty Cup, all while planning events that supported first-year students in their transition to university.

Beyond campus, Savneet volunteers as a 24/7 Support Line Volunteer with SACHA, providing a safe and compassionate space for survivors of sexual violence. She has also supported patient care at the Hospital for Sick Children and was recognized by St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton during Nursing Week 2025, where she shared her journey and inspired others through her story.

Through her leadership and commitment to care, Savneet has made a lasting impact, fostering a more connected and inclusive community at McMaster and beyond.

Over the past few years, Kerry Yang has served as the Associate Vice-President (Municipal Affairs) for the MSU. While in the role, she designed and led the Your City Survey, collecting over 500 student responses on housing, transit, and safety to strengthen municipal advocacy efforts. Through meetings with city councillors, she advanced the Landlord Licensing Program to better protect student renters and developed a housing guide to support students navigating off-campus living.

On campus, Kerry has been deeply involved with the Maroons, attending twice as many events as expected before stepping into the role of Volunteer Coordinator. In this position, she oversaw more than 60 volunteers and reworked the training program to be more engaging and interactive. Through Spark, she also served as both a mentor and a member of the executive team, planning and facilitating sessions for team leaders throughout the year.

Kerry has attended seven Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance (OUSA) General Assemblies, where she has mentored new participants across multiple cohorts. Whether in University Senate, the Student Representative Assembly, or Heartbeats, her impact is defined by her consistency, leadership, and ability to bring others along with her.

Celina Jayendran first became involved with the McMaster Undergraduate Women in STEM club, serving as Vice-President of Promotions and later as Co-President. In those roles, she grew the club’s Instagram following to more than 2,500 and launched a monthly newsletter. Her Women in STEM highlight series profiled Dr. Heather Sheardown, the first woman to serve as Dean of Engineering, and Dr. Rousseau Nepton, the first Indigenous woman in Canada to earn a doctorate in astrophysics. As Co-President, she also helped lead the club’s mentorship program, pairing first-year science students with upper-year mentors.

Her interest in community-centred work then led her to the MSU’s Diversity and Equity Network, where she developed campaigns on cultural appropriation and the Quebec City mosque shooting. She continued this work with the Student Health Education Centre, first as a Peer Support Volunteer and now as a Promotions Executive.

Most recently, as a Maroon, Celina has helped welcome new students during Welcome Week. Now in her fourth year, she has turned her own experiences as an international student into the kind of support systems she wishes she had in first year, demonstrating a strong commitment to community-building and advocacy.