Brock University celebrated the impact of student leaders, mentors and community contributors during the Student Life and Success Recognition Awards this week.
Held Wednesday, March 25 in the Rankin Family Pavilion Atrium, the ceremony recognized achievements in volunteering, leadership and mentorship, community engagement and the promotion of Black excellence.
Second-year Nursing student Ademide Abogunrin received the Rising Star Award and Bese Saka Award during the Student Life and Success Recognition Awards on Wednesday, March 25
Second-year Nursing student Ademide Abogunrin received the Rising Star Award for her significant involvement in student life and the Bese Saka Award for her dedication to Black flourishing and academic success.
"I see myself in the commuter who's on the road at 5 a.m. to get to campus, in the future nurse balancing their studies and extracurriculars and in the Black student looking to find their people and place," she said. "I'm passionate about amplifying their greatness and seeing them thrive."
In her work with the Black Student Success Centre (BSSC), Nigerian Students Association and Black Nursing Students Association, Abogunrin contributed to events and mentorship opportunities that supported academic and leadership excellence as well as equitable inclusion for students.
"What stands out about Ademide is the way she builds community," said BSSC Manager Monique Beauregard. "She shows up consistently, amplifies the voices of others and helps students navigate opportunities with confidence. Her leadership reflects the spirit of the Bese Saka award, which focuses on shared responsibility and collective care."
Abogunrin said she strives to integrate the Bese Saka values of togetherness, unity and allyship into all aspects of her life, making the recognition especially meaningful.
"The brightest parts of my journey so far have been creating welcoming spaces for representation, connection and Black Joy," she said. "It's incredible to see Black students from across the University celebrating and supporting each other."
Off campus, Abogunrin is an Ambassador for the Hamilton organization Sisters in Sync and a Student Executive Network Officer for the Registered Nurses Association, deepening connections between Brock and external organizations and creating new networks for achieving shared goals.
In the future, she plans to to take on advanced leadership roles, such as within the BSSC, that will allow her to further support students while boosting her professional and personal growth.
"I'm so grateful for the support I've received from the BSSC and Student Life and Success, and I want to provide similar mentorship opportunities to others," she said. "I always tell students: You're not the next Ade you're the next you,' and I encourage them to contribute with their unique skills and viewpoints."
Executive Director, Student Life and Success Jenn Skelding said the Recognition Awards highlight the diverse ways students contribute to building community and strengthen the Brock experience.
"It's incredible to see how much our students contribute to campus life, and this is a chance for us to pause and really celebrate the energy, leadership and care they bring to the Brock community every day," she said. "Their impact reaches far beyond the programs they join and shapes how students feel, connect and thrive here."
A full list of award winners is available below and on the SLS website:
- Campus-Wide Co-Curriculum (CWC) Champion: Vidhi Malik
- Community Partner Award: Brandon DiSimine and Nancy Deslauriers, both of St. John Ambulance, Niagara Region
- Volunteer Achievement Award: Bernard Nwapa
- Educational Leadership Award: Romario Jardine and Sofia Kuypers
- Educational Perseverance Award: Po-Jui (Ray) Lin and Xiahn Campbell
- Bese Saka Award: Abogunrin and Hammirah Eletu
- BSSC Ambassador Award: Jemima M Chakirwa
- Future Black Leaders Mentee Award: Tamiya Cox
- Future Black Leaders Mentor Award: Jaiden Dixon-Beason and Oluwadamilola Oyegbola
- Leadership and Teamwork Award: Justin Mafie and Kelela Dennis
- Mentor Link Peer Mentor Award: Preet Patel and Stephanie Milanes Reyes
- Faith and Life Community Builder Award: Jack Wood
