Nov. 14, 2013

Inaugural Dean’s List Student Reception celebrates science and success

Idea from Students' Union rep takes root
Among those taking part in the event were, from left: Cindy Graham, associate dean (undergraduate); Jacqueline Boon, science Students' Union rep; Ken Barker, dean; Amar Deshwar, Students' Union rep; Jacob Nasser, student rep; and Leslie Reid, associate dean (teaching and learning).

From left: Cindy Graham, Jacqueline Boon, Ken Barker, Amar Deshwar, Jacob Nasser, and Leslie Reid.

The Faculty of Science partnered with the Students’ Union and BP Canada to host the inaugural Dean’s List Student Reception on Wednesday, Nov. 13 in MacEwan Hall.

Dean Ken Barker kicked off the event by recognizing the students and acknowledging their strong academic standing.

“Excellence is a value that runs deep in our faculty and institution — from our undergraduate students to our instructors and all the way to our top researchers,” said Barker in his remarks. “You should be proud of your accomplishments and of the impact you are having on our community. Our faculty members look forward to supporting you as you continue to raise the bar throughout your career at the university and beyond,” he added.

The Dean's List Student Reception acknowledges science students who achieved a G.P.A. of at least 3.60 over a minimum of eight half-course equivalents completed in the preceding fall and winter sessions.

For the 2012-2013 academic year, 766 science students qualified for the Dean’s List. Of those invited, more than 250 students from the departments of Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Computer Science, Geology, Mathematics and Statistics, and Physics and Astronomy, as well as students enrolled in the multidisciplinary programs of Environmental Science, Nanoscience, Natural Sciences and Neuroscience attended the inaugural event.

“Having a special event that recognizes our top students helps to foster a sense of community and encourages a dialogue across all disciplines of science,” says Cindy Graham, associate dean (undergraduate). “We certainly intend to make this an annual tradition.”

The event was supported by funds from the Faculty of Science, the Students’ Union Quality Money Program, and a generous donation from BP Canada.

"The Dean's List Reception started out as an idea by one of the Students' Union representatives last year so it's a great example of student initiatives on campus,” says Jacqueline Boon, one of the science Students' Union representatives. “We are very fortunate to have been so successful with generous contributions towards funding the event and it's really exciting to see it all coming together. It's truly a great way to recognize student achievement." 

Dean's List students are selected in August of each year, on the basis of their superior academic performance in the preceding spring, winter and fall semesters. The selection is automatic and students need not to apply.

With more than 5,000 students and 225 faculty members, the Faculty of Science is the second largest faculty on campus.

 

See the complete Faculty of Science Dean’s List for 2012-2013.