2019 Award Recipients
As this academic year comes to an end, it is our pleasure to announce the recipients of The President’s Award for Excellence in Student Leadership for 2019. This award was established in 2008 to recognize exceptional students who have a record of academic achievement, consistently demonstrate leadership, and make significant contributions to our community.
Tingting Yan: Bachelor of Health Sciences, Honours (First Class)
Tingting Yan has used her passion for the arts, science and journalism to improve the lives of others. Inspired by Humans of New York, she founded an on-campus photojournalism project, Humans of UCalgary, to build community and understanding through personal stories — co-leading 30 volunteers to capture over 250 stories and gain thousands of subscribers from 45 countries on social media.
As an accomplished student researcher in the Cumming School of Medicine, Yan has been actively engaged in neuroscience research investigating stroke, paediatric concussion and autism. She has represented the Hotchkiss Brain Institute and the Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute at six conferences including the World Congress on Brain Injury. Amidst her studies, she also found time to serve as an orientation leader for new students and, as part of UCalgary’s Scholars Academy, formally mentor six other students.
Yan volunteered at Rotary Flames House to support terminally ill children and their families. Drawing from her education and her talent as a piano player, she helped brighten children’s days through companionship, special education and music. She has also volunteered with Alberta Health Services, and she will spend this summer in Mbarara working with Healthy Child Uganda.