2025 Award Recipients

Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, with minors in Security Studies and Law and Society

Whether advocating for equity, mentoring international students, or leading faculty-wide transformation, Luis Armando Sanchez Diaz has left a lasting legacy of compassion, courage, and change at the University of Calgary.

Graduating with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Political Science—with minors in Security Studies and Law & Society, an embedded certificate in Pluralism and Global Citizenship, and co-op experience—Luis consistently earned Dean’s List standing while leading some of UCalgary’s most impactful student initiatives. His academic journey culminated in a capstone project on food sensitivity and food sovereignty, exploring equitable food systems through a justice-oriented lens.

As President of the Faculty of Arts Students’ Association (FASA), Luis represented nearly 9,000 students and launched two major initiatives: the Leadership in the Arts Program and Associate Director roles. These efforts expanded professional development and led to FASA’s largest organizational growth since its founding. As VP Academic, he introduced FASA’s first queer networking night, authored a queer academic guide, and led the Arts Undergraduate Research Symposium—securing new funding to showcase student research.

A prolific writer and communicator, Luis has published over 75 articles in The Gauntlet, earning accolades including the Yacowar Scholarship and “Most Prolific Writer” award. He has shared his advocacy more broadly through features with CBC Radio, Global News, and the Canadian Press.

Beyond his campus leadership, Luis serves as a peer facilitator with Calgary Outlink, mentors incoming international and first-generation students, and has spoken at events exploring the intersection of faith and 2SLGBTQIA+ identity. His leadership is deeply grounded in lived experience. “It’s incredibly difficult to aspire to a position when you can’t see yourself represented there,” he explains. Luis has responded by becoming the visible, values-driven leader he once sought—creating spaces where all students feel seen, supported and celebrated. Across dozens of initiatives, he has also completed advanced training in conflict management, suicide prevention, and community harm reduction, reflecting his holistic approach to care and justice.

This fall, he will begin a Master of Public Policy at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy at the University of Toronto, where he plans to shape inclusive, sustainability-focused policy.