The award recognizes outstanding student leadership, volunteer service, and commitment to the university
KITE trainee Madalena Liougas has been named a recipient of the 2023 University of Toronto Student Leadership Award.
This honour is given to university students in their final year whose commitment and volunteerism had a lasting impact on their peers and the university.
This award dates back to 1994 and was originally named the Gordon Cressy Student Leadership Award in honour of former UofT Vice-President of Development and University Relations Gordan Cressy. It was renamed to University of Toronto Student Leadership Award in 2020.
“I would like to thank the University of Toronto for this recognition as I strive to build a strong sense of community with my peers. I look forward to continuing to serve this community,” said Liougas, who is a member of KITE’s Enhancing the Care of Older Adults (EnCOAR) team and a masters student at UofT’s Rehabilitation Science Institute.
Liougas was recognized for her willingness to embrace various roles in university-led clubs, committees and initiatives.
Some of these include her role as coo-editor in Chief for RehabINK magazine, member of the KITEC events committee, member of the KITE Young Innovators, student researcher for the Reach Alliance, and a mentor with the Graduate and Life Sciences Education program.
“I strive to help my peers feel a sense of connection and safety. Ensuring good mental health and well-being amongst my peers has always been one of my priorities,” said Liougas.
“I hope that in the vastness of the University of Toronto, everyone feels a sense of belonging.”