Experiential learning opportunities are plentiful at the McLaughlin Library. Through the Peer Helper Program, students provide support to their peers through writing and studying consultations, as student athlete mentors, and by leading supported learning groups. At the end of each academic year, these students, alongside those who provide support to the U of G community through their work at the library’s Ask Us Desk, are celebrated and given awards.
“Students play an essential role in shaping the library as a place of learning and connection. The care and enthusiasm they bring to supporting others helps to create a welcoming and supportive community, while also building skills and experiences that will stay with them long after the leave U of G,” said Melanie Parlette-Stewart, head, Learning & Curriculum Support.
2025-2026 library student award recipients
Access Services Student Staff Appreciation Award
This award is presented to one knowledgeable and collaborative student staff member who contributes to a positive work environment in Access Services.
Award recipient: Syd Haegens
Brendan Munn SLG Leader of the Year Award
Awarded to the Supported Learning Group Leader Peer Helper who best exemplifies the qualities of intelligence, love of learning, and commitment to helping others as chosen by their fellow peers.
Award recipient: Deirdre Vallejo
Dale Lackeyram Learning Services Peer Helper of the Year Award
Awarded to the Learning Peer Helper who best exemplifies personal and professional integrity, innovation, open mindedness, and a deep love of learning. A learning peer, who, through collaborative communication and academic excellence, serves as a leader, motivator, and educator.
Award recipients: Jai Poddar & Arielle Ramnath
Hasnul Abdollah Writing Services Peer Helper Award
Awarded to the Writing Services Peer Helper who best exemplifies the characteristics of a model Peer. This person is a role model for others through their social engagement on campus, their caring and empathetic approach toward fellow students and Peers, and their willingness to help others. In memory of Hasnul Abdollah.
Award recipient: Mckenna Thompson
Mary Wilson SLG Leader Award
Awarded to the Supported Learning Group leader who best exemplifies an engaged, innovative, and reflective approach in their practice and is strongly dedicated to the holistic educational development of their fellow students. In honour of program founder, Mary Wilson.
Award recipient: Lindsay Moffatt
Student-Athlete Mentor Award
Awarded to a mentor who develops meaningful mentoring relationships that nurture positive change in the academic attitudes of student-athletes. They are a genuine leader and role model who has made a lasting contribution to the SAM program.
Award recipient: Rebecca Parker
Stephanie Daymond Writing TA Award
Awarded to the Writing Support TA who best exemplifies the qualities of personal warmth, intelligence, integrity, and commitment in helping others as chosen by their fellow peers. In memory of Stephanie Daymond.
Award recipient: Devan Hunter & Sophie Lane
2025-2026 Peer Helper Program award recipients
In addition to the library's student awards recipients, a number of people affiliated with the library, were also given awards recognizing their achievements and contributions to the campus community.
SLG Leader Senadee Atapattu won the Barbara Cardow Award
This award recognizes a Peer Helper who offers consistent support to others and embodies excellence in student service. They are actively engaged in continual learning and growth and embody genuineness, positivity, patience and willingness to support others.
U of G Library writing specialist, Jodie Salter, honoured with Peer Helper Supervisor Award of Merit
“It’s very sweet to be acknowledged and appreciated by my wonderful student staff,” said Jodie Salter, writing specialist, Learning & Curriculum Support. Salter’s students shared how she’s made an impact on them in their nomination letters:
- “From the moment you begin working with or for Jodie, she treats you not only as an employee but as a developing scholar and young professional.”
- “Over the past year, [Jodie] guided our team through emerging challenges, including the rise of generative AI in education. She developed practical resources that help us support students with clarity, integrity, and confidence.”
- “Beyond our immediate roles, Jodie ensures that peers understand their contributions in the larger context of the university. She actively promotes different ways the writing peer team can be involved on campus, such as leading writing workshops and engaging with other branches of Learning & Curriculum Support.”
- “She encourages us to take on new challenges but also creates a space for confidence to flourish.... [With the environment Jodie] created, I was able to make real connections with my peers as she encouraged each of us to speak and act freely in a safe work environment.”
Several of student athlete mentors won major athletics awards:
- Community Impact Award – Nate Slawter, Football
- W.F. Mitchell Sportswoman – Katherine Heard, Women's Hockey
- Football: M.V.P. (Donald Forster Trophy) – Miles La Foucade
- Women's Hockey MVP – Katherine Heard
- Men's Lacrosse MVP – Liam Aston
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