Providing experiential learning opportunities at the library
Experiential learning opportunities are available for students at the McLaughlin Library every year. Through the Peer Helper Program, students provide support to their peers through consultations for writing and studying, being student athlete mentors, and leading supported learning groups on the library's Learning & Curriculum Support team. The team also hires student staff who provide support to the community through their work at the Ask Us Desk.
“Students are at the heart of what we do at the library. Their dedication and contributions not only strengthen the U of G community, but also leave a lasting impact. In supporting their peers, they gain valuable skills and experiences that will stay with them long after graduation,” said Melanie Parlette-Stewart, head, Learning & Curriculum Support.
At the end of each academic year, the team holds an awards ceremony to honour the dedication of their student staff and peer helpers. The ceremony provides a time to reflect on the year and to connect before students finish their semesters and move on to future endevours. “It’s a joy and a privilege to work with such talented and inspiring students here at the library,” said Parlette-Stewart.
2024-2025 Library Student Award Recipients
Access Services Student Library Assistant of the Year
This award is presented to one or more knowledgeable and collaborative student staff members who contribute to a positive work environment on the Access Services team.
Award Recipient: Tykara Blair
Brendan Munn Supported Learning Group (SLG) Leader of the Year Award
In honour of Brendan Munn, awarded to the SLG 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: Emma Tamburro
Dale Lackeyram Learning Peer Helper of the Year Award
In honour of Dale Lackeyram, 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 Recipient: Hannah Glowacki
Hasnul Abdollah Writing Peer Award
In memory of Hasnul Abdollah, awarded to the writing 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.
Award Recipient: Romina Heydarinasab
Mary Wilson SLG Award
In honour of program founder, Mary Wilson, awarded to the SLG 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.
Award Recipients: Donia Zeng & Gabriele Wehrle
Stephanie Daymond Writing Teaching Assistant (TA) Award
In memory of Stephanie Daymond, awarded to the Writing Support TA who best exemplifies the qualities of personal warmth, intelligence, integrity, and commitment to helping others as chosen by their fellow peers.
Award Recipient: Sarah Rewega
Student Athlete Mentor (SAM) 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: Blake Brand
Read more about the student experience
We asked the recipients to reflect on why their roles at the library were meaningful to them. Here’s what some of them had to say...
“Working at the library was incredibly meaningful to me, as it provided the opportunity to support student-athletes who were just beginning their university journeys. This role allowed me to assist others in navigating the challenges of their first year, and it was deeply rewarding to witness their growth throughout the semester(s). Mentoring and giving back to the gryphon community was especially important to me, as I had such a positive experience with the SAM Program during my first year.” - Blake Brand
“Being an SLG leader was such a meaningful part of my university experience. It helped me feel connected to the campus community and sparked my interest in working in education. I had the chance to meet students from all kinds of programs and learned a lot about myself along the way.” - Emma Tamburro
“Working at the library as a learning peer helper is meaningful to me because, despite having expectations to do well at school, I personally feel like we do not talk enough about the process of learning. For example, many people would congratulate you on doing well on an exam or assignment, but we do not talk about: "How did you study? How did you adapt to overcome struggles? What did you learn about yourself during this process?" These are the things I wish we talked about more as we are lifelong learners (beyond the classroom). Hence, I am grateful to use my role as a learning peer helper to raise these conversations in places where they are needed the most.” - Hannah Glowacki
“My entire life, I have been absolutely obsessed with books, and the ways that stories can shape us. Fast-forward to 9 years later when I’ve decided to dedicate my entire life to literature and teaching, the library is a space that combines both of those things for me. In the writing centre, I’ve been able to teach writing, and combine both of my passions in a way that has been so incredibly rewarding.” - Sarah Rewega
Want to read more? Visit the library’s Instagram page for Q&As with some of this year’s award recipients. Congratulations on your awards, gryphons!
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