Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) is proud to recognize the exceptional achievements of the 2025 recipients of its Leadership Excellence Award for Students. These student leaders have demonstrated outstanding leadership, resilience, and a strong commitment to their peers, campuses, and communities across Canada.
Each year, this award honours student leaders from Canada's public colleges, institutes, CEGEPs, and polytechnics who embody the spirit of innovation, resilience, and community impact that define the college and institute system. Their accomplishments reflect not only personal excellence but also the supportive and dynamic environments fostered by their institutions.
Recipients are selected by a national committee of leaders from CICan member institutions, ensuring the awards reflect the collective values and shared commitment to excellence across Canada's postsecondary community.
CICan congratulates this year's recipients and acknowledges the vital role student leaders play in strengthening their communities and advancing the mission of college and institute education across the country. The 2025 recipients were officially announced during CICan's Annual General Meeting, on Wednesday, June 25, 2025.
The 2025 recipients are:
Gold Recipient: Abigail Ansell, Durham College
A standout in academics, athletics, and community service, Abigail is a graduate of the Fitness and Health Promotion program and a current Sport Management student. While excelling as a varsity basketball player, she maintained honours-level academics and contributed to several co-operative and work-integrated learning projects including serving as a research assistant and lab technician in the Faculty of Health Science at DC, as well as applied research in firefighter training simulations. Her volunteer work spans wellness programs for seniors, youth mentorship, and fundraising for health organizations demonstrating her all-around leadership and dedication to service.
Silver Recipient: Kathleen Ramsay, Algonquin College
A Public Relations student and former paramedic, Kathleen turned personal tragedy into meaningful action by co-leading the Audrey's Star campaign, raising $25,000 for Roger Neilson Children's Hospice. Her efforts galvanized college-wide support and community partnerships, including a major donation from the Ottawa Senators Community Foundation. Known for her academic excellence and compassionate leadership, she has become a powerful advocate and mentor within the college community.
Bronze Recipient: Shadé Dias, Fanshawe College
Shadé is a graduate of the Business and Business Administration Leadership & Management programs and is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce (Management). She has held leadership roles as Chair of the Student Administrative Council and student representative on the Board of Governors. A consistent academic achiever and graduate of two business programs, Shadé has championed student voice through governance, mentorship, and advocacy. Her leadership extends beyond campus, supporting local non-profits, co-developing a microcredential for post-grad success, and leading student-driven charitable campaigns that reflect her deep commitment to inclusion and community impact.
From left to right: Abigail Ansell, Durham College; Kathleen Ramsay, Algonquin College; Shadé Dias, Fanshawe College.
The Gold Award recipient will be honoured with a $2,000 prize from TD Insurance, a crystal trophy, and a recognition plaque for their institution. Silver and Bronze recipients will each receive a recognition plaque for both the individual and their institution. CICan is grateful to TD Insurance for sponsoring the Leadership Excellence Award for Students.
"More than ever, Canada needs leaders to meet our big challenges. These student mission-driven and dynamic leaders reflect the strength and relevance of colleges and institutes across Canada, and the impact these institutions have on the lives of Canadians every day," said Pari Johnston, President and CEO of CICan. "We are honoured to recognize their achievements and the environments that helped them thrive. Congratulations to each of them on this well-deserved recognition."
This year's student awards are part of CICan's newly streamlined Awards of Excellence Program, which now includes five distinct categories designed to better reflect and celebrate the multifaceted contributions of college and institute leaders. Among these, the Leadership Excellence Award for Students remains an annual honour, continuing to highlight the vital role of student leadership.
CICan congratulates this year's recipients and thanks all nominees and member institutions for showcasing the inspiring work of students nationwide.
Learn more about the CICan Awards of Excellence.
For more information
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