Student leadership recognized at inaugural Doreen Vautour Awards
Five student leaders were recognized for their impact on the King’s community at the inaugural Doreen Vautour Student Leadership Awards, held March 26, 2026, in the King’s Pub.
Established in 2025 and named in honour of former Associate Dean of Students Doreen Vautour, the award recognizes students who make a meaningful difference through leadership, service and a strong commitment to community. Vautour, who dedicated more than 30 years to shaping student life at King’s, was in attendance for the first presentation of the award bearing her name.
“The Doreen Vautour Student Leadership Awards celebrate students who embody the very heart of our mission: service to others and a deep commitment to community,” said Joe Henry, Dean of Students and Campus Life. “This year’s award recipients exemplify these values in extraordinary ways, reminding us all of the impact student leadership can have both on campus and beyond.”
The evening highlighted how student leadership shapes the close-knit, supportive community that defines the King’s experience. The inaugural recipients of the award were Aidan Bobkowicz, Maia Cuya, Maria Garces, Leona Horvat and Catrina Meeder.
Bobkowicz, a fourth-year Human Rights Studies student, was honoured for his leadership in both residence life and student governance. Beginning as a Residence Assistant, he built a strong foundation of support and community for students before going on to serve as Vice President of Student Affairs with King’s University College Students’ Council (KUCSC). In that role, he has represented student voices, led initiatives and contributed to governance at King’s, helping enrich the student experience.
Cuya, a third-year Psychology student, was recognized for her commitment to service, inclusivity and student engagement. Through her involvement in campus initiatives and leadership roles, she has helped create spaces where students feel supported, heard and empowered, while advocating for her peers and fostering collaboration across the King’s community. Her contributions have helped enhance the student experience and make a positive impact on those around her.
Garces, a third-year Politics & International Relations and Criminology student, was honoured for her commitment to student belonging and engagement. Active in both behind-the-scenes and frontline roles, she has helped create a welcoming and supportive experience for students across campus. From helping lead Bridging Week for incoming exchange students to serving as Associate Vice President of Student Affairs with KUCSC, Garces has contributed to initiatives that foster connection, care and community at King’s.
Horvat, a fourth-year Psychology and French student, was recognized for her compassionate leadership and deep commitment to community at King’s. As a Programming Assistant for Orientation for two consecutive years, she helped create a welcoming introduction for incoming students while inspiring her peers, supporting her team and fostering a strong sense of shared purpose. Known for leading by example, Horvat has made a meaningful impact on the student experience through her empathy, optimism and ability to bring people together.
Meeder, a fifth-year Disability Studies student, was recognized for her longstanding dedication to leadership throughout her time at King’s. Her involvement has spanned residence life, Relay for Life, student clubs and teaching support roles, where she has consistently brought people together, supported fellow student leaders and helped build a more welcoming and connected campus community. Her enthusiasm, kindness and ability to lead by example have made a lasting impact on student life at King’s.
Together, the recipients reflect what student leadership looks like at King’s: stepping up, supporting others and helping build a community where students can thrive.
The Doreen Vautour Student Leadership Award will be presented annually, continuing to recognize students who carry forward a legacy of leadership rooted in care, connection and service.