Department of Psychology

June 29, 2009

Real Students Receive Mock Awards

by John Turtle

(Lefl to Right: Dennis Mock, Jean-Paul Boudreau, Matt Juniper,
Mike Maksimowski, John Turtle, and Vanessa Ounapuu)

The Dennis Mock Student Leadership Awards, to be specific. Dennis Mock is a major figure in the evolution of Ryerson, especially in the 1990s when he was V.P. Academic and Ryerson transitioned from a Polytechnic Institute to a University. Currently the outgoing President of Nippissing University in North Bay, Dennis was originally from the Geography Department at Ryerson, one of the few Arts-based programs until relatively recently. He is well known for his outgoing demeanor and inspirational interactions with colleagues and students, so it is fitting that he helped to create the Student Leadership Awards in 2000. This year the awards ceremony was held on April 16, where about 50 students from almost every program at Ryerson were honoured.

Among the award recipients were three students from Psychology: Undergraduates Vanessa Ounapuu and Matt Juniper, and Graduate student Mike Maksimowski. It’s the first time our students were eligible because the Mock awards go to graduating students and this is the first year we have graduates from both the BA and MA programs (including fall convocation). The criteria include good academic performance, but focus more on extra-curricular activities that enhance the student’s university experience and contribute to the overall success of his or her program.

Vanessa Ounapuu eagerly accepted a key role in the establishment and building of the Psychology Students Association (PSA). In her 2 years on the executive, she vetted and reviewed a new constitution, worked on an action plan to recruit new members, generated ideas for activities to engage students in fundraising and membership, and spoke to new psychology majors at Orientation Day. In general, Vanessa contributed many positive ideas, and much of the energy and action responsible for the effective functioning of the PSA during its earliest days, as well its continued success today.

Matt Juniper was an original member of the Psychology Students Association and served on it for 2 years, moving from a general executive position to events planner to Vice President. He played a major part in every PSA event during that time, was a core member of the planning committee for the two very successful Arts semi-formals, and used one of his contacts from his summer job in public relations to arrange for promotional materials for the PSA. Matt has also taken the initiative to be part of some Faculty of Arts committees to support the psychology program and its students, such as the promotion and use of the Arts lounge and the Arts computer lab.

Michael Maksimowski has proven to be an extraordinary departmental citizen. In his role as inaugural President of the Psychology Graduate Student Association, Michael was the driving force behind the development of the Association’s first constitution, website, and fundraising efforts. Other notable contributions include his work on the departmental handbook for graduate students and an article featuring the program in the Canadian Psychological Association’s newsletter, Synopsis. These extra-curricular achievements occurred while Michael completed innovative research for his MA thesis and for a related project, which provides access to music for deaf and hard-of-hearing populations. In the words of his nominator: “The Dennis Mock Student Leadership Award was made for Mike.”

Congratulations to our deserving award winners for this year! Nominations for the next round of Mock Awards will likely be due in February 2010, so please start thinking now about possible nominees from both our BA and MA programs. Full details are available at www.ryerson.ca/dennismockawards

Psychology Undergraduate, Vanessa Ounapuu, accepts her Student Leadership Award! (Left to Right: Dennis Mock, Vanessa Ounapuu, and
President Sheldon Levy)

Psychology Undergraduate, Matt Juniper (centre), accepts his Leadership Award from Dennis Mock (left) and President Sheldon Levy (right).

From our Graduate Program, MA student Mike Maksimowski (centre), receives his Leadership Award from Dennis Mock (left) and President Sheldon Levy (right).

Congratulations to our Dennis Mock Student Leadership Award Winners!

MA student Mike Maksimowski, Dr. Frank Russo (nominator), MA student Gillian Sandstrom, and Dr. Kristin Vickers.

Psychology Award Recipients and Nominators
(Left to Right: Jean-Paul Boudrea, Chair; Vanessa Ounapuu, undergraduate; Matt Juniper, undergraduate; Mike Maksimowski, MA student; Frank Russo, SMART Lab Director; John Turtle, Undergraduate Director).

2009 Dennis Mock Awards