A virtual night to remember

Josel Angelica Gerardo doesn’t like to use “unprecedented” as a way to talk about the past year but she admits it is the best way to describe it.

“The biggest challenge this year, as a student leader, has been navigating the online world,” said Gerardo in an interview with Ryerson Today. “We have had to test software and technology to figure out how to replicate our community online and ensure we are still supporting students the best way we can.” 

Now completing her final year of the politics and governance program, Gerardo received a 2021 Dennis Mock Student Leadership University-wide Award and was the student speaker for the Student Experience Awards event, held virtually on April 7. This year, 112 recipients were celebrated at the event.

“I want to congratulate all of the recipients for their contributions to the university that have impacted their peers inside and outside of the classroom,” said Gerardo in her remarks. “Student leadership has transformed my mindset and given me and my peers extraordinary skills that are beyond our expectations. Student leadership has taught me to embrace my fears and embrace the value of community inclusion.”

Gerardo was one of the first students to complete the Arts Ambassadors Program in her second year — a program designed to help students engage in the Ryerson community in a way that will broaden their Ryerson University experience. During her time at Ryerson, Gerardo became the vice-president of events at the Ryerson Law Network, was the events associate at the Ryerson Writers Collective, the third year representative for the Politics and Governance Students’ Association and vice-president events at the Ryerson Liberal Arts Society where she was later elected as the President for the 2020-2021 term.

Of all these accomplishments, Gerardo said her biggest one was being able to take up space for underrepresented groups. As a bisexual, Filipino, immigrant woman, she believes the opportunities she has had to be part of a variety of student groups allows others with diverse backgrounds to see it is possible.

Each spring, the Office of the Vice-Provost, Students, celebrates student excellence at the Student Experience Awards. This year, the ceremony was live-streamed for a virtual audience. Most of the event was pre-recorded and there were only three speakers on stage including host Deepa Prashad, Kiss 92.5 Entertainment Reporter and Jen McMillen, vice-provost, students.

“I am so honoured to be here in celebration of Ryerson’s incredible students,” said McMillen. “COVID-19 threw a wrench into our work life, studies and extracurricular activities but despite these challenges you have continued to demonstrate your leadership and perseverance. Through your commitment you have inspired us to be innovative and thoughtful.”

The Student Experience Awards is a joint event between Student Life and Learning Support, Office of the Vice-Provost, Students (OVPS) and Student Awards and Scholarships, Office of the Registrar, recognizing student leaders for their contributions to advancing the university’s mission. To learn more, visit the Student Experience Awards website.