Seven St. Michael’s Students Named Student Leaders
Seven graduating St. Michael’s students have earned the University of Toronto’s highest recognition for the meaningful difference they have made on campus and beyond. Through their leadership, compassion, and drive, they have helped shape a more connected, inclusive, and vibrant university community. For their contributions they will receive this year’s University of Toronto Student Leadership Awards, which recognize outstanding student leadership, volunteer service, and commitment to the university.
Recipients were nominated by staff, faculty, librarians, and alumni from St. Michael’s College.
Meet the student leaders whose contributions have made an impact:
Sara Beaini helped transform St. Michael’s into a more welcoming place for all students by championing inclusivity and belonging through her leadership of Pride SMC.
As student campus minister, Bridget Bowles engaged in campus outreach to serve the local unhoused community. She also brought a diverse community together through a shared love of Dante Alighieri’s Divine Comedy by leading the Dante Reading Group.
Thomas James Gillespie served the St. Michael’s community in his roles as St. Michael’s College Student Union (SMCSU) Vice President of Finance and student campus minister. Throughout his tenure, he promoted transparency to help students better understand available opportunities and services, while working to forge strong new community bonds across the college.
SMCSU Vice President of Mental Health Clizia Martini has been a tireless advocate for student well-being. She focused her efforts on improving mental health accessibility across campus, with a particular emphasis on prevention and proactive support.
Katie McBain rebuilt the Celtic Studies course union following the pandemic by organizing events that grew student interest in the field and strengthened the academic community around Celtic Studies.
Sun Jaehyun Sur combined a deep passion for science with active engagement in undergraduate medical research, sharing his findings at the SMC Undergraduate Research Colloquium. He also worked behind the scenes to ensure successful student elections, drawing on his experience as an eight-time Chief Returning Officer.
Michelle Sum Yee Wong enriched student life on two fronts: amplifying student voices as President of the Book & Media Studies Student Association and nurturing a culture of creativity and expression as Arts Editor at The Mike.
St. Michael’s will present the winners with their awards at a banquet in Father Madden Hall on April 1st.
For more information about the Student Leadership Award and the 2026 recipients, visit University of Toronto Student Leadership Awards | University of Toronto Alumni.