Jennifer Crowe, a third-year political science (honours) student in the Faculty of Arts, has been named the 2014 recipient of the Canadian Association of College and University Student Services (CACUSS) Student Leadership Award.

The award recognizes outstanding contributions of a student with potential for a future career related to student affairs, and encourages participation and engagement of a student leader in the annual CACUSS conference.

During the past three years at Memorial, Ms. Crowe has co-ordinated four orientations for more than 4,000 students. She has co-ordinated the Memorial Student Leadership Conference, served as the co-chair of MUN Oxfam and as director of Radhoc Youth Leadership, and has most recently become the co-ordinator of the Student Volunteer Bureau.

Ms. Crowe has deeply enjoyed her volunteering and employment opportunities at Memorial, and is passionate about developing student leadership abilities.

“I feel privileged to have been immersed in the planning and implementing of services and programs that support, develop and empower student leaders at Memorial,” said Ms. Crowe. “Throughout each of my roles at Memorial, I have aimed to create a space where students can learn from each other in developing leadership skills. I have also aimed to empower student volunteers through effective training which enhances their skills as a volunteer and as a leader.”

Krystal Donohue, acting manager of Answers, is impressed by Ms. Crowe's accomplishments and by her development as a student leader.

“Jennifer is a remarkable student, and it’s truly rewarding to know that she has grown in so many ways at Memorial,” she said.

Holly White, student leadership programs co-ordinator, says that an outstanding demonstration of student leadership by Memorial University students is a celebrated trend at CACUSS each year.

“Last year, Ryan Murphy was a national Student Affairs and Services Association Student Leadership Award winner, and quite a few Memorial student services staff have received this honour over the years. What an inspiration!" she said.

CACUSS is a professional bilingual association representing and serving those individuals who work in Canadian post-secondary institutions in student affairs and services. Since 1973, CACUSS has provided professional development services and programs for members in all the Canadian provinces. Cross-divisional interest groups are formed by members from time to time based on their professional needs focusing on areas such as peer helping, first year students, new professionals and leadership education.

Ms. Crowe will accept her award at the CACUSS conference in Halifax, N.S., on June 6.