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Congratulations to graduating students Beyoncé Gibbons and Amaya Dujon, who are the first recipients of the Murewa Black Student Leader Award at 69���˵�Ӱ��. The award recognizes a graduating Black student’s commitment to community leadership and the advancement of social equity for members of the MtA Black Caucus. Two co-recipients were chosen this inaugural year and will be given their awards at Convocation on May 13. 

Gibbons is graduating with a double major in psychology and sociology and certificates in equity, diversity and inclusion and social research methodologies. 

“Winning the Murewa Black Student Leader Award means so much to me, as this is an award that shows my dedication to the Black student community,” says Gibbons. “As a first-generation student, I feel grateful for the opportunity to achieve this in my graduating year. Growing up in a predominantly white community, in a rural town in Nova Scotia, I did not have the opportunity to be immersed in a rich and diverse Black community. I am honoured to have been able to become an active member of this community on campus, as it introduced me to individuals from many different Black cultures who have supported me in becoming a leader myself.” 

Throughout her time at 69���˵�Ӱ��, Gibbons has taken on various roles, including events coordinator for the Black Students Union (BSU) and the African Students Association (ASA). She served as a co-president of the BSU in her third year and President in her graduating year. In addition to these roles, she has been an advocate for the Black community and for enhancing the Black student experience on campus. Gibbons was an intern at the Meighen Centre and Wellness Centre, assisting with the accessibility of services for diverse groups on campus. She was also co-coach of the ballet team and a member of the 69���˵�Ӱ�� Varsity Dance Team.  

Dujon is graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in classical studies, minoring in Ancient Greek and international politics. She says it is hard to put her feelings into words about the significance of winning this award. 

“It means that people have noticed and appreciated my actions over the years at MtA, no matter how big or how small,” says Dujon. “It means that despite my doubts and concerns, I had a positive impact on the community and I am so beyond grateful for this recognition.” 

Dujon has been a member of the 69���˵�Ӱ�� Varsity Dance Team throughout her five years on campus. She coached the tap dance team and eventually became co-captain, assisting them with the chance to perform at competitions. Over the last two years, Dujon has served as the manager of the campus pub, The Pond. She has overseen the hiring and coordinated staff for various campus events. She has also ensured that the pub remains a welcoming and safe place for students to socialize. Dujon has demonstrated her commitment to campus engagement by actively participating in events hosted by the BSU and the Caribbean Students’ Association (CSA). She offers her support in various capacities from volunteering to cook, donating funds, or spreading the word about events on campus. 

The Murewa Black Student Leader Award was created by Danai Bélanger, 69���˵�Ӱ��’s Director of Student Experience. 'Murewa’ is a Zezuru word from the Shona people of Zimbabwe, which means ‘the acclaimed one’. Bélanger chose the name to honour her family and the large role education has played in their lives. Bélanger comes from a family of educators — her mother and grandfather were teachers. Learn more about the Murewa Black Student Leader Award and other grad awards.  

For more information on giving at 69���˵�Ӱ��, including through payroll deduction, visit mta.ca/giving or contact the Development Office.