The University of Winnipeg Golden Key Chapter (UWinnipeg-GK), an academic student group, has been awarded the Key Chapter Award for the eighth consecutive year, the longest streak for any Canadian university chapter.
This annual award is the highest recognition given by the Golden Key International Honour Society to chapters that exceed the rigorous criteria grounded in the Golden Key pillars of academics, leadership, and service.
Each fall, UWinnipeg-GK welcomes new academic achievers who meet the academic eligibility standard of performing in the top 15 per cent of the university student body.
UWinnipeg-GK member Ferdinand Reke Avikpe found that the UWinnipeg-GK fosters a culture of service and allowed him to connect with like-minded individuals who are committed to academic excellence, which for him was a transformative experience.
I have learned the value of compassion, teamwork, and the impact that a group of dedicated individuals can have on addressing societal challenges.
Ferdinand Reke Avikpe
“Participating in Golden Key’s community service initiatives has been a profoundly rewarding experience,” shared Avikpe. “These initiatives have allowed me to give back to the community in meaningful ways, from volunteering at local shelters to participating in environmental clean-up projects. Through these experiences, I have learned the value of compassion, teamwork, and the impact that a group of dedicated individuals can have on addressing societal challenges.”
Avikpe recently graduated from UWinnipeg with a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Biochemistry and received the Gold Medal for the highest achievement in Mathematics (four-year) for his Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics. He is currently a PhD student in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Toronto and was recently featured in the school’s Faces of BME series.
This past year, Avikpe’s UWinnipeg-GK colleagues demonstrated outstanding devotion to the chapter’s community service initiatives. This included volunteering with Siloam Mission, hosting workshops on Happiness Through Leadership: Stepping into your Greatness by Treena Chabot, and Respect in the Workplace, by Michelle Van Hove, to name a few.
The chapter continues to fundraise for the UWinnipeg-GK In-Course Scholarship, which is open to all UWinnipeg students; the UWinnipeg-GK Chapter Scholarship for group members; and the UWinnipeg Convocation Scholarship.
The UWinnipeg-GK Chapter hosted its New Member Recognition Event this past January, and welcomed two UWinnipeg honorary members: Dr. Jino Distasio, Geography Professor and Vice-President, Research and Innovation and Chancellor Barb Gamey.
For a full list of events, projects, and the workshop calendar, visit their website, Facebook page, Instagram, or reach out via uwinnipeggk@gmail.com.
