2022 Dean’s Student Leadership Award recipients announced » School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design
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2022 Dean’s Student Leadership Award recipients announced



2022 Dean’s Student Leadership Award recipients announced

Dean Sarah Bay-Cheng is pleased to announce Film Production student Devki Patel and Music student Selwyn Tchang as the recipients of the 2022 Dean's Student Leadership Award. While the adjudication committee received many excellent nominations, Patel and Tchang stood out as passionate and dedicated advocates for students across the School.

The York University School of the Arts, Media, Performance and Design (AMPD) created the Dean's Student Leadership Award to recognize exceptional undergraduate student contributions to the environment and well-being of the AMPD community. The award's criteria focus on leadership, including specific initiatives and elected positions, representation within respective departments, and a demonstrated commitment to equity and inclusion.

While the award highlights the contributions of exceptional individuals within the School, it also encourages future leadership opportunities to manifest within AMPD. Each winner is awarded $1,000.00 to recognize the everlasting positive impact they have made in the AMPD community.

Devki Patel 

“Devki genuinely enjoys working with others, helping others collaborate effectively, and donating her time for the ‘greater good.’ She strives to make AMPD a better and more welcoming place for its students in many ways, especially those in the CMA.” 

Devki Patel is a third-year BFA Honours Double Major student in Film Production and Psychology. This academic year, Patel took on the role of the Vice President of Finance for the Creative Arts Students Association, a Director of Promotions for the Film Students Association, and the Treasurer for the IBPOC Artists Association. Outside of AMPD, Patel is the Festival Coordinator at the Future of Film Showcase.

Patel strongly believes the ability to make positive change is the true power of storytelling. After graduation, she hopes to harness that power through cinematography and film direction. In her remaining time at AMPD, Patel strives to make her undergraduate experience most worthwhile by creating a more equitable, inclusive AMPD for current and future students.

Selwyn Tchang  

“Selwyn Tchang has consistently and enthusiastically given of his time to better the student experience in the Department of Music and in AMPD.” 

Selwyn Tchang is a fourth-year Music student and a strong equity advocate in the AMPD community. Tchang is an active Department of Music member through involvement with many music clubs, even serving as the Vice-President of Student Affairs for the Creative Arts Student Association (CASA). Through his contributions, Tchang created cherished experiences and a better AMPD for his peers.

In his final year at AMPD, Tchang will take on the role of CASA President. He will continue to set an example with his dedication to advocacy and creating safe environments for queer and BIPOC students.