SAMU AWARDS NIGHT RECAP 2026

Congratulations to the winners and nominees from SAMU Awards Night 2026! Your contributions are what make SAMU and MacEwan such a fantastic place to learn.

You can view the winners from SAMU Awards Night 2026 below, or by downloading the official awards presentation.

SAMU Awards Night 2026 Winners

CAMPUS CHAMPION: Fatima Omar

Fatima is actively involved in campus life, demonstrating a passion for promoting inclusivity and engagement. They volunteer with SAMU while supporting many student groups and MacEwan University events.

FOOD SUPPORT VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR: Josh Wagner

Josh is a natural leader — he sets the bar with his strong work ethic and positive attitude. He is not afraid to take charge or let others lead. His ability to remain calm in the fast-paced, unpredictable environment of Food Support lifts the entire team.

PEER SUPPORT VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR: Natalie Welch

Natalie’s outstanding contributions to the Peer Support team have set the standard for what it means to be a Peer Support Leader. Whether it’s training new volunteers, assisting in workshop planning, or mentoring her team, there is no responsibility too great for her.

THE GRIFF VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR: Brooklyn Martin-Brown

As a first-year student, Brooklyn excels greatly at writing a variety of articles. Always attending and engaging in roundtable discussions, she is not afraid to pick up challenging pitches that further hone her skills. She is an invaluable member of the Griff’s newsroom.

NEW STUDENT GROUP OF THE YEAR: MacEwan Game Dev Club

In one short year, the MacEwan Game Dev Club has grown to 70+ members. Their consistent meetings, workshops, and competitions create a strong, interdisciplinary community. They enable new and experienced game developers to grow together.
As a first-year student, Brooklyn excels greatly at writing a variety of articles. Always attending and engaging in roundtable discussions, she is not afraid to pick up challenging pitches that further hone her skills. She is an invaluable member of the Griff’s newsroom.

STUDENT GROUP OF THE YEAR: Design Student Organization

The Design Student Organization offers fantastic opportunities for creative students at MacEwan University. They connect students and industry professionals while providing opportunities to show and sell their works on and off campus.

STUDENT GROUP MEMBER OF THE YEAR: Abby Oroliz

Abby puts her heart into everything she does, as evidenced by her work as VP Marketing for the Student Psychology Network. She has led the group’s rebrand while redesigning their social media and setting new quality standards.

VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR: Abbey Henderson-Tanguay

Abby puts her heart into everything she does, as evidenced by her work as VP Marketing for the Student Psychology Network. She has led the group’s rebrand while redesigning their social media and setting new quality standards.

 

STUDENTS' COUNCILLOR OF THE YEAR: Vincent Trinh

STUDENT OF THE YEAR: Minaal Mansood
Minaal is a fixture of the Dean’s List and a member of the Golden Key International Honour Society. She is also an active member of several student groups and a volunteer with MacEwan International. She is diligent and resourceful while remaining enthusiastic and creative. 

SAMU Awards Night 2026 Photo Gallery