Bishop's University Academic Honours Society

Overall Mission Statement

The Bishop’s University Academic Honours Society celebrates the academic achievements of students who have risen to the top 15 percent of their respective divisions. By targeting these hardworking individuals and uniting them in a collective, the society offers opportunities for those like-minded folks to interact and grow with one another. As a means to provide networking opportunities, the society organizes a variety of events throughout the year, such as a wine and cheese evening, a potluck with Bishop’s VP Academic, Tea with the Principal and much more.

Moreover, as a result of the similarities between the members – their motivation and ambition towards their respective academic journeys, for instance – the society extends targeted resources for its involved students; these include both informal meetings and official seminars regarding, for example, the scholarships and funds available for such dedicated minds. Based on a three-pillar model – Academic, Leadership and Service – the Bishop’s Academic Honours Society stands as a supportive body, whose values of community, conscientiousness and achievement celebrates and links the hardworking individuals hidden in the beautiful fibers that make-up Bishop’s University.

Three-Pillars Explained

The Bishop’s University Academic Honours Society – now built from the foundations of The Golden Key Society – is based upon a three-pillar model: Academic, Leadership and Community Service.

Academic

The BUAHS, by definition, is comprised of the top-ranking students in their divisions. At the beginning of each academic year, the students whose academic averages land in the top 15 percent of their divisionary groups are personally invited to join the society. As such, the BUAHS reflects and celebrates, first and foremost, the students thriving in their academic fields.

As a means of encouraging these students and aiding them in their future academic journeys, several events are hosted each year by the BUAHS, such as the Donald Lecture Series Meet & Greets, the Graduate Scholarship Workshops and much more.

Leadership

As a result of their academic dedication and hard work on and off campus, BUAHS members are often considered natural-born leaders within their community. For instance, several past members have attended leadership retreats, lectures and events together in the past few years, building upon their skills as a group.

However, leadership as a skill requires lifelong tuning and strong networks for future growth. As such, the society organizes and promotes a variety of opportunities for students to expand upon their abilities and meet with diverse voices who can help broaden their connections. These include Tea with the Principal, Student Panels on University Thriving and Live Talks with Senior Members of the BUAHS.

Community Service and Engagement

As a member of the BUAHS, it is important to share our knowledge, time and dedication to our community. As a means to help members of the society reach out to the community in a timely, effective and organized manner, BUAHS has compiled a list of organizations and groups willing to receive student help. From tutoring services to food drives, the choices are varied and offer different levels of engagement depending on the member’s responsibilities and time restraints. The BUAHS, thus, wishes to support and encourage its members to become active members in the community.

Meet the Administrative and Executive Teams of the BUAHS

Dr. Andrew Webster, Vice Principal, Academic and Research

Caitlyn Gerrish, Co-President: cgerrish20@ubishops.ca

Michael Bielawski, Co-President: mbielawski21@ubishops.ca

Nikki Veilleux, VP Events: nveilleux21@ubishops.ca

Kate Vandermeulen, VP Marketing & Communications: kvandermeule21@ubishops.ca

Solomia Salameh, Treasurer: ssalameh21@ubishops.ca

Tessa Bradshaw, Secretary: tbradshaw21@ubishops.ca

Professor Michael Teed, Faculty Advisor: mteed@UBishops.ca