Meet Student Leader Dawn Corston

Nipissing University is pleased to have recognized Dawn Corston from Cochrane with the Dave Marshall Leadership Award, one of its most prestigious accolades.

Annually, 25 full-time students are recognized with a Dave Marshall Leadership Award. These students have made an outstanding extracurricular contribution to their academic program, to the campus, or to the greater community. They have demonstrated leadership, initiative, commitment, and an ability to motivate and influence others toward the betterment of Nipissing University.

This award is a prestigious, non-monetary award in recognition of the dedication and leadership Dr. Dave Marshall demonstrated during his 18 years of consecutive service as the Dean of Education and President and Vice Chancellor of Nipissing University. Dr. Marshall’s tenure at Nipissing University is a reflection of his commitment to higher education, vision for the future, and leadership in external community service. These were all characteristics reflective of Dr. Marshall’s position at Nipissing University and are qualities embodied in the students chosen for this award.

Dawn is working towards a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Native Studies and a Bachelor of Commerce.

Dawn has demonstrated her community leadership through her volunteer roles with the office of Indigenous Initiatives as Peer2Peer Mentor, Biidaaban Youth Group Volunteer, and Debwendizon Panelist.

As a Biidaaban Youth Group Volunteer, Dawn hosted a weekly after-school program for youth ages 4 - 10 at the North Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre where she offered help with homework as well as crafts and games. This program meets a need for Indigenous academic support within the community of North Bay. Dawn's consistently positive energy and cheerful way she interacted with the children was a big part of the programs week-to-week success. Dawn also donated her time to speak as part of a panel for the Debwendizon Indigenous Youth Education Gathering which welcomed Indigenous Youth from across Ontario to Nipissing University for hands on learning activities. Beyond this, Dawn also donated her time to mentor through the Peer2Peer mentorship program.

Dawn demonstrates to others how to balance multiple responsibilities in a healthy way. She is a wife, mother, volunteer, and student and still finds time to support others whenever she can. She is a welcoming and friendly face within the Enji Giigdoyang Student Lounge, where she encourages others to make good choices and seek out support when needed.

Dawn is cheerful, adaptable, flexible and reliable. In the future, she aspires to become an elementary school teacher who teaches Indigenous culture to students.

The university community congratulates Dawn on her Dave Marshall Leadership Award in the Community Category!