HAMILTON - Arianne Soriano of the Marauders women's basketball team and Brandon Bernard of the McMaster men's basketball team have been recognized as recipients of the 2023 President's Award of Excellence in Student Leadership.

This annual award, established in 1993, celebrates the contributions of McMaster undergraduate students in their fourth year who have played a significant role in enhancing the McMaster community through outstanding leadership. 

The starting point guard for the Marauders women's basketball team, Arianne Soriano has been inspired to lead and take part in a variety of initiatives to support McMaster communities. The OUA's 2023 Joy Bellinger Award Winner is one of the Co-Presidents of McMaster's Varsity Leadership Committee and has been an advocate for teams that are less well-known on campus. She took a leading role organizing a mental health awareness week, among other initiatives. Outside of her VLC commitment, Ari served as an Archway Mentor for three years to support the well-being and transition for first year students during the midst of a global pandemic. She also founded the first Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month event in Athletics & Recreation. Soriano will be continuing her education and pursuing her passion for health care in the accelerated Honours Science Nursing program at the University of Toronto.

A five year member of the McMaster men's basketball team, Brandon Bernard was involved in many folds of the A&R Department. A long-term JBSD staff, he also balanced his time as a former event staff and Archway Mentor. Brandon was the co-president of the Black Student-Athlete Council. He was also a part of the executive student leadership group, a group which met with the administration to foster innovative ideas and support various department groups. As a Marauder Mentor, Bernard spoke to kids about striking a balance between athletics and academics, and shared other tips on ways to maintain good health, both mentally and physically. Bernard also volunteered at the Black Student Success Centre and was involved in a variety of events that spoke to the equity and inclusion of Black-identifying students on campus.

"I want to congratulate these amazing student leaders," says McMaster President, David Farrar. "Their volunteerism, their sense of citizenship, their commitment to supporting members of the McMaster and local communities, and their dedication to enhancing the experience of students on our campus are an inspiration, and I commend them for their outstanding work and achievements."

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