During the 2004 Bruce Bryden Alumni Recognition Awards Dinner held on May 13, a York student was recognized by the York Alumni Association for her dynamic contributions to York University, as a Dean's honor roll student and for her service to children in the Jane-Finch communities. At a gala dinner event held downtown at the elegant Arcadian Court, Christina Haidner, a fine arts student at York University was presented with the prestigious 2003 Alumni Silver Jubilee Scholarship by Bonnie Neuman, York vice-president students.
Right: (from left) Bonnie Neuman and Christina Haidner
The scholarship was created in 1985 by the York University Alumni Association to commemorate the 25th anniversary of academic excellence and student/alumni leadership at York University. Majoring in theatre studies, Haidner has just completed her third year in the BA Hon. program in the Faculty of Fine Arts. Her dream is to use the arts for those in the healing process or the oppressed. Upon graduating, she plans to open an arts resource centre for children at risk.
Last summer she received practical experience to complement her academic studies, as director of the York Youth Connection Summer Day Camp, located at the Keele campus. Haidner was responsible for just about everything that had to do with running the camp, which gives campers from the local community, ages 8-14, the opportunity to explore programs in theatre, music, visual arts, science, sports and leadership. Haidner is the co-founder of TheatrePeace, a business that offers drama and art workshops to children in elementary schools with a strong focus on peace and non-violence.
Bonnie Neuman, vice-president students, in presenting the award said, "Christina repeatedly bridges the gap between learning and doing – using her theatre knowledge and leadership skills to make the world around her a better place. She is exactly the type of student we need to recognize and celebrate."
The Alumni Silver Jubilee Scholarship is presented annually to a student who has demonstrated academic excellence, and of equal importance, has demonstrated accomplishment in one or more of the following: York University (or other) community leadership; participation in extra-curricular student life; significant contribution to the University; volunteer service; achievement in athletics or the arts and other significant endeavours.