Fourth-year Psychology student Ana Downes is the 2025 recipient of the Michael Nightingale Community Enrichment Award
Cultivating a strong community is something that Michael Nightingale always envisioned for the University of Guelph-Humber (U of GH) as the first Vice-Provost and Chief Academic Officer of the University from 2001 to 2005. To honour the rich legacy that he left during U of GH’s early years, the Michael Nightingale Community Enrichment Award was established and is received by one extraordinary student each academic year.
In 2025, the student who received the Michael Nightingale Community Enrichment Award was fourth-year Psychology student Ana Downes, who embodies his vision through her involvement in fostering a sense of togetherness at Guelph-Humber. She received the honour alongside Nightingale in a moment she described as “profound.”
“Community, to me, symbolizes belonging. It represents an environment of connection and support where everyone feels like they’re where they’re meant to be,” she stated. “Students can embody the values of Michael Nightingale at U of GH through working to strengthen the sense of community here, advocating on behalf of the needs and interests of their peers, and getting involved on campus.”
The Michael Nightingale Community Enrichment Award winners’ names are displayed on a plaque in the atrium at U of GH, meaning Downes spent four years walking past it, feeling inspired by it and possessing a deep desire to “make a positive change” at Guelph-Humber, she explained. So, the moment Downes opened the email out to find out she received the award, she was overcome with emotion.
“It was a mix of excitement, disbelief, deep gratitude, and pride. I remember sprinting down my stairs, my hands shaking as I went to go tell my parents the news. I was so highly emotional that my dad was worried something might be wrong,” Downes fondly remembered. “I’m deeply honoured.”
Her mentor and thesis supervisor, Guelph-Humber Psychology Chair Dr. Alice Kim, nominated her for the award. Coincidentally, Downes nominated Dr. Kim for the Outstanding Mentorship Award – which she was selected for, too. Downes believes in uplifting and supporting those around you, including those who inspire you. After all, she cited Dr. Kim as an inspiration, along with various leaders at the University, other students, alumni, professors, and of course, her parents, who she views as her role models – the type of people who are passionate about helping others and inspiring positive change she said.
From childhood, Downes was always drawn to leadership opportunities and had a passion for fostering community. For example, in middle school and high school, she was involved in student council, along with countless extracurriculars and volunteer roles, in addition to maintaining stellar grades.
"I have always believed that anyone can be a leader and make a difference in their communities… Your impact is not just determined by the positions you hold, but also by the impact you make through being a kind, inclusive and compassionate person who uplifts and inspires others day-to-day,” she said.
When asked about why she felt she was selected for the honour, Downes said she believes it’s because of her “hard work, continuous effort, dedication, and passion in getting involved and enriching the community for all.”
That certainly holds up; throughout her time at Guelph-Humber she has participated in many endeavours outside the classroom that contribute to making the University a welcoming place. This includes participating in various student societies, acting as a Student Transition and Resource Team (START) Leader, founding and running the GH Book Club, volunteering at the Science Rendezvous event, student advocacy on the IGNITE Board of Directors (student government) and Humber Polytechnic Board of Governors, and joining the Sophia Forum and Agora Fellowships.
As a member of the Psych Society and Psi Chi International Honour Society, including serving as vice-president for the Psych Society and serving as a Psi Chi ambassador, she found the experience both fun and educational. In these roles, she had a hand in keeping the student body informed on the latest developments in the psychology field, while also giving students a chance to socialize and network with peers and industry professionals.
Furthermore, Downes founded the GH Book Club (@gh.bookclub on Instagram) in her first year at Guelph-Humber in September 2021 in the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic. With restrictions still in place, the U of GH community was not as united as it once was, with many classes being held online and few opportunities were available to connect with peers in person. Downes decided to start the book club to promote friendship and joining forces with like-minded people of all academic programs and years of study to bond over a shared love of reading. She also credits the formation of the book club to introducing her to some of her closest friends!
As a START leader, having also been promoted to a senior role on the team, Downes had the pleasure of hosting campus tours, taking part in marketing campaigns for Guelph-Humber, assisting at promotional events on- and off-campus, and shared valuable information about the University with hundreds of community members, prospective students, and families – a chance to share her joy and spread her enthusiasm for Guelph-Humber.
“I applied for the job because I wanted to share my love for [U of] GH and all the things that make it special. But another part was that I knew it would challenge me to step outside my comfort zone. Going into the position, I honestly had quite a bit of difficulty with fear of public speaking,” she noted. But through her shifts as a START leader, she got to practice public speaking and developed her skill. “This confidence bled into my personal life and my academics.”
As a student advocate on two boards, Downes was able to promote equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging (EDIB) principles at the University, as well as speak up for policies that make students’ lives at Guelph-Humber and Humber Polytechnic better. For instance, Downes served as a voice for her fellow students at Queen’s Park, attending the College Student Alliance’s annual Advocacy Summit, where she met with Members of Provincial Parliament to discuss ongoing student issues like financial aid, mental health, and food insecurity.
These are just some of the ways Downes has championed community at Guelph-Humber, and she intends to keep the flame of unity burning bright even after she graduates, carrying the same spirit of compassion, dedication, and empathy.
“My goal is to nurture environments where others can connect, share their stories, and build meaningful relationships that uplift the entire community,” Downes said of her aspirations. “Whether it’s by creating spaces where people feel welcome and valued, or by being an active listener and advocate for those who need support, I hope to continue spreading positivity through bringing people together.”
As she graduates from Guelph-Humber this year, Downes wants to leave students with sage advice in reaching their full potential, too: dream big. Be a voice for others and lead with kindness, she added.
“The impact of kindness, compassion, or positive action creates ripple effects that often extend far beyond what we can see, inspiring others and cultivating a cycle of change that continues indefinitely,” Downes said.
The Michael Nightingale Community Enrichment Award consists of a certificate of honour, a permanent plaque displayed in the University of Guelph-Humber building, and a cash prize of $1,000. To learn more about our graduation awards, click here.
