Celebrating the Class of 2021

As the undergraduate academic careers of the School of Kinesiology's Class of 2021 draws to a close, we want to celebrate all they have accomplished while at Western and salute the hard work and dedication that has led to their being awarded their degrees. Congratulations to all graduates.

Each year, we recognize members of the graduating class whose academic achievement stood out from their peers and earned them a prestigious Gold Medal. Meet the Gold Medal winners from the Class of 2021.

Class of 2021 Kinesiology Gold Medal Winners

Madeline Woods

Madeline Woods: Dr. Earle F. Zeigler Gold Medal

Awarded to the graduating student with the highest average in the final year of the 4-year Bachelor of Arts Honours Kinesiology program

Madeline joins the Class of 2021 graduating from Western University with a Bachelor of Arts Honours Specialization in Kinesiology. Madeline will always cherish her time studying at Western and is thankful for the diverse academic experiences, abundant personal growth opportunities, and rich campus community that supported her education. During her time at Western, Madeline took advantage of opportunities to explore potential career paths and gain professional experience. She volunteered at a physiotherapy clinic, interned in the ergonomics program at Honda of Canada, and completed a practicum with the Ontario Kinesiology Association. Madeline also actively participated in the campus community and was involved in Kappa Alpha Theta sorority and Western Strength club. Madeline discovered her passion for scientific research in her final year while she completed an undergraduate thesis project under the supervision of Dr. Eva Pila in the Body Image & Health Lab. This summer, Madeline holds an NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Award and is continuing her work with Dr. Pila. In the fall, Madeline looks forward to beginning her Master of Science in Rehabilitation Science at the University of Toronto.

Mitchell Sammut

Mitchell Sammut: Dr. Michael Yuhasz Gold Medal

Awarded to a graduating student with the highest average in the final year of the 4-year Bachelor of Science Honours Kinesiology program

Mitchell joins the Class of 2021 graduating from Western University with a Bachelor of Science Honours Specialization in Kinesiology. Mitchell describes his time at Western as both exciting and rewarding.
During these past four years, Mitchell participated in co-ed intramural soccer, joined a student-run charity club, and became involved with various volunteer opportunities on and off-campus. These included various research labs, Parkwood institute and the London Food Bank. After third year, Mitchell was awarded an NSERC USRA research fellowship which began his interest in conducting research and prompted him to complete my 4th year thesis the following year. He is thankful for his family, friends, professors, mentors, advisors, and peers for making his undergraduate career one to remember and allowing him to find success in and outside of university. Mitchell is excited to be starting his Masters of Science in Kinesiology at Western this coming fall, under the supervision of Dr. Melling, where he will be investigating the molecular basis of exercise in type 1 diabetes.

Daniella Di Laurenzio

Daniella Di Laurenzio: Honours Specialization in Clinical Kinesiology Gold Medal

Awarded to graduating School of Kinesiology student with the highest average in the Honours Specialization in Clinical Kinesiology

Daniella joins the Class of 2021 graduating from Western University with a Bachelor of Arts Honours Specialization in Clinical Kinesiology. Even though she grew up only a couple hours away, Daniella calls Western her home away from home. She is extremely thankful for the memories, life-long friendships, incredible teaching staff and hands-on opportunities that made her time at Western one she will never forget. Throughout her undergraduate studies, Daniella enjoyed attending campus events, being a member of the Exercise is Medicine club, as well as participating in fitness classes and intramural sports. Daniella will be preparing to write the College of Kinesiologists of Ontario Provincial Exam in the fall to become a Registered Kinesiologist and is extremely excited for what the future holds.

Owen Robinson

Owen Robinson: Honours Specialization in Sport Management Gold Medal

Awarded to graduating School of Kinesiology student with the highest average in the Honours Specialization in Kinesiology Sport Management

Owen joins the Class of 2021 graduating from Western University with a Bachelor of Arts Honours Specialization in Sport Management. He completed the dual degree and also earned his Honors Business Administration degree from the Ivey Business School. He grew up in Toronto, Ontario with a love for sports. He was a member of the Varsity Men’s Ultimate team all five years of his undergraduate degree and a captain of the team in his last three years. He was a Residence Advisor in his second year at Medway-Sydenham Hall and a member of the Ivey Sports and Entertainment Club. For the next chapter, he is living and working in London as an Analyst at EventConnect. He is looking forward to being back on campus next year as an Assistant Coach for the Varsity Men’s Ultimate team.