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> The Learning Centre > Programs and Services > Vanier Key Society

Vanier's Key Society is composed of a talented group of students chosen for their high academic standing, strong communication skills and demonstrated leadership abilities. Throughout the year, they are given many opportunities to contribute to the life of the college. In the fall and winter semesters, they are often called upon to act as ambassadors at college functions such as Open House and orientation sessions for new students. In the winter semester, working on their own or in small groups, they will undertake a college-wide project, such as an awareness campaign or fundraising event. Not only will the project benefit the student body, but it will also provide Key members with the opportunity to explore issues that concern them in meaningful and creative ways. The success of their projects will rest on the degree of decision making, planning, and commitment the students bring to their projects.

If you have any further questions, please contact Joshua Berman at
bermanj@vaniercollege.qc.ca

Key Society Members

The following are the 2011-2012 Vanier Key Society members! Click on a student's name to learn more about him or her.

Georgia-Hope Dimopoulos
Kirandeep Singh
Lida Alavi
Nianqi Tang
Krishnaa Siva
Gabriel Amar
James Guarascio
Joey Suri
Jessica Benady-Chorney
Jasmine Gallienne
Arvand Abab
Michael Homsy
Ileana Vahtin

Yanicka Poirier
Erin Brown-Vandecruys
Maher Al Khaldi
Andrew Dudley
Nadia Buzdugan
Yining Zhang
Mariko Hamel
Lilliane Nguyen
Jenna Awad
Beatriz Gomes
Sarah Ellis
Aviva Lessard

PAST KEY SOCIETY MEMBERS

> 2007-2008
Click here to read about the 2007-2008 Vanier Key Society Members.

> 2008-2009
Click here to read about the 2008-2009 Vanier Key Society Members.

> 2009-2010
Click here to read about the 2009-2010 Vanier Key Society Members.

> 2010-2011
Click here to read about the 2010-2011 Vanier Key Society Members.

	Georgia-Hope Dimopoulos My name is Georgia-Hope and I am currently enrolled in my third semester at Vanier in the Commerce program. After obtaining my DEC, I plan on pursuing my education at the John Molson School of Business in Finance and then perhaps studying abroad to get my Masters degree. I am fluent in Greek, English and French and I would love to study another language in university to expand my linguistic knowledge. Other than being a dedicated student, I spend my time with friends, reading, dancing and volunteering. The Vanier Key Society is a great way for me to get involved in my school on another level by being aware of the various interesting activities and events it has to offer. I believe it is an opportunity that will enable me to meet new and interesting people and to get involved in Vanier's community. "Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration." - Thomas Edison

	Yanicka Poirier Hello! I am Yanicka, and I am currently studying in the Modern Languages Program. It is my second and final year, and I am pretty excited about what is coming next! I am a really dedicated person and so I take my studies really seriously. The Modern Languages program has given me a completely new perspective on the world, and it really motivates me. Later, I plan on pursuing my studies in law or political science in university. Apart from this, my hobbies are quite simple: I enjoy reading, listening to music and taking walks. To be part of the Vanier Key Society is a surprising opportunity that came to me, and I am really determined to make the most of it!

	Kirandeep Singh Hey, my name is Kirandeep and I'm currently in my third semester in Commerce. I plan on going to McGill in law after I graduate from Vanier and become a very successful lawyer. I'd like to save money after that and open my own restaurant and be the executive chef in it, as it is my passion to cook. I love cars as well; my dream car is a Lamborghini, although some more affordable ones that I would love to drive are an Infinity G35 coupe, an Audi S5 or a Nissan Maxima 2008. I speak English, French, Hindi, and Punjabi. I love to spend time with friends. I joined the Vanier Key Society because I want to get involved a little bit more at school as it's my last year at Vanier and I hope this year will be memorable!

	Erin Brown-Vandecruys Hello! My name is Erin and I am in my final semester here at Vanier in the Three Math Social Science program. I will be graduating this December and I will hopefully be attending Concordia's John Molson Business School in January, to get my Bachelors of Commerce, majoring in Marketing. My pastimes include playing softball, yoga, listening to music, playing the trumpet, going out with friends and volunteering at my local library and museum. I am looking forward to this semester with the Vanier Key Society, and I hope that I can give back to the school and the students in the most ways possible. Vanier College has provided me with so many vital life lessons and skills, and I have had such a great experience here, and I hope that you have too!

	Lida Alavi My name is Lida and I am in the Health Science program here at Vanier College. I love my program as I adore understanding the nature of things and learning abstract knowledge. I really have a passion for biology and physics; hence I would like to pursue my studies in either medicine or in engineering. I love helping others and being socially involved in my community; I spend my free time volunteering either at the hospital or tutoring elementary children. Amongst other interests, I particularly enjoy dancing, running, reading, listening to music, following fashion and traveling. I really love Vanier College for its multiculturalism and its great balance between studies and student life; I am really excited about joining the Vanier Key Society and representing my CEGEP!

	Maher Al Khaldi Hi, my name is Maher and I am currently a full-time student enrolled in the Health Sciences program. I have always loved sciences and helping people which is why I am a math and science peer tutor at Vanier College and a part-time volunteer at the emergency department of the Jewish General Hospital. Upon graduation, I intend to continue my studies in the medical field at McGill University or the University of Montréal. I am an avid athlete who enjoys all kinds of competitive team sports, as well as weight-lifting. I speak English, French, Arabic and Russian fluently. I wish to express that it is an honour for me to be a member of the Vanier Key Society and I am looking forward to learning more about myself as and others as well making Vanier College a better place.

	Nianqi Tang My name is Nianqi. This is my third semester in Honours Commerce. I am very excited to be part of the Vanier Key Society. I have enjoyed my stay at Vanier College very much; it allows me to explore new things and to get in touch with many different and interesting people. I love getting involved in volunteer work in diverse fields because I like to see that my small participation can actually make a difference. After my study at Vanier, I would like to go to Rotman School in Toronto to continue my business education. I greatly value my family and my friends. My biggest goal is to have my own foundation to help those children who cannot afford to go to school to have greater access to education. I believe that the world will be a better place if everyone contributes a little.

	Andrew Dudley Hi, my name is Andrew and I am studying classical piano in the Music DEC at Vanier. At the moment, I aspire to become a music therapist as this would combine my passion for music with my passion for helping people deal with their life challenges. So far, my greatest obstacle I have had to overcome in my pursuit is my visual impairment, as I am blind in my right eye and half blind in my left eye. Since I became a Vanier College student I have volunteered for the Vanier Choir and I have played piano for the intellectually handicapped who participate in the West Montreal Readaptation Center On-Campus program at Vanier. I look forward to making further contributions to my school as a part of the Vanier College Key Society this year.

	Krishnaa Siva My name is Krishnaa and I am presently doing my second year in the Health Science program at Vanier College. I am looking to pursue my future career in the medical field. Even though I spend a great deal of time with my books, I always find some time to give back to the community. I am presently volunteering at St. Justin hospital and Tamilar Olli Association. Helping others and putting smiles on their faces are some things that I really enjoy doing. During my free time, I like playing sports and hanging out with my friends. Having a balanced life style is something that I value a lot. Being part of the Vanier Key Society is an honour since I am given the opportunity to contribute to the school's present and future.

	Nadia Buzdugan Hi there! My name is Nadia, and I am an international student at Vanier. I am in my third semester in Accounting & Management Technology. I plan to pursue a career in accounting or human resources. I enjoy reading, going out with my friends and meeting new people. Proudly, I consider that Vanier's distinctive asset is the multiculturalism that enables students to become familiar with the beauty of different cultures. By being part of Vanier Key Society, I aim to show my profound gratitude to the people from Vanier that make a difference in my life. Favorite quote: "Intelligence plus character-that is the goal of true education." Dr. Martin Luther King

	Gabriel Amar Hi, my name is Gabriel and I am a second year student in the Commerce program. I love music and sports and I can most often be found with my friends. I am fluent in English, French and Hebrew. I'm not sure what my plans are for the future but all I know is that I have to continue working hard. Studying at Vanier has really changed my life, and for that I am really grateful. Seeing that this is my last year at Vanier and that I am member of the Vanier Key Society, I promise to represent Vanier in the best of my abilities and make this year an unforgettable one.

	Yining Zhang Hi there! My name is Yining and I am currently in my third semester in Honours Commerce program. I am an international student and it's an honour to be a part of Vanier Key Society. Apart from that, I am also a tutor in Math & Science Centre. I am eager to learn all kinds of knowledge from my teachers and my peers, among which knowledge of the business world fascinates me most. In my spare time I enjoy travelling: various interesting experiences in fourteen countries in four continents arouse my desire to learn about different cultures all over the world; I love music: eight years' practice in the flute and bel canto has made music a part of my life and a powerful tool to communicate my feelings. My friends are an indispensable part of my life in Canada and they are the ones who make my life rich and colourful. In this year, I am looking forward to contributing to Vanier and representing it as well as possible.

	James Guarascio My name is James and I'm in my third semester at Vanier College. I am currently in the Law and Society Major of the Social Sciences Program. I enjoy travelling, kayaking, canoeing, and cooking. I am very interested in Canadian and international politics. I speak English, French and Italian fluently. In the future, I hope to study law at McGill University. My experience at Vanier to date has been very enriching, as it has enabled me to think critically and allowed me to develop time-management skills. This semester, I began peer-tutoring English with the Learning Centre, and find this to be a great experience. I look forward to being an active member of the Vanier Key Society, and harvesting all the great opportunities that it has to offer.

	Mariko Hamel Konichiwa! My name is Mariko and this is my second year as a Health Science student at Vanier. I wish to possibly pursue a career in optometry next year or to, better yet, be admitted to the medical program at McGill. However, in order to get to where I want to be in university and in the distant future, I have a long journey of self-growth ahead of me to complete. Nevertheless, nothing is impossible if one sets one's mind to accomplish something. Thus, with that mindset, I have already begun to tutor in the hope that I will gain patience and understanding, and have joined the Vanier Key Society to lend a hand to those in need and broaden my views on the world around me. But that is not all. The road to success also involves cultivating oneself and learning to enjoy the things in life that bring happiness. That is why, in my spare time, I waste no time in eagerly settling down on a couch with a great book or in losing myself in the melody of my piano pieces. "Success is a journey, not a destination." - Ben Sweetland.

	Joey Suri My name is Joey and I'm currently in my third semester at Vanier College in Honours Health Science. Alongside my studies, I'm involved in a couple of other extracurricular activities. Just recently, I started a new club at Vanier: the South Asian Vanier Association. Moreover, this summer, I started playing the world's second most popular sport, cricket, and consequently got involved with Cricket Montreal, an organization that does an excellent job in promoting this sport in our lovely city. Apart from sciences, I also hold a particular interest for politics, finance and law; I would love to have a challenging career with non-repetitive day-to-day activities in any of those fields! I truly hope that the Vanier Key Society, just like my remaining year at Vanier, will make my journey very memorable.

	Lilliane Nguyen Hello! My name is Lilliane and I am a Health Science student. I am very honoured to be a part of the Key Society and there's so much more Vanier has offered me for my education and my personnel development! I am a very outgoing person and I love being able to interact with so many people and enrich myself with their own personal experiences. I have a strong passion for many distinct domains, such as fashion, science and music and I wish to be pursuing a career in Health in a few years. I really hope to succeed in life and make the most out of it by reaching my best potential, sharing my knowledge to others and finally, by simply achieving happiness.

	Jessica Benady- Chorney Hi my name is Jessica and I'm in my second year of Health Science at Vanier College. My prime motivator both in my social life and my academic studies is trying to understand what makes people tick, and learning about all the different types of people who make up our world. Eventually, I'd like to be able to gain enough understanding about how the world functions to help others around me. So my most recent goal has been to get accepted into the Med-P program and become a doctor. While the workload in the science field can be pretty hefty, I think maintaining a well-roundedness is crucial; laughing with friends, dancing, running and exploring new subjects and places are my keys to happiness, and I believe no one should ever stop learning, growing, and meeting new people!

	Jenna Awad Hi there! My name is Jenna and it is my second year in Health Science. Even though this program can be quite challenging at times, it has brought me to question things around me and ponder on how science is related to our everyday life. I love being at Vanier because it is filled with different kinds of people, has so much to offer to its students and has a great teaching personnel. After I graduate, I aspire to pursue a career in medicine and really hope that McGill University is where my journey will begin. I enjoy helping people around me as I am a very caring person and this is why I am a private tutor at the Math & Science Centre. I am also a lifeguard and find this job very enriching because I am responsible for people's lives. It is my dream to travel around the world one day as I find there is so much out there that I would like to discover. "The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page." - St. Augustine

	Jasmine Gallienne Hi, my name is Jasmine and I'm in the Honours Social Science program at Vanier College. It's my second and final year going to Vanier. After Vanier, I plan on taking a year to travel and do some volunteer work before going on to University. I'm undecided on what I want to study there, so I'm hoping my year in between will guide me into what I want to do. I enjoy reading, going for walks, dancing and travelling. I would love to visit Germany, Australia, Greece and Ireland. I also hope to one day live in New York City. Through joining the Vanier Key Society, I hope to get more involved with the Vanier community and am excited to see what new experiences this will bring.

	Beatriz Gomes Hi! My name is Beatriz and I am in my final year at Vanier College, pursuing studies in the Health Science program. Though that is a very demanding program, I make sure I have some free time for myself to do the things I love, such as dancing ballet, tutoring, and volunteering in hospitals. I am Brazilian and moved to Canada about five years ago. I am loving every moment of it! I hope to become a veterinarian and open my own clinic for small pets. However, I am not quite sure what the future holds for me. I might change plans and go into medicine instead! Not everything in life is crystal-clear, and when it comes to my future, I have many dreams and aspirations. My goal in life is to feel accomplished and satisfied, and be able to look back and realize I have made good choices. Being part of the Vanier Key Society is a big accomplishment for me, having my voice heard and being ambassador for my college is a pleasure and immense honor.

	Arvand Abab My name is Arvand. I went to Perce-Neige for my elementary level of education. After completing elementary, I moved on to Collège Saint-Louis, which offered an international program of education. I graduated in 2010 with a high school diploma as well as an International Baccalaureate. Then, I pursued my studies at Vanier College in Social Sciences (Law and Society Major). I am currently in my third semester and I have strong ambitions of getting into McGill Law School and eventually becoming a corporate lawyer. I believe that the Vanier Key Society offers a great opportunity for the being distinct as a Vanier College student. It also gives me a chance to be more than an academically performing student; it allows me to become a helpful individual to the college as well as to society.

	Sarah Ellis Hey, my name is Sarah and I am currently in Communications here at Vanier College. I've always had a strong affinity to the arts -music and photography in particular. However, it was when I came to Vanier that I discovered that cinema was what I wanted to pursue; with any luck, I will someday be able to call myself an independent filmmaker. I believe that films have the capacity not only to entertain, but also to teach us, and the sheer versatility of the medium is fascinating to me. In my opinion, there is no social tool more powerful than cinema, and therefore is the perfect medium for me to express my ideas and creativity with. This year with the Key Society, I hope to have a lot of fun getting more involved in the Vanier community and be able to make the most out of the remainder of my college experience.

	Michael Homsy Hi, my name is Michael and I'm a second year Health Science student at Vanier College. I'm excited to be a part of the Vanier Key Society and believe that it will be a good way to test our creativity and communication skills on a broader scale. As I'm in my final year, I'd really like to get as active as possible in the student body, hoping to maybe make a mark on the school before my time here is done. I love my college, and am looking forward to working alongside other VKS members as its student ambassadors. I am positive that it'll be an enjoyable experience and am anxious to see what new challenges it will bring us in the following year!

	Aviva Lessard Hey there! I'm Aviva and I am a member of the Vanier Key Society. I'm doing a double DEC in music and Social Sciences and I appreciate being able to study in both areas. I study jazz voice and I am enjoying my history and anthropology courses. I am interested in many things: music, sports, cooking, camping, sailing and I love to read. I play on the Vanier rugby team and on a ringette team. My hope is to go away to university and continue my studies, and I am exploring my options. I have an adventurous spirit and I am keen to participate and try new things. Representing Vanier is an honour and I hope that my positive attitude will enrich the lives of others.

	Ileana Vahtin My name is Ileana and I study in the Social Sciences Program, Law and Society Major. I came to Canada at the age of ten from an Eastern European country. Integration in Canadian society and studying in French at school were my major challenges, but I'm happy I had to overcome them. As challenges shape my personality and inspire me, I took another one by choosing to pursue my education in English at Vanier College. Being a student at Vanier is both a privilege and an honour for me, as Vanier not only educates us but also inspires us to excel in all our endeavors. Therefore, as a member of Vanier Key Society I want to get involved to make Vanier a better place, to improve our student life and to share my enthusiasm, my motivation and my "joie de vivre" with my fellow students. While living in an ex-communist country, I've seen a lot of injustice and inequality, which had a decisive impact on my future career choice. Today, I dream of specializing in International Law in order to contribute to the greater good, to eradicate social ills and human suffering and to explore new ideas, new cultures and, certainly, new challenges.