Fourth-year Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) students Ricardo Neves and Carlexia Gauthier are wrapping up their time at Nipissing University with a legacy of leadership, generosity, and impact.
As executives on the Nipissing University Business Community (NUBC), Neves and Gauthier spearheaded the creation of the Neves-Gauthier Award, a new student-led bursary that recognizes academic excellence and meaningful volunteerism among their peers. The award, valued at $500 and funded annually through fundraising and club operations, marks the first time a student group has established its own award at Nipissing.
“We wanted to do something that would last,” said Neves, who served as NUBC’s Director of Operations and is graduating with a concentration in Finance. “As an international student, I’ve seen how limited award opportunities can be, especially for students like me. Creating this bursary was a way to give back to others who are working hard and making a difference.”
To be eligible, students must be full-time BBA students in second or third year with a minimum 80% average and a strong record of volunteerism. Applicants are also required to submit a short essay reflecting on how their community involvement has helped them grow personally.
Gauthier, who specialized in Marketing and also served on NUBC’s executive team, said the goal was to recognize students who balance academic success with a commitment to their communities.
“There are so many students doing amazing things both on and off campus,” she said. “We wanted to celebrate that and encourage others to get involved. Volunteerism is a big part of how Ricardo and I grew during our time at Nipissing.”
The duo led the planning of a fundraising event to support the award, teaming up with local spin studio REVolve and securing food donations from Good2Go. Although the event evolved from an ambitious full-day fitness festival into a single, high-energy spin class, it was a resounding success, both in turnout and in funds raised.
“The week leading up to the event, we started to feel the excitement building,” said Neves. “Seeing donations come in, signing the contract for the award, and knowing we were making something permanent was a high point of my academic career.”
For Gauthier, the experience was a powerful reminder of what student leadership can accomplish. “This is the first time a student group has created an award like this at Nipissing,” she said. “It shows what’s possible when you care about your community and want to make things better for those coming after you.”
Their collective hope for future NUBC leaders and student groups across campus is that they draw inspiration from the initiative and continue finding creative ways to give back.
Learn more about how donors are supporting students at giving.nipissingu.ca/celebrating-philanthropy