Kelsey Schumacher, recipient of a Gold LEAD Medallion, celebrates her achievement ahead of convocation. The recognition honours students who demonstrate leadership, engagement, application, and discovery beyond the classroom. (KYLE ARCHIBALD/University of Windsor)
By Sara Meikle
Graduation is a milestone full of reflection and possibility, marking growth, accomplishment and everything still ahead.
From mentoring classmates and leading community initiatives to pursuing critical care certifications and life-changing leadership opportunities, this year’s nursing LEAD Medallion Scholars are celebrated for the many ways they enriched the nursing community during their time at the University of Windsor.
As convocation approaches, we caught up with three of this year’s recipients to reflect on what earning a LEAD Medallion means to them, the experiences that shaped their nursing education and the advice they would offer future UWindsor nursing students.
Kelsey Schumacher – Gold LEAD Medallion
Priyamvadha Baka – Silver LEAD Medallion
Ethan Vinagre – Bronze LEAD Medallion
Q: What does being recognized as a LEAD Medallion Scholar mean to you personally?
Ethan: It’s very meaningful to me. It represents the intentional steps I have taken to further my education and move toward my long-term goal of becoming a nurse educator. I take pride in the accomplishments and activities I have been involved in. This recognition feels like a reflection of both my growth as a student and my commitment to developing as a future nurse leader and educator.
Priyamvadha: It means a lot to me. It reflects the accomplishments, involvement and growth I have achieved throughout these four years. It represents the hard work, dedication and commitment I put into leadership, volunteering, mentorship and supporting others within the nursing community and beyond.
Kelsey: I am extremely proud of this accomplishment. I pursued these opportunities to challenge myself and build confidence. My LEAD experiences have enhanced my overall undergraduate experience and have made my learning more purposeful.
Q: Which activities did you participate in to earn your LEAD Medallion?
Priyamvadha: I participated in several leadership and volunteer activities, including serving as a Welcome Week Leader at the University of Windsor, where I was Vice President of Administration and Operations and Vice President of Mentorship for the UWindsor Welcomes Nursing Students (UWNS). I became a mentor for first year nursing students, representing UWNS during Fall Open Houses in 2024 and 2025. I was also involved with the Nursing Mental Health and Wellness Outreach Team for three years. years.
Kelsey: I took on several leadership and engagement opportunities, including fundraising initiatives, the Teach Tanzania interprofessional experience, community involvement and clinical placements. These experiences have prepared me to enter my nursing career with confidence and a strong sense of responsibility.
Ethan: I participated in a variety of activities, one of which included working as a Teaching Assistant for the Adult Health and Health Alterations IV course. I also served as a mentor for UWNS, where I helped students transition into nursing school and university life. I obtained a palliative care certificate and completed additional educational modules related to my future interests in critical care, including ICU grief modules and methadone education courses.
Q: As you approach convocation, how are you feeling about this milestone and everything you’ve accomplished?
Kelsey: Looking back now, I’m really grateful. As a mature student starting my second career, one of the biggest things I learned throughout nursing school was the importance of saying yes. Some of the most rewarding experiences came from putting myself out there. Every experience helped me step outside of my comfort zone and grow both personally and professionally. I am excited and prepared to begin this next chapter offering culturally safe, patient-centred care.
Ethan: I feel a mix of excitement, relief and gratitude. I am proud of the effort I have put in, the accomplishments I have achieved and the person I have grown into throughout this journey. At the same time, it is a bittersweet moment. As we all move forward after convocation, I know I will miss this journey alongside the people who have meant so much to me.
Priyamvadha: It feels surreal but incredibly rewarding. I am proud of everything I have accomplished throughout the program and grateful for the experiences, relationships and growth that helped shape me into the person I am today.
Q: What advice would you give to future UWindsor nursing students who hope to make the most of their university experience?
Ethan: Get involved in the nursing community as much as possible. Nursing has so much to offer beyond the classroom. It is also important to build relationships with classmates, upper-year students, and faculty. Nursing school is a time when you begin to discover the kind of nurse you want to become, and what values are most important to you as you progress through your career. Most importantly, I would encourage students to make the most of every opportunity, because the experience truly goes by quickly.
Kelsey: I’d encourage students to build relationships with classmates, instructors, and nurses during placement because those connections make such a difference throughout the program. University goes by quickly, and while the workload can feel overwhelming at times, it’s important to take advantage of the opportunities that are available to you. Nursing is about so much more than technical skills; it’s about communication, advocacy, teamwork and being willing to keep learning.
Priyamvadha: Get involved in student organizations because they provide valuable opportunities to build connections with peers, professors, and staff within the nursing department.
As these graduates move forward into their own nursing careers, they carry with them the leadership, learning and community engagement experiences that reflect the Faculty of Nursing’s commitment to preparing practice-ready, community-responsive nurses who are prepared to lead with care, purpose and accountability.
The University of Windsor congratulates all LEAD Medallion recipients and wishes them continued success as they take the next steps in their professional journeys.