York alumna Helen Wong has been named the recipient of the 2011 Student & Community Recognition Award from the School of Public Policy & Administration.
The award acknowledges contributions made by a current or former student to the activities and programs of the School of Public Policy & Administration.
Left: Helen Wong
Wong was in the first cohort (2007-2009) of the Master of Public Policy, Administration & Law program (MPPAL). As student, she was the first president of the Master of Public Policy, Administration & Law Student Association and a key individual in the establishment of the association.
“Her work to establish the MPPAL Student Association was tireless. Her efforts ensured an excellent beginning, from a student perspective, for the new graduate program and allowed for student voices to be included in decision-making,” said Thomas Klassen, professor of political science and public policy, administration & law at York University. “The student organization continues to provide students with a venue to organize their own events and functions, and collectively prepare for their post-education endeavours.”
Wong was also the founder and editor-in-chief of the student-run, peer-reviewed Journal of Public Policy, Administration and Law, and continues to be part of the editorial team. The second issue of the journal is about the published.
In her activities as a student, and as an alumna of the Master of Public Policy, Administration & Law program, she has set an extraordinary example of leadership, innovation and contribution.
Wong is currently an engagement adviser with the City of Calgary and is also chair of the Institute of Public Administration chapter in Calgary. She will be invited to York University in the fall to be formally presented with the award.