Four exceptional Macdonald Campus student leaders selected for Gold Key Awards
Please join us in congratulating the 2025 winners of the Macdonald Campus Gold Key Awards, selected for their聽outstanding contributions, passion, and commitment to enriching student life on our campus. Read their stories below.
2025 winners
Olivia Jia-Ling Moy, Environmental聽Biology, Wildlife聽Biology major,聽U3
鈥淪ometimes, it can feel intimidating to bring about change, but even taking small steps can have a profound impact on others. I started off my journey at Macdonald Campus goofing off with friends in Laird Hall, but every year, I鈥檝e found myself becoming more and more involved in the community, as it has become such an integral part of my everyday life. The heart and soul of Mac is its people, and I truly hope that the campus continues to thrive after I graduate this spring. Having worked alongside so many talented, passionate, and dedicated underclassmen, I am optimistic that Mac鈥檚 strong sense of community will continue to carry on.鈥� 鈥擮livia Jia-Ling Moy
Starting university during the COVID-19 pandemic, Olivia Moy and her friends found creative ways to make connections with other students, from organizing socially distanced potlucks to playing hide-and-seek on campus. Realizing how much she enjoyed bringing her community together, she was inspired to take on a leadership role in student groups to contribute to the unique culture of Mac and help students learn and have fun outside of class.
This has included launching the , helping form the Mac Community for Collective Activism, becoming co-president of the and the , volunteering with , and more.
Olivia Lee Mudde, Farm Management and Technology Program, year 3
鈥淚t is never too late to get involved and try something new. Helping see your program come together is truly the most rewarding part of volunteering your time. Do not be afraid to get involved.鈥� 鈥擮livia Lee Mudde
Since early leadership in church, high school, and sports, Olivia Mudde has always loved getting involved and taking action.
At Mac, this mindset led her to get involved in giving back to the Farm Management and Technology (FMT) community: taking a leading role in the t-shirt fundraiser, planning the 2025 FMT graduates dinner, recruiting volunteers for the annual FMT barbecue, and mentoring new students. The depth of her impact is evident: her Gold Key nomination was endorsed by the entire FMT staff!
Jasmine Muszik, Animal Science, PhD year 5
鈥淭hough it's important to focus on your studies, what truly makes a memorable experience during your degree is the impact you leave on those around you, the time you take to spread joy and advocate for your peers and future students.鈥� 鈥擩asmine Muszik
Jasmine finds inspiration in seeing the positive impact her initiatives have on student happiness, the quality of grad life on campus, and the community as a whole.
As secretary and later president of the Macdonald Campus Graduate Students' Society (MCGSS), she advocated for grad students at the University-level and fought for improvements to student life. She also organized events catering to a wide variety of interests and purposes鈥攆rom the Strawberry Social to pumpkin carving to trivia nights.
Carrying these skills over to her lab, Cowlife 不良研究所, she took on the unofficial position of event coordinator to foster a stronger sense of community among her student colleagues.
Jiachen Wei, Food Science and Agricultural Chemistry, PhD year 2
鈥淢ac is more than just a campus; it鈥檚 a community where magic can happen. Getting involved isn鈥檛 just about adding something to your resume; it鈥檚 more about building great connections, making a difference, and creating a space where everyone enjoys and belongs. No matter how small your contribution feels, it could be meaningful to someone else and light up their day. So step up, get involved, and make Mac an even better place!鈥� 鈥擩iachen Wei
Jiachen has always been passionate about cooking, sustainability, and reducing food waste. She got involved in Mac Happy Belly to broaden the food options available on our campus, bring people together through free shared meals, and promote sustainable eating. As vice president and later co-president of the club, Jiachen grew Happy Belly's membership and engagement, expanded its impact with increased meal distribution, and put in place measures to make sure volunteers felt seen and appreciated.
Beyond food initiatives, she's played a leadership role in organizing academic events like Food Science Research Day, which connected students with alumni and industry experts.聽
Celebrate the Gold Key recipients at the聽Mac community spirit celebration
Join the 2025 Gold Key winners in the Ceilidh on聽Wednesday, April 2 from 16:00 to 18:00 to celebrate their contributions to campus life, the community spirit of Mac Campus, and the arrival of spring with food, drinks, and live music!
About the Gold Key Awards
The Macdonald Gold Key Award is given annually to those students who show exceptional leadership and excellence in the promotion and development of extra颅curricular activities which benefit the Macdonald Campus community as a whole. Selection is also based on the extent and effectiveness of their involvement, the leadership they have shown, their ability to work with peers, and the continuity of their initiatives.
The competition is open to all students who are currently registered and have studied at Macdonald Campus for a period of at least one year, and who are in good academic standing. A student must be nominated for the Gold Key Awards. Any employee, student, or graduate of Macdonald Campus may nominate one or more students. Self-nominations are not permitted. All valid nominations meeting the requirements will be reviewed by the Gold Key Awards Committee.
The Gold Key Awards are generously supported by the Macdonald Stewart Foundation.