Student Impact
Four students awarded one of Queen’s University’s top honours
February 19, 2026
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Rector Niki Boytchuk-Hale speaking at the 2025 Tricolour Awards ceremony. (Callum Linden)
Four students will be joining the Tricolour Society this year, one of the oldest and most prestigious honours for students at ֱ.
Emils Matiss (Artsci’20, PhD’26), Bisola Olaseni (BHSc’26), Oluwamisimi (Simi) Oluwole (BNSc’26), and Daniel (Dan) Reddy (PhD’26) are this year’s recipients of the Agnes Benidickson Tricolour Award. Presented annually by the Office of the Rector with the help of an all-student selection committee, the award recognizes students for valued and distinguished service, leadership, character, and community impact.
“The enthusiasm behind this year’s nominations speaks volumes about the impact these students have had on their peers and the Queen’s community,” says Rector Niki Boytchuk-Hale. “Emils, Bisola, Oluwamisimi, and Daniel have each contributed in distinct and inspiring ways, enhancing the student experience at Queen’s and leaving a legacy that will be felt well beyond their time here. I am honoured to recognize and celebrate them at the ceremony on March 27.”
Emils Matiss (supplied photo)
Emils Matiss, a driven doctoral student in the Centre for Neuroscience Studies, currently serves as the Graduate Student Trustee. Matiss has championed key issues, including graduate funding, the completion of the JDUC redevelopment project, and timely support for Ukrainian international students. Matiss is widely recognized for his collaborative, solution-focused leadership style, effectively bridging dialogue among student groups, faculty, and the administration.
Bisola Olaseni (supplied photo)
Bisola Olaseni, a dedicated Bachelor of Health Sciences student, uplifts and inspires others with her unwavering commitment to access and mentorship. As Lead Equity Ambassador for Undergraduate Admissions and Recruitment, coordinator for the Queen’s Health Science Outreach and Summer Program, and research assistant, she has championed inclusive practices and crafted supportive programs that affirm diverse student voices.
Oluwamisimi Oluwole (supplied photo)
Oluwamisimi Oluwole is a passionate nursing student whose leadership is rooted in advocacy, equity, and community building. She co-founded the Queen’s Sickle Cell Awareness Group of Ontario and led a pioneering interprofessional simulation on sickle cell disease that has meaningfully impacted health education and patient care. Oluwole creates spaces of belonging for Black students and strengthens the Queen’s community.
Daniel Reddy (supplied photo)
Daniel Reddy, an inspiring PhD candidate in the Department of Chemistry, is the founder of the Queen’s University International Student Chapter of the American Chemical Society (Q-ACS). Reddy has been passionate about making opportunities accessible for peers and has led Q-ACS in securing over $50,000 in funding and establishing 30+ awards, making it possible for students to pursue research and extracurricular initiatives.
History of the Tricolour Award
First awarded in 1940, the Tricolour Award boasts an impressive list of alumni among its members. Past recipients include Dragons’ Den TV star Michele Romanow (Sc’07, MBA’08); former Bank of Canada governor and Queen’s Chancellor Emeritus David Dodge (Arts'65, LLD’02); architect of the Canadian flag and the Order of Canada John Matheson (Arts’40, LLD’84), who was partly inspired by the Tricolour Society when he helped establish that civilian honour in 1967 as a Member of Parliament.
For more information about the Tricolour Award and this year’s celebration, please contact Queen’s Rector Niki Boytchuk-Hale.
