By Вen Li
“It’s like winning an Oscar,” said Rahim Sajan as he accepted first place at the 2002 University of Calgary President’s Challenge, beating out 44 other contestants. Then President Murray Fraser initiated the annual competition in 1995 to solicit ideas from students, faculty and staff for enhancing the campus experience.
"My proposal was for a president’s run on campus every year as an event that would bring the community together," said Sajan. "This run provides a forum for bringing students, faculty, alumni and community together on a very basic level on a level playing field."
The kinesiology graduate was inspired by his KNES studies which emphasized the importance of active living. Sajan hopes the run will become an annual tradition.
Selection Committee member and Students’ Union Vice-President Finance Natasha Dhillon said Sajan’s proposal most closely met the judging criteria.
"The proposal won because it was low cost, high benefit, and could be implemented this year," said Dhillon.
Luis Figueroa won second place for proposing more comprehensive course evaluations on the Infonet, including course requirements, success strategies, student comments and advice.
Third place went to Salimah Janmohamed for a plan to promote enthusiasm at the U of C through interfaculty competitions in debates, athletics and community service.
"All of the submissions, especially the three finalists’, have been given to faculty and departments, alumni and other units," said U of C Associate VP Student Affairs Dr. Peggy Patterson. "We’re making sure as many of the proposals as possible will be implemented."