Wellness Champions Award Recipients

We all have a role to play in making the University of Alberta a healthier place. We celebrate the great work that members of our community do every day – and those who go above and beyond their role to create a healthier working, learning and living environment for our campus community. 

The Wellness Champions program recognizes exceptional individuals and groups of students, staff and faculty that contribute to the culture of wellness at the U of A. These contributions include positively influencing one or more of the many factors that drive well-being, such as physical, academic, emotional, social, financial, spiritual, environmental and or career wellness.

Congratulations to the 2026 Wellness Champion Award winners!

Charis Auger

Charis is a kiskinwahamakew (Academic Learning Facilitator) from the Aboriginal Teaching Education Program (ATEP) at the University of Alberta. Described as compassionate, patient, supportive, and a steady presence, Charis is a fierce advocate, whose impact is felt deeply by all who know her. As an ATEP Auntie, she has been an integral support system for Indigenous students navigating the challenging transition into university life, particularly those moving away from home communities and reserves for the first time.

She is set apart by her unwavering commitment to supporting students as whole people. Whether she is supporting students in applying for financial aid or advocating for academic success by communicating with professors, Charis does not simply point in the right direction, she walks alongside students every step of the way.

By fostering a vital sense of belonging for Indigenous students, Charis creates spaces that build community. She is a champion of students’ holistic success through advocacy and connection, helping students reconnect with their land, fostering resilience, confidence, and cultural pride. The impact of Charis’s work is evident in the strength, belonging, and success of the students and communities she supports.

Shona Webster & Skoki

Shona Webster is an Assistant Lecturer at the English Language School. Her dog, Skoki, is a certified pet therapy dog with the PAWSS Association. Skoki is a beloved member of the English Language School and across the University of Alberta since 2023. Her work centers on supporting the emotional and social well-being of international students as they navigate the complexities of academic study in a new language and culture.

Skoki’s presence transforms classrooms and common areas into calm, welcoming environments that reduces the stress, anxiety, and homesickness often felt by students who are navigating living in a new country. Beyond providing emotional comfort, she serves as a unique bridge for communication through offering a low-pressure, inclusive space for students to practice English. She empowers those who might otherwise feel hesitant to speak English in traditional academic settings.

Through their consistent visits and gentle nature, Shona and Skoki make a transformational impact on campus wellness, contributing to a more compassionate and inclusive learning environment for everyone they meet.