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This prize, given annually to a Geography student in the graduating class, is dedicated to the memory of Peter Schaub, a former Dean's medal award winner and outstanding geography student, who was an active participant in the Geography Student Union (GSU).  

This year's recipient, Issra Syed, is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Geography, in the Biogeophysical Stream, with a minor in Geographic Information Science.

I recently completed my Bsc in Biophysical geography, and a minor in GIS after transferring from Douglas College in 2023. While I originally was pursuing a degree in Environmental Science, the “big picture” lens of geography drew me in and prompted me to switch into the Biophysical science stream. During my first semester at SFU, I was warmly greeted by various existing GSU members and promptly roped into working within the executive team of the Geography Student Union while attending my very first GSU event. 

My first experience as an active member of the GSU was assisting in the execution of the 2024 Experiential Learning Trip, where I worked closely with other geography students and the department. While it took me some time to learn how to balance these extra duties, being able to give my peers the opportunity to engage with geographers in a different city, and the chance to apply our knowledge outside of a classroom environment, drew me in and got me hooked on working within the union leadership. 

Following the 2024 ELT trip, I was elected as the GSU marketing executive, where I remained till my last semester. This gave me the chance to often be the first point of contact for current and future students - along with the occasional alumni - wanting to engage with the student side of the geography department. Thanks to the GSU I was able to meet hundreds of students at events such as Club’s Day, Know your SFU, and as a guest speaker for the 2025 GSU RANGE conference, where I spoke about my experience as a co-op student. I loved my time at SFU, and I loved having the chance to share my passion and personal experience with those who were curious. Thanks to all these opportunities granted to me by virtue of the GSU, I was able to build countless connections and along with some lifelong friendships - these relationships only possible due to my place in the student union. 

During my time at �鶹��ƵI had the opportunity to work with the City of Edmonton’s Valley Zoo as a Wildlife Conservation Assistant through the co-op program. There I had the chance to assist with community building and educational event production, urban wildlife monitoring, along with assisting with the hosting along with contributing to Environment & Climate Change Canada’s 2024 workshop for the development of Canada’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan. Without being urged by my fellow GSU peers, I would have never taken the leap to apply for co-op. 

As of April 2026, I am working as a Data Collector on the Geospatial and Digital Solutions team at Matrix Design Group. I am utilizing my geospatial data collection skills in the support of the City of Tacoma’s initiative of increasing accessible pedestrian infrastructure across the city.  I hope that after graduation I continue finding opportunities to utilize my knowledge in my pursuit of making the spaces we engage with better serve their wild and human communities. 

Congratulations Issra!