Alumna recognized for volunteerism and academic achievement

Recent Criminology graduate Alexandra Dibnah is known for being a remarkable individual who is personable and intellectually curious.

Her combined pursuit of academic excellence and active volunteerism has earned her the prestigious Robert C. Brown Award. Presented at Spring 2017 Convocation, the award recognizes Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences students for exceptional academic achievement combined with remarkable leadership.

“Ms. Dibnah is an outstanding undergraduate student as evidenced by her high GPA of 4.15. Somehow, while maintaining that GPA, Ms. Dibnah managed to volunteer both here at SFU and in Surrey, and put in three impressive-sounding internship semesters,” says Associate Professor Jennifer Wong.

Dibnah focused many of her Criminology courses in the police studies stream, complimenting her educational interests by gaining applied skills volunteering as an Auxiliary Constable with the Surrey RCMP. She’s participated in a variety of community policing projects including giving presentations to new immigrants regarding Block Watch and other crime prevention programs.

She also completed three co-op semesters with the Downtown Surrey Business Improvement Association as a Safety Research Intern. Her activities centered on conducting in-person surveys of business owners focusing on crime and safety issues, and the development of strategies to improve the quality of life in the City of Surrey.

“Given the challenges that the City of Surrey continues to face with crime and disorder, this work has been particularly valuable and was used by the city in the development of a Community Safety Plan. In February 2017, Ms. Dibnah presented a paper on this research at the annual meetings of the Western Society of Criminology, held in Las Vegas,” says Professor Curt T. Griffiths, who has included Dibnah in several of his police-related research projects.

Dibnah completed a BA in Criminology, first class with distinction, and a Certificate in Police Studies. She will join the School of Criminology’s Master’s program in Fall 2017.

“In the classes that I have instructed, Ms. Dibnah places at the top end in regards to test scores, writing ability, presentation skills and participation. She is an energized, well-spoken and knowledgeable individual demonstrating excellence within the classroom setting. Ms. Dibnah is a very deserving recipient of this award, ” says Associate Professor Rick Parent.