Christine Banta receives Robert C. Brown Award for academic achievement & leadership

Christine Banta is an exceptionally well-rounded student: high academic achievement, active volunteer pursuits, and a friendly reputation that precedes her.

Now she can add award winner to that list.

Banta received the Robert C. Brown Award at Spring 2016 Convocation. The award recognizes Faculty of Arts and Social Science students for exceptional academic achievement combined with remarkable leadership.

“Christine is one of the most outstanding undergraduate students I have taught at Simon Fraser University,” says Associate Professor David MacAlister.

“She has an analytical awareness of the difficulty faced by the courts and law makers on topics such as the power of border agents to search the contents of smart phones in possession of travelers entering the country. She has the level of sophistication in her analysis that one would typically only expect to see amongst graduates of a law school.”

Banta graduated with a GPA of 4.010. Her transcript reveals that she is equally strong in theory, research methods and law-related courses – it’s rare for an undergraduate student to show consistent strengths across all aspects of the criminology discipline.

“Christine is one of those students who will stand out in my mind for years to come as her diligence and dedication to her studies shine above those of other students. Her critical thinking skills are above those of many graduate students,” says Senior Lecturer Sheri Fabian.

“In addition to Christine’s academic success, I am also aware of her active roles in volunteer and work activities that reflect the diversity of her interests and her commitment to others.”

Banta volunteers at Whole Way House supporting marginalized individuals. She previously worked as a mentor and supervisor for children with behavioural and learning disabilities at Alexandra Neighbourhood House.

“She helped promote a sense of value and respect among some of Canada’s most marginalized citizens, many who suffer from mental illness as well as drug and other forms of substance abuse,” says MacAlister.

Banta also served as a humanitarian aid worker in the Dominican Republic with Pacific Academy Outreach Society.

Closer to home, Banta co-founded and organized a successful dragon boat team for the under-23 age group.

Banta completed a BA in Criminology plus a Legal Studies Certificate. She begins her law degree at Peter A. Allard School of Law at the University of British Columbia this fall.