Awards of Excellence
Explore the award
Status: Nominations for the 2025 Awards are now open.
U of T's most distinguished awards program
Throughout its rich history, the University of Toronto has striven to promote and recognize excellence among its community members. The University of Toronto Alumni Association (UTAA) has played an integral role in furthering this mission through its longstanding support of distinguished awards programs that acknowledge outstanding faculty, staff, librarians, and students.
The prestigious Awards of Excellence program dates back to 1921 with the creation of the John H. Moss Scholarship, awarded to outstanding student leaders. In 1990 the Faculty Award and the Chancellor’s Award were added to the program. Since 1990, seven more distinct awards or scholarships recognizing exceptional students, faculty, librarians and administrative staff members of the University have been launched; most recently, the President's Excellence Award.
Though the criteria differ for each award, recipients all share a commitment to enhancing the university experience of their peers and leave a significant impact on the University through their efforts.
Congratulations to the 2024 Awards of Excellence recipients!
The University of Toronto congratulates this year’s outstanding winners of the Awards of Excellence—incredible and inspiring faculty, staff, librarians, and students who dedicate themselves to concern for others and collective success.
In this short video, University of Toronto President Meric Gertler offers his personal congratulations to the Awards of Excellence honourees. Celebrating their leadership, creativity and commitment, he thanks them for making us proud.
Awards of Excellence winners in the news
Professor Ron Levi, a Ludwik and Estelle Jus Memorial Human Rights Prize honouree in 2014, received the University of Toronto Global Educator Award for 2022. The director of U of T’s Global Justice Lab, Levi was recognized for his commitment to diversity of perspectives and student engagement. Congratulations!
Awards of Excellence for students
Awards of Excellence scholarship recipients and award recipients are the leaders of their classes. Academically, they take advantage of the quality and breadth of learning and research opportunities provided by the University. Through leadership in athletics, student government, clubs and student groups, in addition to many leadership roles outside the university, they enhance the experiences of their peers by contributing to the development of diverse and strong student communities.
John H. Moss Scholarship
A $20,000 scholarship awarded to a graduating student in their final year in the Faculty of Arts & Science, and recognizing academic achievement and extra-curricular involvement.
Adel S. Sedra Distinguished Graduate Award
An up-to-$25,000 fellowship for doctoral candidates, recognizing academic achievement, extra-curricular leadership, and involvement in the life of the University.
Joan E. Foley Quality of Student Experience Award
A $1,000 award given to a student, administrative staff or faculty member who has made significant contribution to improving the quality of academic or extra-curricular student life on campus.
The Ludwik & Estelle Jus Memorial Human Rights Prize
Two prizes of $1,500 each are presented annually to recognize two individuals—one influential leader and one emerging leader—who have consistently made positive and lasting contributions in the areas of scholarship, service to others, and / or action against discrimination.
Awards of Excellence for faculty, librarians, and staff
Each faculty, librarian and staff member honoured through the Awards of Excellence reflects the University’s vision of becoming a leader among the world’s best public teaching and research universities – in discovery, preservation and sharing of knowledge through its teaching and research, and in commitment to excellence and equity. Award recipients provide students with academically challenging and exciting, well-taught programs, ensure that the university community is sensitive to the diversity of its population and share their discovery and knowledge through public stewardship.
Carolyn Tuohy Impact On Public Policy Award
A prize of up to $1,000 recognizing excellence in teaching, research, and the impact of scholarship on public policy.
Chancellor's Leadership Award
Three prizes of $1,000 each for outstanding contributions by an administrative staff member or librarian. These prizes complement the President’s Excellence Award.
President's Excellence Award
Three prizes of $1,000 each for outstanding contributions by an administrative staff member or librarian. These prizes complement the Chancellor's Leadership Award.
Joan E. Foley Quality of Student Experience Award
A $1,000 award given to a student, administrative staff or faculty member who has made significant contribution to improving the quality of academic or extra-curricular student life on campus.
Jill Matus Award for Excellence in Student Services
Up to two $1,200 awards given to administrative staff members who demonstrate excellence in the area of student life and student services, and whose contributions specifically go beyond the parameters and duties of their daily jobs.
The Ludwik & Estelle Jus Memorial Human Rights Prize
Two prizes of $1,500 each recognizing positive and lasting contributions to education and action in the fight against discrimination. Faculty, staff, and students may be nominated for this award.
Northrop Frye Award
Two prizes for teams, who have undertaken a teaching and learning project that has significantly enhanced the undergraduate student learning experience
Vivek Goel Faculty Citizenship Award
An award of up to $2,500 given to a faculty member who has served the university with distinction in multiple leadership capacities, including committees, governance bodies and external organizations complementary to the university’s academic mission.
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