2021 Arbor Award Recipients

David Arnot-Johnston

David has been the conductor of the Hart House Singers since 2003. In 2019, he organized a concert in celebration of Hart House’s centennial anniversary, leading fundraising efforts to hire a soloist and orchestra—and during the COVID-19 pandemic he successfully moved all rehearsals online. David is an inspiration to the entire Hart House music community.

Naresh Bangia

Naresh is a passionate supporter of the Entrepreneurship Hatchery at the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering. Since 2015, he has mentored startups, advised on pitching methodology, and volunteered as a judge at Hatchery Demo Day. As the former Hatchery Entrepreneur Mentor in Residence, he has shared his insights with hundreds of students.

Pamela E. Bonnycastle

Pamela is an active member and volunteer with Trinity College’s Friends of the Library group. She has made significant contributions to the annual book sale, sorting materials and managing the CD, Humour, and Cookery sections. Her leadership and dedication have been critical to the ongoing success of this important event.

Massimo Bozzo

An active advisor and mentor with the Rotman School of Management’s MBA Real Estate Club, Massimo generously shares his time and insights with students interested in real estate and investment banking. He also helped the Career Centre deepen its relationships with the real estate sector, paving the way for graduates to pursue opportunities in the field.

Elizabeth M. Brown

Since 2013, Elizabeth has been a mentor with the University of Toronto Scarborough’s Partners in Leadership Alumni Mentorship Program. She has demonstrated consistent dedication to the program and provided invaluable guidance and support to many UTSC students over the years.

James D. Brown

Jim has been a keen supporter of the Master of Management Analytics (MMA) program at Rotman School of Management since its launch in 2018. He regularly advises and guides students and alumni, and he participates as a judge at the annual MMA practicum presentations—a critical component of the MMA program and experience.

Joulaika Buchan

Joulaika is a dedicated field educator and education co-ordinator for the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, where she facilitated a new community partnership on behalf of the Faculty. She also shared her invaluable expertise with the Practicum Advisory Committee, where she was actively engaged in helping the Faculty address anti-Black racism.

Chieh S. Chang

As a University of Toronto alumnus and volunteer with the Division of University Advancement, Solomon has served as an inspiring leader and ambassador for U of T since 2012. Through organizing numerous social events, he has played a particularly important role in helping alumni living in Taiwan stay connected with the U of T community over the years.

Heba Chehade

Heba has been the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering’s regional ambassador in the United Arab Emirates since 2010. She has spoken with hundreds of students over the years, and her passion for engineering has helped inspire many to pursue an education in the field. Since 2016, she has also supported the Faculty as an Engineering Admissions Assessor and in the last two years, has served as a Nominations Pitch Judge for the Hatchery NEST start-ups.

Eugene Choi

As a dedicated alumni mentor and volunteer with the Faculty of Arts & Science, Eugene has demonstrated remarkable commitment to U of T students. In particular, he is a regular contributor to the Faculty’s Backpack to Briefcase program, which connects students with alumni as they seek to transition into a meaningful career after graduation.

Taleen Chouljian

Since graduating from the Rotman School of Management’s Executive MBA program a decade ago, Taleen has been dedicated to keeping her class connected. Last year, she worked hard to make their virtual reunion a time of joy and comradery. Taleen also played a critical role in shaping the strategic direction of the University as a member of the Governing Council College of Electors from 2016 to 2020.

Vi Vi Chow

For the past decade, Vi Vi has dedicated her time and efforts to strengthening the University’s ties to Hong Kong as a director of the University of Toronto (Hong Kong) Foundation. Her efforts have directly influenced the success of more than 80 past and current Hong Kong Scholarship recipients.

Astrid-Maria Ciarallo

A dedicated Victoria University volunteer, Astrid-Maria currently serves as President of the Alumni of Victoria College (AVC). She spearheaded the creation of the AVC’s Emerging Leader Award for young alumni, and has acted as host at many key alumni events. Astrid-Maria also regularly participates in the annual “Life After Vic” speed networking workshop as an alumni mentor.

Vivian Yin Dai - Rotman Lunar New Year Planning Committee

The Rotman Lunar New Year Planning Committee has worked closely with the Rotman School of Management Alumni Office to host a Lunar New Year celebration annually since 2016, with a focus on bringing the alumni community together. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the tireless committee moved the celebration online—helping to create a successful, culturally relevant event during a uniquely challenging time.

Gregory J. Daly

As the current President of the Emmanuel College Alumni Association (ECAA), Greg has contributed to Victoria University with enthusiasm and dedication. He was instrumental in leading a committee to form policies around the consideration of equity, diversity, and inclusion principles when recruiting volunteers, and he has selflessly committed to an extra year of service as President because of the pandemic.

Sofiya Datsyuk

Since 2018, Sofiya has been an active member of the Woodsworth College Alumni Association Board of Directors, serving in the roles of Secretary and Vice-President, as well as a mentor in the Woodsworth College Alumni/Student Mentorship Program. A dedicated volunteer, she has also organized and executed a number of lectures as part of the Association’s Alumni Café Lecture Series.

Priya Dogra

Since 2018, Priya has been an active volunteer in a variety of capacities with both the central University of Toronto community and with the University of Toronto Mississauga. She has served on the International Leadership Council for the East Coast of the United States and now for Europe, directly impacting countless students and alumni.

Jennifer Dolman

Jennifer is a highly engaged alumna of University College. Currently serving her fourth year on the College of Electors, and her second year as Vice-Chair, she has also served on the Alumni of Influence (AOI) Selection Committee and was Emcee at the 2019 AOI gala. Jennifer constantly strives to connect with other University College alumni and students, helping to build a strong sense of community and belonging at the College.

Charmaine Marguerite D'Souza

Charmaine has been an alumni mentor with the University of Toronto Scarborough’s Partners in Leadership Alumni Mentorship Program since 2014. As an active participant of this one-to-one mentorship initiative, she has dedicated much of her time to sharing her knowledge and experiences with many UTSC students.

Tom Du

Tom has been a dedicated mentor and volunteer with Rotman Commerce since 2015. He mentors multiple students each year, has participated in numerous Career Services initiatives, and has served as a speaker at the Next Steps conference. Tom is always willing to support students’ progress by sharing his experiences, expertise, and time.

David B. Feather

A generous donor and volunteer, David provides strategic guidance to the Temerty Faculty of Medicine’s leadership as a member of the Advisory Committee and has helped facilitate support more broadly. As an advocate of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) research at U of T, he is a long-time donor to the James Hunter Family ALS Initiative.

Matthew Fenton

Matthew has been a member of the Psychiatry Campaign Cabinet at the Temerty Faculty of Medicine since 2017. In this role, he has recruited additional volunteers from within his own network and raised $1.3 million for research at the University. Matthew spends time every week fundraising for the Department of Psychiatry and rallying his contacts to get involved.

Alexandre Ferreira

Alex has been a key volunteer with the Hart House Chess Club since 2007. Over the years, he has organized invitational chess tournaments, created initiatives to engage more women in chess, and brought in chess masters from around world. He has also served as a mentor for the Chess Club’s student executives, who have deeply valued his long-time support.

Michael J. Francella

Michael has contributed extensively to Rotman Commerce since 2016. He has mentored numerous students, served as a guest speaker at Career Services events, and joined the Alumni Steering Committee. Most recently, Michael has been a host for the Rotman Commerce Virtual Book Club. His impact has been felt across the Rotman Commerce community.

Joel A. Freudman

Since 2015, Joel has mentored countless Rotman Commerce students in both formal and informal capacities. He has served as an Alumni Coffee Break host and as a featured speaker and networking participant at many Career Services events, he has connected students to a variety of job opportunities, and generously shared his insights in a video interview.

Gurjinder Kaur Gill

As a long-serving member of the Public Health Alumni Association’s Board of Directors, Gurjinder has contributed as a member at large, Vice President of Governance, and School Affairs Officer. She is an invaluable resource for the Association, a reliable, supportive colleague, and a valued member of the Dalla Lana School of Public Health community.

Nancy Green

Nancy served as the volunteer President of Later Life Learning (LLL) at Innis College during the COVID-19 pandemic. She worked continuously to maintain strong ties with the membership of LLL and with students despite numerous challenges, and successfully promoted many partnerships and initiatives between Later Life Learning and Innis College.

Howe Gu

A mentor with the Faculty of Arts & Science, Howe has provided career guidance and encouragement to countless students. With admirable dedication, he has been deeply involved with the Backpack to Briefcase program and is regularly on hand to mentor U of T students and help them succeed.

Heather L. Hadden

As a valued member of the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy community, Heather regularly mentors and trains fourth-year students during their Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience rotations. Her support and expertise provides students with practical hands-on experience and insights into unique career paths as they prepare to enter the workforce.

Narmeen Haq

As a devoted volunteer with the Engineering Alumni Network, Narmeen played a crucial role in overseeing the Calgary chapter during a challenging period in the region. Since relocating to Berlin, Germany, she has offered outstanding help to the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering in recruiting students and expanding its international alumni network in Europe.

Michelle Henry

Michelle has been an active volunteer with the Faculty of Law since 2009, contributing her time in many capacities. She regularly mentors law students and contributes to the Black Future Lawyers program as both an event speaker and mentor for undergraduate students. Michelle also serves on the University’s tribunal as one of the Chairs.

Tyler W. Hodgson

Since 2016, Tyler has been actively engaged with the Faculty of Law as a mentor and speaker. As a lawyer employed by the World Bank, he has also created summer internship opportunities for students at the organization. Tyler was a presenter at Lawyers Doing Cool Things, a speaker series offering students a glimpse into unusual and exciting career paths.

Elizabeth A. Holmes

A dedicated member and volunteer with Trinity College’s Friends of the Library group, Betty has supported the success of the annual book sale through her co-ordination efforts and as manager of the Canadian Fiction section. She has also served as Secretary for the Friends of the Library, contributing her time and many talents to help make a difference.

Elizabeth J. Holmes

As a social worker and the Educational Coordinator for Master of Social Work students at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Elizabeth leverages her exceptional skills to offer high quality practical learning experiences for students of the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work. She is also a long-standing contributor to the Association of Teaching Centres as well as the Faculty’s Practicum Advisory Committee.

Jade Huguenin

Jade joined the Board of Regents at Victoria University in 2017 and has since served in the areas of governance, university affairs, nominations, and property. She has had a particular impact in the area of diversity, advocating for an emphasis on diversity in the Board’s annual survey and producing an annual diversity report that guides future nominations to the Board.

Khalid Janmohamed

Khalid has been an active volunteer with the Faculty of Law since 2010. In addition to regularly supporting students as a mentor, he has also contributed as a Council member with the Law Alumni Association and as a moot coach and advisor. Khalid actively participates in the Faculty’s Welcome Day activities, ensuring students begin law school on an uplifting note.

Shyrose Janmohamed

Shyrose has been an invaluable member of the Rotman Commerce community since 2008. Impacting hundreds of students over the years, she has served as a one-to-one mentor and online mentor. She has volunteered as a guest speaker at Student Group and Career Services events, and most recently as a host for the Rotman Commerce Virtual Book Club.

Ting Jiang – Rotman Lunar New Year Planning Committee

The Rotman Lunar New Year Planning Committee has worked closely with the Rotman School of Management Alumni Office to host a Lunar New Year celebration annually since 2016, with a focus on bringing the alumni community together. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the tireless committee moved the celebration online—helping to create a successful, culturally relevant event during a uniquely challenging time.

Gregory M. Kalil

Greg is a committed Innis College volunteer and a dedicated member of the College’s Campaign Cabinet. In this role, he offers guidance to the Principal on matters related to the College’s expansion project and regularly participates in student outreach activities—including appearing as a notable guest alumnus at a student event.

Jaren Kerr

A young alumnus of Innis College, Jaren has contributed to his alma mater as an executive member of the Harold Innis Foundation, which awards scholarships to students of the College each year and organizes the annual Harold Innis Lecture. He is currently serving as an alumni representative with the Innis College Black Student Experience Working Group.

Yasmeen S. Khan

Yasmeen is a long-standing member of the Woodsworth College Alumni Association Board of Directors, serving as Secretary from 2014 to 2017 and again during the 2020-2021 year. Since joining the Board, she has spearheaded a number of successful events—from holiday functions to alumni reunions—and has played an important role on key board committees and in helping alumni stay connected to the College.

Elizabeth Kiosses

Since 2013, Elsa has been an active alumni mentor for students of the University of Toronto Scarborough through the Partners in Leadership Alumni Mentorship Program. Although she is not a UTSC alumna herself, she has committed to taking on multiple mentees each year—a testament to her belief in the value of investing time and guidance to support student success.

Christopher Law

Christopher has been an alumni mentor with the University of Toronto Scarborough’s Partners in Leadership Alumni Mentorship Program since 2013. Over the years, Chris has generously shared his knowledge and experiences not only with his mentee matches, but with other members of UTSC’s broader mentorship community.

Brian D. Lawson and Joannah Smith Lawson

Brian and Joannah have volunteered their time in a number of capacities, including the Temerty Faculty of Medicine’s Campaign Cabinet, the Trinity College Board of Trustees, the University’s Governing Council, and various campaign steering committees. All have benefitted from their leadership, generosity, and strategic counsel.

Diana H. Lee

Diana has been a dedicated alumni mentor with the University of Toronto Scarborough’s Partners in Leadership Alumni Mentorship Program since 2009. Despite living in Alberta, she has continued to mentor UTSC students virtually and has made efforts to return to Toronto each year to attend in-person events and meet with her mentees.

Kevin A. Lobo

As Chair of the Rotman Global Advancement Board at Rotman School of Management, Kevin has demonstrated an exemplary commitment to the success of the Rotman community. He regularly recruits new members to the Board, advises the Dean and other staff, speaks with students at alumni events such as Reunite, and inspires others to volunteer their time.

Jacquelyn R. MacCoon

Jacquelyn has demonstrated extraordinary dedication to mentoring and inspiring students, and to keeping the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering connected to professional and industry organizations. As a Materials Science and Engineering Alumni Mentor and Assessor, she also coaches undergraduates and graduate students to align with their goals.

Teresa-Anne Martin

Teresa-Anne has been an active member of the Young Alumni Committee at the University of St. Michael’s College since 2015, helping to deepen the College’s connection with recent graduates. She has also participated in a range of mentorship activities, including at USMC Grad Week, and has increased engagement of her alumni peers as a Grad Class Year Rep.

Mark A. McDowell

As an Innis College alumnus and Canada’s former ambassador to Myanmar, Mark has participated in a wide range of student-facing activities. Most recently, he appeared as a special guest alumnus at a Principal’s Dinner hosted by the College, and served as keynote speaker for the College’s virtual graduation ceremony in June 2020.

David J. McKnight

David’s strong leadership has contributed significantly to the advancement of the Medical Alumni Association’s mission to support and connect students and alumni. Representing the MAA on various University and Temerty Faculty of Medicine committees, he has been a tremendous advocate for collaboration on events that benefit students.

Donald J. McLeod, CSB

Father Don has been an active member of the University of St. Michael’s College governing body, the Collegium, since 2013. Most recently serving as Collegium Chair, he has also chaired the Governance Review and Appointment Committees. His leadership, guidance, and commitment have significantly benefitted the St. Michael’s community.

Merle McMurray

Merle works tirelessly to explore new funding options for student support from Later Life Learning (LLL). She is a champion of student-led initiatives such as the annual Student Refugee Fund Benefit Concert. She collaborates closely with the Principal to ensure that LLL is a vital part of Innis, serving on College Council and a number of College boards.

Marina Milenkovic

Marina has been a highly engaged and active volunteer with Rotman Commerce since 2017. She has contributed extensively to a wide range of initiatives led by Recruitment & Admissions, Career Services, and student groups in Toronto and Vancouver, generously sharing advice and insights for both prospective and current students.

Mahyar Mozaffari

Since 2017, Mahyar has actively participated in Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering governance as an alumni representative with the Faculty Council. He also helps the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering awards committee ensure alumni are recognized for contributions to the University, the profession, and their communities.

Joel Mukwedeya

A former member of the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) Alumni Association, Joel regularly contributes his time to support the success of OISE events—including three Convocations and OISE Reunion. He served on the 2019 Leaders and Legends Awards Committee, and promoted OISE’s Stay @ Home Club web series in 2020.

John O'Mara

Deeply committed to facilitating experiential learning opportunities, John provides field education for Master of Social Work students at the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, co-ordinating practicums with the Salvation Army.

John Peri

John has served on the advisory board of the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering since 2017. With a special interest in breaking down financial barriers for students, he created the Peri Family Industrial Engineering Design Scholarship and volunteers his time on the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering’s scholarship committee.

Illana Perlman

A preceptor and education practice leader at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Illana supports multiple practicums each year for students of the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work. She also developed and implemented a Standard for Student Education at her agency, which she has shared both nationally and internationally. This model enables agencies to increase capacity for offering practicum. Illana has chaired the Faculty Council and the Association of Teaching Centres, and regularly participates in research and publications on field education.

Cesare J. A. Plastina

Dedicated to connecting, engaging, and inspiring students and alumni of the University of St. Michael’s College, Cesare has served as his class representative since graduating in 2009. Since 2015, he has also volunteered his time and expertise as a member of the Young Alumni Committee, participating in many alumni-student mentorship events.

Gordon G. Raman

Gord has been a valued volunteer with the Faculty of Law since 2013. Engaged in many capacities, he currently serves as Vice President of the Law Alumni Association and has mentored countless students. Gord is also a passionate supporter of the Faculty’s Welcome Day activities, engaging with students as they embark on their law school journey.

William J. Riddell

Bill has been a dedicated friend and supporter of Trinity College for many years. He has contributed extensively to the success of the Friends of the Library group, including co-ordinating the annual book sale for the past seven years and serving for the same time as a member of the Friends’ Executive Committee.

Arthur Searles

Arthur has been a dedicated and valued volunteer coach with the University of Toronto’s Varsity Blues Tennis team since 2011. Deeply committed to the success of student athletes, he is closely involved in all aspects of the team’s activities—from mentorship to fundraising to organizing tournaments and beyond.

Usha Shanmugathasan

A dedicated mentor since 2017, Usha has helped and inspired students through the Faculty of Arts & Science’s Backpack to Briefcase program and the annual Next Steps Conference. As someone who has broken down barriers in her field, Usha uses her story to encourage students and motivate them to pursue their goals.

Rita Shaughnessy

Rita has been an enthusiastic and dependable volunteer with the University of St. Michael’s College’s Friends of Kelly Library group since 2011, when she started helping with sorting books and working at the book sale. Since joining the Book Sale Committee in 2015, her insight and thoughtfulness have enriched the group’s plans and activities.

Bogdana (Dana) Maria Sheikh

Dana has been a member at large with the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) Alumni Association since 2018. In this role, she sits in on all of the Association’s regular meetings and has become a dedicated mentor to many of OISE’s graduate students. She is also a generous donor to OISE initiatives.

Ronald B. Sidon

As a valued mentor with both the Alumni Mentorship Program and the Entrepreneurship Hatchery, Ron has become a fixture within the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering over the past several years. His passion for sharing his insights and experiences has guided and inspired countless students hoping to follow in his footsteps.

Catherine M. Smith

A dedicated Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education volunteer, Catherine has served as a mentor with the Bachelor of Kinesiology program’s In-Field Learning placement program since 2017. Deeply committed to education and experiential learning, she has also served as a community partner with the Advanced Exercise Psychology course for the past two years.

Ramlogan Sowamber

For six years, Ramlogan has been a valued member of the Public Health Alumni Association’s Board of Directors at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health. As events officer, he successfully managed many social events, including the annual signature event, In the Loop. In his current role as Vice President of Communications, Ram can be counted on to deliver timely content.

Matthew Stodolak

Matt has created a collegial atmosphere in the Ontario Institute for Studies in Educaton (OISE) Alumni Association since 2018 and is a valued member of the College of Electors. He has led various successful virtual initiatives for alumni and has brokered three OISE alumni workshops with the University’s Ten Thousand Coffees career networking platform.

Lisa Talbot

Since her graduation from U of T, Lisa has mentored University of Toronto law students and high school students through the “LAWS” program, volunteered her time judging moot competitions, and has served as a Vice-Chair on the University Tribunal. She contributed significantly to Excellence without Barriers—the largest bursary-focused campaign at any Canadian law school—as a campaign advisor for her firm, Torys LLP. Lisa also co-taught “Law of the Workplace” for the Faculty of Law’s GPLLM program.

Richard A. Tang

As a dedicated volunteer with the Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, Richard regularly contributes to the academic and strategic direction of the Faculty—including through his participation in the Canadian Nursing Association’s Accreditation Review of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. He mentors students, inspires alumni, and is admired across the entire U of T nursing community.

Hana Tariq

Hana gives her time generously as a dedicated volunteer with the University of Toronto Mississauga Alumni Association. Serving as Director of the Association for the past six years, she has attended networking events for students, mentored students, and both led and moderated webinars, impacting hundreds of students and fellow alumni.

Christine A. Tovee

As an aerospace industry leader, Christine has delivered inspiring seminars to hundreds of students in the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering. Currently serving on the board of advisors for the Engineering Science program, she has also been a mentor with both the Entrepreneurship Hatchery and the Creative Destruction Lab’s space and blockchain streams.

Lina Wang

Lina has been a dedicated volunteer with the University of Toronto Scarborough since 2019. Passionate about helping people uncover their potential and pursue personal development, she has supported student career exploration, learning outcomes in the classroom, and employment during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Jesse Wente

Jesse has been a key figure in helping Innis College showcase the work of Indigenous filmmakers through the Canadian Film Forum, and has advised the College’s Principal extensively on Indigenous issues. He has also participated in a range of College and Cinema Studies initiatives, including a photo shoot and interview tied to the College’s expansion project.

Jean V. Wheeler

An active volunteer and dedicated member of Trinity College’s Friends of the Library group, Jean has contributed to the annual book sale through her efforts during the academic year in the sorting room and her management of the Essays section as well as Literary Criticism. During the sales, she managed pricing and the Reference collection. Her commitment and leadership have directly supported the success of this important event.

Daryl C. F. Wilson

Daryl has been a dedicated member of the board of advisors for the Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry since 2013, and has served as Chair since 2015. He has created significant impact for the department during his tenure, including helping lead its five-year strategic planning process and facilitating the implementation of the plan.

Elizabeth M. Wooster

An instructor with the Hart House Underwater Club for the past 14 years, Elizabeth has also developed innovative programming, volunteered with the Recreational Athletics and Wellness Committee, and currently supports initiatives through the Community Committee. She is a champion of wellness and physical activity for the entire Hart House community.

George Wright

For almost 25 years, George has been a committed volunteer with the Varsity Blues track and field coaching staff, with a special focus on coaching jumps events. Dedicating his time and expertise to the success and well-being of student athletes, he is a valued role model who regularly provides mentorship, feedback and encouragement with care and compassion.

Alvin J. Zhang – Rotman Lunar New Year Planning Committee

The Rotman Lunar New Year Planning Committee has worked closely with the Rotman School of Management Alumni Office to host a Lunar New Year celebration annually since 2016, with a focus on bringing the alumni community together. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the committee moved the celebration online—helping to create a successful, culturally relevant event during a uniquely challenging time.