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2022 Arbor Award Recipients

Arbor Pin on top of leafs
2022 Arbor Award Recipients

The Arbor Awards are the University of Toronto’s highest honour in recognition of exceptional and longstanding volunteer service. We are proud to present our 2022 recipients.

Our Thanks

The University of Toronto is profoundly grateful to the 2022 Arbor Award recipients. These leading members of the University community have played an important role in advancing U of T as one of the world’s great institutions of higher learning and advanced research.

We invite you to view this short video from U of T President Meric Gertler thanking our volunteers who help elevate every facet of University life—from opening new horizons for our students to championing the work of our scholars and scientists.

Meet the 2022 Award Recipients

Browse by surname: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Raja Abdo

Raja has been a dedicated alumni mentor and volunteer who readily gives his time to guide students at the Faculty of Arts & Science and University of Toronto. For the last five years, he has inspired students to realize their future and has continued his volunteerism and alumni mentorship through backpack to Briefcase events, industry nights, panels and the Next Steps Conference.


Alavy A. Anam

Since graduating Rotman Commerce in 2016, Alavy has been a dedicated volunteer and mentor. He has taken on several mentees each year as part of the Alumni Mentorship Program. He has also offered valuable expertise serving on the Rotman Commerce Alumni Steering Committee and has generously given his time to student groups.


Christopher J. Andrews, P.Eng.

Chris has been a very active member of the Civil Engineering Industry Advisory Board, including serving most recently as chair. He has reinvented the board, set its strategic direction, enabled research opportunities for faculty members, and provided students with employment opportunities and mentorship, among other contributions since 2017.


Sharda Angl

Since 2018, Sharda Angl (she/her) has played an active role in building a stronger University College (UC) community, impacting countless alumni. Her enthusiasm and professionalism shine as a member of the College’s alumni association executive committee and as a moderator for UC events. Sharda is a champion for equity, diversity and inclusion initiatives and promotes these values in her volunteer work with the alumni association and the UC Alumni of Influence Selection Committee.


Garry Aslanyan

Garry Aslanyan has been an active volunteer for global health initiatives at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health since 2014. He co-developed the first executive course in Canada on global health diplomacy, which each year equips 25 international learners with diplomacy skills to negotiate global agendas. He also mentors countless graduate students pursuing careers in global health.


Jeffrey R. Bacon

As a member of the Finance, Pension & Audit Committee of Victoria University's Board of Regents, Jeff's measured and balanced contributions were greatly valued. He embraced his fiduciary role, while at the same time being careful to consider the financial and emotional needs of students. Jeff always helped provide for students' well-being, and supported efforts to ensure the high quality of Vic's academic programs. He also served on the Emmanuel College Advisory Board.


Anna Banerji

Anna Banerji has been guided by the philosophy of "being a changemaker" throughout her entire life, and has inspired and advocated for others to do the same. Her tireless support and volunteer activism in Indigenous Health has made an immense positive change for Indigenous students in the Temerty Faculty of Medicine.


Angela Bodrozic-Selak

Every year, Angela selects a case study for use as a project in the Municipal Engineering course. She speaks to students four times during the semester. She also trains teaching assistants on how to grade the project and spends up to 50 hours grading projects herself. Angela has significant impact on this course and its students.


Sarah M. Boulby

Sarah has been an invaluable asset to the advancement team at the Faculty of Law. Her services as a member of the alumni association board since 2016 include advising on advancement office programming and whether it adequately engages alumni. Sarah’s feedback has helped shape and create more inclusive and engaging programming.


Meghan Bridges

Meghan has been instrumental since she joined the Law Alumni Association board in 2018. As a recent graduate, Meghan provided unique input regarding how to develop programing that is more targeted at engaging younger cohorts. Her recommendations included recruiting new alumni association board members as well as planning class reunions.

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Through your dedication, wisdom and enthusiasm, you have touched the lives of countless members of our U of T community.
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Professor Meric Gertler, President, University of Toronto

David M. Brownstone

As a preceptor and education practice leader at the Hospital for Sick Children, David supports practicums each year for students of the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work. Through his volunteer leadership, he has increased the Faculty's capacity to offer vital field education placements. David is a past chair of the Association of Teaching Centres, which he volunteered to represent at Faculty council meetings.


Brian R. Carr

Brian Carr has been a long-standing member of the Law Alumni Association since 2015. He has provided invaluable guidance and support to the advancement team related to event planning as well as implementing new and creative programs to engage current and new alumni.


Heather A. Chalmers

Heather has been a member of the Rotman Healthcare and Life Sciences (HLS) Advisory Board since its inception and was part of a table of experts that helped develop the Global Executive MBA for HLS. She is an advisor with Rotman's HLS Leadership Network, providing mentorship and coffee chats for students and has been a guest speaker in classes, Reunite 2017, and the Advanced Health Leadership program.


Robert N. Cherniak

From 2014 to 2020, Bob was a passionate supporter of U of T student entrepreneurs in the Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering as a mentor and advisor in the Entrepreneurship Hatchery. His insights, including best methods for pitching, were gained as the founder of a successful software development firm. At U of T, Bob mentored eight student start-ups, helping them develop innovative ways to overcome significant hurdles. He also generously donated a book collection to the Hatchery suite.


Rajeev Chib

Rajeev has been an exceptional supporter of New College outreach programs, supporting our efforts to connect alumni with students. As a mentor, he advises students interested in business administration, banking, and working outside of Canada. In addition to his volunteer service at New College, Rajeev supports students across the Faculty of Arts & Science.


Liliana Compagnone

At the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, Liliana has worked with alumni on job search strategies and supported holiday festive socials for mentors and mentees. Her other volunteer contributions include mentoring and coaching students, creating newsletters, and facilitating professional development opportunities. Each year, she accepts additional grad student mentees and is an active member-at-large of the alumni association.


Alison Cox

Since 2018, Alison has been an active volunteer for the Faculty of Information. Her support of the User Experience Design (UXD) concentration in the Master of Information program has dramatically reshaped a foundational course called Fundamentals of User Experience. Alison’s contributions include bringing industry-leading insights and storytelling techniques to the classroom and mentoring students as a studio class advisor.


Jonathan G. Davies

Jon is a former president of the Victoria University Students’ Administrative Council. His volunteer contributions focused on: student wellbeing; ensuring that programs were adequately resourced; helping students in financial difficulty access aid; providing and upgrading spaces to meet changing needs; and ensuring prudent and responsible allocation of resources. Jon also spent eight years on Victoria's Board of Regents Finance Committee.


Vince De Freitas

Vince is a dedicated mentor at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE). He has been a volunteer mentor for over three years, often offering ideas for improvement while also volunteering at events. Vince first connected with the OISE alumni association at its InspirED Awards and has been continually engaged with OISE and U of T since his graduation.


Faith Delos-Reyes

Faith has supported the Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education since 2008. She has been a dedicated mentor, enabling undergraduate and graduate students to gain clinical experience in chronic disease management in a hospital setting. Faith’s additional contributions include hosting group field learning for students and participating on an industry panel, where she shared invaluable insights on professional practice and development with graduate students.

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Alumni may leave our campuses after graduation, but they continue to demonstrate their dedication through volunteer service—both locally and around the world.
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Barbara Dick, Assistant Vice-President, Alumni Relations

Ryan Dermody

Since 2018, Ryan has been a visionary volunteer with the Department of Psychiatry. He has championed greater access to quality mental health care for veterans with contributions that include raising funds to launch the first professorship and fellowship in veteran mental health. Ryan has also sat on multiple volunteer cabinets.


Vidia Dhanraj

Since 2017, Vidia has been an active member of the New College Alumni Ambassadors group, which supports the principal in raising the profile of New College. In addition, Vidia shares her passion for public policy with students, mentors those interested in pursuing careers in government relations, and represents New College on U of T’s College of Electors.


Andrew Ebejer

New College places a high premium on mentorship and over the last seven years, Andrew has been an important contributor to this important work of preparing students for life after graduation. One mentee commented that Andrew provided valuable insight into the professional world of law and the different types of jobs available as a JD.


Chioma Ekpo

Chioma is playing a vital role in helping New College meet its alumni engagement goals as part of the Defy Gravity campaign. She will continue the work she has been doing, helping identify potential alumni to get involved with their alma mater.


Ian L. Forsyth

Ian has provided invaluable assistance to the Friends of the Library at Trinity College for several years. His support for the annual book sale includes overseeing finances, pricing the Business and Economics section, and lending a hand with set up and take down. He is a valued, long-term member of the Friends of the Library Executive who provides advice on logistics, operations, and more.


Sharon C. Geraghty

Sharon continues to give her time and talent to Trinity College at a leadership level, including as a member of its Corporation and Board of Trustees. As the current Board Chair, her efforts have been instrumental in developing and executing plans for the Lawson Centre for Sustainability as part of the Living Trinity campaign.


Ross Gillett, M.Eng., P.Eng., FEC

Fourth year electrical & computer engineering students take a year-long design course, where they work in teams to apply what they've learned to solve real-world challenges. Ross has contributed to this capstone project course for over 20 years by giving lectures about how the course prepares students for industry, and sharing his insights on the profession.


Ryan Gilliam

During the last few years, Ryan has been an active volunteer coach and mentor for a critical 4th year course in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering. He has given guest talks and provided input on student projects. Since he graduated from the department, Ryan has also stayed in touch as a participant or volunteer at several events.


Gerry Gotfrit

Gerry's dedicated fundraising efforts and his own generosity enabled the Dalla Lana School of Public Health to establish an Investigative Journalism Bureau. Creation of this bureau would have been delayed and much more challenging to achieve without Gerry’s time and effort. He believes the bureau will have a critical impact on matters of life-changing importance in the public sphere.


Jordana Greenberg

For almost 10 years, Jordana has been a dedicated mentor in the Rotman Commerce Alumni Mentorship program. She has provided career guidance and wisdom to countless students, making a real difference in their lives. Jordana has also been an active ambassador for Rotman Commerce, volunteering with career services and recruitment & admissions initiatives.

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Through your contributions, you are making U of T an even greater force for good in our society.
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Dr. Rose Patten, Chancellor, University of Toronto

Alexander Hatzivassilis

Alex is a steadfast member of Skule Nite, the musical and sketch comedy revue run by engineering students. He has participated in Skule Nite almost every year since he graduated in 1994, including directing the show in 1997 and serving as a “fossil” (alumni advisor) from 1998-2009, advising on the construction of props and sets. Alex also played a leading role in developing the concept for the 100th anniversary show in 2021, which engaged hundreds of alumni.


Theodor C. Heldman

Theo is a mentor and volunteer with Rotman Commerce who is dedicated to sharing his knowledge and experience with students. In addition, he participates in events hosted by the Rotman Commerce Alumni Mentorship program where he offers further expertise to other students.


Edward E. Henley

Edward has been a longstanding volunteer at University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC). His leadership has been key to the success of UTSC’s alumni association, with roles that include serving as treasurer since 2018 and participating and volunteering at events. He also serves as a member of UTSC Campus Council and was elected as a students' administrative council director representing UTSC from 1993 to 1995.


Henry P. Hill

As president of Later Life Learning (LLL) and a committed volunteer, Henry has reaffirmed the organization's commitment to Innis College's student body and the broader community by actively promoting LLL's partnership on key Innis initiatives. These efforts include helping LLL pivot to virtual delivery of programming and steadfastly supporting the College's fundraising efforts.


Andrew Hoffman

Andrew has helped raise funds for cancer research since co-founding “Hold’em for Life” in 2006. Under his leadership, the charitable poker competition has inspired hundreds of participants to raise over $40 million for cancer research. This includes $16.4 million for 110 fellowships for cancer researchers at U of T’s Temerty Faculty of Medicine and partner hospitals.


Neil Hrab

In 2016, Neil joined the New College Career Mentorship program to advise students who are interested in writing and editing. He provides insights into the profession and often gives students feedback about their written work. From 2013 to 2022, Neil also served on selection committees for two prominent U of T awards: Awards of Excellence - Quality of Student Experience and the Rose Wolfe Distinguished Alumni Award.


Susan E. M. Huggard

Susan has been a loyal volunteer of the Friends of the Library at Trinity College for over two decades. Her many contributions include organizing mailings, helping in the sorting room, and volunteering for the book sale. Susan recently donated the scrapbooks she prepared as a student in residence to the college's archives.


Lawrence D. Jackson

Larry mentors and trains 4th-year students during the Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience rotations. This program provides 4th-year students with hands-on experience and learning to prepare them for the workplace. Larry’s 40 years of volunteer service to Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy students have been an essential component of their well-rounded education.


Lisa M. Khoo

Lisa has been an exemplary volunteer and gifted leader for Victoria University. She brought her extensive experience in strategic planning as well as in equity, diversity, and inclusion initiatives to her role as chair of the Board of Regents. She also led the board through the early period of the COVID-19 pandemic.


Sooin Kim

Since 2013, Sooin has been actively involved with the Faculty of Information Alumni Association, and now serves as its past-president. Under her leadership, the alumni association has continued connecting a diverse base of over 7,000 iSchool alumni to one another and their alma mater, while inspiring them to get involved and give back to the next generation of students.

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Your volunteerism is fundamental to the success of the University of Toronto.
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David Palmer, Vice-President Advancement, University of Toronto

Dale Kuehl

Dale supports multiple practicums each year for students of the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work as a preceptor and education practice leader at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. Through his volunteer leadership, he has increased the Faculty's capacity to offer field education placements. Dale is also chair of the Association of Teaching Centres for 2022-24 after serving as past vice-chair.


Alexander Kung

Alex Kung has been a member of Skule Nite since he graduated 34 years ago. His contributions to the annual musical and sketch comedy revue include acting as a videographer and photographer as well as as a “fossil” (alumni advisor), advising generations of students in prop and set construction and design. Run by engineering students, Skule Nite celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2021.


Lynn M. Palazzo Lancefield

Since 2018, Lynn has been a dedicated and committed mentor in the Rotman Commerce Alumni Mentorship program. She goes above and beyond to support Rotman Commerce students in their career exploration and development. Lynn is keen to support students' progress by sharing her valuable experiences, expertise, wisdom, advice, and guidance.


Darcey R. Lazerte

For over a decade, Darcey has contributed to the Trinity College community as a member of Trinity's Corporation. He has also served in active leadership roles on the Divinity Associates Executive as a member, vice-president, and currently as president. His efforts have shaped committee governance and supported fundraising and engagement of the alumni community.


Coco C. J. Lee

Coco was a vital member of Hart House Theatre as a student and has remained involved since graduating in 2018. As a recent graduate, Coco has been an invaluable peer-to-peer mentor and resource for students discovering Hart House Theatre, many for the first time. Coco is generous with her time and is always first to volunteer to mentor new student groups.


Andre C. Lewis

Andre has been a champion for advancement and for Black students at the Rotman School of Management. He is a long-time donor and volunteer with contributions that include connecting Rotman with business leaders in finance and sitting on the board for the Rotman African and Caribbean Business Club. Leveraging his network, Andre also led fundraising efforts for Rotman’s first scholarship for Black students.


Albert Lin

Albert has served as a board member on the Law Alumni Association since 2019. He graduated with a JD in 2013 and since his appointment to the board, he has been instrumental in helping the advancement office develop programming targeted at younger alumni.


Stephen W. Luff

Stephen strengthened the link between Victoria University’s investment portfolios and our financial stability. His gifts of time, knowledge and counsel helped ensure astute stewardship of Vic’s real estate assets, which fund innovative and progressive academic programming and assure a bright and secure future for the institution.


Lloyd A. McCoomb, PhD., P.Eng.

Lloyd's guidance and leadership were instrumental in growing the University of Toronto Transportation Research Institute into a centre of excellence that is highly regarded by industry and government partners. Lloyd is also chair of the executive committee that organizes the Iron Ring Ceremony for over 2000 student engineers graduating each year from U of T and other universities from across GTA.


Timothy R. McNerney

Together with his team of industry leaders in consumer packaged goods and retail, Tim brings best-in-class, real-world content to the Rotman School of Management. He is a guest speaker for operations and customer management classes and he also judges case competitions, where he networks with students. In addition, Rotman Commerce students praise Tim’s career advice, which helps them secure internships and employment.

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Getting involved and giving back has enriched my own career and personal growth.
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Christopher Thompson (BA 2012 UTM), 2019 Arbor Award recipient

Shawn B. Monga

Since 2015, Shawn has been an active member of the Faculty of Dentistry Alumni Association Board of Directors. His contributions helped create engaging opportunities for alumni to connect with each other and the institution. Over the years, he has actively participated in mentoring opportunities and shared his knowledge of the challenges new dentists face early in their careers—advice that dentistry students say they find invaluable.


Natoosha N. Nargaski

Natoosha was president of the Faculty of Dentistry Alumni Association Board of Directors from 2016 to 2020, only stepping down when she was appointed an assistant professor and graduate orthodontics clinic coordinator. Natoosha helped create engaging and dynamic events that connected generations of alumni with each other, the community, and the Faculty. Furthermore, she actively participated in mentoring opportunities, providing dentistry students with invaluable advice on life after graduation.


Briane Nasimok

Over many years, Briane has employed his considerable skills as an entertainment professional to enliven and steer a variety of Innis College events, particularly annual alumni reunions. His passion for Innis, its students, and alumni, have made him one of the College's most committed champions and a loyal volunteer ready to support any initiative of the alumni office.


Eha Mai Naylor

For over 20 years, Eha has generously supported the Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design. Her many contributions include: serving as a Faculty Council member and a guest critic; mentoring and hiring Master of Landscape Architecture graduates; advising on governance and oversight issues; fundraising for student financial aid; and founding a scholarship. Recently, Eha was also named a U of T alumni governor.


Jay Nirula

Jay has been an active volunteer for University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM) since 2016. As a member of campus council and several standing committees, he has had a significant impact on UTM’s annual cohort of some 15,000 students. Jay has contributed to: shaping UTM’s objectives and priorities; long- and short-term planning; and advising on the effective use of resources. Additionally, Jay established the Gera & Nirula Achievement Award in 2019 and was part of the strategic planning task force in 2017 that developed UTM’s academic plan.


Daniel Norman

Since 2015, Daniel has been the executive and artistic leader of the Hart House Chorus, a 50-person auditioned choir. Daniel guides repertoire selection, the audition process, weekly rehearsals and instruction, two annual concerts, and a vibrant student executive. During the pandemic, Daniel also enabled the chorus to pivot to online and hybrid environments, overcoming complications such as the use of personal protective equipment.


André Picard

As moderator of the successful Temerty Medicine Talks series, André fosters discussion about scientific discovery, collaborative research, and advancing health care. He brings these topics to life through thought-provoking dialogue, which engages the Temerty Medicine community and wider general audiences. André’s voice helps shape the national discussion on timely issues that affect the health and lives of Canadians.


Charles Pick

Charles has contributed to the Trinity community for over two decades. As a representative for the 1990 graduating class, he continues to build and strengthen alumni connections and engagement through Trinity Reunion events and fundraising initiatives. Charles is also a longstanding member of Convocation and the Trinity College Board of Trustees, for which he was recently appointed chair of the development committee.


Reem Abdul Qadir

Reem enables practicums each year for Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work students as a preceptor and education practice leader at the George Hull Centre for Children and Families. Through her volunteer leadership, she has enhanced the Faculty’s capacity to offer field education placements for students. Reem is the chair of the Association of Teaching Centres, after serving as past vice-chair.


Shelly-Ann Rampersad

An MBA 2015 grad, Shelly-Ann has been a member of the Rotman Global Advancement Board since 2016, helping to advise the dean and the advancement team on how to grow alumni engagement. Shelly-Ann has also volunteered her time, year-after-year, as a speaker and industry expert at events such as the Fall Employer Speaker Series, Reunite Fireside Chats, and the Women in Management Association kick-off event.


Melanie R. Ratnam

Since 2019, Melanie has been an active volunteer with the University of Toronto Scarborough Alumni Association (UTSCAA). She has been a key member of various UTSCAA committees, going above and beyond to ensure the success of events. She has brought exceptional leadership to her current role as vice-president, governance.

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Volunteering at the University was an opportunity to give back to the community in a way where I could offer some experience and expertise. I was really taken aback by the award, but obviously I was incredibly pleased. I never expected any recognition.
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Carl Blanchaer, 2020 Arbor Award recipient

John Rudd

John Rudd is a dedicated member of the Varsity Blues coaching staff. As head coach of the men's and women's curling program for the past eight years, he has mentored and advised student-athletes, nurtured athletic skills, developed programming, and supported fundraising. John is a leader among his colleagues in Ontario University Athletics and a respected ambassador for the University of Toronto.


Marcia D. Russell

Marcia is a valued member of the Woodsworth College Alumni-Students Mentorship program. She fosters the professional growth and development of 3rd and 4th year students interested in the human resources field, facilitating more in-depth exploration of this career path. Marcia has been diligent with her mentees during the pandemic with all meetings conducted virtually.


Gregory Sam

The Recreational Athletics & Wellness Committee is Hart House's top governance body overseeing its wellness and recreational athletics programs. As the committee’s senior advisor, Greg was the most senior non-student on the student-majority committee. He helped the committee think strategically about program development and student engagement and he was generous in sharing his professional knowledge with student committee members as a mentor.


Jabir Sandhu

Since graduation from the Rotman School of Management, Jabir has remained involved as an admissions ambassador and by connecting with students for coffee chats. This year, Jabir also volunteered as part of Rotman's New Alumni Kick-Off event as a facilitator connecting with graduates across programs. In addition, he was a champion for the inaugural Rotman Giving Day, encouraging the Rotman community to build a culture of philanthropy.


Ivor Simmons

Ivor has been a volunteer with Trinity College’s Friends of the Library for over 15 years. He has worked as a cashier and in the sorting room with responsibility for the natural science books. In 2015, Ivor became a member of the group’s executive and in recent years has taken on a co-coordinator role managing donation pick-ups, storage, and more.


Radheyan Simonpillai

Radheyan ("Rad") is one of the earliest alumni of the graduate program at Innis College’s Cinema Studies Institute (CSI). As a media personality, film critic, and writer, Rad has been a valued supporter of alumni and student programming and initiatives at the CSI for a number of years. His contributions include helping secure guests for Canadian Film Forum screening events, acting as a consultant and moderator, and participating in career forums.


Jeanette M. Southwood

Jeanette has been a dedicated volunteer at the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering for many years. An award-winning leader and engineer, she has provided strategic counsel to the Department of Chemical Engineering & Applied Chemistry as a member of its board of advisors since 2015. Other services include: mentoring students; championing equity, diversity and inclusion initiatives; and establishing a scholarship.


Henry K. Ssali

Henry was a highly-engaged student who turned into an exemplary alumni ambassador for the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE). His impact includes serving as a member of OISE’s alumni association and founding the U of T African Alumni Association. He has also been a keen supporter of initiatives that recognize community members of African descent, such as the annual Black Graduation Celebration, which he helped organize in 2019.


Manu Sud

From 2014 to the present, Manu has played an integral role in developing the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering’s successful volunteer initiative. From early development of assessment tools, to on-going training and feedback to assist the Faculty, Manu has been an outstanding volunteer and ambassador for our program year after year.


Mark A. Surchin

Mark is a deeply engaged supporter of the Faculty of Law. His contributions include serving as vice-president of the Law Alumni Association and inspiring his graduation class of 1981 to participate in the Faculty’s 2021 reunion. Mark also supports the law school by teaching a course, providing advisory services, and representing the Faculty as vice-chair of U of T’s College of Electors.


Stuart Tanz

Stuart provides counsel and strategic direction to the Tanz Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases as chair of its steering committee. He has helped raise the profile of the Tanz Centre through the development and implementation of a digital communications strategy. He also: motivates and mobilizes senior volunteers; facilitates donations, partnerships and collaborations; and is a generous donor.

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I feel honoured and humbled to be recognized with the Arbor Award from U of T and to join such a group of inspiring individuals that have been honoured before me.
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Deborah Low (BHPE 1984), 2018 Arbor Award recipient

Alice L. Tseng

Alice is a long-standing volunteer with 30 years of service to the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy. She has helped ensure generations of students gain valuable practical experience by mentoring and training 4th year students during the Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience rotations. These rotations constitute the entire academic year, providing vital hands-on experience that graduates will take with them into the workplace.


Rajesh Uttamchandani

Raj's commitment to mentoring Woodsworth College students is exemplary. He readily shares his knowledge and experience and steers professional opportunities to students and alumni when they are seeking employment. He is a long-time volunteer to the Centre for Industrial Relations & Human Resources as chair of the alumni board and as a member of the centre's advisory committee.


Ziyaad Vahed

Ziyaad has been an extraordinary volunteer for University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM) since 2016. His roles include serving UTM’s alumni association as a member and president and sitting on UTM’s Campus Council. Through his contributions, which also include speaking at events, supporting student initiatives, and establishing two academic prizes, Ziyaad has had a powerful impact on UTM's annual cohort of some 15,000 students and its global community of 60,000 alumni.


Régis Vaillancourt

Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience rotations see 4th year pharmacy students travel to placement sites across Ontario where they are guided, supervised, and assessed on a day-to-day basis. Support from leading professionals such as Régis is essential for the success of this critical program. With 30 years of service to the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, he is a long-standing and committed volunteer who has helped many students optimize their rotations through his mentorship and training.


Gina Valle

Gina represents the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) on U of T’s College of Electors and is member-at-large for OISE’s alumni association. Gina also sits on the alumni association’s Global Education & Diversity Committee where she is committed to engaging OISE’s Francophone community, which includes delivering seminars during Francophonie Month. She has facilitated mentor-mentee workshops and brings her expertise in writing, publishing, and documentaries to alumni association initiatives.


Anthony Vaz

Anthony’s dedicated support for Rotman Commerce over the past four years includes serving on its alumni steering committee, mentoring students, and his leadership of The Boardroom Case Competition (“The Boardroom”). His work for The Boardroom, which is a case competition for high school students, included recruiting keynote speakers and alumni judges, as well as selecting scholarship recipients. During COVID-19, Anthony ensured continuity by transitioning The Boardroom to an online format.


Terese Weisberg

Terese’s commitment to the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work includes serving as secretary of the Faculty’s alumni association since 2019 and volunteering for the Alumni Fundraising Committee. On the committee, she inspired support for a new Online Counselling Clinic, which offers free services to GTA residents who have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19.


Audrey Wong

At the Dalla Lana School of Public Health, Audrey began her extensive work with the Public Health Alumni Association by skillfully leading the organization's flagship mentorship program for two years. She continued her involvement as member-at-large and then vice-president for strategy of the alumni association board, overseeing the strategic direction of the association's work.


Theresa E. Wright

As Innis' representative on the University's College of Electors, Theresa is an exemplary volunteer and ambassador for the college. She has given her time generously to support many outreach initiatives, including reunions, lecture series and communications-focused efforts. Theresa is a passionate alumna with a lifelong allegiance to Innis and U of T.


Constantine T. Zachos

Constantine established a research chair at the Temerty Faculty of Medicine to honour his son, Thomas, who lives with mitochondrial disease. Through his lead donation and by inspiring friends and family to join, Constantine raised over $1 million from more than 70 donors.


Thomas Zachos

Thomas lives with mitochondrial disease. His father, Constantine, honoured him by establishing the Thomas C. Zachos Chair in Mitochondrial Research at the Temerty Faculty of Medicine through his lead donation and a related fundraising campaign. Thomas led a successful third-party fundraising initiative, which raised an additional $40,000 from over 200 donors, further supporting mitochondrial research at the Temerty Faculty.


Samra Zafar

Samra has been a long-standing champion for U of T. She served two terms on U of T's Governing Council as an alumni governor and was also chair of University of Toronto Mississauga’s Campus Council. Beyond her governance roles, Samra has volunteered on numerous U of T boards and committees, including as an alumni member of the University's Awards of Excellence committees.

Our thanks to all Arbor Award Recipients

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