Recognizing U of T’s extraordinary volunteers

President Meric Gertler, Arbor Award recipient Jacqueline V. Csonka-Peeren and Chancellor Wesley Hall at the annual Arbor Awards. 

On a brisk January evening, the glow of gratitude warmed attendees as the University of Toronto honoured 107 extraordinary volunteers at its annual Arbor Awards. The honorees included mentors, advocates and community builders whose contributions have transformed U of T by guiding students, strengthening programs and governance, championing inclusion and inspiring others to dream big. 

President Meric Gertler, Chancellor Wesley Hall (HON LLD 2023) and Claire Kennedy (BASc 1989, HON LLD 2023), co-chair of the Defy Gravity campaign and Chair Emerita of Governing Council, were among those who spoke at the event, paying tribute to the university's most dedicated volunteers. 

“The Arbor Awards celebrate community, selflessness and the power of collective efforts to shape our world for the better,” said President Gertler, speaking at his final Arbor Awards ceremony before he steps down as president in June. “They recognize those who foster a culture of inclusive excellence – one where we uplift one another to achieve our greatest potential.”

A diverse cohort of winners

This year’s Arbor Award winners contribute to nearly every aspect of life at U of T. They include people like Ronald Appleby (BComm 1965), a driving force behind a wide-ranging research and academic collaboration with Hebrew University; Brianne Bovell (BA 2006, JD 2012), a dedicated volunteer with the Faculty of Law’s Black Future Lawyers program; Nirvair Chahal (BA 2014), a committed program builder, coach, mentor and friend to the soccer program at U of T Scarborough; and Dania Ciampini (BComm 2007), a long-time mentor, speaker and active member of the alumni association at U of T Mississauga. 

“The quality and dedication of our volunteers are among U of T’s greatest strengths,” Chancellor Hall said. “This university could not achieve such excellence without your commitment. Your contributions enrich every aspect of U of T, creating opportunities and elevating the experience for our diverse communities.” 

Claire Kennedy spoke about the rewards and challenges of volunteering. “When we dedicate ourselves to helping others, we receive so much in return – meaningful connections, valuable experiences and a profound sense of purpose,” she said. “But in these busy times, with so many demands on our lives, it can be difficult to balance everything. We are profoundly grateful for all you give of yourself.” 

The gathering also provided an opportunity to celebrate the success of Defy Gravity, the university’s ambitious campaign to raise $4 billion for its highest priorities and involve 225,000 alumni in one million acts of engagement. During his remarks, David Palmer, vice president of advancement, noted that the campaign had reached a significant milestone by exceeding 75 per cent of its alumni engagement targets and 50 per cent of its fundraising goal.

“As Arbor Award winners, your role in this success cannot be overstated,” said Palmer. “You demonstrate the power of giving back and how we contribute to each other’s success. You champion the shared values that connect all U of T graduates – particularly a profound sense of responsibility to others.”

Celebrating volunteers since 1989

Established in 1989, the Arbor Awards have become one of the University of Toronto’s most prestigious honours, recognizing volunteers whose time, energy, and expertise leave a lasting imprint on the university community. Over the decades, the awards have celebrated thousands of individuals whose efforts embody the university's values. 

Barbara Dick, assistant vice-president of Alumni Relations, reflected on the profound impact of this year’s recipients. “The Arbor Awards remind us of what defines the U of T community: a shared belief that we owe the world our very best,” she said. “Whether as creators, leaders, or citizens, our volunteers inspire us to push boundaries and imagine what’s possible.”