U of T honours community champion Jean Augustine

Senior university representatives attended the award presentation at OISE on November 12, 2025. They included, from left, VP Advancement David Palmer, AVP Alumni Relations Barbara Dick, Alumni Association President Candice Jay, Jean Augustine and Chancellor Wes Hall.

This story was updated following the Rose Wolfe Distinguished Alumni Award ceremony held November 12, 2025.

If it’s to be, it’s up to me.

The Honourable Jean Augustine (BA 1973, MEd 1980, Hon. LLD 1994) recalls seeing those inspiring words on the wall of a union hall in her native Grenada when she was only three years old. She had just started school and was initially proud to demonstrate her new reading skills to her grandmother. But the message lingered in her mind, and, over time, its deeper meaning began to take root – shaping the values that would guide her throughout her life.

“Everything that I've done comes from a sense of service – of giving back, getting involved, never sitting on the sidelines just watching things unfold. I’ve always felt the need to jump in, to get my little fingers into the work as an activist,” said Augustine. “I want to make sure that things are better in the community. And wherever I go, if it's to be, it’s up to me.”

Now 87, she has devoted her extraordinary career to expanding opportunity, advancing equity and sharing knowledge – as an educator, an advocate for justice and a trailblazing politician, notably the first Black woman elected to the House of Commons. Her commitment to community remains strong, exemplified by her role as founder and board president of the Jean Augustine Centre for Young Women’s Empowerment, which provides programs designed to help girls and young women reach their full potential.

Recognizing Augustine's extraordinary contributions

In recognition of her enormous legacy, U of T and the U of T Alumni Association (UTAA) have recently named Augustine as the Rose Wolfe Distinguished Alumni Award recipient. The prestigious honour celebrates exceptional alumni for their outstanding professional achievements, dedication to civic, charitable and social causes and extraordinary service to the university. The award is named for Dr. Rose Wolfe (BA 1938 UC, Dip. Social Work 1939, Hon. LLD 1998), an exemplary volunteer who served as chancellor of the University of Toronto from 1991 to 1997.

“U of T has always had a special place in my heart and in my progress in this country, starting with my BA and then all the programs and support and interactions I've had at the university over the years,” said Augustine. “I feel very, very honoured to receive this award.”

In offering her congratulations, U of T President Melanie Woodin (BSc 1995, MSc 1997) praised Augustine’s deep and lasting impact on the university and its pursuit of a more equitable academic community. “Jean Augustine has inspired and elevated the University of Toronto in countless ways, and she exemplifies our core commitment to inclusive excellence, which empowers talented scholars of all backgrounds to contribute to their full potential,” said Woodin. “She is a wonderful addition to the ranks of those who have received the Rose Wolfe Award, among the highest honours for our alumni.”

Previous recipients of the award include such luminaries as the Honourable Rosalie Silberman Abella (BA 1967, LLB 1970, Hon. LLD 1990), the Honourable Margaret McCain (BSc 1955, Hon. LLD 1996, Hon. DLitt 2004) and Paul Cadario (BASc 1973, Hon. LLD 2013).

From humble beginnings to the House of Commons

Augustine began her teaching career in Grenada, and after arriving in Canada in 1960 through a federal program to attract nannies, went on to earn a BA and master’s degree in education from U of T. Her remarkable career includes rising through the ranks from teacher to principal to supervisory officer with what is now the Toronto Catholic District School Board. She also served as chair of the Metro Toronto Housing Authority, overseeing rent-geared-to-income housing for 300,000 residents, and has lent her expertise and leadership across a wide range of committees and boards focused on health, culture, education, equity and combating domestic violence, among other important causes.

She was first elected to the House of Commons in 1993 in the riding of Etobicoke–Lakeshore, where she was re-elected three times. Among her high-profile roles, Augustine served as Minister of State for Multiculturalism and the Status of Women, leading landmark initiatives that include legislation to protect disadvantaged low-income individuals and the establishment of Black History Month in Canada.

U of T Chancellor Wes Hall (Hon. LLD 2023) saluted the magnitude of Augustine’s contributions and the need to build upon her life’s work. “Some people make history. Others make history possible. Jean Augustine did both. For decades, Jean Augustine has been a role model and champion for members of the Black community. She didn’t just change the rules, but she rewrote the entire playbook for the Black community and all those underrepresented in positions of power and influence,” said Hall. “We are inspired by her courage and limitless energy as we continue to fight injustice and create opportunity for all members of society. Jean’s life is proof that when one of us breaks through, we all move forward. We honour her not just for what she accomplished, but for the hope she embedded in the hearts of generations.”

Watch Jean Augustine’s acceptance speech:

Celebrating an inspiring legacy

In addition to the Rose Wolfe Award, U of T has celebrated Augustine’s legacy with prestigious honours and appointments over the years, including an honorary degree in 1994, an Arbor Award in 2019, an ongoing senior fellowship at Massey College and the launch this past February of the Dr. Jean Augustine Professorship in Transformative Education at Victoria University.

“We are incredibly proud to claim Jean Augustine as a leading member of U of T’s global alumni community,” said UTAA Immediate Past-President Corwin Cambray (MScPl 1999), who served on the selection committee for the award. “The Rose Wolfe Distinguished Alumni Award is a fitting tribute to someone who has had a profound influence on our community and whose achievements and stature reflect so well upon the university and its graduates.”

The Rose Wolfe Award further enhances Augustine’s distinguished profile beyond U of T, as reflected in the naming of schools, parks, non-profit organizations, a sporting complex, academic positions and scholarships across the Greater Toronto Area. Her national and international honours include Member of the Order of Canada, Order of Ontario, Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal, Commander of the British Empire and several honorary degrees from Canadian universities.

“Jean Augustine exemplifies the transformative power of education and the enduring impact of our alumni,” said Barbara Dick, U of T’s assistant vice-president of alumni relations. “Her achievements reflect the excellence, leadership and service for which U of T graduates are known. We are proud to honour her with the Rose Wolfe Award and to celebrate a legacy that continues to inspire us all to lead with purpose and make a lasting difference.”