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Ian Stewart, a community pharmacist, received the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy’s first Alumni Service Award for outstanding volunteer service and leadership. 

Stewart, who graduated in 1988, provides mentorship to high school students, particularly to racialized youth. He recognizes that systemic barriers prevent Black students from joining health-care professions and reduce the diversity of the student population. 

“I learned early on in my life the importance of positive reinforcement and positive thinking. I love to give that message, especially to youth and minority students, who I know face a lot of challenges,” he said.  

He also established the Afro-Canadian Scholarship to provide financial aid to Black students in their first year of pharmacy.

Stewart mentors pharmacy students and volunteers with the Ontario College of Pharmacists as an assessor and coach. He has served on the board of directors of Big Brothers Big Sisters of York, and organizes charitable initiatives through his pharmacy, including an annual drive to help families at Christmas. 

“If I know someone needs help, I don’t wait to be asked. Why wait for someone else to do something? If I can do something, I should do it.”