Alumni

Caeleb 'Rae' Goff awarded Justice Rosalie Silberman Abella Prize by Royal Society of Canada

rahul.kalvapalle — Tue, 10 Sep 2024 18:36:28 +0000

Caeleb 'Rae' Goff awarded Justice Rosalie Silberman Abella Prize by Royal Society of Canada

Community

rahul.kalvapalle Tue, 09/10/2024 - 14:36

Alumni

St. George

Faculty of Law

Justice Rosalie Silberman Abella Prize

Royal Society of Canada

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Caeleb "Rae" Goff (supplied image)

Caeleb "Rae" Goff, an alum of the Faculty of Law's juris doctor (JD) program, has been awarded the Royal Society of Canada's Justice Rosalie Silberman Abella Prize for 2024.

The annual award, valued at $1,000, is given to a graduating law student from each of Canada's law schools who is poised to positively influence equity and social justice in Canada or globally. It is named in honour of University College and Faculty of Law alum Rosalie Abella, a retired Supreme Court of Canada justice who is celebrated for her visionary intellectual contributions and commitment to equality and equity.

Goff, who graduated from the JD program this past spring, was recognized for her ongoing commitment to helping others navigate barriers to accessing legal education, while recognizing socio-economic challenges and the need for mentorship and support.

As vice-president, student life for the Students' Law Society (SLS), she served on the dean's committees for admissions and financial aid. She also established the friendship committee, aimed at helping students find a support network in law school, and was an executive of the First-Generation Network and the Peer Mental Health Support Program.

Goff, who has a background in social work, was a caseworker with Advocates for Injured Workers and is now completing a clerkship with the New Brunswick Court of Appeal.

Read about the Royal Society of Canada award winners

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Four alumni recognized by Temerty Faculty of Medicine

rahul.kalvapalle — Wed, 21 Aug 2024 14:25:17 +0000

Four alumni recognized by Temerty Faculty of Medicine

Community

rahul.kalvapalle Wed, 08/21/2024 - 10:25

Alumni

St. George

Temerty Faculty of Medicine

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Clockwise from top left: Dafna Gladman, Akiko Iwasaki, Nathan Stall and Anna Banerji (supplied images)

Four alumni of the 91�Թ�'s Temerty Faculty of Medicine have received 2024 Dean's Alumni Awards in recognition of their exceptional achievements and contributions to the advancement of health care.

The recipients include a leading authority on psoriatic arthritis and lupus, an internationally recognized immunologist, a pediatrician and infectious and tropical disease specialist and an esteemed leader in aging and long-term care.

“Through their leadership and the depth and breadth of their work, this year’s alumni award recipients are deserving of every accolade,” says Lisa Robinson, dean of the Temerty Faculty of Medicine. “They each embody the values of excellence, commitment and compassion that define our alumni community.”

The recipients of the 2024 Dean's Alumni Awards are:

Dafna Gladman – Lifetime Achievement Award
Akiko Iwasaki – Impact Award
Anna Banerji – Humanitarian Award
Nathan Stall – Emerging Leader Award

Bruce Durno honoured by Criminal Lawyers’ Association

rahul.kalvapalle — Tue, 13 Aug 2024 19:19:52 +0000

Bruce Durno honoured by Criminal Lawyers’ Association

Community

rahul.kalvapalle Tue, 08/13/2024 - 15:19

Alumni

St. George

Faculty of Law

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Bruce Durno (supplied image)

Bruce Durno, an alumnus of the 91�Թ�'s Faculty of Law, has been honoured with a G. Arthur Martin Criminal Justice Medal by the Criminal Lawyers’ Association (CLA), a body representing more than 1,800 defence lawyers in Canada.

Established in 1989, the medal recognizes outstanding lifetime contributions to criminal justice.

For 24 years, Durno served as defence counsel for trials and appeals at all levels of court, often working on behalf of legal aid clients. He was appointed to the bench of the Ontario Court of Justice (General Division) in 1998 and later the Superior Court of Justice until 2023. He is also a past president of the CLA.

"In his 50-year legal career, Bruce Durno has been a leader and an inspiration to many," said CLA president Boris Bytensky. "The G. Arthur Martin award is reserved for those who have made the highest contribution to the legal profession, and we are thrilled that someone so obviously deserving and so universally respected has accepted this year’s award."

Durno will be recognized at a special awards luncheon on Nov. 16.

Read the Criminal Lawyers' Association announcement

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Linda Strubbe receives Astronomy Education Prize from International Astronomical Union

rahul.kalvapalle — Tue, 30 Jul 2024 14:44:32 +0000

Linda Strubbe receives Astronomy Education Prize from International Astronomical Union

Community

rahul.kalvapalle Tue, 07/30/2024 - 10:44

Alumni

St. George

Canadian Institute for Theoretical Astrophysics

CITA

Faculty of Arts & Science

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Linda Strubbe (third from left) and collaborators at the Ghana Space Science and Technology Institute (supplied image)

Linda Strubbe, a former post-doctoral fellow in the Canadian Institute of Theoretical Physics (CITA) at the 91�Թ�'s Faculty of Arts & Science, has received an Astronomy Education Prize from the International Astronomical Union (IAU).

The award honours scientists, science communicators and educators who have made outstanding contributions to astronomy education, outreach or development.

Strubbe and co-recipient Bonaventure Okere, who leads the IAU’s West African Regional Office of Astronomy for Development, were recognized for their contributions as co-founders of the Pan-African School for Emerging Astronomers (PASEA). Since its founding in 2013, PASEA has held summer school programs in Nigeria, Ghana and Zambia, with the next program slated for Tunisia.

“I feel really honoured, grateful, and excited to receive this award from the IAU for PASEA," said Strubbe. "PASEA is truly a team effort, so we celebrate this award with our fellow co-directors, our instructor team and our inspiring students and alumni from around the African continent.

"For me personally, I love helping students follow their curiosity about the universe and collaborate with others to solve astronomy questions they're excited about. I also love helping instructors learn new ways of teaching astronomy.

"I hope this recognition from the IAU may strengthen all efforts working towards astronomy for development in Africa.”

Strubbe’s post-doctoral research at CITA saw her focus on the tidal disruption of stars by massive black holes in the centre of galaxies, before she transitioned to a career in science education and consulting.

Read the CITA story

Read the IAU announcement

CITA

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Robert Leckey recognized by Canadian Bar Association

rahul.kalvapalle — Mon, 29 Jul 2024 13:15:18 +0000

Robert Leckey recognized by Canadian Bar Association

Community

rahul.kalvapalle Mon, 07/29/2024 - 09:15

Alumni

St. George

Faculty of Law

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Robert Leckey (Image courtesy of the McGill University Faculty of Law)

Robert Leckey, a doctoral graduate of the 91�Թ�'s Faculty of Law, has received the 2024 Hero Award presented by the Sexual and Gender Diversity Alliance Section of the Canadian Bar Association.

The award recognizes excellence within the Canadian legal profession in advancing the cause of equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and two-spirit people.

Leckey, a professor, Samuel Gale Chair and dean of McGill University's Faculty of Law, is a renowned expert in constitutional law and family law. His publications have addressed same-sex marriage, recognition of a variety of parenting arrangements and the links between family law and the criminalization of homosexual conduct.

Leckey received his doctor of juridical science from 91�Թ� in 2006. His dissertation addressed Contextual Subjects: Family, State, and Relational Theory.

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Six recent graduates awarded Governor General's Academic Medals

rahul.kalvapalle — Mon, 08 Jul 2024 15:53:47 +0000

Six recent graduates awarded Governor General's Academic Medals

Academic Achievement

rahul.kalvapalle Mon, 07/08/2024 - 11:53

Department of Civil and Mineral Engineering

Department of Computer Science

Department of English

Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering

Faculty of Arts & Science

Faculty of Information

91�Թ� Scarborough

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Clockwise from top left: Karl Manis, Chido Muchemwa, Tatiana Ruiz Bedoya, Jeff Chen, Zehui Yin and Jing Wang (supplied images)

Six recent graduates of the 91�Թ� have been awarded 2023-2024 Governor General’s Academic Medals in recognition of their academic excellence.

Three PhD alumni were awarded gold medals, which are presented to graduate students on the basis of academic performance in courses, evaluation of thesis and thesis defence, and originality and significance of research:

Tatiana Ruiz Bedoya – department of cell and systems biology, Faculty of Arts & Science
Chido Muchemwa – Faculty of Information and the Mark S Bonham Centre for Sexual Diversity Studies, Faculty of Arts & Science
Karl Manis – department of English, Faculty of Arts & Science

Three undergraduate alumni were awarded silver medals, which are given to students with the highest academic standing upon graduating from a bachelor degree program:

Jeff Chen – department of civil and mineral engineering, Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering
Jing Wang – department of computer science, Faculty of Arts & Science
Zehui Yin – department of management, 91�Թ� Scarborough

Read about the Governor General's Gold Medal

Read about the Governor General's Silver Medal

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Lois Maplethorpe recognized with OISE's 2024 Leithwood Award

rahul.kalvapalle — Sat, 06 Jul 2024 02:14:51 +0000

Lois Maplethorpe recognized with OISE's 2024 Leithwood Award

Academic Achievement

rahul.kalvapalle Fri, 07/05/2024 - 22:14

Alumni

St. George

OISE

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Lois Maplethorpe (composite photo, headshot supplied by Lois Maplethorpe)

Lois Maplethorpe has been named the winner of the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) 2024 Leithwood Award, which recognizes exceptional, cutting-edge research conducted by a student in the last phase of their doctoral work.

Established in 2003, the award is named for Kenneth Leithwood, professor emeritus in the department of leadership, higher & adult education and former associate dean, research.

Maplethorpe, who earned her PhD in OISE's department of applied psychology and Human Development, was honoured for her thesis titled Growing Our Roots: Exploring the Home Language and Literacy Environment within the Context of Indigenous Ways of Knowing and Being.

Her research required her to develop trusting relationships with Indigenous educators and stakeholders who, as equal partners in her project, had final say in how data was collected and how results were analyzed, interpreted and shared – to ensure they remained true to participants’ voices and cultural values.

“The idea of being humble, the idea of how important relationship is, and honouring Indigenous ways – I learned so much about that during the study,” said Maplethorpe, now an instructor at Red Deer Polytechnic in central Alberta. “This study allowed me to live the experience alongside my Indigenous co-researchers, to be a humble listener and learner.”

“I’d like to congratulate Dr. Maplethorpe on her doctoral thesis,” said Professor Michal Perlman, OISE’s acting associate dean, research, international and innovation. "I had the pleasure of serving on Dr. Maplethorpe’s committee so I am very familiar with her thoughtful and in-depth research. Her thesis is a stellar example of community-led, collaborative partnership research.”

Read OISE's interview with Lois Maplethorpe

OISE

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91�Թ� Law professor, alumni awarded Law Society Medals

rahul.kalvapalle — Fri, 31 May 2024 13:29:05 +0000

91�Թ� Law professor, alumni awarded Law Society Medals

Community

rahul.kalvapalle Fri, 05/31/2024 - 09:29

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(L-R) Dianne Corbiere, Robert Cunningham and Mayo Moran (supplied images)

91�Թ� Faculty of Law Professor Mayo Moran and alumni Dianne Corbiere and Robert Cunningham have been awarded Law Society Medals by the Law Society of Ontario.

The awards recognize exceptional contributions and dedication to the legal profession whether in the area of practice, in the academic sphere or another professional capacity.

Moran served as the first female dean of the Faculty of Law from 2006 to 2014, and has served as provost and vice-chancellor of Trinity College since 2014. For more than a decade, she served as chair of the Residential Schools Oversight Committee, which oversaw the settlement of more than 38,000 claims by residential school survivors. She was also instrumental in the development of the Sexual Violence and Harassment Action Plan Act.

“Mayo’s work as a scholar and advocate, and her instrumental role in promoting positive change in institutions, legislation and pressing matters of national and international justice, exemplify her deep commitment to our profession and community,” said University Professor Jutta Brunnée, dean of the Faculty of Law and James Marshall Tory Dean’s Chair.

Corbiere graduated in 1996 and is a managing partner at Nahwegahbow Corbiere, one of Ontario’s first Anishinaabe-owned law firms. As a litigator, her historic impact on case law has resulted in advancements in reconciliation for First Nations individuals, communities and organizations.

Cunningham, who graduated in 1990, is a lawyer and senior policy analyst for the Canadian Cancer Society and an internationally recognized expert in tobacco control. He has been an adviser to the World Health Organization and has testified more than 80 times before federal, provincial and territorial legislative committees.

“As dean, it is tremendously gratifying to see 91�Թ� Law alumni emerge as dedicated, passionate, and exceptional leaders within the legal profession and our wider community,” Brunnée said. “We are thrilled that Dianne and Robert’s remarkable contributions have received this well-deserved recognition.”

Read the Faculty of Law story about Mayo Moran

Read the Faculty of Law story about Dianne Corbiere and Robert Cunningham

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Biomaterials startup Erthos recognized with 2024 Governor General’s Innovation Award

rahul.kalvapalle — Tue, 28 May 2024 15:01:48 +0000

Biomaterials startup Erthos recognized with 2024 Governor General’s Innovation Award

Community

rahul.kalvapalle Tue, 05/28/2024 - 11:01

Alumni

St. George

Entrepreneurship

Governor General's Innovation Award

91�Թ� Entrepreneurship

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Nuha Siddiqui (L) and Kritika Tyagi (photo by Matthew Volpe)

Erthos, a biomaterials startup co-founded by 91�Թ� alumni Nuha Siddiqui and Kritika Tyagi, has received a 2024 Governor General's Innovation Award.

Launched in 2016, the annual awards celebrate exceptional Canadian individuals, teams and organizations for their excellence in innovation and their contributions in helping to shape our future and positively impact our quality of life.

Erthos, which began as a research project of Siddiqui’s while she was studying at 91�Թ�, was recognized for its efforts in helping tackle plastic pollution with its novel plant-based resin, which serves as a sustainable alternative to single-use plastics. The startup was nominated for the honour by the Business Development Bank of Canada.

“Nuha Siddiqui's leadership at Erthos is a testament to strategic vision, adaptability and a commitment to global sustainability,” reads the award citation. “Erthos stands resilient, inspiring transformative change for a more sustainable and inclusive future.”

Read about the 2024 Governor General's Innovation Awards

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Paul Huyer, Governing Council member, wins age category at Boston Marathon

rahul.kalvapalle — Wed, 22 May 2024 15:04:28 +0000

Paul Huyer, Governing Council member, wins age category at Boston Marathon

Community

rahul.kalvapalle Wed, 05/22/2024 - 11:04

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(image courtesy of Paul Huyer)

Paul Huyer, an alumni governor on the 91�Թ�’s Governing Council, has added an impressive athletic feat to his long list of accomplishments: winning his age category at the Boston Marathon.

Huyer ran the 42-kilometre course in two hours, 58 minutes and 27 seconds, garnering the fastest time among men aged 65 to 69.

Huyer graduated from 91�Թ� in 1981 as a member of Victoria College before embarking on a 30-year career as a chartered professional accountant and senior financial professional. He retired from the TD Bank Group in 2011.

A self-described “exercise junkie,” Huyer said he relishes the challenge and competition of marathons. “I also hope that my training and race accomplishments as an older athlete inspire others,” he said.

Read the Victoria University newsletter

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