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R. Douglas Elliott receives the OBA SOGIC Robert Muir Award for Mentorship

siddiq22 — Fri, 07 Jul 2023 12:19:21 +0000

R. Douglas Elliott receives the OBA SOGIC Robert Muir Award for Mentorship

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siddiq22 Fri, 07/07/2023 - 08:19

Alumni

St. George

Alumni Association

Faculty of Law

Ontario Bar Association

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R. Douglas Elliott (supplied image)

R. Douglas Elliott, a graduate of the University of Toronto’s JD program, has been recognized by the Ontario Bar Association (OBA) Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Law Section (SOGIC) with the Robert Muir Award for Mentorship.

The award recognizes an OBA member for outstanding contributions to the practice of law, mentorship of its members, and contributions to the 2SLGBTQ+ community. The award is named in honour of Associate Justice Robert Muir, the first openly gay associate justice ever appointed in Canada, and a founding member of SOGIC.

Elliott, who graduated from U of T’s Faculty of Law in 1982, is a partner in the law firm of Cambridge LLP in Elliot Lake, Ont. He is well known for his class-action work on ground-breaking constitutional cases concerning same-sex partners and LGBTQ2+ rights, and served as lead counsel in the LGBT Purge class action, resulting in a landmark global settlement for members of the armed forces, RCMP and federal employees.

Elliott has received multiple recognitions for his social justice work. The Law Society of Ontario certified him as a specialist in civil litigation in 2003, awarded him the Law Society medal in 2010 and presented him with a Law Society degree of Doctor of Laws, honoris causa in 2021.

The University of Toronto Alumni Association (UTAA) recently announced Elliott as the inaugural recipient of the Carl Mitchell Community Impact Award.

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Robert Muir Award for Mentorship

Douglas Sanderson (Amo Binashii) receives Ludwik and Estelle Jus Memorial Human Rights Prize

lanthierj — Fri, 16 Apr 2021 21:00:26 +0000

Douglas Sanderson (Amo Binashii) receives Ludwik and Estelle Jus Memorial Human Rights Prize

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lanthierj Fri, 04/16/2021 - 17:00

Ludwik and Estelle Jus Memorial Human Rights Prize

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(Photo by Amo Binashii)

For his internationally recognized work in Indigenous and Aboriginal law and legal theory, historic injustice to Indigenous peoples and post-colonial reconciliation, Douglas Sanderson (Amo Binashii) has received the Ludwik and Estelle Jus Memorial Human Rights Prize (Influential Leader).

The honour is one of the Awards of Excellence presented by the University of Toronto Alumni Association in collaboration with the university. The prestigious program dates back to 1921 and recognizes outstanding faculty, staff and students.

An associate professor in the Faculty of Law, Sanderson has inspired dozens of students to pursue careers in Aboriginal law and human rights policy and litigation. He has also guided his colleagues in responding to Call 28 of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, finding ways to introduce Indigenous legal issues into the curriculum.

A member of the Opaskwayak Cree Nation, Sanderson co-chairs U of T’s Truth and Reconciliation Implementation Committee. Like many who are firsts in their fields, he is frequently called upon for his expertise by students, campus colleagues, policymakers and the wider community.

In honouring Sanderson, the alumni association noted that his peers have the highest praise for his willingness to navigate these heavy demands with wisdom, grace and good humour.

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Paula Smellie receives Ludwik and Estelle Jus Memorial Human Rights Prize

lanthierj — Fri, 16 Apr 2021 20:58:37 +0000

Paula Smellie receives Ludwik and Estelle Jus Memorial Human Rights Prize

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lanthierj Fri, 04/16/2021 - 16:58

Ludwik and Estelle Jus Memorial Human Rights Prize

Temerty Faculty of Medicine

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(Photo by Veronica Zaretski)

For her thoughtful and collaborative approach to creating an inclusive environment for learners, staff and faculty members alike, Paula Smellie has received the Emerging Leader Ludwik and Estelle Jus Memorial Human Rights Prize.

A business manager in the department of physiology in the Temerty Faculty of Medicine since 2005, Smellie chairs the department of physiology’s equity, diversity and inclusion committee and the equity, diversity and inclusion sub-committee of the Temerty Faculty of Medicine’s group on business affairs.

Examples of her leadership include inviting guest speakers and organizing wellness initiatives at department retreats and co-facilitating training sessions for students, hospital staff and faculty members on how to practise allyship. She also co-chaired the “Excellence through Equity Toolkit” working group, which supports the recruitment, retention and career development of underrepresented groups in graduate studies.

In honouring Smellie, the alumni association notes she is recognized as an outstanding colleague who creates space for all voices to be heard and who leads with enthusiasm, empathy and kindness.

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M. Cynthia Goh receives Joan E. Foley Quality of Student Experience Award

lanthierj — Fri, 16 Apr 2021 20:54:05 +0000

M. Cynthia Goh receives Joan E. Foley Quality of Student Experience Award

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lanthierj Fri, 04/16/2021 - 16:54

Joan E. Foley Quality of Student Experience Award

Faculty of Arts & Science

Department of Chemistry

Women in STEM

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(Photo courtesy of Cynthia Goh)

For her revolutionary work that forged a thriving entrepreneurial culture within the University and beyond, Professor M. Cynthia Goh has received the Joan E. Foley Quality of Student Experience Award.

A professor in the department of chemistry in the Faculty of Arts & Science, Goh led the creation of U of T’s ecosystem of experiential learning for the benefit of thousands of undergraduate and graduate students. The inaugural academic director of U of T Entrepreneurship and founder of U of T’s Impact Centre, she also founded Entrepreneurship 101, a flagship program that has attracted 20,000 registrants each year, as well as Techno, one of Canada’s first entrepreneurship programs.

In honouring Goh,the alumni association notes that colleagues and alumni describe her as a champion of the student experience, an inspirational educator and a generous mentor.

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Reshma Dhrodia and Steve Masse receive Jill Matus Excellence in Student Services Awards

lanthierj — Fri, 16 Apr 2021 20:19:45 +0000

Reshma Dhrodia and Steve Masse receive Jill Matus Excellence in Student Services Awards

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lanthierj Fri, 04/16/2021 - 16:19

Jill Matus Excellence in Student Services Award

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(Photo of Masse courtesy of Masse; photo of Dhrodia courtesy of Dhrodia)

For their strong initiative and commitment to enhancing the student experience, two staff members – Reshma Drodia and Steve Masse – have received the Jill Matus Excellence in Student Services Award.

As the On Location Accessibility Team lead at the St. George campus and chair of the equity diversity inclusion and accessibility committee within Accessibility Services, Dhrodia has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to those with accommodation and accessibility needs. She has helped organize nearly 20 different equity- and inclusion-based training opportunities for staff members, and created, designed and delivered a training program on accessibility and inclusion for hundreds of staff and faculty, many in leadership and front-line student service positions.

In honouring Dhrodia, the alumni Association notes that supervisors and peers commend Dhrodia for her depth of understanding, her ability to cultivate an environment of openness, and her far-reaching impact. Her tireless work has served as a blueprint not only for Accessibility Services, but for many others across the university and beyond.

As dean of students at Innis College, Masse has worked to create positive change in every part of student and residence life – from providing additional supports to students in residence, to spearheading a new collaborative training model for residence life staff, to ensuring greater diversity in hiring through intentional recruitment efforts. He has worked to improve amenity spaces for students and collaborated on a funding model for refugee students. During the pandemic, Masse worked tirelessly with his staff to ensure that Innis remained safe and accessible to those who required housing.

In honouring Masse, the alumni association notes that colleagues and students alike say Masse is a highly effective leader and gifted listener. Everything that he and his team do is rooted in compassion, respect and student service.

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Teresa Kramarz receives Northrop Frye Faculty Award

lanthierj — Fri, 16 Apr 2021 20:10:07 +0000

Teresa Kramarz receives Northrop Frye Faculty Award

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lanthierj Fri, 04/16/2021 - 16:10

Faculty of Arts & Science

Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy

Northrop Frye Faculty Award

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(Photo courtesy of Teresa Kramarz)

For her transformative work on enhancing the global undergraduate experience at U of T, Professor Teresa Kramarz has received the Northrop Frye Faculty Award.

An associate professor, teaching stream, in the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy, Kramarz’s innovative pedagogy nurtures a new generation of global citizens. In honouring Kramarz, the alumni association noted that her work has inspired the university to adopt the “global classroom” model and incorporate research opportunities into the undergraduate curriculum from day one.

In addition to being the architect of globally-focused experiential programs Woodsworth One and Munk One, Kramarz developed the tri-campus Global Classrooms program in 2016, the tri-campus Global Scholars initiative in 2018, and is currently creating a new undergraduate liberal arts program at the Munk School.

Kramarz’s colleagues note that her passion for teaching has helped the university attract and retain many outstanding students, including Pearson, Loran and Rhodes Scholars.

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Peter Chengming Zhang receives Joan E. Foley Quality of Student Experience Award

lanthierj — Fri, 16 Apr 2021 20:09:57 +0000

Peter Chengming Zhang receives Joan E. Foley Quality of Student Experience Award

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lanthierj Fri, 04/16/2021 - 16:09

Joan E. Foley Quality of Student Experience Award

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(photo by Sera Lee)

For his contributions to the student experience and deep commitment to student well-being, Peter Chengming Zhang has received the Joan E. Foley Quality of Student Experience Award.

As a lead residence don at New College, Zhang has reimagined student life programming. inspiring more than 100 students with educational and social programs that drew from their lives, connected them with alumni, and combined the academic with the co-curricular. His annual trips to the Earth Sciences Greenhouse and the Anatomy Museum consistently attracted strong attendance, including record engagement by returning upper-year students

When the COVID-19 pandemic arrived, Zhang led a team of medical and pharmacy students to organize a grassroots initiative that supplied 25,000 3D-printed face shields to 167 health-care facilities in Toronto and Hamilton.

In honouring Zhang, the alumni association notes that his professors and peers describe him as humble, generous and dedicated, with a rich emotional intelligence that complements his academic brilliance.

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Chelsea Rochman receives Carolyn Tuohy Impact on Public Policy Award

lanthierj — Fri, 16 Apr 2021 19:03:53 +0000

Chelsea Rochman receives Carolyn Tuohy Impact on Public Policy Award

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lanthierj Fri, 04/16/2021 - 15:03

Faculty of Arts & Science

Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology

Carolyn Tuohy Impact on Public Policy Award

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(Photo courtesy of Chelsea Rochman)

For her global leadership in microplastic pollution research and impact on science-based policy, Chelsea Rochman has received the Carolyn Tuohy Impact on Public Policy Award.

An assistant professor in the department of ecology and evolutionary biology in the Faculty of Arts & Science, Rochman researches the sources, effects of and solutions to microplastic pollution, locally and globally. She leads a large, productive research lab of 28 trainees, including seven graduate students.

Rochman works globally to increase research capacity and communicate science to policy-makers. She also works with industry and government to shape public policy, providing testimony on Parliament Hill and serving as a scientific adviser to the G7 and the European Union.

Lari Langford receives Northrop Frye Staff Award

lanthierj — Fri, 16 Apr 2021 19:02:33 +0000

Lari Langford receives Northrop Frye Staff Award

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lanthierj Fri, 04/16/2021 - 15:02

Northrop Frye Staff Award

U of T Libraries

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(Photo by Nick Iwanyshyn)

For her commitment to the student experience, spirit of service and willingness to go above and beyond, librarian Lari Langford has received the Northrop Frye Staff Award.

In her 40-year career, Langford has excelled in a wide range of library positions across campus. Now head of user services at Robarts Library, she has overseen such innovations as the TCard, which revolutionized student identification and access to services. She is also an advocate for students’ accessibility needs, helping to establish the Accessible Content ePortal (ACE), which has grown into a province-wide repository of accessible-format texts that supports students with print disabilities.

Since the onset of COVID-19, Langford has worked tirelessly on students’ behalf. She was instrumental in establishing curbside pickup – often personally retrieving materials from other campus libraries. Her unit’s contributions to “Ask a Librarian” saw student engagement increase by 60 per cent during the pandemic.

Langford retires in June 2021. In honouring Langford, the alumni association notes that her colleagues praise her as an outstanding librarian, who is deeply valued for her many selfless contributions, her sage input and her high personal standards.

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Bruce Kidd and Brenda McCabe receive Vivek Goel Faculty Citizenship Award

lanthierj — Fri, 16 Apr 2021 18:36:17 +0000

Bruce Kidd and Brenda McCabe receive Vivek Goel Faculty Citizenship Award

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lanthierj Fri, 04/16/2021 - 14:36

Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education

Hart House

U of T Scarborough

Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering

Department of Civil Engineering

Vivek Goel Faculty Citizenship Award

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(Photo courtesy Hart House)

For their exemplary, decades-long service to the university, Bruce Kidd and Brenda McCabe have received the Vivek Goel Faculty Citizenship Award.

An Olympian and professor in the Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education, Kidd holds a long-standing career at U of T that includes serving as dean of the Faculty of Physical Education and Health, warden of Hart House, and vice-president and principal of U of T Scarborough. In honouring Kidd, the alumni association noted that during his 50 years of service, he has created a transformative learning environment on campus, while serving as the university’s humans rights ambassador to the world.

McCabe is a professor in the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering. In 2008, she was appointed chair of the department of civil engineering – the first woman to chair any department at U of T Engineering. To mark the occasion, she created five new scholarships, named after the first five women to graduate from the department. In honouring McCabe, the alumni association noted that throughout her career, she’s championed the student experience, represented the engineering profession with high distinction, and advanced environmental sustainability

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R. Douglas Elliott receives the OBA SOGIC Robert Muir Award for Mentorship

Read the Faculty of Law story

Douglas Sanderson (Amo Binashii) receives Ludwik and Estelle Jus Memorial Human Rights Prize

Paula Smellie receives Ludwik and Estelle Jus Memorial Human Rights Prize

M. Cynthia Goh receives Joan E. Foley Quality of Student Experience Award

Reshma Dhrodia and Steve Masse receive Jill Matus Excellence in Student Services Awards

Teresa Kramarz receives Northrop Frye Faculty Award

Peter Chengming Zhang receives Joan E. Foley Quality of Student Experience Award

Chelsea Rochman receives Carolyn Tuohy Impact on Public Policy Award

Read more about Rochman

Lari Langford receives Northrop Frye Staff Award

Bruce Kidd and Brenda McCabe receive Vivek Goel Faculty Citizenship Award