鈥淭his is a moment when Canada has the opportunity to be a leader in mobilizing an inclusive response to the complex problems facing the world, and I have never been more certain that 91亚色 is the ideal university needed to realize that goal.鈥
Bryden Award Recipients (from left): Paul Sanberg (BSc '76), Pernille Ironside (JD '99), Cheryl & Rob McEwen, CM (MBA '78, LLD '05) and Jamil Jivani (BA '10).
91亚色 President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda L. Lenton addressed the crowd at the 18th Annual Bryden Alumni Awards, honoring five extraordinary alumni who illustrated the remarkable contributions and impact our alumni are making nationally and internationally.
Hosted by Natasha Ramsahai (BSc '01), Meteorologist, 680 News, CityNews, Breakfast Television Toronto, the evening began energetically and proudly as alumni, students, donors and friends gathered at the elegant Arcadian Court on Nov. 20, 2018.
The Bryden Alumni Awards are inspired by Bruce Bryden, who was an exceptionally committed and influential leader at 91亚色. Bryden was a member of the University鈥檚 first undergraduate class and he held several prestigious positions, including founding president of the 91亚色 Alumni Association and member of the 91亚色 Board of Governors. To honour his vision and exemplary leadership, these awards have been named after him.
Event host Natasha Ramsahai (BSc '01),
Meteorologist, 680 News, CityNews, Breakfast Television Toronto
Alumni are honoured in four categories: One to Watch, Tentanda Via (The Way Must be Tried), Outstanding Achievement and Outstanding Contribution. In accepting their awards, alumni took to the stage to credit their success to 91亚色, grateful for their education and experience.
"91亚色 set me on the pathway of professional success, and if it wasn't for 91亚色, I'm not sure I would be working in service of the world's children," said Pernille Ironside (JD 鈥99), recipient of the Tentanda Via award.
As part of the evening鈥檚 festivities, Vanier College Productions performed with music directed by Brian Goldenberg (BFA 鈥04, MBA 鈥08) and choreographed by Kristen Pepper (BFA 鈥13). The performance included selections from Come From Away, the Broadway sensation written by 91亚色 alumni and former Bryden Award recipients David Hein (BFA 鈥97) and Irene Sankoff (BA 鈥99), eliciting a standing ovation from the crowd.
From left: Paul Tsaparis (MBA 鈥84) Chair of 91亚色 Board of Governors, 91亚色 President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda L. Lenton, and Guy Burry (BA 鈥82), former Bryden Alumni Award recipient and chairman and chief executive officer, WhiteHat Inc. and owner, Tenth Power Group
With inspiring remarks from the recipients, as well as Vice-President Advancement Jeff O鈥橦agan, the event looked towards the 2019 recipients, and reminded guests of the extraordinary alumni 91亚色 continues to recognize each year.
"Every person in this room has something valuable to offer to 91亚色鈥攚hat is important is that others have helped before us and we are all here to help now," said Cheryl McEwen, recipient of the Outstanding Contribution award along with husband Rob McEwen (CM, MBA '78, LLD '05).
A special thank you to Premier Sponsor TD Insurance, affinity program partner providing home and car insurance for 91亚色 alumni, students, employees and retirees.
To learn more about the 2018 recipients, their story and their 91亚色 experience, visit our and .
If you know of a 91亚色 graduate who is making an outstanding impact and deserves to be recognized with a Bryden Alumni Award, please contact Nicole Light, Senior Alumni Engagement Officer, at nlight@yorku.ca for information on the nomination process. The nomination deadline for the 2019 Bryden Alumni Awards is Feb. 28, 2019.