Osgoode Hall Law School recently welcomed back alumnus Dionysios “Dennis” Apostolides (LLB ’83) and his wife, Sophia Voumvakis, for a campus visit marked by reflection, gratitude, and a shared commitment to expanding access to legal education.  

Dennis arrived in Canada from Greece with a dream of becoming a lawyer. During his time at Osgoode, bursaries and financial support made it possible for him to complete his legal education and go on to build a successful career in family law — an experience that continues to shape his enduring connection to the School. 

Today, Dennis and Sophia are helping ensure that similar opportunities remain available for future students. Through a future bequest gift in their Will and the establishment of a bursary in Dennis’ name, they are supporting law students who demonstrate financial need, particularly those with an interest in Family or Indigenous Law. 

During their visit, Dennis and Sophia met with Dean Trevor Farrow and toured the campus, reflecting on how much has changed over the decades — and how much remains grounded in Osgoode’s longstanding commitment to access, excellence, and community.  

They were also formally welcomed into the Thomas Brown Phillips Stewart Society, which recognizes individuals who have made legacy commitments in support of Osgoode Hall Law School. 

Osgoode extends its sincere appreciation to Dennis and Sophia for their generosity and vision. Their support will have a lasting impact, helping future students pursue their legal education and make meaningful contributions to the profession. 

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Priti Sesha (MBA ’96) knows firsthand the transformative impact of education. 

Her decision to pursue an MBA at Schulich marked a turning point in her life, opening doors to new possibilities and shaping both her career and perspective on the world. 

Living on campus allowed Priti to immerse herself in the vibrant Schulich community. Surrounded by classmates from a wide range of cultures, industries, and life experiences, she was challenged to think differently and see the world through a new lens. The experience allowed her to foster a deeper appreciation for diverse points of view, and helped shape the way she approaches leadership, decision-making, and collaboration.  

It wasn't until years after earning her degree that Priti fully appreciated the life-changing impact of financial aid. During a professional development course, she met a young man whose life had been disrupted by conflict. Forced to leave his family and live in a refugee camp, he nevertheless held fast to his dream of attending university. A full scholarship eventually made that dream possible and changed the course of his life. 

His story reinforced a simple but profound truth: financial support can do far more than fund an education. It can unlock potential and ensure that talented, determined students are not held back by financial barriers. 

Priti's gratitude for her Schulich experience inspires her commitment to giving back. By leaving a gift in her will to Schulich, she is helping create opportunities for future students, empowering the next generation of leaders to pursue their ambitions and realize their potential. 

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Stacey Sinclair (MFA ’93, MBA ’99) has been a lifelong advocate for music education and music’s ability to teach and inspire. As the executive director for the Coalition for Music Education in Canada, she empowers educators throughout the country to incorporate music as part of their teaching. 

The Coalition was created by music educators and parents to bolster support for Canadian music education. What began as a grassroots organization is now a registered charity that has continued their advocacy efforts for the past 30 years with more than 275,000 students participating in their programs. 

“Advocacy is at the core of what we do," says Stacey. "We are trying to save programs that are being cut and we try to step in anywhere across the country where people may need an extra voice.”

The Coalition runs music-centred programming in schools across Canada to support the growth of music education and take on initiatives that help support musical needs in the classroom. In Fall 2024 one such need inspired the Coalition to launch Ancestors Voices: Music and Learning for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a music program designed to allow students to reflect on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (NDTR) and inviting them to explore a song chosen by the Coalition that involves the Indigenous experience. Since the program’s launch, it has helped create important dialogue in classrooms from coast-to-coast-to-coast. 

“We talked to various teachers across the country and many of them identified that their classes were in need of programming for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation,” says Stacey. “In response, Ancestors Voices was initiated for students to listen and have a dialogue around NDTR and hear songs from Indigenous artists to learn about their stories.” 

Included in the program is a series of artist videos, artist guides, lyric and chord sheets, and a curriculum-based learning guide developed by Indigenous music educators providing their own experience and expertise to accompany the music. This provides teachers a full toolkit to share with students who want to learn more about Indigenous history and issues that are still existing today. 

The first song shared was created by another 91��ɫ alumnus, Julian Taylor, whose song S.E.E.D.S. was written after the discovery of the 215 uncovered remains of buried Indigenous children at a former residential school in Kamloops, British Columbia. The songs touch upon Indigenous history and issues while demonstrating the value of music as a tool for storytelling and its importance in Indigenous culture. 

“This past year we featured artist Adrian Sutherland, a First Nations singer-songwriter who lives in the far north,” says Stacey. “His song Kiyash is a Cree language song that has inspired classroom discussions about issues that are important to the Indigenous people living in that area, such as access to clean drinking water.” 

Ancestors Voices has grown quickly since its inception. Within the first month, the program reached 84,000 students across Canada and has organized school visits with the artists to perform their song live, with a video recording sent to all who have registered for the program. As of today, 200,000 Canadian students have participated in the program. Stacey hopes to continue the growth of this program and looks forward to sharing more Indigenous artists and storytellers to Canadian youth. 

“The response has been incredible,” says Stacey.

For the 2026 National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the Coalition featured artist Dee Dee Austin, and her song Buried Truth. DeeDee is an Indigenous artist and sister of the Abegweit First Nation on Prince Edward Island who embraces contemporary and traditional Indigenous music which she creates and implements into each one of her performances. When Dee Dee was 15, she used stories from her great-grandmother’s experience at Shubenacadie Indian Residential School to write Buried Truth, honouring the victims and the survivors of the system.

Stacey and the Coalition hope that Ancestors Voices continues to create important dialogue across the country and allow an opportunity for reflection on important issues.

“There are all kinds of discussions that are had about the songs,” says Stacey. “It gives people the opportunity to understand the “truth” part about truth and reconciliation and it starts all kinds of conversations about reconciliation.” 

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Eligibility  

91��ɫ alumni who have graduated more than two (2) years ago are eligible for up to two (2) hours of complimentary one-to-one virtual career coaching. Additional services may be available through approved alumni partners and may be subject to fees. 

Recent graduates (within the past 2 years) are eligible for services with the 91��ɫ U Career Centre. Appointments can be booked here:  

About Career Coaching 

Career coaching is a collaborate process that supports you in exploring career goals, increasing self-awareness, identifying opportunities, and developing strategies to enhance your career. Coaching provides space for reflection, discussion, learning, and action planning. While your coach may offer perspectives, resources, and recommendations, you remain responsible for the decisions and actions you choose to take. 

Career coaching is intended to help you navigate your career development and job search more effectively. It is not therapy, counselling, legal advice, or recruitment services, and participation does not guarantee employment or specific outcomes. 

Confidentiality and the Collection of Personal Information  

Information shared during coaching sessions will be treated as confidential. To support continuity between sessions, notes may be taken during or after appointments. These notes are maintained securely and are used solely for coaching purposes by the career coach. 91��ɫ will not have access to the content of coaching discussions or coaching notes.  

The University respects your privacy and may only have access to information related to service utilization, such as whether alumni coaching services were accessed and the type of service received for administrative and reporting purposes.  

Personal information provided to the University in connection with this form is collected under the authority of The 91��ɫ Act, 1965 and will be used to carry out University services and functions, including alumni engagement activities, programming evaluation, and administrative services. At all times it will be protected in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. If you have any questions, please refer to our website or contact the University’s Alumni Engagement team at alumni@yorku.ca or 416-650-8159. 

Limits to Confidentiality 

Confidentiality may be limited in situations where there is risk of serious harm to yourself or another person, or disclosure is otherwise required by law. 

Systems 

There may be inherent risks associated with using electronic communications and videoconferencing software, which include but not limited to, hacking by a third party, loss of privacy, or loss/interruption due to technological failure. 

Your Role in the Coaching Process 

To get the greatest benefit from the alumni coaching experience, we encourage the following: 

• Active participation – Anything less than intentional full participation will not lead to success. The more information you share, the better we can tailor the coaching process to your needs. Be open and honest about your goals, experiences, challenges, and progress.  

• Growth mindset and application – Coaching may introduce new tools, strategies, perspectives, and approaches. You are encouraged to explore what works best for you in the circumstances. 

• Open communication – If something is not working for you, please share your feedback. Coaching is flexible and can be adapted as your needs evolve. 

• ���ɲԱ�����󾱱���– You are the decision-maker throughout the coaching process. While your coach can provide guidance, support, challenge, and accountability, the choices you make and the action you take remain your responsibility. Your input and engagement will shape the coaching journey. 

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Harry Arthurs Alumni Families Entrance Scholarship  

Recipient: Brooklyn Simm 

The Harry Arthurs Alumni Families Entrance Scholarship is awarded to an incoming undergraduate student who is the child, sibling or grandchild of a 91��ɫ graduate, and has shown exceptional academic achievement and meaningful involvement in community service, volunteerism or other activities. 

This year’s recipient is Brooklyn Simm, who is about to begin her first year in 91��ɫ’s Pharmaceutical Chemistry program. Originally from the small Lake Simcoe community of Kenneth-Sutton in Georgina, Ontario, she hopes to become a pharmacist and help expand access to healthcare services in her hometown. 

Pursuing post-secondary education has historically presented challenges for her family because of the distance to major institutions. However, Brooklyn's mother, April, overcame those barriers as a first-generation university student, earning a Psychology degree from 91��ɫ while commuting daily from Georgina. Hearing her mother’s experiences and witnessing her determination inspired Brooklyn to follow in her footsteps and begin her own 91��ɫ journey this fall.  

Brooklyn aspires to join the 91��ɫ Lions women’s hockey team and hopes to contribute to the 91��ɫ community by exploring clubs and potentially volunteering for student life.  

Alumni Silver Jubilee Scholarship  

Recipient: Stephanie Onwukaike 

The Alumni Silver Jubilee Scholarship is presented to a student who exemplifies excellence in academics, leadership and community impact.  This year’s recipient, Stephanie Onwukaike (BSc ‘26), is recognized for her academic achievements, outstanding volunteerism and long-lasting impact in psychology and 91��ɫ’s black community. 

Throughout her time at 91��ɫ, Stephanie has demonstrated a strong commitment to both academic and extracurricular excellence. As part of her coursework, she had the opportunity to research burnout in university students which has strengthened her commitment to promoting mental health. 

Beyond her studies, she is an advocate for marginalized communities, and participates as a dancer in the Nigerian Student Association and as an events director in Black Students in Psychology (BSIP).  She also volunteered with MIRA, an AI-based chatbot initiative, focused on increasing the accessibility of mental health services, where she explored the viability and intersection of AI and psychology.  

Stephanie remains committed to supporting underdeveloped communities for mental health, with plans to pursue her master’s degree. She hopes to further explore and bridge the gap between technology and psychology nd eventually start her own podcast. 

Golden GRADitude Award 

Recipients: Favour Isemede and Gurneet Singh 

The Alumni Golden GRADitude Award recognizes graduating students who leave 91��ɫ a better place thanks to the significant leadership they demonstrated during their time on campus. We are proud to recognize this year’s recipients, Favour Isemede (BHS ’26) and Gurneet Singh (BES ’26). 

Favour Isemede  

Throughout her time at 91��ɫ, Favour embodied tenacity, academic excellence and a passion for health equity. Her studies broadened her view on the healthcare industry beyond clinical work, leading her to explore health equity, the social determinants of health and policy, which has prepared her to better tackle health and development issues. 

Beyond her studies, she served as the events planning director for the Rotaract Club, focusing on underserved communities, which strengthened her commitment to health equity issues. Some of her most memorable experiences include sowing pads for women in Trinidad & Tobago, writing letters to children in the Philippines, and the push-up challenge which has shown her the positive impact she can have. She has also worked as a personal support worker, an experience that has strengthened her resolve to change the system to be more inclusive towards underserved communities. 

She is grateful to receive the Golden GRADitude award and plans on using it to further her ambitions. In the future, Favour plans on pursuing her master’s degree with future goals to open her own clinic as well as designing inclusive footwear at the intersection of comfort and fashion. 

Gurneet Singh 

Gurneet Singh’s involvement at 91��ɫ began through a research work-study position in the Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change (EUC). This experience helped her realize the many opportunities on campus. This is in part what drew her to pursue both her bachelor’s and master’s degree at 91��ɫ.  

Previously, Gurneet took on the role of president at the Environment and Urban Change Student Association (EUCSA) where she was tasked with reviving the club and advocating for students at EUC. In her experience at EUCSA, she launched the EUCSA Research Fair, bringing visibility to student achievement.  

Gurneet hopes to use the scholarship to fund her master’s research on environmental policy. Her research will bring more awareness to the environment and climate change. She believes that 91��ɫ’s program equips students with the proper training and expertise to critique and challenge different topics. In the future she hopes to spread more visibility for the faculty and its students through change and learning.  

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Claire Del Zotto is a second-year medical student at the University of Toronto mentoring younger students in STEM. She serves as a committee chair for the Ontario Medical Students Association, where she is organizing a three-day conference bringing over 100 medical student leaders from across Ontario to discuss healthcare innovation. She represents her faculty as co-organizer of the MD Program Orientation Week for over 300 incoming learners, raising over $70,000 in donations to ensure that cost was not a barrier to student participation. With an interest in healthy aging, she recently founded Scrubs and Shrubs, a mindfulness-focused gardening group that connects medical students to older adults who have a shared interest in sustainability. Her current research addresses how limited access to menopause care impacts quality of life. 

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Winnie Yu is a medical student at the University of Toronto who is dedicated to health advocacy, learner affairs and community service. In a national leadership capacity with the Canadian Federation of Medical Students (CFMS), she coordinates key projects and promotional initiatives ensuring events are promoted while contributing to improving CFMS’ engagement and social media presence. Winnie also led financial literacy initiatives designed to help students build confidence in managing their finances as a founding partner of a student financial literacy organization, FinMed. Through interactive workshops, she has connected with financial experts to discuss budgeting and debt management where students can ask questions and gain tools to make informed financial decisions. She also volunteers in community outreach initiatives that provide vision assessments and eye health education to underserved communities, strengthening access to essential eye care in the community.   

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Chinoye Sunny is a city-builder committed to creating vibrant, inclusive communities through both her professional work and volunteer leadership. As a Development Planner at the City of Richmond Hill, Chinoye plays an important role in shaping the future of housing, ensuring new developments are not only responsive to the housing crisis but also filled with the amenities that help communities thrive. Since earning her MES in Planning from 91��ɫ in 2021, Chinoye has been at the forefront of efforts to reduce housing inequities and expand access to essential services. Beyond her professional achievements, Chinoye is a dedicated volunteer and advocate for student engagement. She joined the MES 91��ɫ Planning Alumni Committee (MYPAC) in 2019 as a student member and now serves as the Chair of MYPAC. In this role, she has been instrumental in strengthening connections between students and alumni, organizing events that foster professional development, and cultivating a welcoming and inclusive planning community at 91��ɫ. 

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Fernanda Sierra Suárez is a community artist and arts worker, recently working as the community engagement and programs manager at Culture Days National, organizing the largest annual arts and culture festival in Canada. Over the past 15 years, Culture Days has hosted over 50,000 arts and culture community-based events reaching over 20 million people. Fernanda co-founded Creato Community, a grassroots organization dedicated to connecting, supporting and amplifying Latin American creatives in Canada. Through her community arts work, she engages newcomer and immigrant artists through free community-based arts programming, participatory art-making activities and career development events. She continues to give back to 91��ɫ as an annual guest speaker in HUMA 3207/4207 Doing Culture, and as a placement supervisor. 

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