Alumni Silver Jubilee Scholarship 

The Alumni Silver Jubilee Scholarship is awarded to a student who has demonstrated excellence both in and out of the classroom. 鈥疶his year鈥檚 recipient,鈥�Elizaveta Yakubovskaya, has been recognized for her significant contributions within the healthcare industry and the considerable leadership she displayed during her time as a student in the Faculty of Science.鈥� 

Elizaveta demonstrated a dedicated involvement with the 91亚色 Women in White Coats (WiWC) society and the 91亚色 Science Scholars Award, which provided her with research opportunities from her first year. 

Her roles in leadership as a Peer-Assistant Study Sessions (PASS) leader and coordinator at Bethune College have been instrumental in shaping her holistic approach to education and research. Her passion for visual neuroscience led to her impactful research and the completion of a Capstone Project at ViTA-Lab. Elizaveta plans to pursue a master's and eventually a PhD in neuroscience at 91亚色. 

As a science student ambassador, Elizaveta engaged with prospective and current students through various roles, from volunteering at events to leading campus tours. Her role as a girls STEMpowered mentor and coordinator for WiWC was particularly meaningful. 

Reflecting on the Alumni Silver Jubilee Award, Elizaveta expressed her gratitude, saying, "I am very grateful, happy, and honored to receive this award. The resources will fund my continuing research career at 91亚色 and encourage me to stay involved with the community." 

Elizaveta Yakubovskaya's journey is marked by academic excellence, impactful research, and a commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive community. 

Alumni Golden GRADitude Award 

The Alumni Golden GRADitude Award recognizes graduating students who leave 91亚色 a better place thanks to the significant leadership they demonstrated during their time on campus. This year, we are recognizing two recipients: Julia Kondratieva (BBA 鈥�24) and鈥�Natalia Tovilla-Batiz鈥�(BA 鈥�24). 

Julia Kondratieva's work at the Schulich School of Business epitomizes a dedication to academic excellence, community engagement, and impactful leadership.  

At Schulich, Julia held crucial roles within the Undergraduate Business Society (UBS), managing sponsorships and partnerships to enhance student conferences and events. Her passion for event planning was evident in organizing Schulich鈥檚 inaugural Cultural Crawl and other initiatives fostering student connections. 

Looking ahead as an alum, Julia plans to stay engaged with Schulich through mentorship roles and participating in workshops, aiming to pursue a master鈥檚 program at 91亚色鈥檚 Markham campus focused on data-driven strategies and artificial intelligence (AI) development. 

Throughout her tenure, Natalia Tovilla-Batiz (BA '24) maintained academic excellence while playing crucial roles at Glendon. Natalia provided invaluable guidance as a frosh leader and as a peer mentor at GL Zone to fellow students, sharing insights on academic opportunities and support systems, actively helping to rebuild the on-campus community post-COVID.鈥� In her role as outreach director at the Organization of Latin American Students (OLAS), she assisted with event planning and expanded the club鈥檚 community involvement at Glendon. 鈥疉t Glendon Faculty Council, she reviewed professorial files and helped ensure procedures for Tenure and Promotions were properly followed.

With an Honours Bilingual Bachelor鈥檚 Degree and four professional certificates, Natalia is looking forward to starting her Master鈥檚 in Political Science at Keele this Fall, while remaining engaged as a leader in the Glendon community as french editor at its bilingual student newspaper,鈥疨ro Tem. She feels honoured to have received the Golden GRADitude Award this year.

Harry Arthurs Alumni Families Entrance Scholarship 

The Harry Arthurs Alumni Families Entrance Scholarship is awarded to an incoming undergraduate student who is the child, sibling, or grandchild of a 91亚色 graduate and who has demonstrated outstanding academic achievement and accomplishments in community service, volunteerism or other endeavours. 鈥� 

The recipient of this year鈥檚 scholarship is 鈥�Grace De Pasqua who is preparing to embark on her studies at 91亚色, focusing on human rights and equity. 

Grace has been actively involved with organizations like Hospice Vaughan and served as co-president of her high school鈥檚 Drama Council. These experiences shaped her into a detail-oriented and community-focused individual, instilling in her a deep appreciation for collaboration and empathy.  

As co-president of the Period Project Initiative, Grace excelled in inspiring participation and re-energizing the committee's impact within her school community. Her leadership skills were crucial in transforming perceptions and fostering a supportive environment for drama enthusiasts. 

Reflecting on receiving the Harry Arthurs Alumni Families Entrance Scholarship, Grace expressed gratitude, "I felt honored and thrilled when I learned about the scholarship,鈥� said Grace. 鈥淚t's a testament to the support and opportunities 91亚色 provides, and I'm eager to make a positive impact here." 

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Each year, the 91亚色 Alumni Awards recognize outstanding alumni who have achieved the extraordinary and are working to right the future by creating positive change in their fields. The Awards celebrate the broad 91亚色 alumni community of innovators, activists, and researchers and its long-standing commitment to the public good.

This year鈥檚 ceremony will be held in November, and we are seeking nominations for our award recipients. Know someone you'd like to nominate for an Alumni Award? Please click here for the nomination form. For any questions or support, please contact Nicole Light, Senior Alumni Engagement Officer, at nlight@yorku.ca. Nominations are being accepted until Thursday, Mar. 31, 2022.

Nominations are open for the following awards:

• Outstanding Contribution: An alum who has made a significant contribution to the advancement of 91亚色 and its students through exceptional service, commitment and/or philanthropic contributions.
• Outstanding Achievement: An alum who has achieved distinction in their field and whose integrity and ability inspire alumni, faculty, staff and students.
• Tentanda Via: An alum who has demonstrated innovative, unconventional and daring leadership and success, reflecting the university鈥檚 motto, 鈥淭he way must be tried.鈥�
• One to Watch: An alum who has made a significant impact in their field and/or community within 15 years of a bachelor鈥檚 degree or 10 years of a professional/graduate degree.

Looking for some inspiration? Check out the 2021 Alumni Award recipients here. For more information on the Alumni Awards and our past recipients, visit our and .            

The post Now accepting nominations for the 2022 Alumni Awards appeared first on Division of Advancement - Alumni and Friends.

Each year, the 91亚色 Alumni Awards recognize outstanding alumni who have achieved the extraordinary and are working to right the future by creating positive change in their fields. The Awards celebrate the broad 91亚色 alumni community of innovators, activists, and researchers and its long-standing commitment to the public good. The tradition of recognizing their contributions will continue at the 91亚色 U Alumni Awards show. If you have any questions about the Alumni Awards show, please contact Rose Lucibello, Manager, Advancement Events at crocitto@yorku.ca. If you have any questions about the nominations process or recipients, please contact Nicole Light, Manager, Alumni Success at nlight@yorku.ca.

View previous Alumni Awards recipients here.

The 91亚色 U Alumni Awards Show
Date: Tuesday, Nov. 10
Time: 7 p.m.
Location:

2026 91亚色 U Alumni Awards Recipients

The recipients of the 2026 91亚色 U Alumni Awards are: Randy Williamson (JD 鈥�88), Shayla S. Dube (BSW 鈥�09, MSW 鈥�10), Laurie Fox (MBA 鈥�12), Amanda Coombs (BA 鈥�19), and Keith Loo (MBA 鈥�12).

Outstanding Contribution

Randy Williamson (JD 鈥�88) 
Lawyer and Partner, Aird & Berlis LLP

View bio

Randy Williamson draws upon more than 40 years of experience as a legal adviser, chartered professional accountant, public company senior executive and three-time business owner to help his clients achieve their organizational objectives. Following a distinguished career in business, he has built a successful law practice by providing value to clients through strategic advice. In 2013, he was appointed to the University's Board of Governors, serving for eight years, including on its Executive Committee. He has served as board Chair of the 91亚色 Development Corporation, and participated in two Chancellor Search Committees and a Presidential Search Committee. He also supported innovation at 91亚色 as the first private sponsor of YSpace鈥檚 Tech Accelerator.

Outstanding Achievement

Shayla S. Dube (BSW 鈥�09, MSW 鈥�10)
Sessional Instructor, University of Calgary; Founder and Executive Director, Abantu Wellness Community Services and Sabuntu Intercultural Services

View bio

Shayla S. Dube is an award-winning clinical social worker, psychotherapist, educator and community leader whose multidimensional work spans clinical practice, higher education, mentorship, community building and organizational wellness, advancing racial equity and collective well-being. For more than 15 years, Shayla has provided psychotherapy, mentors practitioners and leads culturally responsive interdisciplinary clinical supervision circles. She brings Ubuntu and Sawubona into practice, helping people feel seen and supported while equipping organizations to build cultures of belonging and well-being.

Tentanda Via

Laurie Fox (MBA 鈥�12)
Campaign Director, Will Power

View bio

Laurie Fox is the director of Will Power, a public awareness campaign inspiring Canadians to think differently about their charitable giving and leave a charitable gift in their will. She has worked in the non-profit sector for more than two decades and has seen the need in our communities and across the country rise. She is on a mission to show all Canadians the power they have to do more in this world by giving in a different way. The Will Power campaign runs a website, with free tools and resources, where visitors can explore the contribution they can make with a gift in their will, while still supporting loved ones.

One to Watch

Amanda Coombs (BA 鈥�19)
Executive Director, Back 2 Basickz Youth Support Services

View bio

Amanda Coombs is the founder and executive director of Back 2 Basickz Youth Support Services, a non-profit organization providing mental health, academic, employment, mentorship and justice-related services to youth. Her work focuses on creating pathways to meaningful employment, education, entrepreneurship and economic independence. She has partnered with 91亚色 to deliver Passion Into Profit, an entrepreneurship initiative providing youth with training, mentorship and funding to transform their ideas into businesses. She served for 14 years as a tenant representative in the Jane and Finch community and later completed two terms on the Toronto Community Housing Corporation Board of Directors, advocating for residents and systemic improvements.

Excellence in Entrepreneurship

Keith Loo (MBA 鈥�12)
CEO and Co-Founder, Skinopathy

View bio

Keith is the CEO and Co-Founder of Skinopathy, an AI healthcare company helping to transform how patients access dermatology and wound care. A 91亚色 alumnus, Keith has spent his career at the intersection of technology, entrepreneurship, and healthcare innovation. After leadership roles with Microsoft and other global technology companies, he co-founded Skinopathy with a mission to make healthcare more accessible, inclusive, and equitable through responsible AI. Today, Skinopathy's technologies support patients, clinicians, long-term care providers, and industry partners across Canada and beyond. Keith is also an educator, mentor, and community leader who remains deeply connected to 91亚色, supporting students, entrepreneurs and emerging innovators.

Remembering Bruce Bryden, an outstanding 91亚色 leader

The 91亚色 U Alumni Awards were inspired by Bruce Bryden who was an exceptionally committed and influential leader at 91亚色 for many years. He was a member of our first undergraduate class, the founding president of the 91亚色 Alumni Association (now the 91亚色 Alumni Board/YUAB) and a member of the 91亚色 Board of Governors.

The 91亚色 U Alumni Awards recognize and honour his vision, exemplary leadership and extraordinary achievements.

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TD Insurance is proud to sponsor the Alumni Awards and congratulates this year's recipients. Exclusive provider of home, car and small business insurance for 91亚色 U alumni, students, employees, and retirees. 

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Proud supporter of 91亚色 alumni and provider of preferred rates on life, health, dental, and travel insurance. 

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Learn more about 91亚色's alumni awards, their past recipients and how to nominate someone.

Top 30 Alumni Under 30

91亚色鈥檚 Top 30 Alumni Under 30 program celebrates inspiring and diverse alumni, 29 years old and younger, who are making a positive and impactful difference 鈥攂oth locally and abroad. From Toronto to communities around the world, 91亚色鈥檚 young alumni are pushing the boundaries across sectors and borders. They are leaders, actively working to create meaningful change within their businesses, organizations and communities. 

The 91亚色 U Alumni Awards

The 91亚色 U Alumni Awards are presented to alumni who have made remarkable contributions to their fields, their communities and to 91亚色. These honours are inspired by Bruce Bryden鈥檚 exceptional history, and each year鈥檚 recipients reflect the highest levels of service and impact.

Alumni Awards and Scholarships

Every year, the 91亚色 Alumni Board recognizes four distinguished 91亚色 students for their academic excellence and student leadership for scholarships including the Alumni Silver Jubilee Scholarship, the Alumni Golden GRADitude Award and the Harry Arthurs Alumni Families Entrance Scholarship.

Alumni nominated for external awards

Stay up to date with the latest alumni news to learn about alumni who have received or been shortlisted for external awards including the Order of Canada and the Order of Ontario.

The post Awards and Recognition appeared first on Division of Advancement - Alumni and Friends.

Hundreds of 91亚色 community members gathered virtually on November 19 to celebrate 20 years of 91亚色 alumni who have changed the world for the better. The 91亚色 U Alumni Celebration brought past Bryden award recipients together with 91亚色鈥檚 global community of alumni, friends, students and leaders for an entertaining and inspiring evening. The celebration was masterfully hosted by 91亚色 alumna Natasha Ramsahai (MSc 鈥�01), who guided the audience through an evening filled with entertaining anecdotes, interviews with celebrity alumni guests, and musical performances. 

鈥淭onight has been absolutely incredible and what I鈥檓 struck with is that I don鈥檛 even know all of our amazing alumni,鈥� said 91亚色 President, Rhonda L. Lenton.  鈥淎nd an event like this just reminds me, and amplifies, how our students are not only making an impact while they鈥檙e at school, but how our graduates continue to make an impact far, far beyond their time in university.鈥� 

Entertainers Noah Cappe and Paul Lillakas (BA 鈥�12) kicked off the celebrations during the pre-show with lively banter and a cooking demonstration, showing audience members how to make a mouth-watering French onion grilled cheese with miso butter-roasted shallots.  

An event like this just reminds me, and amplifies, how our students are not only making an impact while they鈥檙e at school, but how our graduates continue to make an impact far, far beyond their time in university.

Rhonda Lenton, 91亚色 President

Alumni guest appearances throughout the evening included well known TV personalities Cynthia Loyst (BFA 鈥�98) and Melissa Grelo (BA 鈥�02), rapper, music producer and philanthropist Kardinal Offishall, as well as Come From Away playwrights and 2011 Bryden Award recipients Irene Sankoff (BA 鈥�99) and David Hein (BFA 鈥�97). The evening also included musical performances by student group WIBI A Cappella, the Toronto cast of Come From Away, and a live performance by the Great Canadian Dueling Pianos featuring 91亚色 alumna Alexandra Fotopoulos (BFA 鈥�08). 

The celebration of Bryden Alumni Award recipients and their successes and contributions was interwoven with themes of connection and kindness in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic that has impacted our community locally and globally. President Lenton spoke to the important work that 91亚色 alumni are doing on the frontlines of the pandemic and many of the guests, including Kardinal Offishall, spoke to the importance of unity and compassion.  

鈥淚 know that they say it鈥檚 social distancing, but I think that it鈥檚 the wrong language. Don鈥檛 be distant when it comes to being social. Be together,鈥� implored Kardinal. 鈥淓ven though we鈥檙e physically distant, be socially together and support one another.鈥� 

Tickets to the event were complimentary, and聽audience聽members聽were invited to聽donate聽to聽91亚色鈥檚聽Emergency COVID-19 Student Relief Fund聽to help students cover unexpected housing, rent, food, travel, and other costs due to the pandemic.聽聽

To watch the full event recording on YouTube, .

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. 

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