Recognizing the importance of this relationship, 91亚色鈥檚 Faculty of Graduate Studies (FGS), through its Graduate Supervision Support Hub, has developed The Graduate Supervision Journey, a five-module course on YU Learn designed to strengthen graduate supervision.

The course combines practical guidance with opportunities for reflection, encouraging faculty to consider their values, clarify expectations and explore how their supervisory approaches influence students' experiences and development.

Drawing on experiences and research-informed practices, the course uses illustrative scenarios to connect supervisory principles to everyday practice. Mentorship frameworks, including Indigenous relational approaches, offer additional perspectives on effective supervision and broaden understandings of supervisory relationships.

The modules explore principles and styles of supervision, co-supervision, remote supervision and approaches to cultivating emotional intelligence and a growth mindset.

"Supervision is an art," says Tokunbo Ojo, associate dean, students. 鈥淚t requires time, dedication and sheer commitment from both the supervisor and the supervisee to produce the best outcome.鈥�

The course addresses goal setting, milestone planning, feedback and feedforward strategies, conflict resolution and navigating difficult conversations. It also explores how supervisors can respond to students in distress and better support neurodivergent students and those from diverse backgrounds through inclusive and responsive practices.

"By highlighting the voices of our colleagues, the course effectively demonstrates that supervisory excellence is a fundamental part of our culture and reflects how we define excellence in service, leadership and student success," says Mary Goitom, associate professor at the School of Social Work, Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies.

The course also guides faculty through supporting students toward degree completion, including preparation for defence and conversations about future career pathways. Recognizing that graduate supervision can place demands on faculty, it addresses supervisory stress, mental health and well-being, as well as strategies for sustaining supervisory practice.

Throughout the course, participants are invited to develop a philosophy of supervision statement, reflecting on the values and expectations that guide their approach. This exercise offers a reference point they can revisit as their practice evolves.

Designed as an asynchronous professional development resource, The Graduate Supervision Journey allows faculty to work through practical resources, scenarios and opportunities for reflection at their own pace. The course encourages a thoughtful and intentional approach to supervision while recognizing its important role in graduate student success and 91亚色's broader research culture.

Faculty can register for The Graduate Supervision Journey through . 

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Hosted by the Korean Office for Research and Education (KORE), War and Peace at the DMZ will bring graduate students together at 91亚色's Keele Campus in June 2027 for an intensive two-week program examining the demilitarized zone (DMZ) that separates North and South Korea, and what it means to Koreans.  

Co-ordinated by Professor Thomas Klassen at the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies, the summer school will be taught by two internationally recognized scholars: Professor Dong Jin Kim of Hanshin University in South Korea and Professor Steven Lee of the University of British Columbia. 

"The DMZ is a unique space representing division but also a hope for reunification,鈥� says Klassen.  

The first week will explore the division of the Korean Peninsula following the Korean War and the domestic and international conflicts that shaped the region during the 20th century. The second week will place the Korean DMZ in a broader global context by considering peacebuilding initiatives and the role of civil society organizations.  

"The DMZ represents both a unique place and history, but also a more general example of international conflict, reconciliation and attempts at unification," says Klassen. "The summer school will connect to broader debates about peace and conflict in other regions of the world, especially the role of civil society actors in contributing to peace." 

The 2027 program builds on KORE's previous summer school initiatives and expands the scope of study to include North Korea, South Korea and the relationship between the two. 

Open to graduate students interested in international relations, East Asia, North and South Korea, as well as peace and conflict studies, the program gives students an opportunity to learn from experts in the field while studying the continuing division of the Korean Peninsula.聽

Applications are due before Dec. 21. 

For more information, visit War and Peace at the DMZ: Korea Graduate Summer School. The summer school is supported by funding from the .

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, the appointments will advance research spanning AI, health technologies, Indigenous data sovereignty and human perception. The cohort includes four new Tier 2 Canada Research Chairs and one renewed Tier 1 Chair.

The CRC program attracts and retains some of the world's most accomplished and promising researchers, supporting leading-edge research that advances knowledge and delivers benefits for society, the economy and the environment.

"These Canada Research Chair appointments reflect the breadth and ambition of research underway at 91亚色," says Amir Asif, vice-president research and innovation. "By supporting researchers pursuing ambitious questions with potential for meaningful impact, this investment will help to advance new knowledge and strengthen 91亚色鈥檚 research capacity across a diverse range of fields."

Ines Arous 鈥� Canada Research Chair in Human-Centered Generative Artificial Intelligence (Tier 2) 

Arous is an assistant professor at 91亚色's Department of Electrical Engineering & Computer Science and director of the ARIN research lab specializing in human-AI collaboration, natural language processing (NLP) and generative AI.  

Her research focuses on designing frameworks that leverage human intelligence to enhance NLP models and tailoring them for applications with significant societal impact.  

Brittany Intzandt 鈥� Canada Research Chair in Health and Technology (Tier 2) 

An assistant professor at 91亚色鈥檚 School of Kinesiology & Health Science, Intzandt's research focuses on sex- and gender-based analysis, exercise physiology and neurodegeneration.  

Intzandt also received $80,000 through the Canada Foundation for Innovation鈥檚 John R. Evans Leaders Fund which supports research infrastructure projects through its partnership with the CRC program.  

Shweta Mahajan 鈥� Canada Research Chair in Multimodal Generative AI (Tier 2) 

Lassonde School of Engineering

Mahajan, an assistant professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering & Computer Science, studies computer vision and machine learning.  

The aim of her research is to advance generative modelling, multimodal learning and visual inference through the development of statistical and machine-learning methods. Her work seeks to improve how AI systems synthesize data, understand complex scenes and learn from multiple forms of information, including images, video and text. 

Danica Pawlick-Potts 鈥� Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Data Sovereignty (Tier 2) 

Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies

Pawlick-Potts is a research associate at 91亚色's Department of Communication & Media Studies and a member of the Alexis Nakota Sioux First Nation, specializing in Indigenous data sovereignty.  

Through her work with national Indigenous organizations and research collaborators, she supports the development of ethical approaches to data infrastructure and explores the implications of emerging technologies for Indigenous communities. 

Nikolaus Troje 鈥� Canada Research Chair in Reality Research (Tier 1, renewal) 

Faculty of Science

A professor in the Department of Biology, Troje is a leading researcher in human perception, computer vision and social interaction. 

His research examines how people perceive and understand one another through movement, appearance and communication. Through behavioural, physiological and computational approaches, he investigates how the brain constructs representations of reality and how those processes shape human interaction in both face-to-face and virtual environments. 

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On Oct. 19, their contributions were celebrated during the annual President's Staff Recognition Awards, which honour staff for outstanding service, leadership, innovation, community building and efforts to advance equity and inclusion.

鈥淩ealizing our ambitions for research and academic excellence, as well as student thriving and other priorities in the University Academic Plan, is only possible because of the skill and dedication of our staff,鈥� says Interim President and Vice-Chancellor Lisa Philipps. "Their work makes a material difference in the lives of our students and colleagues. I am grateful for the care they bring to their roles and for the many ways that their contributions help 91亚色 grow and flourish. My sincere congratulations to all nominees and recipients.鈥� 

2025 President's Staff Recognition Awards recipients and nominees 

Decolonization, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (DEDI) Award 

This award recognizes the passion, dedication and campus engagement by a team or individual staff member to advance decolonization, equity, diversity and inclusion at 91亚色. It acknowledges ongoing work or outstanding accomplishments in practice, events, policy, programs or other activities that foster equitable, sustainable and measurable change on campus, with an intersectional social justice lens, especially for equity-deserving groups such as women, visible/racialized people, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities and 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. 

Winner: Harriett Brempong, career education and development specialist, Markham Campus

As founder and chair of the Markham Campus PRIDE Committee, Brempong helped advance inclusion and belonging through initiatives such as Black History Month programming, Taking Up Space and targeted career supports for Black, racialized and 2SLGBTQIA+ students. Her leadership created meaningful opportunities for representation, empowerment and community connection.

Deborah Hobson 91亚色 Citizenship Award 

Former Vice-President Enrolment and Student Services Deborah Hobson devoted her career to 91亚色 with energetic commitment and boundless enthusiasm, guided by a distinctive vision of higher education. Established in her honour, this award is presented to an individual who emulates Hobson's spirited dedication to 91亚色 students and her deep enthusiasm for the 91亚色 community. Nominees embody the 91亚色 spirit, using their creativity and imagination in support of the student community at 91亚色. 

Winner: Amber Roberts, administrative coordinator, Student Community & Leadership Development, Division of Students

Roberts was recognized for her leadership in Student Community & Leadership Development and Residence Life, where she oversaw key student-facing services, mentored student staff and helped create vibrant campus programming and spaces. Through her leadership in these services, mentorship of student staff, and stewardship of campus spaces and programming, Roberts consistently enhances the student experience. 

 Nominees:   

• Andreanne Dibo Amany, associate director, Graduate Student Affairs, Faculty of Graduate Studies 
• Waziha Kabir, student success coordinator, Calumet & Stong Colleges,
• Agata Stypka, learning skills and academic success specialist, Markham Campus   

Gary Brewer Emerging Leader Award  

Established in honour of former Vice-President Finance and Administration Gary Brewer, this award is presented to a non-academic employee of 91亚色 who has shown tremendous promise for assuming a leadership role at the University. Recognizing and encouraging early-career professionals, it celebrates a staff member known for innovative and meaningful contributions to the effectiveness of their unit and for significantly contributing to the University's commitment to excellence.  

Winner: Nafis Ahmed, associate director, entrepreneurship, Division of Research & Innovation

Ahmed helped expand entrepreneurship and innovation opportunities at 91亚色 through the growth of YSpace programming, the launch of 91亚色's first Lab2Market cohort and initiatives such as the Automotive Innovation Challenge. His work supported students, faculty, alumni and startups in transforming ideas into real-world impact while strengthening 91亚色鈥檚 position within Canada鈥檚 innovation ecosystem. 

 Nominees:   

• Andrew Brown, student engagement coordinator, Student Community & Leadership Development, Division of Students  
• Nikita Cruz, international student experience coordinator, 91亚色 International 
• Waziha Kabir, student success coordinator, Calumet & Stong Colleges, Faculty of Health聽
• Jennifer Vu, coordinator, Student Financial Services,

Harriet Lewis Team Award for Service Excellence   

Established in honour of former University Secretary and General Counsel Harriet Lewis, this award recognizes a team's excellence in service and support to students, faculty, course directors, staff and/or other service users, and its promotion of the 91亚色 spirit in terms of imagination, creativity, innovation and redefining the possible in service to 91亚色's community. 

Winner: Digital Technologies Program team 

• Flodora Apoostolaqi, work-integrated learning programs coordinator  
• Nelufur Bhasin, director, educational and employer partnerships 
• Aileen Chan, undergraduate program administrator 
• Adam Duncan, assistant director   
• Nicole Habis, manager, educational and employer partnerships 
• Carmen Ly, coordinator, employer and educational partnerships   
• Marily Molina, business development manager  
• Viniththa Nagarajah, coordinator, employer and educational partnerships  
• Jack Onorati, manager, educational and employer partnerships  
• Jenny Peach-Squibb, professional skills coach

The Digital Technologies Program Team played a key role in building and delivering one of 91亚色's most distinctive work-integrated degree programs. By bringing together academic and industry partners, the team created meaningful pathways to career success and helped establish Digital Technologies as a flagship program at 91亚色's Markham Campus.

Nominees:   

• Connected Minds administrative team, Vice-President Research & Innovation  
• Joint Kellogg-Schulich Executive Master in Business Administration,  
• The English administrative team, Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
• The Event Operations team, Athletics & Recreation  
• The Faculty Curriculum team, LA&PS 
• The Science Conversion team, Faculty of Science  
• The YU-CARD Office, Division of Finance & Administration 

The President鈥檚 Leadership Award   

This award recognizes excellence in service to 91亚色, honouring contributions that go beyond the published requirements of a position and performance levels that foster a high level of professionalism. Recipients inspire professionalism, creativity and innovation across the University community, and their impact extends beyond an individual department and across the University community at large.  

Winner: Mya Rimon, assistant dean, students, Osgoode Hall Law School

Rimon was recognized for making a significant impact on the student experience at Osgoode Hall Law School and across 91亚色 through her creativity, innovation and commitment to student life. Known as a trusted advisor and collaborative leader, she creates environments where students and colleagues felt supported and able to succeed. 

  Nominees:   

• Nicole Arsenault, director, Sustainability Office, Division of Finance & Administration  
• Melanie Belore, executive director, experiential learning, Cooperative Education & Experiential Learning
• Dragica Burrell, director of student success and academic advising, Calumet & Stong Colleges, Faculty of Health聽
• Mandy Frake, director, teaching development, VP Faculty 
• Byron Gray, manager, 91亚色 - TD Community Engagement Centre, Division of Equity, People & Culture
• Ramon Kagan, director, operational excellence and institutional applications, UIT, Division of Finance & Administration鈥�    
• Debbie Montanera-Bojda, director, people partnerships, Human Resources, Division of Finance & Administration  
• Taylor Morihovitis, manager, housing administration, Division of Finance & Administration  
• Jillian Yeung Do, executive officer, Schulich School of Business 

Phyllis Clark Campus Service Award 

In honour of former Vice-President Finance and Administration Phyllis Clark, this award is presented to a non-academic employee of 91亚色 who has made exemplary and outstanding contributions to the operations of either of 91亚色's campuses in terms of efficiency, cleanliness, safety, security and/or other campus or plant services. 

Winner: Michael Kelloway, manager, ancillary services, Markham Campus

With more than three decades of service to 91亚色, Kelloway played an instrumental role in the successful launch of 91亚色's Markham Campus, helping build both essential services and a strong sense of community. He earned widespread respect for his collaborative approach, operational expertise and commitment to supporting others. 

  Nominees:   

• Whitney L'Esperance, administrative assistant, Department of Electrical Engineering & Computer Science,
• Jamie Thomson, supervisor, community safety operations, Community Safety Department, Markham Campus 

President鈥檚 Voice of 91亚色 Award   

The Voice of 91亚色 Award is given to an individual who is a first point of contact person at 91亚色, employed as front-line staff with regular interaction with the 91亚色 community. The most important voice of 91亚色 is the one who makes the first contact with a visitor or a community member; the quality of responsiveness, compassion and professionalism 鈥� particularly in handling difficult or sensitive situations 鈥� and a genuine desire to assist are essential to 91亚色's reputation. 

Winner: Tessa Jean, administrative assistant, 91亚色 TD Community Engagement Centre, Division of Equity, People & Culture

As a key point of contact at the TD Community Engagement Centre, Jean created welcoming and supportive experiences for students, community members, faculty and partners. Her professionalism, compassion and ability to help people navigate complex situations strengthened trust and engagement across the communities she served. 

 Nominees: 

• Stephanie Allen, learning technology support specialist, Office of Curriculum Innovation & Teaching Excellence, Schulich School of Business  
• Suzie Lee Hortness, director of development, advancement, Markham Campus  
• Mandy Ramnaraine, graduate program administrator, Academic Services, Faculty of Science 
• Samirah Sharif, operations assistant, Food & Vending Services, Division of Finance & Administration
• Tina Sposato, executive assistant to the vice-president research and innovation    

Ronald Kent Medal    

This award recognizes employees who promote and strengthen collegiality, values and goals of 91亚色. Its namesake, Ronald Kent, had a unique personal commitment to the University demonstrated through years of dedicated service. His sincerity and enthusiasm inspired colleagues across the University, and he was considered a true ambassador for 91亚色. 

Winner: Patrick Legris, administrative assistant, Department of Visual Art & Art History,

Known throughout the School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design as a pillar of strength and collegiality, Legris spent decades supporting students, staff and faculty with generosity, compassion and dedication. His commitment to community has made a lasting impact on the life of the University. 

  Nominees:   

• Sanja Begic, web development specialist, Communications & Marketing, LA&PS   
• Patricia di Benigno, administrative coordinator, Department of History, LA&PS 
• Celeta Irvin, undergraduate program administrator, Gender, Sexuality and Women's Studies, LA&PS 
• Nicola Martin, career development officer, Office of Admissions & Student Services, Career Development Office, Osgoode Hall Law School 

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Alexander is a music director of the Kindred Spirits Orchestra and Orion Symphony Orchestra, and artistic director of the Markham Contemporary Music Festival and the International Music Competition. Having led hundreds of orchestral and operatic performances, he has built a reputation for championing artistic excellence, cultural exchange and opportunities for emerging musicians. Through his leadership, mentorship and community initiatives, he has helped expand access to the arts for more than 1,000 young people, including neurodiverse youth, at-risk youth and students from low-income families. 

鈥淔or more than three decades, Maestro Kristian Alexander has dedicated his life to advancing the role of music in education and social connection,鈥� said Brandon Vickerd, dean, (AMPD).  

鈥淭hrough his work as a conductor, educator, scholar and humanitarian, he has enriched the cultural life in Canada and around the world, inspiring audiences, artists and communities alike.鈥� 

Addressing graduands from AMPD and the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies, Alexander reflected on a career spent building artistic institutions and creating new opportunities for musicians and audiences alike. 

He recalled his time as a young conducting student who envisioned a different kind of orchestra at a time when the practice was largely defined by tradition and established structures. 

"I wanted to develop an orchestra that could make its own artistic decisions, one that could operate according to a different model," he said. "There was no such orchestra, so I decided to create one." 

What began as an idea eventually grew into an internationally recognized organization, though not without setbacks and moments of self-doubt. The experience, he said, taught him lessons about perseverance, leadership and innovation. 

"You don't always have to find your place in an existing institution," he said. "Sometimes you can create the institution yourself, and sometimes the fact that something is difficult is precisely why it must be done." 

Almost 20 years later, he applied the same philosophy when he founded the Kindred Spirits Orchestra, despite warnings that the venture was too ambitious or unlikely to succeed. 

"When you believe in an idea, you must have the courage to make it happen and trust that others will join you," he said. 

Alexander noted that creating something new is only one part of the process; equally important is ensuring it can grow, adapt and continue to evolve through the contributions of others. 

"As graduates, you have enormous opportunities to create, but creation is not about keeping something under your care forever,鈥� he said. 

鈥淭here comes a point when the most important thing you can do for what you have created is to allow others to shape it, to carry it forward, to make it their own.鈥� 

That philosophy informed his advice to graduands preparing to enter an uncertain and rapidly changing world. Rather than feeling constrained by traditional career paths, he encouraged them to recognize the possibilities that emerge when existing models no longer meet people's needs. Alexander encouraged graduands to think big and to see uncertainty as an opportunity for innovation.聽

鈥淵ou have spent all of these years learning how to create, to imagine, to question, to experiment, to make something real,鈥� he said. 鈥淣ow you are standing at the beginning of something higher. A world that is waiting for you.鈥� 

Alexander concluded by urging graduands to trust their ideas, take risks and embrace the responsibility of building the future. 

"When you leave here today, carry two questions with you: What is missing, and what could I create?" he said. "Don't wait for permission. Don't wait for the right moment. Don't wait until you feel completely ready. 

"Create what doesn't exist. Nurture it. Build it. Give it everything you have." 

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During a career at 91亚色 spanning more than two decades, Skinner contributed to the growth of communication studies at the University while developing an extensive body of scholarship on Canadian broadcasting, media policy and the political economy of communications.

Skinner was an associate professor in the Department of Communication & Media Studies, Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies, before retiring in 2025.

Skinner's interest in communication and media students ignited in 1984, after leaving a job as a car salesman to finish his BA at Simon Fraser University (SFU). There, he discovered media policy and was taught by key figures in the political economy of media in Canada, such as Robert Hackett and Richard Gruneau.

He earned a bachelor degree in communication, and went on to complete a master's in media studies from Concordia University and in 1997, completed his PhD dissertation at SFU which focused on the political economy of English Canadian broadcasting. In 2025, he recently published a book on this work, titled A Political Economy of Canadian Broadcasting: Public Good versus Private Profit (UBC Press).

Skinner played a pivotal role developing the field of communication and media studies in Canada. He founded the Journalism program at Thompson Rivers University. In 2002 he joined 91亚色's Department of Social Science, and later helped to establish 91亚色's Department of Communication & Media Studies as well as the Joint Graduate Program in Communication & Culture with Toronto Metropolitan University.

From 2009 to 2012, he served as founding Chair of the Department of Communication & Media Studies, where he helped establish the department and shape its academic direction during its early years. He took other administrative roles during his time at the University, including MA coordinator and University senator. He also served as director of the Canadian Media Research Consortium from 2010 to 2018.

His scholarly work examined some of the central questions surrounding Canadian media, including the relationship between public broadcasting, private capital, regulation and media ownership.

Skinner was among the authors of Media and Communication in Canada: Networks, Culture, Technology, Audience, considered a defining resource in the field for its use as an introductory textbook at universities and colleges.

"David鈥檚 vision was that Canadian perspectives on media and communication are central to Canadian democratic ideals and to fostering Canada as a nation independent of big geopolitical powers," reads a message from colleagues at 91亚色's Department of Communications & Media Studies. "Needless to say, such contribution is as timely as ever today."

His other work reflected a sustained interest in how media systems can serve communities and the public interest. His publications included the co-edited Alternative Media in Canada and work addressing community media, media activism, journalism, ownership and media reform.

That work continued late into his career. In 2025, Skinner published A Political Economy of Canadian Broadcasting: Public Good versus Private Profit, which traces the development of anglophone public broadcasting in Canada from the early era of the telegraph through the digital age.

Skinner also focused considerable attention on students. He took part in departmental celebrations recognizing undergraduate achievement, such as presenting the Penny Jolliffe Award to outstanding students and taught the first year introductory course up until his retirement.

"David was a mentor and champion who taught how to navigate the complexities of the profession," reads the message shared by colleagues. "David was always about community, always about conciliation and bringing people together."

After retiring from 91亚色 in early 2026, he returned to live in B.C. with his wife Jennefer Laidley, a 91亚色 MES alum. The couple tragically died in a snorkelling accident while on holiday in the South Pacific.

With files from members of 91亚色's Department of Communication & Media Studies

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The title recognizes those who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to teaching and research, alongside exemplary service to the University community. 

Ferrara will be honoured during an Oct. 15 convocation ceremony. 

The recognition, she says, represents a full circle moment. "I am deeply honoured to receive the University Professorship. That it comes from my alma mater, where my Canadian journey began as a student, gives it special significance." A professor at the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies (LA&PS), Ferrara has built a career defined by excellence in teaching, research and institutional leadership. She has taught a range of undergraduate and graduate courses, guided by a teaching philosophy that emphasizes analytical reasoning, problem-solving skills and the application of economic theory to real-world challenges.聽

Her contributions to pedagogy outside the classroom include the redesign of 91亚色's Research Seminar in Economics to incorporate community-engaged learning, which creates opportunities for students to apply economic theory to real-world challenges through partnerships with external organizations. Ferrara also played a key role in developing the Diploma in Risk and Insurance Management (DRIM) and the Hybrid Academia-Industry Internships via Virtual Engagement (HAIVE) programs to foster experiential learning and partnerships between students and the community.

Ferrara's extensive teaching record also reflects a sustained commitment to mentorship. Through the Directed Reading and Directed Research courses, Ferrara has consistently invested in undergraduate and graduate student success, helping them develop independence as thinkers and researchers. Both students and colleagues recognize her dedication to mentorship, and commend her generosity in offering guidance, encouragement and support while fostering a collegial, engaged and intellectually vibrant academic community. 

Ferrara has also made contributions to 91亚色 through service and leadership. She served as undergraduate program director following the merger that created the unified Department of Economics, chaired the department from 2016 to 2019, and later served as vice-chair and Chair of the LA&PS Faculty Council. Her service has included work on numerous departmental, Faculty and University committees, as well as leadership roles within the 91亚色 Faculty Association (YUFA) and the Risk and Insurance Studies Centre (RISC). 

An internationally recognized scholar, Ferrara's research has advanced understanding of environmental economics, public economics, health economics and the economics of risk and insurance. Her work, which examines how economic incentives interact with social, psychological and institutional factors, has informed research and policy discussions on topics including waste management, recycling, charitable giving, insurance participation and public policy design. Her research has appeared in leading journals and has been supported through numerous major external research grants. 

"I believe that an academic career carries both the opportunity and the responsibility to have a meaningful impact on students鈥� learning, on the advancement of society and on the vitality of the University and the wider community,鈥� she says. 鈥淚 have sought to remain faithful to this conviction throughout my career, and I would like to think that this recognition reflects, in some measure, the contribution I have aspired to make." 

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Presented by the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC), the awards honour individuals whose work has made a significant impact in communities across Ontario. This year鈥檚 awards are presented to Distinguished Research Professor Carl E. James, student Tonny Muzira and alum Rana Espiritu Nasrazadani. 

Lifetime Achievement Award: Carl E. James, Distinguished Research Professor and Jean Augustine Chair in Education, Community & Diaspora at 91亚色 

Awarded to an individual for significant contributions over their lifetime to advance human rights. 

One of Canada's leading scholars on race, racialization and education, James has has spent decades examining the experiences of marginalized communities and the barriers they face in education and society. 

His research has shaped public policy and education practices across Canada. Notably, his report Towards Race Equity in Education: The Schooling of Black Students in the Greater Toronto Area helped spotlight inequities in Ontario's education system and informed discussions about academic streaming and student success. 

James holds the Jean Augustine Chair in Education, Community & Diaspora at 91亚色's Faculty of Education and has served as equity advisor to the dean. Through community partnerships and the national Securing Black Futures initiative, he works to improve educational experiences and expand pathways to post-secondary education for Black students.

鈥淚t is always a privilege to be recognized for contributions to community 鈥� particularly when the contribution helps to advance human rights and social justice," James says. "I am pleased to receive this recognition knowing that others have worked with me to make this possible.鈥� 

The Lifetime Achievement Award adds to numerous honours recognizing James' impact as a scholar, educator and community leader. His influence extends beyond research and is reflected in the generations of students, educators and community members he has inspired. 

Distinguished Service Award: Tonny Muzira, Bachelor of Public Administration

Awarded for outstanding contribution to advancing human rights.  

Muzira is an organizational policy and development specialist whose work focuses on housing, public health equity and community empowerment, particularly for Black immigrant and refugee communities in Ontario. 

During the 2023 Toronto refugee housing crisis, Muzira helped coordinate advocacy efforts that secured a federal commitment for emergency housing relief for hundreds of refugee claimants sleeping outdoors. He has since contributed policy recommendations to the City of Toronto on chronic homelessness. 

As co-founder of the Centre for Black Development Options Canada (CBDOC), Muzira has championed issues affecting Black immigrants and refugees, including organizing Toronto's first International Conference on Black Immigrants and Refugees in 2024. His work also supports HIV prevention and equitable access to sexual and reproductive health services for Black newcomers. 

"Receiving the Daniel G. Hill Human Rights Award is a profound honour," says Muzira, a student at the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies.聽"Daniel Hill showed that human rights are built through steady work in our communities, and I accept this award on behalf of the refugees, newcomers, youth and colleagues at the Centre for Black Development Options Canada who do that work every day. Housing, health and belonging are not charity. They are rights, and we will keep fighting until every person in Ontario can claim them."聽

Young Leader Award: Rana Espiritu Nasrazadani (BA 鈥�20, MPPAL 鈥�22), 91亚色 Senate representative, 91亚色 Alumni Board member 

Awarded to a person under age 30 for their outstanding contribution to advancing human rights.  

Nasrazadani is a disability rights advocate and policy advisor whose work focuses on accessibility, human rights and education. 

Drawing from her lived experience and professional expertise, she works to advance the rights of people with disabilities and address systemic barriers to equity and inclusion. Through her advocacy and policy development work, she has led initiatives and informed policies that strengthen accessibility, challenge ableism and foster inclusion in education and public policy.  

Recognized for her contributions to disability rights and accessibility, Nasrazadani was named one of 91亚色's inaugural Top 30 Alumni Under 30 in 2021. An active member of 91亚色's alumni community and a Senate representative, she has contributed to several University accessibility initiatives, including advising on the accessible design of the 91亚色 Markham Campus. 

"I am deeply honoured to receive this award," says Nasrazadani. "To be recognized alongside such inspiring leaders and changemakers is truly humbling. This recognition is deeply personal to me, reflecting both the progress made in advancing accessibility, inclusion and disability rights, and the work that continues ahead." 

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Assistant Professor Maxxine Rattner and teaching assistant Pablo Roy-Rojas have been named 2026 recipients of the Ian Greene Award for Teaching Excellence presented by the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies (LA&PS).

The annual award recognizes educators whose impact fosters student achievement, enriches learning experience and strengthens engagement in learning environments where students feel supported, challenged and encouraged to succeed.

Named after School of Public Policy & Administration Professor Emeritus Ian Greene, the award was established by former students to honour his dedication to teaching excellence and meaningful learning.

Nominations are submitted by students and are reviewed and adjudicated by the Student Council of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies (SCOLAPS).

Maxxine Rattner, School of Social Work

Rattner is recognized for her ability to make complex material accessible, her fairness in assessment and her dedication to supporting students beyond the classroom.

Students described Rattner as a thoughtful mentor whose guidance helped define their academic journeys. They highlighted her commitment to building community and her ongoing involvement in workshops, research committees and student association initiatives that enrich the student experience.

鈥淚 am really moved by the students who took the time to nominate me and I am also grateful to the committee of students who invested time over the summer to review nominations,鈥� says Rattner. 鈥淪COLAPS as a whole is a dedicated group, invested in fostering connections among students and between students and faculty. I am inspired by their efforts and passion.鈥�

Through her teaching, mentorship and service, Rattner helps cultivate the supportive learning environment that enables students to thrive academically and professionally.

Pablo Roy-Rojas, Department of Social Science

Roy-Rojas is recognized for his fairness and for consistently offering constructive feedback and making challenging concepts accessible to students.

Students praised his subject expertise and noted that he encourages participation and values effort, helping create an environment where learners feel comfortable sharing ideas and asking questions.

鈥淚 am deeply grateful to receive the Ian Greene Award for Teaching Excellence and I accept it on behalf of the students who have shaped my teaching as much as I have tried to shape their learning,鈥� says Roy-Rojas.

Roy-Rojas views teaching as a collaborative process in which students and instructors learn from one another. Some of the most meaningful lessons in his tutorials emerge through dialogue, when classroom discussions connect theory with students' lived experiences and communities.

鈥淚 hope to keep teaching in a way that treats every learner as a thinker and every classroom as a place where emancipation can take root," he says. "In those moments, teacher and student learn together.鈥�

By fostering curiosity, critical thinking and active participation, Roy-Rojas helps students develop the analytical skills and confidence needed to engage with complex social issues both inside and beyond the classroom.

With files from Jessica Kubin

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The recommendation, approved by the Board Executive Committee on Sept. 29, was made following a national and international search process.

Dr. Srivastava is dean, Faculty of Arts and Science (FAS), professor of sociology and founding director of the Global Centre for Climate Action (GCAC) research centre at OCAD University. Previously a professor of sociology, gender studies and cultural studies at Queen鈥檚 University, Dr. Srivastava was director of the Gender Studies Program at University of Toronto Mississauga from 2002-03.  

Professor Srivastava鈥檚 2024 book, Are You Calling Me a Racist? Why We Need to Stop Talking About Race and Start Making Real Antiracist Change (New 91亚色 Press), won the 2025 Book Award from the Canadian Sociology Association. It analyzes the emotional and moral landscape of dialogues about race, details the pitfalls of conventional approaches to equity and proposes alternative models to create more substantive and impactful change.  

In keeping with her leadership and interdisciplinary scholarly work on the sociology of race, emotion and organizations, Professor Srivastava has prioritized meaningful equity and decolonization education efforts for students and faculty at OCAD U, including curricular revision and reassessment of evaluation methods for courses on Indigenous content, foundational skills and experiential learning.  

In her role as dean of arts and science, Professor Srivastava has been involved in strategic planning, organizational change, collective bargaining and curricular innovation, and served as acting vice-president academic and provost for four months in early 2024. She achieved financial sustainability for many programs in FAS and implemented an iterative, consensus-based model for decision-making through which she was able to champion innovative approaches to decolonizing and diversifying pedagogies.  

Professor Srivastava established the GCAC to create cultural, social and creative interventions in the climate action sphere, working with artists, designers and scholars to imagine new approaches to sustainability, climate justice and decolonization. She garnered EU funding for a public projection event as part of Nuit Blanche 2025 and has been able to secure major corporate funding to continue the work of the centre. In her prior work as an activist, Professor Srivastava was director of a national environmental campaign for Greenpeace Canada, active in community radio and environmental education, and supported Indigenous, labour and feminist social movements. She holds a master鈥檚 in environmental studies from 91亚色 and a PhD in sociology from University of Toronto.   

I extend my thanks to the members of the search committee for their commitment and guidance throughout this process. I also am deeply grateful to Professor Kathryn McPherson, whose steady leadership as interim dean, LA&PS has and will continue to guide the Faculty until Professor Srivastava assumes her role.  

Sincerely, 

Lisa Philipps 
Interim President and Vice-Chancellor 

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