The remarkable recipients of this year鈥檚 awards are: The Honourable Harry S. LaForme (LLB 鈥�77, LLD 鈥�08), Fatima Israel (MBA 鈥�06), Flavien P. Joubert (MES 鈥�03), and Temo Primrose Gare (BA 鈥�12). 

"This year鈥檚 recipients represent the positive contributions York alumni are making around the world," says Julie Lafford, Assistant Vice-President, Alumni Engagement. "In addition to their many accomplishments, exceptional leadership, philanthropic support, and meaningful engagement with the alumni community, the 2023 award recipients continue to set an example for future generations of students and alumni alike. It will be a pleasure to honour them this fall at the Alumni Awards ceremony." 

The 快播视频 Alumni Awards feature four award categories, each of which honour a distinct set of achievements and contributions. 

Outstanding Contribution

An alum who has made a significant contribution to the advancement of York and its students through exceptional service, commitment and/or philanthropic contributions.

The Honourable Harry S. LaForme (LLB 鈥�77, LLD 鈥�08) OC, IPC

Senior Counsel, Olthius Kleer Townshend LL.P  

View detailed bio

The Honourable Harry S. LaForme is a retired judge who received an LLB and LLD from Osgoode Hall Law School. In 1994, he was appointed a judge of the Superior Court of Justice, making him one of three Indigenous judges to be designated to this level of trial court in Canada at the time. He dedicated his career to furthering the rights of aboriginal peoples, Canada鈥檚 LGBTQ2 communities and the rights of all other marginalized groups living in Canada. In 2004, LaForme became the first Indigenous judge to be appointed to an appellate court in Canada with his appointment to the Ontario Court of Appeal. 

During his tenure, LaForme specialized in Indigenous law with a focus on Constitutional and Charter issues and represented Canadian Indigenous interests internationally. In 2018, LaForme retired from the judiciary and currently works as senior counsel with Olthius Kleer Townshend. LaForme has received honourary degrees from various universities and numerous accolades including the National Aboriginal Achievement Award in Law & Justice and the order of Canada. He鈥檚 also published numerous articles on issues related to Indigenous law and justice and speaks frequently on Indigenous issues, Indigenous law, constitutional law, and civil, equality, and human rights.  

Outstanding Achievement

An alumnus/a who has achieved distinction in their field and whose integrity and ability inspire alumni, faculty, staff and students. 

Fatima Israel (MBA 鈥�06)

View detailed bio

Fatima Israel is a marketing officer with an MBA from the Schulich School of Business who is transforming the industry with her expertise in professional services, telecommunications, technology, health services, and fintech. Israel is an advocate for putting people at the heart of transformation to drive innovation, catalyze progress, and deliver on purpose. She boldly combines ambitious ideas with insights to build a better working world for her clients and communities. 

Her passion for leadership and advancing the marketing community has earned her awards from the Canadian Marketing Association and the Globe and Mail鈥檚 Report on Business. Israel strives to channel this passion to support the next generation as an executive mentor and advisory council member for the American Marketing Association, a mentor for the EY Women's Athlete Business Network, and a regular judge for marketing industry award programs. 

Tentanda Via

An alumna/us who has demonstrated innovative, unconventional, and daring leadership and success, reflecting the university鈥檚 motto, 鈥淭he way must be tried.鈥�

Flavien P. Joubert (MES 鈥�03)

Minister for Agriculture, Climate Change & Environment on the Island of Seychelles 

View detailed bio

Flavien P. Joubert currently serves as the Minister for Agriculture, Climate Change & Environment on the Island of Seychelles. Before attaining his master鈥檚 degree in Environmental Studies at 快播视频, Joubert completed his higher national diploma and graduate studies at the Manchester Metropolitan University in the United Kingdom. During his studies, Joubert re-discovered one of the rarest bat species in the country and co-wrote two research papers on the subject. In his role as minister, Joubert has continued to promote research and conservation on bat species.  

Joubert鈥檚 career with the Ministry of Environment began in 1996, where he held several key positions, including director general for Wildlife Enforcement and Permits, CEO of the Seychelles National Parks Authority and CEO of the Landscape and Waste Management Authority. Internationally, Joubert has represented Seychelles in many fora related to chemicals and waste and served as a prominent figure in the Basel and Stockholm Conventions. He also played instrumental roles in initiatives around chemical safety in Seychelles. In 2015, Joubert was recognized by The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) for his leadership at The Eighth Conference of the Parties (COP8) to the Nairobi Convention. In 2020, he was appointed Minister for Agriculture, Climate Change and Energy.  

One to Watch

An alumna/us 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.

Temo Primrose Gare (BA 鈥�12) 

Journalist, Television Host, Executive Producer, Fibe TV; Founder, Okavango Media 

View detailed bio

Temo Primrose Gare is a journalist, accomplished television host, and executive producer with years of experience in the media industry. Temo received a BA from 快播视频, where she laid the foundation for her passion for journalism and communication. She later pursued her Master of Media in Journalism and Communication at Western University. In 2018, Temo was honoured with the Raveena Aulakh Memorial Award in recognition of her academic achievements and contributions to journalism and communication. Since completing her studies, Temo has worked at CTV News, BNN Bloomberg, and NewsTalk and produced two television shows for Rogers Communications and Bell Media. Temo currently serves as the host and executive producer of the television show 鈥極ur Stories鈥� and is the founder of Okavango Media, her production company which provides a space for her to shape and amplify compelling stories that resonate with audiences on a deeper level.  

A special thank you to our premier sponsor TD Insurance and our recipient video sponsor Manulife for helping us recognize these outstanding alumni. For more information about The 快播视频 Alumni Awards visit yorku.ca/alumniandfriends/connect/events/yorku-alumni-awards.

Remembering Bruce Bryden, an outstanding York leader

The 快播视频 Alumni Awards were inspired by Bruce Bryden who was an exceptionally committed and influential leader at 快播视频 for many years. He was a member of our first undergraduate class, was the founding president of the 快播视频 Alumni Association (now the 快播视频 Alumni Board/YUAB) and was a member and Chair of the 快播视频 Board of Governors - a 1960 inaugural York student and the first alum to have been appointed to the Chair.

The 快播视频 Alumni Awards recognize and honour his vision, exemplary leadership and extraordinary achievements.

The post Announcing the 2023 快播视频 Alumni Award Recipients appeared first on Division of Advancement - Alumni and Friends.

Leaders honoured at this year鈥檚 awards include Gregory Sam Sorbara (BA 鈥�78, LLB 鈥�81, LLD 鈥�13); Dr. Eileen de Villa (MBA 鈥�03); The Honourable Michael H. Tulloch (BA 鈥�89, LLB 鈥�89); and Larissa Crawford (BA 鈥�18).  

The 快播视频 Alumni Awards feature four award categories, each of which honour a distinct set of achievements and contributions. 

Outstanding Contribution

An alumnus/a who has made a significant contribution to the advancement of York and its students through exceptional service, commitment and/or philanthropic contributions.

Gregory Sam Sorbara (BA 鈥�78, LLB 鈥�81, LLD 鈥�13) 

Chancellor, 快播视频; Principal, Sorbara Group of Companies; Owner, The Royal Hotel, Picton

View detailed bio

Gregory Sorbara is a Principal of Sorbara Group of Companies, Ontario-based land development and property management business specializing in commercial, industrial and residential developments across the Greater Toronto Area.     

Mr. Sorbara is completing his second term as 快播视频's 13th Chancellor, a role he has held since June 2014. His departure coincides with the recent opening of The Royal, a boutique hotel located on Main Street Picton that he and his family lovingly restored and reimagined while honouring its strong 100-year history in the community.  

His passion for enhancing the lives of Ontarians is evident in his 21 -year public service career (between 1985 and 2012), where he held numerous cabinet positions in the Ontario Legislature, including Minister of Finance, Minister of Colleges and Universities, Minister of Labour & Minister Responsible for Women's Issues, and as the Member representing Vaughan   

Mr. Sorbara has worked with the interests of the Greater Toronto Area at heart and has contributed substantially to its infrastructure and financial growth. He has championed postsecondary education as a catalyst for social and economic growth and a driver of community building. His landmark second budget as Minister of Finance in 2005 featured the bold plan to invest significantly in increasing accessibility for low-income students while funding more enrollments and expanded faculty, graduate scholarships and research. He also brought forward many positive reforms to the provinces taxation system, including the Business Education Tax reduction and equalization, eliminating GTA pooling, welfare rate increases, 25% increase of senior property tax credit, Property Tax Reform, harmonizing corporate tax collection with the federal government and eliminating the capital tax.  

He currently serves on the Boards of the Ontario Arts Foundation, Festival Players, The Prince Edward Affordable Housing Corporation and Chair Emeritus of Mackenzie Health Foundation Campaign Cabinet.   

He and his wife, Kate, spread their time between their home in Toronto and their active farm in Prince Edward County. They have six children and sixteen grandchildren. 

Outstanding Achievement

An alumnus/a who has achieved distinction in their field and whose integrity and ability inspire alumni, faculty, staff and students. 

Dr. Eileen de Villa (MBA 鈥�03) 

Medical Officer of Health, City of Toronto 

View detailed bio

Dr. Eileen de Villa is the Medical Officer of Health for the City of Toronto. Dr. de Villa leads Toronto Public Health, Canada鈥檚 largest local public health agency, which provides public health programs and services to the nearly 3 million residents of Toronto. Prior to joining Toronto Public Health, Dr. de Villa served as the Medical Officer of Health for the Region of Peel serving 1.4 million residents. 

Dr. de Villa received her degrees as Doctor of Medicine and Master of Health Science (MHSc) (Health Promotion) from the University of Toronto and holds a Master of Business Administration from the Schulich School of Business at 快播视频. Dr. de Villa is also an Adjunct Professor at the Dalla Lana School of Health at the University of Toronto. 

Dr. de Villa has authored, published and presented research on issues including public health considerations for city planning and emergency preparedness, communicable and infectious disease control, and public health policy development. 

Dr. de Villa has been recognized for her leadership and achievements with Faculty Educator awards from the University of Toronto 鈥� Public Health and Preventative Medicine Residency Program, the Naimark Award, from the Canadian Foundation for Healthcare Improvement and, in 2021, the award for Communicator of the Year by the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC, Toronto Chapter). 

In her capacity of Medical Officer of Health, Dr. de Villa has led the public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic in Toronto since the city saw its first case of COVID-19 on January 25, 2020. In addition to providing leadership to the largest immunization campaign in the history of Toronto, throughout the COVID-19 response, Dr. de Villa has advised political partners including Mayor John Tory on measures the municipal government could take, such as declaring a state of emergency, and introducing local by-laws on physical distancing and mask wearing to reduce the transmission of COVID-19. In her ongoing efforts to lead Toronto through the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. de Villa has worked tirelessly to ensure Torontonians have the tools and information they need to keep themselves and those around them safe, while also maintaining critical public health services.  

Dr. de Villa continues to play a key advisory role in the City and Province's COVID-19 response and recovery, remaining vigilant of COVID-19 trends and providing updates and reassurance to the public regularly. 

Tentanda Via

An alumna/us who has demonstrated innovative, unconventional, and daring leadership and success, reflecting the university鈥檚 motto, 鈥淭he way must be tried.鈥�

The Honourable Michael H. Tulloch (BA 鈥�89, LLB 鈥�89) 

Ontario Court of Appeal Justice  

View detailed bio

Justice Tulloch was born in Jamaica and immigrated to Canada when he was nine years of age. He earned two degrees at 快播视频 and was called to the bar in 1991. He has the distinction of having been the first Black judge to be appointed to the Ontario Court of Appeal 鈥� and to any appellate court in Canada. He was a Crown attorney (in Peel and Toronto), a private defense lawyer and a special prosecuting agent with the Federal Department of Justice. During this time, he also participated in a number of commissions including the Ontario Government Review on Civilian Oversight on Policing, the Review of the Ontario Legal Aid Plan, and the Criminal Code Review conducted by the Federal Attorney General and the Minister of Justice.

One to Watch

An alumna/us 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.

Larissa Crawford (BA 鈥�18) 

Founder, Future Ancestors Services Inc. 

View detailed bio

Larissa Crawford proudly passes on M茅tis and Jamaican ancestry to her daughter, Zyra, and is a published Indigenous, anti-racism, and climate justice researcher and policy advisor with over 14 years of experience. Larissa is the Founder of Future Ancestors Services, a youth-led professional services social enterprise that operates at the intersection of climate and racial justice.   

Since the launch of Future Ancestors Services in April 2020, the organization has mobilized +$95K in donations and gifted services for anti-racist and climate justice initiatives. Larissa and her team seek to increase their clients' capacity to honour people and Planet through their minds, work, and spaces, and do so while leveraging decolonized and Indigenized approaches to 'doing business.' Among their +300 diverse clients are small youth-led collectives and non-profits; Canada's most influential law firms and publishing houses; and the highest offices of Canadian government.  

Larissa graduated from 快播视频 with a Bachelor of Arts in International Development and Communication Studies in June 2018, Summa Cum Laude, with 2-year-old Zyra on her hip and the Robert Tiffin Leadership Award. After experiences such as starting a library in Accra, Ghana, studying international law and volunteering in Istanbul, Turkey, and representing her university at several global United Nations events, Larissa redirected her efforts to home. She led several anti-racism and Indigenous research initiatives at the university, and shortly after brought this experience to Ontario鈥檚 Ministry of Energy and Ontario鈥檚 Anti-Racism Directorate as a policy advisor; the 2018 G7 as an expert advisor and youth delegate; and many of her related volunteer roles. Larissa's experience has led to her specializations in raced-based data collection, Indigenous and anti-racism research, accessibility, restorative circle keeping, restorative practice and conflict resolution, climate justice, and public policy.  

Through programs such as the CohortX Climate Justice, the Action Canada, and the Youth Climate Lab FutureXChange fellowships, the Raven Trust Capital Fireweed Fellowship, and the Students on Ice Arctic Policy Cohort, Larissa continues her learning of Northern Indigenous climate knowledge, climate policy, anti-racism opportunities in environmentalism, and doing business with traditional and decolonized approaches.   

In 2022 Larissa was honoured in Complex Canada鈥檚 20 Creators Who Will Shape the Next 20 Years of The Culture, and in 2020-21 in Women of Influence鈥檚 Top 25 list; in Refinery Canada鈥檚 29 Powerhouses; as 快播视频鈥檚 Top 30 Under 30 Alumni; in HuffPost鈥檚 26 Indigenous Influencers to Follow; and with the Pollution Probe Equity in Sustainability Award. She supports international brands such as Merrell, Nike, and The Body Shop, in better serving and representing her communities. 

A special thank you to our premier sponsor TD Insurance and our recipient video sponsor Manulife for helping us recognize these outstanding alumni.

For more information about The 快播视频 Alumni Awards visit yorku.ca/alumniandfriends/connect/events/yorku-alumni-awards.

Remembering Bruce Bryden, an outstanding York leader

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

The 快播视频 Alumni Awards recognize and honour his vision, exemplary leadership and extraordinary achievements.

The post 2022 快播视频 Alumni Awards recipients announced appeared first on Division of Advancement - Alumni and Friends.

Alumni, students, staff and friends came together virtually on Nov. 18, 2021, for The 快播视频 Alumni Awards, an evening of entertainment, networking and celebration honouring the outstanding accomplishments of our alumni award recipients.

鈥淭hese award ceremonies have touched me to the bottom of my heart,鈥� said 快播视频 Chancellor, Gregory Sorbara (BA 鈥�78, LLB 鈥�81). 鈥淥ne of the things we lost [during the pandemic] was the ability to come together, break bread and celebrate the achievements of four very special alumni. We鈥檝e done that every year and it was always a highlight of the academic year for me as chancellor. Tonight, we鈥檝e recaptured that in a terrific evening.鈥�

The evening was hosted by alumnus Shahir Massoud (BBA '06), author, chef and television personality, and recent Glendon graduate Moboluwajidide 鈥楤o鈥� Joseph (BA 鈥�21), recipient of the Robert J. Tiffin Student Leadership Award and Robert Everett Exceptional Leadership in Student Governance Award. Together, they showed the audience that even though aspects of the university may change, it鈥檚 still the same 快播视频 family committed to creating positive change and building a better future.

One of the University鈥檚 premier accolades, the 快播视频 Alumni Awards aim to celebrate York鈥檚 remarkable alumni and was first established to honour alumnus Bruce Bryden 鈥� the founding President of the 快播视频 Alumni Association.

Honoured at this year鈥檚 awards ceremony were Dr. Earle Nestmann (MSc 鈥�71, PhD 鈥�74) with the Outstanding Contribution award; Christopher House, C.M. (BFA 鈥�79), with the Outstanding Achievement award; Dr. Pamela Ohashi (BSc Hons 鈥�82) with the Tentanda Via award; and Weyni Mengesha (BFA 鈥�05) with the One to Watch award.

鈥淚鈥檓 humbled and honoured, and鈥� 聽completely surprised and delighted by this recognition. Thank you,鈥� said Dr. Earle Nestmann (MSc 鈥�71, PhD 鈥�74), recipient of the Outstanding Contribution award. 鈥淚 became involved with the Board of the 快播视频 Alumni Association and subsequently the Board of Governors. I had the privilege to work alongside many dedicated volunteers too numerous to mention. Serving on these boards and providing support for students have been important ways for me to give back to the university.鈥�

The Awards show opened to music by the 快播视频 Gospel Choir and included an appearance by Toronto-based comedian and York alumna Hoodo Hersi (BA 鈥�14, BEd 鈥�15), as well as a Vanier College Productions student performance of 鈥淭his Is Me鈥� from The Greatest Showman. The evening closed with a beautiful performance by 快播视频 graduate student and four-time Juno nominee, Sarah Slean.

To watch the full event recording on YouTube, 

A special thank you to our premier sponsor TD Insurance and our recipient video sponsor Manulife for helping us recognize these outstanding alumni.

The post The 2021 快播视频 Alumni Awards celebrate the impact of alumni appeared first on Division of Advancement - Alumni and Friends.

Each year, the 快播视频 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 York 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 快播视频 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.

Remembering Bruce Bryden, an outstanding York leader

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

The 快播视频 Alumni Awards recognize and honour his vision, exemplary leadership and extraordinary achievements.

The post The 快播视频 Alumni Awards appeared first on Division of Advancement - Alumni and Friends.

Leaders honoured at this year鈥檚 awards include Dr. Earle Nestmann (MSc 鈥�71, PhD 鈥�74); Christopher House (BFA 鈥�79); Dr. Pamela Ohashi (BSc Hons 鈥�82); and Weyni Mengesha (BFA 鈥�05). 

鈥淭his year鈥檚 award recipients are powerful examples of the positive change that York alumni are creating locally and globally in their professional industries and communities,鈥� said Julie Lafford, Executive Director of Alumni Engagement at 快播视频. 鈥淟ike our past award recipients, the 2021 honourees set an example for students and alumni through their extensive achievements, leadership, philanthropic support and meaningful engagement with the alumni community. We look forward to celebrating them at the Alumni Awards ceremony this fall.鈥� 

The 快播视频 Alumni Awards feature four award categories, each of which honour a distinct set of achievements and contributions.

Outstanding Contribution

An alumnus/a who has made a significant contribution to the advancement of York and its students through exceptional service, commitment and/or philanthropic contributions.

Dr. Earle Nestmann (MSc 鈥�71, PhD 鈥�74)

President, Health Science Consultants Inc. 

View detailed bio

Dr. Earle Nestmann, the president at Health Science Consultants鈥疘nc.,鈥痳eceived both鈥痑n鈥疢Sc and PhD鈥痠n biology at York.鈥疻hile a student at鈥疧hio鈥檚鈥疢arietta College, he received鈥痶he William Bay Irvine Medal for most outstanding student in the鈥�1968鈥痝raduating class.鈥疉fter his studies at鈥痀ork, he served in the biology department as assistant鈥痯rofessor鈥痜rom鈥�1974鈥痶o鈥�1977, and later鈥痑s鈥痑鈥痬ember of the Board of Directors of the Alumni Association鈥痜rom鈥�2006鈥痶o鈥�2014鈥痑nd鈥痶he鈥疊oard of Governors鈥痜rom鈥�2013鈥痶o鈥�2020.鈥���

Dr. Nestmann has published more than 100 articles in scientific literature and was co-editor of the proceedings of an international conference on chemical mutagenesis and of a laboratory manual on recombinant DNA technology. He has served on several editorial boards for scientific journals and was president of the Genetics Society of Canada. He was a research scientist at Health Canada and pesticide regulatory manager for a multi-national company before becoming a principal of an international consulting firm. Dr. Nestmann continues to consult part-time as鈥痯resident of Health Science Consultants Inc., serving on international expert panels as well as writing reports, scientific opinions, and manuscripts for publication. Together with his wife Berna, Dr. Nestmann has provided exemplary philanthropic support for York science students and faculty for over 15鈥痽ears, including鈥疍ean鈥檚 Undergraduate Research Awards and Science Exploration Camps for elementary and secondary school-aged children. The Earle鈥疦estmann鈥疭cholarship was established in 2008 for鈥痬aster鈥檚 or doctoral鈥痵tudents studying molecular biology or genetics.鈥�� 

Outstanding Achievement

An alumnus/a who has achieved distinction in their field and whose integrity and ability inspire alumni, faculty, staff and students. 

Christopher House, C.M. (BFA 鈥�79)

Choreographer, performer, director and teacher

View detailed bio

Christopher House received鈥痑鈥疊FA in dance from 快播视频 and鈥痺as a performer and choreographer with Toronto Dance Theatre for 42 years, including 26 as the company鈥檚 artistic director. He completed a鈥痯olitical science鈥痙egree from the University of Ottawa before beginning dance training in鈥疶oronto,鈥疧ttawa,鈥痑nd鈥疦ew York.鈥疕ouse created more than 60 works for鈥痶he theatre, diversified the company鈥檚 repertoire, and developed many programs that reflect his commitment to ongoing education including the long-running Studio Series for young people and, along with鈥疉me鈥疕enderson,鈥痶he biennial Emerging Voices Project for young creators.鈥���� 

He has collaborated with many leading companies including the National Ballet of Canada鈥痑nd鈥疞es Grands Ballets Canadiens,鈥痑s well as artists鈥疜imsooja, Jordan鈥疶annahill, The Hidden Cameras and Cirque du Soleil, and is an鈥痑ssociate dance artist鈥痑t鈥痶he鈥疦ational Arts Centre. His works have been performed in鈥�19鈥痗ountries worldwide, and鈥痠n 2018, his retrospective program House Mix toured to鈥�15 cities鈥痠n Canada and two in Colombia. His鈥痑ccolades include鈥痶hree鈥疍ora鈥疢avor鈥疢oore Awards, the Muriel鈥疭herrin鈥疉ward for International Achievement in Dance, the Silver Ticket Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Arts,鈥痑nd an honorary doctorate from Memorial University of Newfoundland. He was named a Member of the Order of Canada in 2017.鈥�疕e is currently at work on a new solo performance work that will premiere in January鈥�2022.鈥��� 
 

Tentanda Via

An alumna/us who has demonstrated innovative, unconventional, and daring leadership and success, reflecting the university鈥檚 motto, 鈥淭he way must be tried.鈥�

Dr. Pamela Ohashi (BSc Hons 鈥�82)

Director, Tumor Immunotherapy Program at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre

View detailed bio

Dr. Pamela Ohashi is the director of the Tumor Immunotherapy Program at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and received a bachelor of science in biology from 快播视频. She studied at the University of Toronto with Dr. Tak Mak and completed her post-doctoral training at the University of Zurich with Nobel Prize winner Dr. Rolf Zinkernagel and Dr. Hans Hengartner. Dr. Ohashi鈥檚 research interests involve understanding T-cell tolerance as well as strategies to promote tissue-specific immune responses and translating these findings into clinical trials. Her research has proven many basic principles in T-cell tolerance and identified novel concepts in immune regulation. One of her greatest achievements in the field of immunological science is her contribution to the establishment of an immunotherapy program at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre in Toronto. This involved leading clinical, academic, and industrial players in the field, linking research in genomics and bioinformatics with basic and translational science and clinical trials of novel anti-cancer immunotherapeutics.

One to Watch

An alumna/us 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.

Weyni Mengesha (BFA 鈥�05)

Artistic Director, Soulpepper Theatre Company   

View detailed bio

Weyni Mengesha is a Canadian film and stage director known for her ground-breaking work and community engagement. Since graduating in 2005 with a BFA from 快播视频, she has directed plays that have gone on to break box office records, tour nationally and internationally, and have been developed into television shows playing on CBC, Global, and Netflix. She made her U.S debut in 2016 at Theatre @ Boston Court directing Bars and Measures which received three Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Award nominations and an NAACP nomination for her direction. Mengesha went on to make her New York debut with Martin Zimmerman鈥檚 Seven Spots from the Sun at Rattlestick Playwrights Theatre, along with the off-Broadway debut of the critically acclaimed Kim鈥檚 Convenience. In 2019, she became artistic director of Soulpepper Theatre Company in Toronto, a celebrated artist-driven company that offers year-round programming and training for artists from across the country. She is also cultivating a television and film career with numerous award-winning short films and episodic TV shows under her belt and a feature in development.

Mengesha is also a committed educator, mentor of new talent, and producer of youth arts initiatives. She was the co-director of the acclaimed A.M.Y. Project (artists mentoring youth) from its inaugural showcase in 2005 until 2011 and continues to be a member of their advisory board. In 2004, she co-founded Sound the Horn and was artistic director of the organization for seven years providing a training and performance platform to hundreds of young artists from Ethiopian and Eritrean communities across North America. She continues to be a guest teacher for artistic training programs across Canada, including the National Theatre School of Canada, Canadian Film Centre (CFC) and The Soulpepper Academy. In 2018 Mengesha was named one of The 50 most influential Torontonians by Toronto Life magazine.

A special thank you to our premier sponsor TD Insurance and our recipient video sponsor Manulife for helping us recognize these outstanding alumni.

For more information about The 快播视频 Alumni Awards visit yorku.ca/alumniandfriends/connect/events/yorku-alumni-awards/ or to attend the virtual event.

Remembering Bruce Bryden, an outstanding York leader

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

The 快播视频 Alumni Awards recognize and honour his vision, exemplary leadership and extraordinary achievements.

The post Recipients of The 快播视频 Alumni Awards announced appeared first on Division of Advancement - Alumni and Friends.

Hundreds of York community members gathered virtually on November 19 to celebrate 20 years of York alumni who have changed the world for the better. The 快播视频 Alumni Celebration brought past Bryden award recipients together with York鈥檚 global community of alumni, friends, students and leaders for an entertaining and inspiring evening. The celebration was masterfully hosted by York 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 快播视频 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, 快播视频 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 York 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 York 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York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 快播视频 alumni, students, employees, and retirees. 

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