Sitting in the back row of the Isabel Bader theatre, Fatima Saleh waited patiently to see her brother Hamza, a third-year student in the University of Toronto Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education (KPE), walk up on stage to receive his awards for academic success and leadership.
Hamza Saleh is flanked by his mother Zahra on the left and sister Fatima on the right.
With mom sitting by her side, she captured the moment on her phone, a big smile on her face.
“I feel so proud of my brother,” said Fatima. “He worked so hard for this and it’s so nice to see him recognized in this way by the Faculty.”
The Saleh family was one of many who packed the 500-seat venue to celebrate the academic achievements of the KPE students in their lives at the Faculty’s annual Student Awards Reception, which also recognizes the donors whose support helped propel the students’ successes.
“As an alumna, professor and dean of our Faculty, I know first-hand the hard work and dedication that goes into being a student at U of T, Canada’s most prestigious and academically rigorous higher education institution,” said Professor Gretchen Kerr, dean of KPE, in her welcoming address. “It’s not easy to balance your studies and extra-curriculars with your home life, social life and in some cases work, however the students being honoured here this evening manage to pull it off with incredible grace.
“Your hard work and perseverance will serve you well as you continue your studies - and well after you graduate.”
Professor Katherine Tamminen, associate dean of graduate education at KPE, introduced the graduate student award recipients, while Associate Professor Catherine Amara, associate dean of undergraduate education, read the names of all the undergraduate award winners.
Students were recognized for their high (and improved) marks, publications, presentations and research, leadership skills, teamwork, advocacy efforts, community service and much more.
Daria Kulagina, Zoe Lacey, Olivia Nickerson and Marcus Ruiz were among the students who picked up the U of T Scholars Award presented to outstanding scholars entering the university's undergraduate programs.
“Our students reflect our Faculty’s commitment to developing, advancing and disseminating knowledge about the links between physical activity and health,” said Tamminen. “They excel in the classroom and they go above and beyond through co-curricular activities here on campus, and volunteer work in their communities.”
“They are a testament to our Faculty’s culture of excellence and giving,” added Kerr.
As for Hamza, he described the experience of picking up two awards from the Faculty as “surreal.”
“I’m so thankful to the Faculty, my family, friends and everyone else who’s been supporting my studies,” he said. “It feels so amazing to have my hard work and efforts recognized and it gives me extra motivation to continue on this path.”