The winter’s last gasp of snow and freezing rain fell—for the second year running—as KPE students, staff and faculty gathered in the Faculty Club for the annual Dean’s Student Leadership Awards in April. Established in 2004, the awards celebrate the outstanding leadership and significant contributions provided by students of the Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education (KPE) and other divisions at the University of Toronto (U of T) to champion the Faculty’s mission of advancing and disseminating knowledge about the interactions of physical activity and health.
KPE Dean Gretchen Kerr congratulated the award recipients on their many accomplishments. “I am continually impressed by the commitment and passion that our you, our student leaders, demonstrate in your academic and leadership pursuits,” she said.
“The opportunities for leadership within our Faculty are wide and varied. From our academic programs and student life, to intercollegiate and intramural sports teams, our camp programs and community outreach, students have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on others,” said Kerr. “We are proud of the many students in this room who seize these opportunities daily.”
Professor Sandy Welsh, U of T’s vice provost, students, also spoke at the reception, thanking the students for their contributions to and engagement with the university, which she finds truly inspiring. “Your exploration and execution of new ways to enhance the student life are what make U of T such a welcoming and thriving place,” she said. “We hope that you stay involved, encourage your peers to get involved —meet each other—and think about other roles or goals at the University that you might be interested in accomplishing.”
Together with KPE Director of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Terry Gardiner, Dean Kerr then presented the awards to the 13 recipients. They are:
Eleni Bentley, Faculty of Arts & Science
Jadyn Brooks, Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education
Hannah Chown, Ontario Institute for Studies in Education
Mathieu Clavet, Faculty of Arts & Science
Nicole Hoh, Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education
Alyssa Coquia, Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education
Gabrielle Martin, Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education
Alia Mazhar, Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education
Keren Ophir, Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education
Francesca Principe, Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education
Erin Sullivan, Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education
Samira Sunderji, Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education
Rebecca Wu, Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education
The dean then presented three additional awards, beginning with the McCutcheon Award and the Hill-Powell Award, given annually to two students of different genders who provide the most valuable contribution to the administration of athletics and recreation programs in KPE during the current year.
Mathieu Clavet, a fourth-year student with Victoria College, was presented with the McCutcheon Award. As Co-President of the Varsity Board, Matt co-chaired all meetings and provided oversight and support to the subcommittees in areas like athlete engagement, leadership development, and outreach. He also engages with senior intercollegiate staff in discussion on items coming from Varsity Board and for planning purposes. As captain of the Varsity Blues men’s lacrosse team, Matt plays an instrumental role in establishing the coach-team culture, helps organize and lead team activities, and acts as a conduit between the student-athletes and the coaching staff. "This award is a tremendous honour,” said Matt. “I’d like to thank everyone in the Faculty and Varsity Blues community who have supported me and contributed to such a rewarding university experience.”
The winner of this year’s Hill-Powell Award is Hannah Chown, first-year MSc student at OISE. As co-president of the Varsity Board, she he has played a key role in advocating for student-athletes, leading initiatives that enhance leadership development, and ensuring the student-athlete experience remains a top priority at the university. During her tenure as VP Academic and Leadership Development, she helped expand mentorship opportunities and academic resources, supporting athletes in balancing their academic and athletic commitments. In her role as Captain of the Varsity Women’s Soccer Team, Hannah has fostered a strong culture of resilience, teamwork, and accountability. She leads by example, motivating teammates and younger athletes while serving as a liaison between players and coaching staff. Her leadership extends into governance through her role as Co-Chair of the Council of Athletics and Recreation, her seat on the KPE Faculty Council and Council Executive, and her role as Co-Chair of the Budget Committee. “It feels really good to be recognized for all the hard work that has gone into this year,” said Hannah. “Sport is such a great medium for communication and expression; it’s so rich. And those skills have helped me become a better person and be more successful in all areas of my life.”
Finally, Erin Sullivan was recognized with the Kirkwood Award, presented to student members of the U of T Council of Athletics and Recreation, or one of its sub-committees or task forces, in recognition of a substantial contribution to the work of the council and its committee(s). Erin is a third-year PhD student at KPE. She is the co-chair of the Council of Athletics and Recreation, providing a voice and leadership for students while helping shape U of T’s athletics and recreation policy. She sits on the KPE Faculty Council and acts as chair for the annual Sport and Recreation Budget Committee. She was also a key contributor in the process of presenting the 2025-26 Sports and Recreation Budget to the Council of Student Services. “Receiving the Kirkwood Award is such an honour, and I’m incredibly grateful to be a part of sport and recreation at the University of Toronto,” said Erin. “I want to sincerely thank Dr. Ashley Stirling, Wendy Kane, and Dr. Gretchen Kerr—three wonderful mentors whose guidance and support have meant so much to me. I wouldn’t have received this award without them.”
Dean Kerr wrapped the proceedings with a group photo, congratulating the award recipients—and their attending families—and wishing them well on their future endeavours. “Your accomplishments, experiences and skills will serve you well wherever your ambitions may lead you,” she said.