On June 2, graduating students from the Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education joined more than 15,000 University of Toronto students in a historic virtual convocation ceremony - fast forward to the 47:35 mark to see the names of KPE students scroll across the screen. On June 8, KPE graduates, their families and friends, were treated to a more intimate celebration with a special video recording featuring the dean of KPE, Professor Ira Jacobs, and fellow KPE graduates delivering messages of congratulations, pride, encouragement and hope.
Wearing a ceremonial convocation robe, Dean Jacobs congratulated KPE’s newest graduates on completing their bachelor, masters and doctoral degrees, and introduced major award winners of the graduating class.
“Although we weren’t able to meet in person, there is no way that I would miss the opportunity to continue the legacy of wearing the KPE’ dean’s robe when I proudly greet and congratulate our newest KPE graduates,” said Jacobs in his video address.
Saluting the graduates on their remarkable energy, ideas and engagement, Jacobs said the graduation parchment that is being sent to them is a symbol that reflects how well they performed in meeting the demands of a very rigorous curriculum at one of the world’s greatest universities in a program that was ranked this past year among the top in the world.
Jacobs thanked the graduates for repeatedly bringing distinction to the faculty and to the field of kinesiology and exercises sciences by acquiring and generating new knowledge about how physical activity and sport can be used in health care and in educational and community settings – knowledge that will be taught to students following in their footsteps.
“Our Faculty continues to demonstrate that physical activity and sport are vital not only to personal health and the cultural richness of globalizing societies, but also that sport has in the past and will continue in the future to be a powerful platform for positive individual, social, political and collective development,” said Jacobs.
Reflecting on the events of the past week that saw waves of anti-racism protests sweep North America and the rest of the world, Jacobs said he expects the graduates of 2020 to continue the work of lifting the restrictions on equitable access to sport and recreation that still exist, so that all can enjoy their benefits and advantages.
“Whether as educators, policy makers, scientists, health professional, coaches or entrepreneurs, we expect this year's graduates to be agents of change.”
Jenessa Banwell graduated with a PhD in exercise sciences that explored the role of mentorship in advancing women in coaching. She looked at women coaches’ experiences of mentorship, what and how they learn and develop through mentorship, and how they can be better supported through mentorship to facilitate career advancement.
“I’d like to thank my supervisor, Professor Gretchen Kerr who has been a long-time advocate and expert in the field of women in coaching and served as a real-life example of a true mentor for me,” says Banwell. “She contributed immensely to my personal, academic and professional growth and is one of the most incredible women you’ll ever meet.
“Associate Professor Ashley Stirling also played an integral role in my graduate education, providing me with invaluable research experience, opportunities to collaborate and much appreciated guidance along the way. Finally, a special shout out to Professor Peter Donnelly and Associate Professor Katherine Tamminen for their support and contributions to my academic growth over the course of my graduate studies in KPE.”
Banwell completed her bachelor of physical health and education, her master of science and PhD degrees through KPE and was also a student athlete and varsity assistant coach.
“KPE has given me the opportunity to thrive in academics and athletics and I have made memories that will last a lifetime. I’ve learned the importance of integrity in conducting quality research, the value of collaboration and to never stop learning and growing personally or professionally. And, I’ve met some pretty amazing people. Those relationships and the network I have created through KPE will stay with me forever,” says Banwell, who plans to continue working in higher education or for a non-profit sport organization to advance gender equity in sport.
Benjamin Divito’s road to kinesiology was less straightforward. With trained musicians for parents, Divito went into music school and from there, joined the Canadian Armed Forces as a trumpet player in the Reserves. While in the military, he discovered regular physical exercise and fell in love with it.
“Shortly after, my own personal journey with music was winding up and a transition to kinesiology seemed like a perfect fit for me. I ultimately chose U of T because of the school's reputation and my love for the city of Toronto,” says Divito
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“My experience has been exceptional. I came to kinesiology desperate for a second chance at post-secondary education and this program gave me every opportunity to chase my dreams. The academic, extracurricular and work-related opportunities I have had over the past few years have been an immense pleasure, and I believe they contributed to my academic success.”
Divito says he is most grateful for the undergraduate research projects he completed and the work he did as president of the Kinesiology and Physical Education Undergraduates Association (KPEUA), which landed him an invitation to represent the faculty at U of T’s historic June 2 virtual convocation.
“I was deeply honoured to be asked to represent the Faculty of KPE and my graduating class. The filming experience was fun and I hope that the love I have had for KPE over the past few years showed,” he says.
Divito thanked Dean Jacobs for his support and direction over the two research projects he did with him.
“He has been unwavering in his support of my academic success and his commitment to helping me learn is readily apparent in all that he does as a supervisor. I would be remiss if I did not also mention Professor Jacob's PhD candidate Mackenzie McLaughlin, who has also been an incredible mentor and support through both of my directed research projects,” says Divito, who will next be applying to medicine, while continuing research in Jacob’s lab.
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