Although COVID-19 forced the cancellation of this year’s Arbor Award in-person ceremony, the winners of the prestigious award were still recognized for their outstanding contributions to the university with a special videotaped greeting from U of T President Meric Gertler.
The Arbor Awards are the university's highest honour in recognition of exceptional and longstanding volunteer service that contributes to academic units or the university at large. Established in 1989, more than 2,400 alumni and friends have received Arbor Awards so far.
The Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education nominated six volunteers for the award this year.
Fidelia Ho, seen here attending a fencing event from 2019, was among this year's recipients of the Arbor Award (picture courtesy of Fidelia Ho)
Fidelia Ho was awarded for her contributions to the Varsity Blues fencing program.
“Fidelia is an exemplary volunteer whose immeasurable impact has directly contributed to positive sport experiences of students,” says Kevin Sousa, assistant manager of intercollegiate blue & white and club sports at KPE. “Fidelia has helped the team to eight OUA provincial championship titles, positioning the program as one of the strongest university programs in the country. Her attention to detail, compassion and positive rapport with students and staff have all left a great impact.”
Ho says she was surprised when she found out about the award.
“I feel very honoured to have been recognized by the Faculty and to have been part of the program for so many years. This is my eighth season as team manager for the fencing team. I enjoy connecting, guiding and watching a young team grow stronger every year. They keep me young and grounded, and I feel a lot of pride for what we've accomplished together,” she says.
Andrea Luttgen won the Arbor Award for her contributions to the Master's Swimming Club (photo courtesy of Andrea Luttgen)
Andrea Luttgen, a research fellow in the department of electrical and computer engineering in the Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering (KPE), was awarded for her involvement in the KPE’s Master's Swimming Club.
Luttgen joined the Masters Swim club wanting to improve her swimming technique. This turned out to be a good decision on many levels, because she got to meet many people who shared her interested in swimming and she started volunteering with the club a little bit later.
“Andrea has been a vital member of the Master's Swimming Club since its inception in the fall of 1998, always going the extra mile to ensure that the needs of the program are met,” says Beth Ali, executive director of athletics & physical activity. “Her coordination of club logistics and thorough communications to members has led to a very organized, structured and robust Master's Swimming Club for current U of T students, alumni and community members.”
Luttgen says she is very pleased and honored to be chosen for an Arbor Award and looks forward to continuing to volunteer with the Master’s Swimming Club for many years to come.
“I'd like to acknowledge that this wouldn't have been possible without the other club members, the amazing coaches that have worked with our club over the years and the staff at KPE, who work very hard to make the clubs program happen and with whom I cooperate,” she says.
Doug Vanderbij received the Arbor Award for volunteering as the Varsity Blues swim team assistant coach since the fall of 2005.
“I’m truly humbled and honoured to be included in this very prestigious group of volunteers involved with the University of Toronto,” he says. “To be involved with U of T’s Varsity Blues swim team, with its strong tradition of great coaching and an endless supply of very talented swimmers, makes for a great environment to be part of.”
Describing him as empathetic and relatable, Melissa Krist, manager of intercollegiate sport, says Vanderbij’s rapport with student-athletes has created a culture of support, learning and growth.
“Doug has played an active role in both the strength and conditioning of student-athletes, as well as coaching on deck of the swimming pool,” says Krist. “He provides outstanding mentorship to students from across the university as they look to balance the demands of their academic and athletic commitments.”
Joe Nizich was awarded for his contributions to the Varsity Blues men’s lacrosse team, as an assistant coach from 2006 to 2010, and as a head coach since then.
“Joe's contributions as head coach to the program have been invaluable. His approach centred on the student-athlete has positively influenced many young men during their time of study,” says Sousa. “Joe's leadership, on and off the field of play, has been tremendous. Student-athletes and alumni consistently praise him for his dedication to the program, his passion for the sport and his commitment to everyone he coaches.”
Tom Williams has been volunteering as the in-field learning placement program mentor for the BKin program since 2016 and volunteered as the in-field learning program placement supervisor for the Masters of Professional Kinesiology (MPK) program in 2017.
“Tom has been instrumental in providing an exceptional learning environment for our upper year students in the Faculty's in-field learning placement program,” says Ashley Stirling, an associate professor, teaching stream and vice dean of academic affairs. “He also assists students with their research, helping them learn the complexities of data collection and analysis. By working closely with the students, he teaches and helps them understand the day-to-day aspects of working in a high pressure professional sport environment.”
Last but not least, Frederyck Franco was awarded for volunteering as the placement supervisor in the KPE placement program since 2017.
“Frederyck has been an engaged and dynamic mentor for MPK students, providing detailed learning plans for their placements, as well as opportunities for professional growth, including inviting students to develop their own independent projects and present at various conferences,” says Stirling. “In supporting students, he strikes a balance between providing meaningful learning opportunities while also creating space for students to innovate and develop professional independence.”
Congratulations – and a big thank you - to all.