The University of Toronto Arbor Awards are presented each year to volunteers who have contributed to academic units or the University at large. Since 1989, more than 2,200 alumni and friends have received the Awards for their generosity and contribution to the experience of U of T students, faculty, staff and alumni.
Two members of the KPE family, Walter Okihiro and Jim Sheppard, were among the 2017 award recipients feted on September 14 in a ceremony held annually at the house of U of T’s President Meric Gertler.
Okihiro worked as an instructor in the KPE undergraduate academic program, teaching sport instruction classes from 2001 to 2015. He also volunteered for the intercollegiate program, assisting Varsity Blues host the provincial and national championships over seven years, from 2009 to 2015.
“Hospitality is an intricate part of hosting,” says Christine Kos of KPE, who nominated Okihiro for the award. “It is a place where coaches, officials, staff, as well as VIPs can come to recharge and regroup. Setting up and manning the hosting portion of the championship took many tireless hours, working evenings and weekends and Walter was always ready and able to assist where needed and he did it with his easy going nature and a smile.”
Okihiro says he loved being part of the KPE family and thoroughly enjoyed watching excellent students pursue their goals and dreams. Being a volunteer ensured that he could spend more time in a positive, energetic environment.
“Being nominated for this award is such an honour. The award, framed certificate and pin will all serve as a constant reminder of the fourteen wonderful years I spent as part of the Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education,” says Okihiro. “During those 14 years, I got to work with conscientious, caring, enthusiastic instructors, administrative and facility staff; most of whom went out of their way to help make my portion of the program an overwhelming success. But, the best part of my involvement was the daily reminder of how bright, keen and energetic the students are. They fill the Athletic Centre with a positive energy that affects all who enter.”
Jim Sheppard was the assistant coach to the Varsity Blues baseball team from 2008 to 2010 and then took on the role of the head coach for the team from 2011 to 2016. Melissa Krist, who nominated Sheppard for the award, describes him as a passionate and valued member of U of T’s Varsity Blues coaching staff. During his tenure as head coach, his teams captured two provincial championships (2011, 2012) and he was named OUA Coach of the Year in 2011.
“His commitment to his student-athletes, to the reputation of the University of Toronto and to giving back are the values he instilled,” says Krist. “His student-athletes participated in community events with Jays Care Foundation and they teamed up with a local team to raise awareness for ALS research in memory of an athlete who had ties to both programs.”
Sheppard was in shock when he heard he had won the Award. “I didn’t even know these awards existed,” he says, “but when you love something and you get rewarded for it, it’s a real bonus. You realize you’ve been doing things right. I’ve been in baseball for a long time and watching the young men on the teams graduate and become doctors and teachers - I just loved it.”
Sheppard was really impressed with the reception that was put on for the award recipients at the President’s house. “It was such a wonderful celebration, the sun was shining upon us, the people were so easy to talk to. It really showed that the University of Toronto cares.”