Parents, students and faculty recently came together at the University of Toronto (U of T) Faculty Club to celebrate student leaders whose outstanding leadership has significantly contributed to the Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education (KPE)’s mission of advancing and disseminating knowledge about the interactions of physical activity and health.
Professor Sandy Welsh, vice-provost of students, and Professor Gretchen Kerr, dean of KPE, delivered keynote remarks, while Terry Gardiner, KPE director of equity, diversity and inclusion, acted as master of ceremony.
“The opportunities for leadership within our Faculty are wide and varied," said Kerr. "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,,
"We are proud of the many students in this room who seize these opportunities daily.”
The sentiment was echoed by Welsh, who added, “I’m always so inspired by the dedication and resilience of our students, who on top of their academic studies, step up to voluntarily head student groups and associations and to fully and meaningfully engage.”
The following students were recognized with a Dean’s Student Leadership Award:
AMINA ABDUL JALIL, Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education
MARIAM ADAMS, Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education
ELIZABETH ASSIMES, Faculty of Arts & Science, Victoria College
RYAN CHAR, Faculty of Arts & Science, New College
HANNAH CHOWN, Ontario Institute for Studies in Education
SHAN DHANOA, Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education
JORDAN FAIRLIE, Faculty of Arts & Science, Woodsworth College
YUMNAH FAIZUR-REHMAN, Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education
SARA FATIMA, Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education
MAYA HALSTEAD, Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education
MARTINA KACAN, Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education
ALEXANDRE LIN, Faculty of Arts & Science, University College
ALIA MAZHAR, Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education
JANICE PANG, Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering
DYLAN SILVER, Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education
ERIN SULLIVAN, Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education
BELINA TEKLEHAIMANOT, Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education
OLIVIA TOY, Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education
FATIMA ZAHRA, Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education
Along with the 19 Dean’s Student Leadership Awards, three additional awards were given: The McCutcheon and Hill-Powell awards, given each year to students who provide the most valuable contributions to the administration of athletics and recreation programs at KPE, and the Kirkwood Award, presented to a student member of the U of T Council of Athletics and Recreation in recognition of their substantial contribution to the work of the council and its committees.
The McCutcheon Award went to Ryan Char, a fourth-year commerce student at U of T. In his role as athletics commissioner on the New College student council, he led the New College intramurals program, serving over 1,200 students. Outside of New College, Char works as a basketball referee for U of T intramurals and contributes to the Tri-Campus League stats team. He also chairs the Intramurals Sport Council, where he played a key role in reviewing and updating the intramurals handbook on eligibility policies and helped ensure the program continues to grow and adapt to student needs.
“I am really honoured to win this award,” said Char. “I’d like to thank the intramurals office and the New School student council for their support.”
He emphasized the positive benefits of getting involved in athletics on campus.
“The intramurals program is one of the best student experiences here at U of T,” he said. “It can help you develop time management skills, make new connections and keep you active outside of school.
"There have been many studies that outline how physical activity can help you academically.”
The Hill-Powell Award was presented to Hannah Chown, a second-year master’s student at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education. She serves as co-chair of the university’s Council of Athletics and Recreation and as co-president of the Varsity Board. Chown is also captain of the Varsity Blues women’s soccer team and a voting member of KPE’s Faculty Council. Through these roles, she has advanced student-athlete advocacy and supported program growth at the university. Her contributions also reach beyond U of T, as she has a seat on the Ontario University Athletics Advisory Council.
“The work I’ve done over the past year was very important to me and it’s an honour to receive this award,” said Chown, who scored the game winning goal against Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) to advance to the 2024 OUA quarterfinals. “I would recommend to any new student to get involved with as many things as possible.
"It’s a great way to meet people, build connections and make lasting friendships.”
The Kirkwood Award was presented to Erin Sullivan, a fourth-year PhD candidate, teaching assistant, and research assistant at KPE. She serves as co-chair of U of T’s Council of Athletics and Recreation and lead facilitator for Fitness and Performance. She is a dedicated advocate for physical activity, mental health and the academic and professional development of graduate students at KPE. In addition, Sullivan pitched for the U of T varsity softball team for five seasons, appearing twice on the Ontario Intercollegiate Women's Fastpitch Association all-star team.
“When I first came to U of T for my undergrad in kinesiology, I was so shy, but through the school, softball and working at the gym, I developed a strong community and really found my place here,” said Sullivan, who had a perfect 4-0 record on the mound in 2021, pitching to a fantastic 2.13 earned run average over 22.2 innings pitched while also hitting to a .419 batting average.
“I’d like to thank my supervisor Caroline Fusco for her guidance,” she added. “I’d also like to thank Wendy Kane from CAR (Council of Athletics and Recreation) for making everything so much easier for us, all my teaching assistant friends, and Professor Gretchen Kerr for being an amazing role model.”
Kerr concluded the event by thanking the parents for their support and congratulating the students for their achievements.
“I wish you every success in your future endeavors,” she said. “Your accomplishments, experiences and skills will serve you well wherever your ambitions may lead you.”