Three of this year's Arbor Award winners (left to right): Hannah Hadfield, Orysia Goddard and Carolina Garcia, all from Haley Sharpe Design, with U of T President Meric Gertler (photo by Gustavo Toledo)
U of T recognizes 92 volunteers with Arbor Awards
Published: January 25, 2024
The University of Toronto has presented the 2023 Arbor Awards to 92 dedicated volunteers in recognition of their exceptional and sustained contributions to the university.
Created more than 30 years ago, the Arbor Award is the highest honour granted by U of T to volunteers. This year’s recipients have significantly impacted virtually every aspect of life at the university, ranging from academic programming and experiential learning to governance and mentorship.
“Our success is due in no small measure to the excellence of our alumni and friends, whose dedication is exemplified by our Arbor Award winners, past and present,” said President Meric Gertler at a ceremony honouring award recipients on Jan. 16.
The celebration marked the first in-person Arbor Awards ceremony since 2019, before the implementation of COVID-19 restrictions. Award winners from 2020, 2021 and 2022 were also invited so they could be thanked face-to-face for their service.
David Palmer, U of T's vice-president of advancement, said Arbor Award recipients exemplified the importance of volunteerism to U of T’s mission and commitment to inclusive excellence. “That’s why, for the first time ever in a U of T campaign, we have included alumni engagement as a primary goal for Defy Gravity alongside our fundraising goals,” Palmer said. “We are exceptionally grateful to all nominees, past and present, for their tremendous contributions that have elevated every aspect of life at U of T.”
