Joel Kerr knows something about having the right kind of support in times of need. In 2002, when he was in his last year of a kinesiology degree at the University of Toronto, his brother was murdered.
“The entire Faculty stepped in to support me,” he said. “From sending me emails, to stopping me in the hallways to ask me how I was doing, inviting me for coffee or lunch …
“I’ll never forget this and anytime the Faculty needs me to support the next generation of students, I’ll be there.”
Kerr shared his story recently at the Reception for Scholars, an annual event hosted by the Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education (KPE) to honour the academic achievements of KPE students and celebrate the donors who support their well-being and success.
“When you give to the Faculty, you support students like myself to push forward,” said Kerr, who benefitted from many of the awards presented at the event during his undergraduate studies. “I came to KPE straight out of high-school, where I was 'the big guy'. It was a rude awakening, but I was quickly able to recognize that there was a lot of support for me to excel in academics and leadership. I wasn’t just a student number, I was someone who was cared for.”
Today, Kerr is the one providing care, working as a health care practitioner and strength and sport performance enhancement coach at The Health Institute, which he founded in 2010, after becoming a licensed chiropractor and obtaining a neurofunctional acupuncturist diploma from the McMaster medical school, on top of his kinesiology degree.
“I believe in educating and empowering my clients so they can make informed decisions about their health, including mental preparation to compete in their sporting arena,” said Kerr.
His message to the students is to take advantage of the support and opportunities available to them and to be consistent.
“There are no shortcuts,” he said. “If you’re consistently not studying, you’re going to get low marks. If you’re consistently asking questions, being inquisitive and communicating respectfully with your peers and professors, you’re going to learn from them and progress.”
And, he said, it’s okay to reset and refocus, as long as you keep going.
“U of T is a big institution, however within the Faculty, there really is a family connection. I experienced it first-hand.”
Tom Babit, an alumnus and president of the KPE alumni association, is flanked by his sons, both studying at KPE in the bachelor and master's programs, respectively.
Tom Babits can attest to the familial atmosphere at the Faculty. The president of the KPE alumni association met his wife while they were both studying at KPE and now both their sons are pursuing a degree at the Faculty in the bachelor and master’s programs, respectively.
“I know how much hard work and dedication goes into being a student at U of T, and I know it’s not easy to balance your studies and extra-curriculars with your home life, social life and, in some cases, work,” said Babits. “But, our students manage to pull it off with incredible grace and leadership and that’s certainly something to celebrate.”
Catherine Amara, associate professor and director of undergraduate studies at KPE, on the left, and Ashley Stirling, associate professor and vice dean of academic affairs at KPE, on the right, introduced student award winners at the event.
Ashley Stirling, an associate professor and vice dean of academic affairs at the Faculty, said KPE students excel in the classroom with outstanding commitment and go above and beyond through co-curricular activities on campus and volunteer work in their communities.
“We are proud of the outstanding achievements of our students and grateful to the generous alumni and friends who support them and our Faculty,” she said.
PhD student Marc Sicova spoke about the impact of the awards and scholarships on students.
A second year PhD student in the Faculty, Marc Sicova spoke at the event on behalf of graduate student award winners. Sicova was awarded the Bertha Rosenstadt Ontario Graduate Scholarship and the Dr. Terry Kavanagh Fellowship for his research on improving the cardiovascular health of individuals undergoing major non-cardiac surgery.
“These and other awards and scholarships I have received over the years have allowed me to work with diverse patient populations, including survivors of young adult cancers and individuals experiencing heart failure,” said Sicova. “Watching them regain confidence in their physical abilities has provided me – and them - with true joy and happiness.
“I know I speak on behalf of all of the students in this room tonight when I say that no matter what careers we have in the future, we will seek to support the future generations of KPE students.” 
Undergraduate student Malieka Shahid thanked generous donors for validating students' hard work and inspiring them to do more
Fourth year undergraduate student Malieka Shahid spoke on behalf of undergraduate student award winners.
“Your contributions not only impact the lives of students, but also the individuals they will serve in the future as teachers, researchers, healthcare professionals or athletes,” said Shahid, who was awarded the KPE alumni award.
“That’s what makes the KPE program so special – a culture of generosity and compassion.”