23 University of Toronto students, supported by their beaming parents, gathered at U of T’s Faculty Club on Tuesday, March 26, to receive their Dean’s Student Leadership Awards. The awards, established in 2004, celebrate the outstanding leadership and significant contributions provided by students from the Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education and other divisions at the university to advance the faculty’s mission of promoting knowledge about the interactions of physical activity and health.
Winners of the 2019 Dean's Student Leadership Awards
“From intercollegiate and intramural sport teams to camp programs and community outreach, U of T students have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on others and we are proud of the many students in this room who seize these opportunities daily,” said Professor Ira Jacobs, dean of KPE.
Jacobs added that he invariably hears from students who were involved in leadership positions at university that this has been something they have been able to carry with them to whatever they decided to do once they left university.
“I want to congratulate you on taking the initiative to take advantage of a leadership opportunity and for your contributions to the faculty,” he said.
Beth Ali, executive director of athletics & co-curricular physical activity, joined Jacobs on stage to hand out the 2019 awards.
“At the Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education, we know that physical activity and sport programs not only have huge benefits for your health, but they also contribute to your academic success, build social networks and develop leadership skills,” she said.
“One only needs to look around this room to see proof of that. On top of your busy academic schedules, you have all found time to get involved and take on leadership positions in co-curricular activities with fantastic results. You set an example for all students at U of T.”
Anastasia Vlahiotis with her parents
Anastasia Vlahiotis, a fourth year kinesiology student, was honoured with a Dean’s Student Leadership Award for the second time and also got the Hill-Powell Award, presented to a female student who provides the most valuable contribution to the administration of Athletics and Recreation programs in the faculty during the current year.
“I’m overwhelmed, it just feels so good,” she said. “It makes me feel so appreciative, getting recognition for the work I’ve put in.”
Vlahiotis is Co-President of the KPE Athletic Association and co-chair of the Intramural Sports Council, among many other roles. She started to get more involved in leadership positions after joining intramurals. She got to know the program well and decided to run as a representative for kinesiology.
“I was struggling to find a balance at first, but in the past few years I’ve found a groove and I also found that I can rely on other members of the Intramural Sports Council,” she says.
“We’re so proud of our daughter. It’s really wonderful to see so many young people deciding to be involved. They’re pushing beyond boundaries and developing as whole people and I’m amazed that the faculty gives them these kinds of opportunities,” says Vlahiotis’ mom Deirdre.
“There’s a real closeness of the students to the faculty and that really helps them feel a part of the community and gives them the support that allows them to grow.”
Vlahiotis’ father Peter said he was pleased to see a faculty at a big university like U of T recognizing their students’ work in this way.
“For the faculty to take time out of their busy schedules to come here and to be so genuinely pleased is so important. It’s good for the kids to know that their hard work is paying off, that they are making wise choices,” he said.
Below is the full list of the 2019 Dean’s Student Leadership Award recipients:
Ruqayyah Alibhai, Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education. Alibhai is also this year’s recipient of the Kirkwood Award, presented to a student member of the U of T Council of Athletics and Recreation, or one of its sub-committees or task forces, in recognition of a substantial contribution to the work of the council and its committees.
Samir Bhatla, Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education
Hayley Bredt, Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education
Julianna Michelle Cambpell, Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education
Jessica Caterini, Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education
Mark Corsetti, Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education
Matthew Dans, Faculty of Arts and Science. Dans is also this year’s recipient of the McCutcheon Award, presented to a male student who provides the most valuable contribution to the administration of Athletics and Recreation programs at KPE during the current year. Dans placed 2nd in nationals in swimming this year.
Benjamin Divito, Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education
Rayan Faruque, Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education
Zeana Hamdonah, Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education
Lensa Hassan, Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education
Jessica Kempton, Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education
Brenaven Kugamoorthy, Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education
Chelsea Lawrence, Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education
John Leung, Faculty of Arts and Science
Edward Lin, Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education
Mackenzie McLaughlin, Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education
Sandhya Mylabathula, Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education
Kosana Tharmaratnam, Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education
Madalyn Tworzyanski, Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education
Anastasia Vlahiotis, Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education
On Ching Cheryl Yip, Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education
Lea Zila, Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education