The University of Toronto is an amazing place: a global leader in research, innovation and entrepreneurship, and the home of extraordinarily talented students. The achievements of our researchers and students are supported by a culture of excellence, where outstanding leaders show what we can achieve when we set ourselves ambitious goals and pull together to achieve them.
To recognize the leaders of this culture of excellence, each year the University community presents the prestigious Awards of Excellence to outstanding faculty, staff and students who exemplify a commitment to high achievements and to enhancing the University experience for their peers.
The teachers, scholars and students who received 2018 Awards of Excellence are demonstrating what it means to be an engaged global citizen. They have championed ethical choices for end-of-life care, spearheaded the creation of the Toronto Pan Am Sports Centre, and envisioned the successful first-year One programs. Many recipients are alumni–former students who have come back to the University to teach, serve or obtain advanced degrees.
Two of our University Operations colleagues have been honoured with awards this year:
Steve Bailey: Northrop Frye Award (inaugural Staff winner)
As Director, Academic and Campus Events since 2001, Steve Bailey ensures a quality learning environment for U of T students. The Frye Award recognizes his outstanding efforts managing engaging events in appropriate spaces. From Orientation to Convocation to community events such as Nuit Blanche, Bailey champions the University’s ability to offer a wide range of engaging academic and extracurricular experiences. He offers accommodations to support students with disabilities in writing exams. He ensures the University can fulfill its commitment to free speech while keeping activists and protesters safe. He supports new classroom technologies, oversees complex conference schedules, and hires and mentors about 40 students each year.
The Chancellor’s Awards honour outstanding contributions by U of T staff members – both emerging leaders early in their careers and influential leaders who have an extensive track record of achievement in senior positions.
David Kim (BSc 2001 Innis, BEd 2004, MEd 2010): Chancellor’s Award (Emerging)
David Kim is the Dean of Chestnut Residence, where he looks after the well-being of more than 1,000 students. Their testimonials praise him as an adaptable, inspirational leader who treats everyone with dignity and kindness. Kim built connections across academic divisions, enabling him to link his students quickly with support and resources. He initiated professional development programs for residence staff and has been a calm, professional public face for the University during community discussions about planned new residences. Kim also chairs the positive space committee, speaks at professional development workshops, and mentors students and alumni He is also a doctoral candidate at OISE.
Congratulations to you both!
Read more here.