Awards & Honours

2023

Rosemary Evans
Rosemary's dedication, commitment, and unwavering support for UTS have left an indelible mark on the institution and the lives of its students, staff, parents, and alumni. From her passionate involvement in all aspects of student life to her hands-on approach in overseeing the construction of our new school building to her dedication to AEDI, she embodies the true spirit of UTS. Under her visionary leadership, UTS has forged strong partnerships with the University of Toronto, expanded its support for student well-being, and is striving toward becoming a place where everyone knows they are welcome.

2022

Chuck Magwood '61
Chuck Magwood '61 is awarded the 2022 Crawford Award in recognition of his volunteer service as a member of the Project Steering Committee. Chuck is an accomplished lawyer, builder, vintner, farmer, and real estate developer, most notably as the developer of the Toronto SkyDome. Chuck has been a key contributor to the renewal of UTS. With development and building project management acumen coupled with a meticulous eye for detail and stalwart leadership, Chuck provided steady momentum that was critical to the renewal of UTS.

John Duffy '81, P '17, '21
John Duffy '81, P '17, '21  is awarded the 2022 Crawford Award in recognition of his service to UTS as the Vice Chair of the UTS Board of Directors. John used his brilliant skills as a strategist to help renew the Affiliation Agreement between UTS and U of T. It was through his hard work that UTS was able to remain at our historic home at 371 Bloor Street West. John will be remembered for his many incredible contributions to UTS and its future. 

2021

The Honourable Henry “Hal” N.R. Jackman, O.C., OOnt, C.D. '50
Hal is a dedicated member of the UTS community and played a critical role in securing the survival of UTS through the renewed affiliation with the University of Toronto. Hal was an early responder to our call for Founders and helped ensure we met our $60M fundraising goal for the Building the Future Campaign. He also played an important role in our Preserving the Opportunity Campaign during the 1990s keeping our school merit based by ensuring all students admitted to UTS are able to attend regardless of their families' financial resources.

2020

Don Schmitt C.M. '70
Don Schmitt ’70 has played an integral role in building the future of UTS by re-designing our home at 371 Bloor Street West into a state-of-the-art school facility. He is a principal and co-founder of Diamond Schmitt Architects, a world-renowned architectural firm that has won over 300 design awards and seven Governor General’s Awards. In 2019, Don was named to the Order of Canada.

2020

Peter Ortved '67
Peter Ortved ’67 has been a member of the Project Steering Committee since its inception in 2017. A principal at the award-winning CS&P Architects for over 25 years, Peter oversees many educational, civic and justice projects, with a focus on the creation of sustainable, accessible buildings and communities. He was instrumental in helping us secure our temporary home at 30 Humbert Street.

2020

Meg Graham '89
Meg Graham '89 has been an active member of the UTS Board of Directors since 2015 and our Project Steering Committee since 2017. A principal at superkül, an architecture and design practice that prioritizes sustainability and progressive building technologies, Meg also teaches design at the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Architecture, Landscape and Design and is a co-chair of the City of Toronto Design Review Panel. 

2019

Donald Borthwick '54
As a student at UTS, Don was a star athlete and leader.  Don was the captain of the UTS hockey team where he led the club in points scored. Dedicated to UTS, he joined the Alumni Board in 1993 and served as President from 1995 to 1999. His service to UTS continued as the Executive Director of the UTS Alumni Association and would go on to raiser $15 million for student bursary support through the Preserving the Opportunity Campaign. Don retired in 2008 but continued to volunteer as a director of the UTS Alumni Association until May 2012.

2018

Monica Biringer '78 and Susan Opler '79 P '14
A former president of UTSAA, a founding director of the UTS Foundation Board and a co-chair of the Building the Future campaign, Monica Biringer is one of Canada’s pre-eminent tax lawyers. Susan Opler, an award-winning lawyer who is currently Ombudsman for the City of Toronto, has served on both the UTS and UTSAA Boards, and led the efforts to commemorate the 25th anniversary of co-education at UTS. 

2018

Bruce "Nails" MacLean and Jim Fleck C.C. '49 P '72
Bruce “Nails” MacLean has been an institution at UTS for decades, as a teacher, coach, and UTS Supporter and Founder. Bruce is being recognized for proactively thinking about UTS and how to forge its future.  Upon retiring from UTS, Bruce maintained his interest in the school, including being a significant donor and attending annual alumni events.

Jim Fleck is being recognized for being an indefatigable and influential supporter of the school and its place as Ontario’s model for excellence in all facets of high school education.  As one of the engineers of the Affiliation Agreement between UTS and the university and with his commitment to the school as a Founder, Jim is ensuring the future of UTS. In the wider world, Jim’s accomplishments are too numerous to fully encapsulate.

2016

Al Fleming '54
Al Fleming has been a stalwart supporter of UTS for more than five decades as alumnus, teacher, principal, and volunteer. He is recognized for his inspiring teaching; his firm and steady hand at the helm as principal; and for being a well-rounded, beloved role model for all who have known him.

2015

William (Bill) Bill Saunderson '52
Bill Saunderson was instrumental in shaping the UTS Foundation, serving as its inaugural board chair from 2006 to the present. His efforts have both ensured accessibility to a UTS education for bursary students and helped preserve the school’s merit-based admission.

2014

Michael Spence '62
Michael Spence received the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences in 2001. A renowned academic, he is a professor at the New York University Stern School of Business, and has served as Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences at Harvard, and Dean of the Stanford Graduate School of Business. He receives the Crawford Award in recognition of contributions to our greater society as well as his support of the advancement of UTS.

2013

C. Derek S. Bate '44
Over the course of 70 years, Derek Bate has served UTS through his contributions and dedication as an alumnus, teacher, administrator and volunteer.

2012

H. Donald Gutteridge
Joining UTS as a teacher in 1961, Don Gutteridge served as principal from 1972 to 1983. His profound dedication to educational ideals and forward-thinking vision were transformative. Don has been a stalwart supporter of UTS for 50 years and his commitment to the school has been unwavering.

2011

J.A. “Jack” Rhind ’38
A prominent Canadian business leader, John ‘Jack’ Rhind, has demonstrated a commitment to UTS through his leadership of the successful 1980 inaugural student bursary program and a standard of excellence in the field of business philanthropy over many years.

2011

John “Butch” Bowden ’48
A successful businessman, John Bowden, has demonstrated a commitment to UTS through his leadership of the 1994 Preserving the Opportunity bursary campaign and his continuous and unstinting performance as a Class Representative throughout his alumni years.

2011

The late John Macaulay ’45
A successful businessman, John Macaulay, demonstrated a commitment to UTS through his leadership in the various student bursary campaigns over the past 25 years and his continuous and varied philanthropic volunteer efforts to society at large.

2010

Bob Lord '58
While Chair of the UTS Board, Bob Lord's commitment, dedication and leadership was been unsurpassed, guiding UTS through its independence from the University of Toronto. He has also been extensively involved in the volunteer and not-for-profit sectors beyond UTS and has had a successful and distinguished business career.

2009

The Late Dr. John Evans '46
A prominent citizen of Canada and the world, John Evans continually demonstrated an unparalleled commitment to UTS and its community. Over the years, John was a model of leadership and achieved a high standard of excellence in the worlds of academia, business and philanthropy.

Fiona Cai P '21, '24
Since 2017, she has demonstrated unwavering dedication to the community through her service as a UTSPA Grade Representative. Her involvement as a Parent Volunteer Group member further exemplifies her passion for making a difference. Not only has she volunteered her time, but she has also become a beacon of positivity and a valuable connection point for parents within her classes.

Isabella Chiu 2013
Isabella has been a remarkable and dedicated volunteer since graduating in 2013. Her work as a Branching Out Mentor, a Summer Experiential Program Host, a Timeraiser Mentor, and a Branching Out Speaker demonstrates her passion for guiding and inspiring others. Her advocacy as a spokesperson for supporting the UTS bursary program exemplifies her dedication to ensuring equitable opportunities for all. Isabella's multifaceted contributions have had a profound impact on the UTS community.

Dr. Susan French, O.C.
Susan's leadership and dedication as a UTS Board member from 2015 to 2023 demonstrate her remarkable commitment to the community. Through her contributions to the Access and Admissions Committee and the Anti-Racism, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee, she played a pivotal role in shaping the future of UTS and ensuring inclusivity and diversity within the community. Susan's efforts in securing some of UTS' most significant donations through her work with the Newton Foundation have had a profound and lasting impact on the school's ability to innovate and provide access. The UTS community is stronger and more inclusive thanks to Susan's work. 

Penny Harbin 1978
Penny's steadfast commitment as the Year Representative for the Class of 1978 since 2003 has been remarkable, fostering an unparalleled sense of unity and connection among her classmates. Penny led her class's fundraising initiative to create the Class of 1978 Pioneering Spirit Bursary. She served as a UTSAA Director from 2011 to 2013, working on behalf of our alumni community. As the Centennial Celebration Co-Chair, she worked tirelessly to celebrate the history of UTS, unite the community, and lay the groundwork for connecting alumni to the school in the future. Her unwavering dedication to UTS has left an indelible mark on the community.

Mark Opashinov 1988
Mark's leadership as a Class of 1988 Year Representative and UTSAA Board member since 2010 exemplifies his unwavering commitment, not only to the UTSAA, but also to the school's success. He has consistently demonstrated exceptional vision, shaping the trajectory of the alumni community. His tenure as UTSAA President during the Building the Future campaign instilled confidence in the alumni community to support the campaign. His dedication as a judge for Don's Den and as a speaker at graduations and award ceremonies on numerous occasions highlights his commitment to fostering a strong bond between alumni and current students. As a volunteer for the Class of 1988 Bursary initiative, he inspired his classmates to support the next generation of UTS students and challenged other classes to give back similarly. The community is immensely grateful for Mark's countless contributions.

Jamie Coatsworth, C.A. ’69
Jamie's dedication and diligence have been instrumental in ensuring that the school's finances are managed effectively and transparently. He has devoted countless hours to meticulously reviewing the school's financial records and has gone above and beyond to account for every detail. 

Laura Money ’81, P '22
Laura demonstrated unwavering dedication to alumni engagement. Since 2013, she has been an active volunteer, serving as an UTSAA director and then as the UTSAA vice president. Laura is a year representative for her class and has also been an incredible support to current students at school events.  

Avanti Ramachandran '09
As a UTSAA director, chair of the Alumni Engagement Committee, and a member of Alumni Focus Groups, Avanti has played an instrumental role in helping UTS connect meaningfully with alumni. Avanti also served as a Branching Out mentor and Girls in Tech speaker. 

Zahra Mohamed P '25
Zahra's strategic work to promote equity and inclusion within the school has made a significant impact on the UTS community. As UTSPA co-president and equity, diversity and inclusion coordinator, she has supported Community Connections events and new UTS families. 

Serena Lai P '23, '25
As a grade representative, general meeting coordinator and member of the Parent Volunteer Group, Serena coordinated the school's first in-person Graduation reception following the lockdowns, ensuring a happy experience for grads and their families. 

Catherine Stasiw P '23
Catherine shows unwavering dedication and reliability as a dedicated grade representative, parent volunteer group member and general meeting coordinator. She has been instrumental in ensuring that UTSPA General Meetings run seamlessly and that everyone receives the support they need.

Gita Alizadeh P '15, '17, '20, '22
Gita’s contributions through UTSPA have led to the improvement of the school for all students. Her hard work led to the success of the Building the Future Parent Challenge which achieved unprecedented parent giving from the UTS community. Her dedication to UTS as a Grade Rep has strengthened bonds between parents, helping our community connect and flourish.

Peter Neilson 1971
Peter’s contributions to the UTS community have been immeasurable. We are profoundly grateful for his steadfast dedication to and leadership on the UTSAA Board of Directors and to his commitment to bringing good governance to the UTS Alumni Association and UTS Boards of Directors. Peter has been a dedicated volunteer and has supported numerous committees in active ways. Without his leadership on the Project Steering Committee, we would not be opening our renewed Bloor Street home. His work has been instrumental to the survival and betterment of UTS.

Tim Sellers 1978
Tim’s contributions to alumni engagement at UTS have helped strengthen and bond our community. As a UTSAA director, he is a dedicated volunteer and has supported numerous committees in active ways, from chairing the Awards Committee to Tim’s endless efforts to ensure our Annual Hockey Match and Golf Tournament are a success. Every day, Tim thinks of ways to promote UTS. We are profoundly grateful for his commitment to UTS.

Rimmy Kaur P ‘21
Rimmy demonstrated inspirational leadership in UTSPA through her work as a Grad Rep and as the Co-President. Her leadership and advocacy has helped enhance collaboration between the school and the parent community. Her thoughtful efforts helped improve the UTS experience for all of our students. Rimmy’s hard work as a UTS Together and Build Avi’s Classroom volunteer encouraged the parent community to show unprecedented participation in supporting the school. Rimmy has had a profound impact on UTS.

Jessica Ware 1995
Jessica’s contributions to alumni engagement at UTS have strengthened our community and engaged current students. As a UTSAA Director, she is a dedicated volunteer and has supported numerous committees in active ways. Jessica’s willingness to speak to students as a Day of Pink speaker and part of the Black Futures Month assembly has enriched their UTS experience. We are profoundly grateful for Jessica’s strong commitment to UTS.

David Allan 1978
David is a devoted UTS volunteer who served on the UTS Board of Directors from 2012-2020. During this time, he was an active member of several committees, including the Access & Admissions and Finance Committees. He has worked tirelessly toward ensuring and increasing diversity, inclusion and accessibility in the UTS admissions process. The results of these efforts will continue to enrich the UTS student body. Through modelling of UTS financial plans which resulted in the debenture for the UTS building project, David's work has made the building renewal possible. David's devotion to the survival and betterment of UTS has benefited the entire community.

Ann Chung P '20, '24, '25
A UTS Parents’ Association (UTSPA) Parent Volunteer Group Coordinator, Ann has shown great leadership in helping the Grade Representatives navigate the challenges of organizing virtual social events. She has taken initiative in creating guidelines to help host positive and engaging conversations among the parent community during virtual events. Ann also volunteered to welcome new parents and held an additional session with those who live in her neighbourhood, making them feel welcome as new members of the UTS community. Ann is a great role model who inspires others to take action as UTS volunteers.   

Prabhat Jha P ’16, ’20
Prabhat served as a dedicated UTS Board member from 2012-2020. During this time, Prabhat served on the Executive, External Services, and the Access & Admissions Committees. In addition to his dedicated work as a Board and Committee Member, Prabhat has served as a Building the Future Campaign Co-Chair, a UTS Tedx speaker, and a Summer Experiential Program host. Most recently, Prabhat has helped our community thrive and be healthy and safe in challenging times, supporting the creation of our COVID-19 protocols and communications. Prabhat's commitment to UTS, including the well-being of our community and ensuring Admissions outreach, has helped the UTS community flourish and grow. 

Lawrence Hill C.M. 1975
Lawrence has been a committed UTS volunteer, dedicating his time to students, alumni and parents. From visits to the school to work with Writer’s Craft students and speaking at UTS assemblies to his participation as Honorary Chair of the Building the Future campaign and as the inaugural speaker for the Building the Future Speaker Series, Lawrence has brought the UTS community together. Recently, his work with the Black Equity Committee, the Community of Support, and UTSPA has provided students, staff and parents with tools to better understand and support the experiences of BIPOC students at UTS. Lawrence's volunteerism has helped create a safer and more welcoming school community and brought our community closer together.

Morgan Ring 2007
Morgan is committed to engaging the UTS alumni community. Morgan has served as a UTS Alumni Association (UTSAA) Director since 2016 and currently serves as the Events Committee Chair. A dedicated volunteer, Morgan proofreads the alumni magazine, The Root, and writes questions for the annual UTSAA Trivia Night. She serves on the UTSAA Communications Committee and sat on the UTSAA Governance Taskforce. Prior to her work with UTSAA, Morgan worked on the First World War Commemorative Project, which connected the UTS community to its history and honoured previous generations of alumni. 

John Wilkinson 1978
John has been a tireless UTS volunteer for decades. In addition to volunteering as a member of the Building the Future Campaign Cabinet, John served as a UTSAA Director including as President from 2011-2013. He has also sat on the UTS Board's Governance Committee since 2015 and has been steadfastly dedicated to bringing good governance to the UTS Alumni Association and UTS Board of Directors. John's dedication to UTS has strengthened the community.

Donald Ainslie 1984
Don is a devoted UTS volunteer. From 2010 to 2014, he served as a director on the UTS Alumni Association Board, supporting the alumni community. Don mentors students and helps prepare them for scholarship interviews. He has been a panellist for UTS Parents' Association panels and has supported UTS events, from Debate tournaments to Alumni Year Representative gatherings. As a Professor at the University of Toronto and as past Principal of University College, Don advocated for UTS with the university. Don’s volunteerism has enriched all aspects of the UTS community.  

Ariana Bradford P '17, '19, '22
Ariana has connected UTS in very meaningful ways to partners at the University of Toronto. Her efforts have supported the academic affiliation between UTS and the university and the requirement for UTS to contribute to the mission of the university. Through her actions, we have forged strong, sustainable partnerships, securing the Medicine by Design and Global Ideas programs. These programs enrich the lives of our students and contribute greatly to innovative learning.   

Jake Brockman 2009
Jake is a long-serving, highly-dedicated Branching Out mentor who has helped UTS students prepare for life at university and beyond. Jake has also repeatedly volunteered as an Admissions Entrance Interviewer. He has provided insight and advice through participating in Young Alumni Focus Groups and Deloitte’s strategic planning session for the school. Jake’s commitment to UTS enhances the experience for students and alumni alike.   

Peter Frost 1963
UTS is in Peter’s blood. Serving on the UTS Alumni Association Board since 2002, Peter has been a champion for alumni engagement. He has been a driving force behind the UTSAA Annual Hockey Match and Golf Tournament, making these events vital parts of alumni life and helping connect graduates back to the school. Peter also sat on the committee that reshaped the UTS Remembrance Day Ceremony—a key event in both the UTS school and alumni calendar. Peter’s commitment to UTS has strengthened our community.

Jannis Mei 2013
Jannis is a champion for UTS. He has supported our students as a Branching Out Mentor, a Don’s Den judge and through the establishment of the Yin Bai Award. He supports the wider community as an Admissions Entrance Interviewer, a member of the UTS Advancement Committee, and as a Young Alumni Focus Group participant. Jannis recently facilitated a partnership that will support our outreach and advancement endeavours. He is always looking for ways in which he can support the school.

Johanna Pokorny 2004
As co-curator of the UTS Keys Galley, Johanna helps alumni artists showcase their works and helps the vision for their exhibition become a reality. Johanna works tirelessly to support our artists and their Keys Gallery shows, creating striking invitations, hanging works, and organizing Opening Night receptions. The Keys Gallery is a vital part of UTS, and it would not be a success without Johanna’s dedication. 

Calum Tsang 1995
Calum Tsang is committed to supporting UTS students. He has been a dedicated volunteer for our M4 (Grade 10) Career Day participant, and has participated in more Career Days than any other volunteer. Calum has also been a dedicated Branching Out mentor, providing advice and wisdom to multiple student mentees.  Calum’s commitment to UTS school life has been vital to our community. 

Dr. George A. Fierheller, C.M. 1951
George is a devoted UTS volunteer. From 1998 – 2003, George volunteered for the Building the Opportunity Campaign as a member of the Campaign Advisory. George has been very involved with the Building the Future campaign and is currently serving as a Campaign Cabinet member, George is always looking for more ways in which he can support our efforts to secure the school’s future. 
 

Dr. Julie Hwang 2006
Julie has been a dedicated UTS volunteer for the past four years.  As an assistant coach to the Girls Soccer team, Julie has provided the team with her skills, knowledge and passion. Devoted to the team, Julie will re-arrange her work schedule to be at tournaments to support our girls!  
 

Dr. David Kreindler 1984
David’s devotion to and promotion of the mental health and wellness within the UTS community is truly outstanding. David has volunteered as speaker at events with students and staff, providing valuable resources to our community on improving and maintaining mental well-being. David’s contributions are vital to the UTS Community.  

Mr. James C. McCartney, Q.C. 1956, P '84
Jim has a dual connection to UTS, as an alumnus of 1954 and as the father of Michael from the Class of 1984.  Volunteering actively with UTS for over 20 years, Jim served on UTS Alumni Association as a Director and on the UTS Parents Association as a Grade Representative.  Jim has been very involved with the Building the Future campaign, and currently volunteers as a Building the Future Campaign Cabinet member.  Jim continues to work untiringly to engage others to give back to the school.  
 

Ms. Helen Sava P '18, '20
As a mother to Rachel ’18 and Kyle ’20, Helens ’s volunteerism as a UTS parent has spanned several years. During her tenure as Chair of UTSPA, Helen created and spearheaded the Summer Experiential Program (formerly the UTS Internship Program), in which M4 and S5 students gain valuable work experience with members of the parent and alumni community. This unique program engaged parents and alumni in a new form of volunteerism and created an exceptional opportunity for students to learn and grow.  In addition to her tireless work creating the Summer Experiential Program, Helen also served as a Parent Challenge Champion in the Spring of 2018 – an amazing group of peer-to-peer fundraisers you will hear more about in a minute.
 

Parent Challenge Champions
The exceptional work of the 2018 Parent Challenge Champions encouraged unprecedented philanthropy and participation in parent community. Engaging fellow parents to support our students and our future through participating in the Building the Future campaign, our Champions led in an increase in parent giving of over 250% and resulted 218 first-time gifts from families. Please join us in thanking Gita Alizadeh, Albina Huang, Colette Leger, Katherine Clark, Helen Sava, Jenny Gao, Samira Gillani, Fiona Cai, Maggie Zhang, Flora Chen, Ruilei Chen, Sarah Moosavi, Qing Li, Nita Chen, Jessica Monk,Alice Xia, Ming Xiong, Bill Tang, Ellen Chao.

Rob Dowsett ’46
Rob was selected as a recipient of the Heartwood Award a day prior to the School learning of his death.  Rob loved UTS, as evidenced by his attendance at many school events, and was always happy to give of his time. Rob served many years as a founding member of the UTS Advancement Committee, providing sound advice and strategy for fundraising, recognition and stewardship. Rob worked tirelessly at engaging others to give back to the school through his efforts as a Building the Future Campaign Cabinet member and as a Preserving the Opportunity Campaign canvasser. He was an extraordinary volunteer, and our sense of loss at his death is tempered by our gratitude for his passionate work for UTS.

Jake Fowell ’63
Jake’s devotion to and promotion of the arts within the UTS community is truly outstanding.  An alumnus of the Class of 1963, Jake was a dedicated member of the Centennial Arts committee.  His service did not stop there. Each year, Jake provides historic posters for our Remembrance Day service.  In 2007, he founded the Jake Fowell Art Prize, which is awarded to a student in F2 Visual Arts who demonstrates initiative and dedication to learning and improving drawing skills. Jake has worked passionately to help UTS build the future and record its history, contributing to the cultural life the school. 

Clare Kosnick
For over three years, Professor Clare Kosnick of OISE has devoted countless hours of her time to facilitate the Eureka! Fellowship Program.  This significant undertaking has supported UTS teachers in conducting evidence-based research supporting the development of teaching, learning and assessment practices, assisting interdisciplinary inquiry and co-designed research, and developing school-university partnerships and collaborative knowledge networks. Clare’s ongoing support of this program positions UTS as a leader in research, collaboration and creative knowledge-building.

Lunar New Year Volunteers
The exceptional work of the 2017 Lunar New Year volunteers galvanized the UTS community in an unprecedented way.  Amanda Kreidié-Akazaki, Qing Li, Danielle Li Chong, Marcy Tepner and Sulia Vohra organized and executed an inclusive Lunar New Year celebration which brought together extended UTS families, alumni and staff in celebration of the UTS community. This landmark event made a positive impact on the school community at a festive, fun evening leaving us all wanting more!

Elisha Muskat ’01
Elisha Muskat has volunteered as an entrance examiner and has donated her time to be a panelist for our Career Day.  She has twice been a mentor to students and this year, she was the keynote speaker at SOMA.  Elisha has spearheaded the Class of 2001 group giving initiative to support the Building the Future campaign in honour and memory of three deceased classmates, which is helping to preserve the legacy of UTS for generations to come. As Executive Director of Peacebuilders, Elisha devotes her professional life to helping youth realize their full potential through safe and peaceful communities and we are grateful to the devotion that Eisha has shown to her alma mater.

Bill Redrupp ’54
Bill Redrupp has actively volunteered for UTS for over 20 years. In the 1990s, he served as the president of the UTS Alumni Association Board of Directors. Bill has worked tirelessly to engage others to give back to the school.  He volunteers as a Building the Future Campaign Cabinet member and previously, as a Preserving the Opportunity Campaign canvasser. Bill spearheaded the Bruce MacLean Founder Initiative, encouraging alumni to donate in honour former teacher and hockey coach, Bruce MacLean. This initiative ensured that Bruce, who passed away this year at the age of 106, was honoured in perpetuity as a Founder.

Bernie McGarva ’72, P ’03
Bernie has a dual connection to UTS, as an alumnus of 1972 and as the father of Jim McGarva from the Class of 2003.  Bernie began his volunteer service at UTS more than 40 years ago as a director of the UTS Alumni Association Board, while still a university student.  His UTSAA service included leading the association as president.  Bernie also served on the UTS Board of Directors where he held a variety of roles on many committees. He was the chair of the Alumni Liaison Committee, served on the Affiliation Committee and currently serves on the Governance and Nominating Committee.  Bernie is a constant supporter of UTS, attending many of the activities and events spearheaded by the school and by the alumni association.

Don McMaster ’62
Don has actively volunteered for UTS over the past five years. In honour of the Class of 1962’s 50th anniversary of graduation, Don and several of his classmates established the Class of 1962 Bursary. Don solicited all of his classmates, and together they raised in excess of $315,000 to provide financial assistance to UTS students today and in the future. More than $20,000 from this endowed fund has already supported three students.  In addition, Don worked with the school in 2015 to revise the terms of the Don Fawcett Award to benefit more students.  Don serves the UTSAA as the Year Rep for the Class of 1962, working to engage his classmates socially and to connect them with UTS for the advancement of the school.  We were pleased to present Don with his Heartwood Award last week in Ottawa.

Nasir Noormohamed P ’09, ’10, ’14
As a father of three UTS alumni – Rahim ’09, Ali ’10 and Karim ’14, Nasir’s active involvement as a UTS parent has spanned a decade, and it continues as a parent of alumni. As Chair of UTSPA, as a UTS Board Director, and as the inaugural Chair of the Advancement Committee, Nasir’s outstanding volunteer actions changed the culture of philanthropy at UTS by challenging UTS constituents to financially support the school.  His work in creating and stewarding fundraising policies and programs for the school has proven invaluable. His contribution as a volunteer on the Building the Future campaign will help ensure a solid future for UTS in a state-of-the-art facility that matches the academic strength and reputation of its students. 

Susan Opler ’79, P ’14 
Susy was among the first class of girls to be admitted to UTS.  As an alumna of 1979, and as a mother to Will Monahan from the Class of 2014, Susy’s commitment to UTS has spanned decades. Susy’s leadership for the 25th anniversary of co-education at UTS included the establishment of a bursary in celebration of co-education.  This personal legacy will support students in perpetuity.  Susy served on the UTSAA Board in the early 2000s and on the UTS Board from 2009 to 2014. This included chairing the Employee Liaison Committee and sitting on the Affiliation, Communication and Governance and Nominating committees.  Her tireless dedication to UTS as an alumna and parent have made a positive impact on the school and on its future. We look forward to presenting Susy with her award in the coming weeks.

Aija Zommers
Aija Zommers is UTS Speech and Debate Head Coach extraordinaire.  With more than 40 years of experience in the world of speech and debate, Aija provides deep knowledge of the field coupled with insightful coaching. These efforts propel students to excel in public speaking and debate. She challenges our student debaters to be better thinkers and more articulate and effective speakers. Aija dedicates hours of time, frequently 30 or more hours a week, to working closely with student debaters to ensure that they are prepared for competitions locally, provincially, nationally and internationally. Under her guidance, our Debate Society has flourished. Today UTS is recognized in the very top ranks of Speech and Debate within Canada and globally.

Marko Duic ’76
Marko joined the Branching Out mentorship program in 2012 and has been an active mentor ever since, going above and beyond the scope of the program. With Marko’s guidance, his assigned and “adopted” student mentees have interned at Southlake and St. Joseph’s Hospitals, leading to summer jobs for many of them. Some have become involved in his Investment Club or attended concerts hosted by Marko . Well after each year’s mentorship program concludes, Marko continues to stay in touch with students, supporting them as they progress through University and beyond.
 

Ann Unger
Upon her retirement, after 15 years of contributing to UTS as an art teacher, and having served as the school’s first Vice-Principal, Ann’s parting gift to the school was the creation of The Keys Gallery. Since 1999, The Keys Gallery has promoted art-making and art-related discussions among the UTS community through yearly exhibits of works by alumni, parents, or teaching staff. Ann is being recognized today for the creation and continued stewardship of the Keys Gallery. It is a jewel in our crown! Any members of the UTS community should consider exhibiting at the Keys Gallery.
 

Anthony Lee ‘86
In 2008 , Anthony introduced Taiko drumming to UTS. Since then, he’s spent countless hours teaching and rehearsing with students, culminating with a Platinum award-winning achievement at the Kiwanis Music Festival in 2014 and 2015. This past March, alumni and parents were given the opportunity to try out Taiko drumming as Anthony led a workshop open to the UTS community. Beyond teaching, Anthony has spearheaded fundraising initiatives amongst his class. As a member of the UTSAA Events Committee, Anthony has organized events at the ROM, the AGO, and the Textile Museum of Canada. In addition to these roles, Anthony has also participated as a mentor in the Branching Out mentorship program since 2010.
 

Suzanne Martin ’84
Suzanne has a dual connection to UTS, as an alumna of 1984 and as parent to two alumni, Adam ’11 and Cameron ’15. Suzanne has worked tirelessly for the UTS Parents Association, and created and developed their whole operations system. The current UTSPA Co-Presidents note that they are thankful for this at every event! Suzanne has also been active in engaging her class of 1984 with the school, and attending UTSAA events. She is currently working with her classmates to raise funds for our future building.
 

Paul Moore
Known as Dr. Moore to his many students, Paul taught Latin and Classics at UTS for 13 years. Paul’s retirement in 2000 by no means signaled the end of his involvement with UTS. Over the last 9 years, Paul has extensively researched the alumni veterans and has traveled the world, both physically and vicariously through others, searching out the final resting place of each of the ‘Old Boys’ who were killed in action in WWI. His research is the backbone of the World War I Commemorative Project, an online resource that provides biographical information on every single alumnus or faculty member killed in WWI. With the completion of this project, Paul has shifted his focus to the fallen alumni of WWII. We look forward to sharing this work with the community.
 

Mark Shuper ‘88
Through his initiative in establishing a class bursary, Mark has changed the face of philanthropy at UTS. In honour of their 25th anniversary, Mark set a fundraising goal of $250,000 to establish the Class of ’88 Bursary, inspiring other classes to follow his lead. As an example, in the creation of their class bursary, the Class of 1962 had set an initial goal of $50,000. Upon learning of the incredible efforts of their younger counterparts, the class of ’62 were inspired, or challenged, to meet or exceed the goal set by a class 25 years their junior. To date, the Class of 1988 Bursary is very close to reaching the goal they set only 3 years ago.

The UTS Rhodes Scholars to celebrate their commitment to lifelong learning, fellowship and higher education.

Derek Allen 1965 (deceased)
John Allemang 1970
Alexandra Binnie 1993
Kenneth Brown 1941 (deceased)
Sujit Choudhry 1988 P '23, '26
John R. Evans, C.C., O Ont 1946 P '75, '78 (deceased)
Timothy Evans 1978
John Floras 1971
Lisa Grushcow 1992
Andrea Iaboni 1994
Pooja Kumar 1997
Michael Liu 2015
Richard Pan 1994
Alexander Potts 1961
Peter H. Russell, C.C.1951
Jack Stewart 1929 (deceased)
Ian Stewart 1949 (deceased)
Arthur Scace, C.M. 1956 (deceased)
Michael Spence 1962
Tegan Shohet 1997
Geza Tatrallyay 1967

UTS Modern Language Teachers with 10 or more years of service to the school for their lifelong commitment to advancing and fostering a love of language learning.  

Carole Bernicchia-Freeman  
Maria Collier 
Eugene Di Sante  
Jack Moorfield ’50
Ana Maria Pereira-Castillo 
Marie-Claire Recurt 

Posthumous honorees include 
Roy Dilworth 
Lee Gallant 
Howard Hainsworth ’51, P ’79, ’84 
Franz Ignatz 
Russell Jones
George Kirk  
Norman Murch 
W.L.C. Richardson 
William Stickland 
Kate Tiley 
 

UTS Olympians who accepted their induction to the UTS Hall of Fame

Duncan Munro 1920

Hugh Plaxton 1923

Roger Plaxton 1921

John Porter 1921

Frank Sullivan 1919

Joseph Sullivan 1920

Ross Taylor 1920

Herbert Plaxton 1920

Joe Stulac

Laurie Graham 1978

Geza Tatrallyay 1967

Thomas Gayford 1946

Charlie Snelling 1956

Douglas Hamilton 1976

Paul Davis 1976

George Gross 1970

Brian Herbinson 1949

Norm Fox ’48, P '75

James Cassels ’73

The Late John Evans ’46 

The Late Peter George C.M. ’58 

Terence Grier ’53 

Peter Stoicheff ’74 

Thomas Symons C.C. OOnt ’47 

Linda Duckworth

Dr. Norah Maier

The students and coaches who earned UTS our four Reach for the Top national championship (2001-02, 2002-03, 2011-12, 2012-13)

John McKay '02

Bronwen Masemann '02

Rosemary Masemann '02

Evan Roberts '02

Luke Stark '02

Julian Tam '02

Jean Wan '02

Laura Davis '03

Bikram Sidhu '03

Jacob Baskin '03

Graham Beattie '04

Evan Dorey '04

Jordan Katz '04

Filip Geaman '12

Jenny Mao '12

Rein Otsason '12

Daniel Redelmeier '12

Thomas Broadley '13

Leslie Ying '13

Cole Jackes '14

Daniel Lovsted '14

Bill Jia '15

Coaches: Larry Rice (2001-02); Fraser Simpson (2002-03, 2011-12, 2012-13).

Recipients of the Ontario Students Classics Conference's John Bell Memorial Award that is awarded to students who have won five or more academic first prizes at the conference:

Sujit Roy ’99 (1999)

David Lizoain ’00 (1998) 

Carl Shulman ’01 (2000, 2001) 

Leon Grek ’04 (2001)

Mackenzie Tan ’05 (2005) 

Rafael Krichevsky ’08 (2007, 2008)

Jeremy Zung ’08 (2007) 

Jenny Gu ’09 (2005, 2006, 2009)

Jessica Zung ’12 (2009, 2011, 2012)

Joshua Zung ’14 (2010, 2011, 2013, 2014)

Zhenglin Liu ’15 (2011, 2014) 

Spencer Zhao ’16 (2003)

And for his leadership in the attainment of 19 consecutive Classics conference victories, former teacher:

Eugene DiSante

First-place finishers at International Career Development Conference competition (DECA's international competition):

Isabella Chiu ’13 (2012)

Stephanie Dong ’15 (2014)

Kristen Gracie ’15 (2014)

Angela He ’15 (2014)

Sarah Liu ’13 (2011, 2012, 2013)

Heather Tang ’15 (2015)

Gloria Wu ’15 (2014)

Gold Medal Winners - Math and Sciences Olympiads:

Colin Plumb ’86 (Chemistry)

Ian Goldberg ’91 (Mathematics)

Edward Leung ’94 (Mathematics)

Jacob Tsimerman ’06 (Mathematics)

Peter Lu ’07 (Chemistry)

Gordon Bae ’08 (Chemistry)

Melody Guan ’12 (Biology)
 

The Senior Hockey Teams of 1953 and 1954, who were Senior Hockey Champions in the Toronto District Interscholastic Athletic Association (TDIAA)

Ornella Barrett

Retired UTS Health and Physical Education teacher

Ron Wakelin

Retired UTS Health and Physical Education teacher

Girls Field Hockey Teams

1991–92 and 1992–93

Kim Lee Kho '81

Award-winning visual artist and art instructor

Jamie Sommerville '80

Recording artist, principal horn for the Boston Symphony Orchestra, musical director for the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra

Don Boutros

retired UTS art teacher

John Fautley,

Retired UTS music teacher

Natalie Kuzmich

Retired UTS music teacher

Ann Unger

Retired UTS art teacher

Bruce MacLean

Retired UTS teacher

1919 Memorial Cup Hockey Champions

1961 TDIAA Football Champions

1973 TDIAA Swim team Champions

Don Fawcett ’51, Football, Basketball and Hockey Coach