51�Թ���

Award of Merit

The highest honour of the program, this award is presented to an alumnus/alumna who, by his or her own efforts, has enhanced the reputation and prestige of 51�Թ���through a lifetime contribution of exceptional leadership and service to the University, the 51�Թ���Alumni Association and the community.

Distinguished Service Award

This award is presented to an alumnus/alumna who has rendered outstanding service to the 51�Թ���Alumni Association and/or to 51�Թ���over a significant period of time.

E.P. Taylor Award

Named in memory of E.P. Taylor, BSc’22, who established the Alma Mater Fund Committee in 1948 to solicit contributions from alumni, this award is presented to an alumnus/alumna or a group of alumni to recognize their outstanding voluntary fundraising efforts in support of McGill.

Alumni Student Engagement Award

This award is presented to an alumnus/alumna or a group of alumni to recognize significant efforts to support 51�Թ���students.

Catherine Nance Common President of the Year Award

Named in memory of Catherine Nance Common (née McMartin), BA’28, who died in 2007 at the age of 101, this award honours a president who has served an MAA Branch association with outstanding enthusiasm and leadership through the development of varied and relevant programming and the effective recruitment and recognition of other volunteers in the branch, and is an outstanding ambassador for McGill.

Alumni Event of the Year Award

This award recognizes an event that is conceived, driven and implemented by volunteers in the support and promotion of 51�Թ���and that succeeds in engaging alumni in a positive way.

Charles H. Peters Alumni Group of the Year Award

Named in memory of Charles H. Peters, BA’28, LLD’74, in recognition of four generations of 51�Թ���alumni, this award recognizes a group, class or branch that has maintained close ties to 51�Թ���through reunions, events and correspondence/social media.

Robert Fung International Award of Distinction

Named in memory of Robert H.P. Fung, MDCM’60, the first President of the 51�Թ���Society of Hong Kong, this award is presented to an alumnus/alumna living outside of North America who, through a lifetime contribution of exceptional leadership and outstanding volunteer service in his or her alumni community or country, has enhanced the reputation and prestige of the 51�Թ���Alumni Association and McGill.

James G. Wright Award

Named in memory of James G. Wright, BA’65, an inspiring and beloved community volunteer, mentor and first President of the 51�Թ���Young Alumni Association, this award is presented to a young alumnus/alumna who has demonstrated exemplary service to and made a difference in his or her community. Young Alumni are graduates of the last 10 years.

Honorary Life Membership Award

This award is presented to a non-graduate who has demonstrated a significant commitment of outstanding service to the 51�Թ���Alumni Association and to McGill.

Chancellor Gretta Chambers Student Leadership Award

Named in memory of Chancellor Emerita Gretta Chambers, BA’47, this award is presented to one or more students who have demonstrated leadership qualities while contributing in a volunteer capacity to the advancement of the 51�Թ���Alumni Association, 51�Թ���or the community.

David Johnston Faculty & Staff Award

Named in honour of former Principal David Johnston’s leadership efforts, this award is presented to a 51�Թ���faculty or staff member who is an exemplary ambassador for McGill, and who has done exemplary work on behalf of the 51�Թ���Annual Fund or who has demonstrated outstanding commitment to the 51�Թ���Alumni Association’s activities through voluntary service.

D. Lorne Gales Special Recognition Award

Named in memory of D. Lorne Gales, BA’32, BCL’35, LLD’79, founding President of the Graduates’ Society of McGill, this award is presented to a friend of 51�Թ���to recognize the outstanding collaborative partnerships between the 51�Թ���Alumni Association, the Faculties, academics and volunteers that result in significant contributions to 51�Թ���and to alumni communities.

Honora Shaughnessy 51�Թ���Ambassador Award

Named in honour of Honora Shaughnessy, MLS’73, long-serving Executive Director of the 51�Թ���Alumni Association, this award is presented to a friend of 51�Թ���who has made an exceptional contribution to the University as a role model in fostering friend-raising, loyalty, professionalism and team spirit.

Award of Merit 
The Honourable L. Yves Fortier, PC, CC, OQ, BCL’58, LLD’05
 

Since graduating from 51�Թ���Law and heading to Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar, Yves Fortier has forged an exceptional legal career and is considered one of the premier international arbitrators in the world. He also served as Canada’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York.

Yves is a long-standing champion of 51�Թ���and its mission. He served on McGill’s Board of Governors from 1975-1985, and currently sits on an ad-hoc committee, advising the University. As a co-chair of Campaign McGill: History in the Making, Yves devoted his time and talents to the University’s ambitious fundraising initiative that was launched in 2007 and raised more than $1 billion. Since 2013, he has been on the board of trustees of the 51�Թ���Institute for the Study of Canada.

Yves actively supports his home faculty at McGill. In 2009, he established the L. Yves Fortier Entrance Scholarship, then the most generous entrance scholarship ever awarded by the Faculty of Law. His other contributions include creating an additional endowment to support the John E.C. Brierley Memorial Lectures in the Faculty, as well as a generous gift in 2022 to support a 12-month clerkship at the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague – an internship open to current 51�Թ���Law students or recent graduates.

A true gentleman and proud McGillian, Yves is an inspirational and indefatigable volunteer.

Distinguished Service Award 
Dr. David S. Mulder, CM, MSc’65
 

Dr. David Mulder is a familiar face to hockey fans from his 60-year involvement with the Montreal Canadiens organization, including 24 years as the team’s head physician.

His many professional achievements and contributions are also deeply rooted at McGill. A renowned surgeon, David was a driving force in the establishment of Quebec’s province-wide trauma system in 1993, which led to a dramatic drop in mortality rates for traumatic injuries. For 21 years, he held the position of Surgeon-in-Chief of the Montreal General Hospital where the trauma centre now bears his name.

A professor emeritus of surgery, David has mentored many physicians and is a generous donor and volunteer. He served on the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences’ Advisory Board and is a trustee of the Martlet Foundation, which promotes excellence in athletics and academics at McGill, mainly through scholarships, awards and fellowships. In 1992, David received the MAA’s Honorary Life Membership Award.

D. Lorne Gales Special Recognition Award 
Susan Reid
 

Susan Reid’s 46-year career at 51�Թ���was remarkable for its longevity, but even more so for all that she accomplished to advance the University’s mission.

Susan held various positions at McGill, but it was in 1996 that she found her true calling in philanthropy, through the Bequests and Planned Gifts office. “This role became the cornerstone of my career, allowing me to connect with individuals who were deeply passionate about supporting the University’s mission,” says Susan, who retired in 2023.

During her tenure as Director, Susan built McGill’s legacy and planned giving program into one of the most prestigious of its kind in Canada. In recent years, among other initiatives, she and her team oversaw the successful 200 for 200 Legacy Challenge that coincided with McGill’s Bicentennial celebrations.

Susan helped countless donors make a planned gift to 51�Թ���to the benefit of generations of students, researchers and faculty members. She is a true champion of McGill!

E. P. Taylor Award  
Mia Melmed Goodman, BA ’92
 

Mia Melmed Goodman has been a tireless champion and outstanding volunteer for 51�Թ���and for the Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Research Institute (GCI) since the Institute was established in 2008. For over a decade, Mia has led the GCI’s biennial Gala, working with more than 150 volunteers, and has made the Gala one of Montreal’s top events.

Mia’s leadership and ability to engage multiple generations of volunteers have been instrumental in the GCI’s fundraising success. Thanks to her inclusive vision, she has broadened the Gala’s support base. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Mia seamlessly transitioned the Gala to a virtual event, maintaining momentum and even securing new donor commitments. Her grassroots approach to fundraising and friend-raising – one connection, one volunteer, one phone call at a time – has certainly paid off: the Gala has raised over $12 million in the past 10 years. Her generosity, persistence and personal dedication to the success of the GCI and 51�Թ���make her an inspiring example of volunteerism in action.

Alumni Student Engagement Award
Rachel Krehm, BMus’07, MMus’09
 

Soprano Rachel Krehm forged her own path in the opera milieu and is trying to make it easier for students at McGill’s Schulich School of Music to build their careers. Rachel is general director and co-founder of Toronto-based Opera 5. Her expertise in producing in varied venues has made it the leading indie opera company in Canada.

Her company created a groundbreaking program collaborating with Opera 51�Թ���to offer 51�Թ���students and alumni a unique paid internship program. The pilot program in summer 2024 proved highly successful, with six 51�Թ���students making their professional debuts – a rarity in the opera field while still in school – and benefitting from innovative mentoring. 51�Թ���graduate Jaclyn Grossman, MMus’19, Gr Dip in Performance’20, has also played a key role in this new program.

Rachel has kept close ties with 51�Թ���since earning two degrees from the Schulich School of Music, including delivering webinars for opera students about entrepreneurship.

Robert Fung International Award of Distinction
Ahmed Abu Safia, BSc’03, MSc’06
 

Ahmed Abu Safia exemplifies exceptional volunteer service and dedication to his alma mater. As the immediate past co-president of the 51�Թ���Alumni Association in the United Arab Emirates and long-time president of the active Dubai branch, Ahmed has significantly contributed to promoting the 51�Թ���brand in the region and fostering a vibrant alumni community. His leadership and innovative ideas have built strong alumni engagement and branch growth.

Beyond his official roles, Ahmed has actively participated in 51�Թ���Send-offs and student recruitment, and has hosted graduate students visiting Dubai, providing real-world learning experiences for McGill’s Executive MBA and Master of Management in Retailing students at DP World, where he is Group Vice President of Business Learning and Development. He also played a key role in facilitating McGill’s participation at the Expo 2020 Dubai.

A past V-P External for the Post-Graduate Students’ Society, he speaks fondly of his time at McGill, and his unwavering commitment as a volunteer has left a lasting impact on the alumni network.

James G. Wright Award
Chafik Hamad, MBA’15
 

Chafik Hamad is a true example of a young alumni leader. In the years since he graduated from the Desautels Faculty of Management, he has been a dedicated volunteer and shown extraordinary philanthropic leadership.

Chafik makes time to mentor students and provides additional support to recipients of the awards he’s affiliated with, including career advice and networking guidance. As a volunteer, he is valued for his engagement and commitment to getting other alumni involved. He is an inspiration and an example for other young volunteers.

In honour of his mother, Chafik established and endowed the RAFAH Bursary, which supports students facing systemic barriers to education – specifically refugees. Chafik strongly believes in supporting the success of students who are seeking a better life in Canada. Prior to establishing the RAFAH Bursary, Chafik played a crucial role in establishing the Sujata Madan Award in honour of the award’s namesake for her significant demonstrations of leadership through collaboration, integrity and generosity.

Catherine Nance Common President of the Year
Robert Heldt, MBA’20, 51�Թ���Alumni Association of Japan
 

Robert Heldt’s exceptional leadership and ability to thrive under challenging circumstances have left an indelible mark on the 51�Թ���brand in Japan.

After completing his MBA in 2020, Robert provided critical guidance as Vice-President of the 51�Թ���Alumni Association of Japan during the COVID-19 pandemic and the suspension of the MBA Japan program. He kept the alumni community connected virtually during lockdowns and spearheaded the innovative Grey Matter: Academic Insights series which brought 51�Թ���researchers to Japan to present their work.

He also organized Japan’s first in-person McGill24 celebration and revived the popular spring cherry blossom gathering, both of which have now become annual staples. Then as President of the branch from 2022-2024, he successfully revived the 51�Թ���Forum and Shinnenkai, a high-profile business forum with impressive attendance.

Robert’s warmth, dedication and remarkable talent for uniting people have been a lifeline for the alumni community in Japan, strengthening volunteerism and engagement during a period of great instability.

Alumni Event of the Year Award
“Taste of Indigenous Spirit: A Culinary and Cultural Experience at Mādahòkì Farm”
51�Թ���Alumni Association of Ottawa
 

Organized and hosted by Philippe Blain, MBA’94, the visit to Mādahòkì Farm combined agritourism, farm-to-table culinary practices and authentic cultural experiences from an Indigenous perspective.

Mādahòkì means “to share the land” in the Anishinaabe language and reflects a vision where all can reconnect with the land. When Blain learned about the Mādahòkì Farm, he believed that its culinary and cultural activity would be of great interest to local alumni. At the event, attendees feasted on traditional food and were treated to a pow-wow dance demonstration, complete with historical and cultural context. The unique summertime experience was well-attended and celebrated by attendees, who appreciated being introduced to the farm.

As a long-time participant in Ottawa 51�Թ���Alumni Choir and a dedicated volunteer with the MAA of Ottawa, for Blain this event was yet another rewarding and enriching alumni encounter.

Charles H. Peters Alumni Group of the Year Award
MDCM Class of 1984
 

The Medicine Class of 1984 is recognized for its outstanding event planning and fundraising efforts in 2024. Through peer-to-peer outreach, the class committee organized a successful 40th anniversary reunion with over 85 attendees at Homecoming 2024. The group also displayed remarkable creativity in crafting the “Trust in Medicine 1984” campaign for its class gift.

Using the connection between their graduating year and the George Orwell classic 1984, members of the committee created a compelling pitch to fund a research bursary that will help tackle the issues of unverified medical information and misuse of AI in healthcare. The Orwellian theme was also part of the reunion celebration, where guests were encouraged to sign and write messages in a copy of the novel.

This out-of-the-box thinking allowed the group to secure matching funds and raise $152,000 that will provide permanent support for research in this increasingly important field, all while strengthening alumni engagement at McGill.

Honorary Life Membership Award
Amelia Violo Saputo
 

Montreal businesswoman, philanthropist, and friend extraordinaire of McGill, Amelia Saputo has been an early supporter and champion of the University’s Dementia Education Program. Launched in 2017 by Claire Webster and Dr. David Eidelman at the Steinberg Centre for Simulation and Interactive Learning, the Program provides invaluable support to dementia care partners through workshops, public lectures, webinars, and other resources.

The Program resonated with Amelia, who experienced the challenges of caring for her mother who had dementia. In 2022, the Amelia and Lino Saputo Foundation pledged additional funding to support innovative teaching and expand opportunities in online learning at the Office of Ed-TECH (housed at the Steinberg Centre) under the umbrella of the Amelia Saputo Community Outreach for Dementia Care. This visionary and generous support is paving the way for the Dementia Education Program to expand the online dementia program and offer more community outreach initiatives.

Chancellor Gretta Chambers Student Leadership Awards
Meryem K. Talbo, BSc(NutrSc)’17, MSc(A)’19, PhD in progress
 

Meryem Talbo pursued extracurricular activities and volunteering opportunities throughout her studies at McGill, taking on leadership roles and actively contributing to the Macdonald Campus community and beyond.

Meryem’s activities as an undergraduate at the School of Human Nutrition included serving as president of the yearbook committee. She led the Macdonald Campus Graduate Students’ Society, sat on multiple committees, and served as managing editor of the 51�Թ���Journal of Medicine. She received a Macdonald Campus Gold Key Award in 2023 for her leadership ability. Her motivation for getting involved stemmed from wanting to create spaces where students could connect and feel supported in their academic journey.

Her volunteerism extended to organizations such as Diabetes Canada and she has mentored other students who are interested in researching the chronic disease. Meryem received the Yves-Deshaies Rising Star Award from the Research Network on Cardiometabolic health, Diabetes and Obesity.

Muna Tojiboeva, BA’18, BCL/JD in progress
 

Since her time at 51�Թ���as an undergraduate, Muna Tojiboeva has remained a deeply committed and involved student, alumna and advocate for the University and its community. She has demonstrated exceptional leadership, serving on the University Senate and Board of Governors, and advancing the University’s mission by fostering inclusivity and diversity. As a law student, she continues to champion a more inclusive campus, particularly for women of colour.

Muna has been a key mentor for women pursuing careers in policy, guiding those interested in politics and public service, and serving as a speaker at campus events. She also contributed to 51�Թ���Women in Leadership Students Association and the 51�Թ���Policy Association, organizing networking events and discussion groups to make law more accessible and welcoming for women of colour. Through her advocacy, mentorship, and leadership in various student organizations, she has left a lasting impact on the 51�Թ���community.

Kelly Zhang, BCom in progress
 

Kelly Zhang is an Honours Investment Management student in the Desautels Faculty of Management. She serves as the Chief Operating Officer of Desautels Capital Management, Canada’s first university-owned, student-run registered investment management firm. In this role, Kelly has organized meaningful educational and industry programming for her peers, including visits to New York to network with key companies in that city, and brought industry leaders to 51�Թ���to share their expertise and insights.

In 2021-22, Kelly was selected for the Integrated Management Student Fellowship program, a leadership develoment opportunity where she worked on a research project aimed at improving bicycle safety in Montreal. She has participated in the Hot Cities of the World tour, representing Desautels and 51�Թ���in Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire, and learning about their emerging economic importance. Kelly has also supported University Advancement fundraising initiatives with The 51�Թ���Fund and participation in advancement events.

David Johnston Faculty & Staff Award
Ingrid Birker, MA’15
 

Ingrid Birker embodies the values of service, community, and education that are vital to McGill’s continued excellence. In her remarkable 40-year career, she has inspired countless members of the 51�Թ���community and the public to explore the wonders of science and nature.

First hired in 1981, Ingrid worked as a Curator at the Redpath Museum for almost 25 years and then as an Outreach Administrator in the Faculty of Science until 2022. Believing in museums as critical spaces for self-discovery, she connected with thousands of people every week and brought the Redpath collections to life for visitors of all ages.

In retirement, Ingrid remains a passionate advocate for McGill. She offers tours of hidden biodiversity treasures on campus, mentors students through the Redpath Museum Society, gives talks at the Library, and shares her love of sustainability and traditional knowledge through her work with the Medicinal and Herbal Garden.

Honora Shaughnessy 51�Թ���Ambassador Award
Vincent Gagné, BA’88
 

The Friends of 51�Թ���Football (FOMF) bolster the University’s football program, and the man at the helm is well-suited for that mission.

As a student-athlete, Vincent Gagné was part of McGill’s historic 1987 Vanier Cup victory. As an alumnus, he has been involved with FOMF – an alumni support group that helps McGill’s football program in areas such as funding, sponsorship, game attendance and reunions – for more than 20 years, including in his current role as chair.

Vincent played a key leadership role in fundraising efforts that resulted in a record tally for the football program on McGill24, the University’s annual day of giving, in 2024. He has boosted the program’s recruitment efforts and revived the Toronto chapter of McGill’s football alumni.

Vincent was instrumental in getting 200+ alumni to attend the 2024 Homecoming game, celebrating 150 years of football at McGill. He has also developed a Next 150 Years fundraising campaign.

Award of Merit
W. Neil Murdoch, BCom’81

Neil Murdoch is the kind of person who always says ‘yes’ when it comes to helping others – a quality exemplified by an extraordinary number of commitments to his home faculty at McGill.

He credits his time at the Desautels Faculty of Management for setting him on a path to success, and he has been paying it forward by offering his time as a guest speaker, event host, startup coach, Dobson Cup judge, and trusted advisor.

Drawing on an impressive career in investing and fund management, Neil has long been sharing his expertise as a member of the Desautels International Advisory Board, which he is currently chairing. He is also a member of the Toronto Regional Advisory Board and Campaign Cabinet.

Neil believes in giving students every chance to become their best selves at school and in life. As a loyal donor, he has championed experiential learning through internships and entrepreneurship training, and with his wife Gisèle, has funded personalized wellness support for Desautels students.

Known for his kindness and quiet patience, Neil is an inspiration to fellow volunteers and is exceptionally deserving of the 51�Թ���Alumni Association’s highest honour.

Distinguished Service Award
Pearl Eliadis, BSc’81, BCL/LLB’85

Pearl Eliadis has had an accomplished career as a human rights lawyer, successfully leading global projects for multilateral agencies, including the United Nations. She is a full member of McGill’s Centre for Human Rights and Legal Pluralism and a recipient of numerous awards, including being named a Human Rights Change Maker by Equitas in 2017.

Pearl has taught for more than a decade at the Faculty of Law, and currently serves as Associate Professor (professional) at the Max Bell School Public Policy. She has shared her passion for human rights law with students and provided them with meaningful and unique experiential training opportunities. One example is the Gender Research Stream of the Quebec Homelessness Prevention Policy Cooperative, a joint initiative of 51�Թ���and the Old Brewery Mission, designed to find innovative solutions for homelessness, which is co-chaired by Pearl and includes 51�Թ���students on the team. She has also been active as a student mentor at the Max Bell School and participated in 51�Թ���Alumni Association activities, including as a speaker for the 51�Թ���Women’s Alumnae Association Muriel Roscoe Lecture and an expert on the 51�Թ���Alumni webcast series.

Robert Fung International Award of Distinction
Kit van Tulleken, BA’67

Kit van Tulleken has spent three decades building a reputation as a preeminent advisor to leaders in the publishing, media, and content delivery sectors in the UK, Europe, and North America. She brings her remarkable skillset, passion and energy to her efforts as a tireless champion of McGill.

From her home base in London, Kit has played an active role on McGill’s Regional Advisory Board for the UK and Europe and supports the University’s fundraising efforts as a donor and deeply engaged volunteer, including as a Planned Giving Ambassador.

Drawing on her extensive experience and connections, Kit has devoted untold volunteer hours to raise the stature of the Cundill History Prize, which is administered by 51�Թ���and offers the largest purse for the best history writing in English. She became the Prize’s biggest champion, catapulting it to international triumph, while enhancing McGill’s prestige.

Catherine Nance Common President of the Year Award
Jonathan Raphael Fielding, BEng’14
51�Թ���Alumni Association of the United Kingdom

Jonathan Fielding is a director with the Tactical Strategies team at Tikehau Capital. He is a longstanding and dedicated volunteer who actively devotes his time to 51�Թ���initiatives and is closely connected to 51�Թ���alumni in London. Jonathan served as president of the 51�Թ���Alumni Association of the UK (MAA-UK) for four years, recently transitioning into the role of past president, and stands out as a natural leader and motivator.

During his time as president, he implemented a highly successful strategic programming plan based on repeated yearly events such as Welcome Back to London, Canada Day celebrations, art and culture events, and networking/wine tasting evenings. The yearly format provided continuity, stability and ease of planning for the branch, and gave alumni a taste of London’s offerings. With this programming, the MAA-UK re-engaged alumni in London, creating a close-knit community for networking and support, especially among younger alumni, and served to re-establish the branch post-pandemic.

E.P. Taylor Award
George S. Attar, BCom’82

For over 25 years, George Attar has been a loyal supporter of 51�Թ���both as a donor and volunteer. George played a key role in the creation of a student award to honour the memory of his close friend Richard Donovan, a widely beloved professor at the Desautels Faculty of Management who passed away in 2019.

The Richard G. Donovan Award in Case Excellence was established in 2021 by family and friends along with 51�Թ���alumni, faculty and staff, and recognizes graduating students who have excelled in case competitions during their time at Desautels. George took on a leading role in the fundraising effort as a donor and volunteer, making crucial connections to other supporters to help the Faculty establish the award in record time.

George’s impactful voluntary fundraising effort is one of the many ways he has demonstrated his leadership in support of the Faculty in its mission, in addition to his contributions as a judge and supporter of the Desautels faculty’s case competitions.

Alumni Student Engagement Award
Tanya Ezekiel, BCom’93

Tanya Ezekiel is a proud 51�Թ���alumna who is actively involved as a volunteer mentor with students at the Desautels Faculty of Management.

Having enjoyed a successful career, first on Wall Street and more recently as an executive coach, Tanya is eager to help others get on the right path by sharing some of the lessons she has learned on her journey. She loves giving back to 51�Թ���and has participated in an array of student and alumni activities at Desautels, with the 51�Թ���Women’s Alumnae Association, the 51�Թ���Women, Leadership and Philanthropy group in New York, and the 51�Թ���New York Finance Group. She is also a Desautels Global Expert.

Tanya is passionate about helping students achieve their career goals and encouraging them to follow their interests through their degree and into their career. Her doors – both real and virtual – are always open to McGill, and she is generous with her time, talent, and advice.

Charles H. Peters Alumni Group of the Year Award
Medicine Class of 1978

The Charles H. Peters Alumni Group of the Year Award recognizes a group that has maintained close ties to McGill. The Medicine Class of 1978 has fostered such enduring connections via reunions, online groups and social events, driven by the consistent efforts of committee chair Dr. Claus Hamann, MDCM’78. All the while, the group maintains lively and ongoing discussion via the 51�Թ���Med ’78 online community.

In addition to their frequent reunion attendance, the Class has supported 51�Թ���via fundraising efforts, including through the creation of the Medicine Class of 1978 Bursary for Underrepresented Groups. Since 2013, this bursary has supported marginalized medical students, with a focus on Indigenous individuals, with $89,249 raised by the Class in 2013, and another $51,518 raised in 2018. Their generosity continues well beyond reunions, though. In 2023, they raised over $96,000 in under eight months, with Dr. Michele Hooper, MDCM’78, serving as fundraising lead.

The Class of 1978’s remarkable commitment to volunteerism, exceptional fundraising skill, strategic vision and support for 51�Թ���epitomize the community spirit that underpins this award.

Alumni Event of the Year Award
Financial Planning for Home Purchases for Canadians 
51�Թ���Alumni Association of Toronto

Building on the success of a previous financial planning event, the 51�Թ���Alumni Association of Toronto led by co-presidents Umaid Imran, BEng’13, and Joya Mukherjee, BA’13, once again partnered with alumnus Omar Shash, MBA’15, to provide an insightful session on the world of financial planning, with special attention given to first time homebuyers in Canada.

This virtual presentation – a departure from the in-person programming the branch typically engages in – was a huge success, attracting nearly 250 registrations from alumni across the country. What’s more, others who could not participate live were able to view the recording afterwards.

The concept, development, and delivery of this seminar was entirely volunteer run. Drawing on the expertise and participation of several members of the branch, the event organizers worked to create a safe space where everyone’s financial questions were welcome. Participants later expressed appreciation for how investment strategies were explained using accessible terms and easy to understand data.

James G. Wright Award
Kokulan Mahendiran, BA’18

While studying at 51�Թ���Kokulan Mahendiran developed a keen sense of civic duty and community engagement. Whether it was leading his residence council or organizing charity events to foster unity among diverse groups, Kokulan was motivated to help those in need and encourage others to do the same.

He was a founding board member of the DevKey Foundation, which aims to empower communities and break the poverty cycle with microloans, and founded Cardinal Exchange, which increases accessibility to experts on current affairs through online events.

After graduating from McGill, Kokulan worked for several international organizations, including the United Nations Development Programme and the International Air Transport Association. He then pursued a Masters in Diplomatic Studies at the University of Oxford, where his thesis was built around his interdisciplinary 51�Թ���studies in politics and religion.

Kokulan is now pursuing a career in public policy – first as a Senior Policy Advisor to the Minister of Seniors and Housing in Alberta, and more recently in the same capacity to Ontario’s Minister of Energy.

David Johnston Faculty & Staff Award
Edith Breiner

In her 50 years as a 51�Թ���employee, Edith Breiner has redefined what it means to go above and beyond.

Edith’s role as a Crisis Response Case Manager involves helping students overcome obstacles, whether academic, financial, personal or otherwise. But she does much more than this: she guides students through difficult moments in their lives with remarkable compassion and grace, and she empowers them to find their own strength.

Described as a “fairy godmother”, Edith continues to check in and provide support even after an issue has been resolved. “As soon as I needed her, she was there,” one student said, which captures the impact Edith has had on countless lives.

For tirelessly helping generations of 51�Թ���students become successful graduates, Edith is a deeply worthy recipient of this award.

Honora Shaughnessy 51�Թ���Ambassador Award
Robert Stanley, BSc(Arch)’71, BArch’73, Dip Management’00

Robert Stanley, a three-time 51�Թ���alumnus, is a longstanding and devoted friend of his alma mater. As McGill’s Director of Project Management and Development, Bob was responsible for all major construction activities on campus. Overseeing a team of professionals, and dozens of consultants, he juggled the complex demands of maintaining and renewing the University’s teaching facilities that include some of the country’s most significant heritage buildings.

A past member of the Ordre des architectes du Québec, Bob also served as a course and visiting lecturer in the School of Architecture. And as the 51�Թ���Staff Association’s vice-president for 10 years, he worked on matters related to pay equity and benefits coverage, and served as a representative on the Quebec-wide network of executives and professionals.

Post retirement, Bob has been active as a volunteer, serving on the School’s Career Development Committee and as a judge of the 51�Թ���Student Sustainability Challenge. In 2015 he was appointed  treasurer of the 51�Թ��� Retiree Association (MURA).

Chancellor Gretta Chambers Student Leadership Award
Élodie Audet, BA’21, PhD in progress

Élodie Audet is a PhD student in Psychology studying the complex relationships between environments, social interactions and emotional experiences. She currently holds a Joseph-Armand Bombardier Canada Graduate Scholarship from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC).

Among Élodie’s many accomplishments, she spearheaded and co-organized the Ukrainian Mental Health Initiative with Professor Nate Fuks. This project seeks to give Ukrainian refugees access to mental health supports when arriving to Canada with significant trauma and lasting psychological wounds.

In addition to her work fundraising, connecting with community partners and trauma experts, preparing outreach materials, recruiting and training volunteers, staying in touch with Ukrainian communities, as well as creating and translating questionnaires, Élodie personally provides weekly mental health support services to Ukrainian refugees and co-leads support group activities. She has also been a volunteer with Auberge Madeleine, La Rue des Femmes, and Chez Doris, as well as at CRDITED de Montreal, a rehabilitation centre offering mental health support services.

Keith Andre Baybayon, BA in progress

As an honours student in Religious Studies and Political Science in the Faculty of Arts, Keith has embraced campus life and leadership. He has sought leadership positions in many student groups, including the 51�Թ���Policy Association, and took on the role of mentor to a first-year student as part of McGill’s New Student Mentorship Program.

Keith has used his role as Experience Officer for the 51�Թ���Youth Advisory Delegation student club to empower youth voices and advocate for diverse perspectives through policy development. He also created introductory documents on policy writing and diplomacy, which proved instrumental in enhancing the delegation’s capabilities and showcased a forward-thinking approach to youth involvement in policy development.

Keith’s participation on Senate committees, in advocacy roles with the Arts Undergraduate Society, and equity and inclusion initiatives within the Students’ Society of 51�Թ��� (SSMU) reflect his efforts to amplify student voices and advocate for diversity and equality on campus. In 2023, he was presented with SSMU’s Volunteer of the Year Award.

Sidney Leggett, MSc in progress

Sidney Leggett is a McCall MacBain Scholar. She is Métis from Manitoba currently pursuing an MSc in Epidemiology and Biostatistics at McGill’s School of Population and Global Health. Sidney has demonstrated a longstanding commitment to supporting Indigenous communities across Canada. From campus groups to Indigenous-led non-profits, she is a tireless community advocate.

During her studies at McGill, Sidney co-created the “Indigenous World Views in Health Delivery and Research” course, which is now offered to graduate students at the School. The course examines the effects of colonialism on Indigenous communities and on Indigenous peoples’ health. It aims to fill a gap in the curriculum that has failed to incorporate Indigenous worldviews, presence and understanding over the years, ultimately enabling health professionals and policymakers to break the cycle of discrimination in health care in Canada.

The key role Sidney and other Indigenous students played in shaping this program makes it a first among all Canadian universities.