The Faculty of Law has honoured the following distinguished alumni and friends as recipients of an Arbor Award since the foundation of the award in 1989:
2022 Arbor Award Recipients
Sarah M. Boulby (LLB 1991) has been an invaluable asset to the advancement team at the Faculty of Law. Her services as a member of the alumni association board since 2016 include advising on advancement office programming and whether it adequately engages alumni. Sarah’s feedback has helped shape and create more inclusive and engaging programming.
Meghan Bridges (JD 2014) has been instrumental since she joined the Law Alumni Association board in 2018. As a recent graduate, Meghan provided unique input regarding how to develop programing that is more targeted at engaging younger cohorts. Her recommendations included recruiting new alumni association board members as well as planning class reunions.
Brian R. Carr (LLB 1973) has been a long-standing member of the Law Alumni Association since 2015. He has provided invaluable guidance and support to the advancement team related to event planning as well as implementing new and creative programs to engage current and new alumni.
Albert Lin (JD 2013) has served as a board member on the Law Alumni Association since 2019. He graduated with a JD in 2013 and since his appointment to the board, he has been instrumental in helping the advancement office develop programming targeted at younger alumni.
Mark A. Surchin (JD 1981) is a deeply engaged supporter of the Faculty of Law. His contributions include serving as vice-president of the Law Alumni Association and inspiring his graduation class of 1981 to participate in the Faculty’s 2021 reunion. Mark also supports the law school by teaching a course, providing advisory services, and representing the Faculty as vice-chair of U of T’s College of Electors.
2021 Arbor Award Recipients
Michelle Henry (JD 2002) Michelle has been an active volunteer with the Faculty of Law since 2009, contributing her time in many capacities. She regularly mentors law students and contributes to the Black Future Lawyers program as both an event speaker and mentor for undergraduate students. Michelle also serves on the University’s tribunal as one of the Chairs.
Tyler W. Hodgson (LLB 1997) Since 2016, Tyler has been actively engaged with the Faculty of Law as a mentor and speaker. As a lawyer employed by the World Bank, he has also created summer internship opportunities for students at the organization. Tyler was a presenter at Lawyers Doing Cool Things, a speaker series offering students a glimpse into unusual and exciting career paths.
Khalid Janmohamed (JD 2008) Khalid has been an active volunteer with the Faculty of Law since 2010. In addition to regularly supporting students as a mentor, he has also contributed as a Council member with the Law Alumni Association and as a moot coach and advisor. Khalid actively participates in the Faculty’s Welcome Day activities, ensuring students begin law school on an uplifting note.
Gordon G. Raman (LLB 1996) Gord has been a valued volunteer with the Faculty of Law since 2013. Engaged in many capacities, he currently serves as Vice President of the Law Alumni Association and has mentored countless students. Gord is also a passionate supporter of the Faculty’s Welcome Day activities, engaging with students as they embark on their law school journey.
Lisa Talbot (LLB 1999) Since her graduation from U of T, Lisa has mentored University of Toronto law students and high school students through the “LAWS” program, volunteered her time judging moot competitions, and has served as a Vice-Chair on the University Tribunal. She contributed significantly to Excellence without Barriers—the largest bursary-focused campaign at any Canadian law school—as a campaign advisor for her firm, Torys LLP. Lisa also co-taught “Law of the Workplace” for the Faculty of Law’s GPLLM program.
2020 Arbor Award Recipients
Andrew Alleyne (LLB 2002) has been a council member of the Law Alumni Association for the past five years, and also serves as a mentor to U of T law students. He has also been very involved in the faculty’s Welcome Day activities.
Donald M. Cameron (LLB 1979) has taught the Patent and Trade Secrets Law course at the Faculty of Law for over 25 years and surveys intellectual property courses at other law schools, to ensure that U of T’s intellectual property curriculum remains unmatched in Canada. Don has written widely on IP topics and has spoken frequently at the Faculty of Law’s annual Patent Colloquium since 2014.
For 50 years, Boris Freesman (LLB 1964) has been the lead volunteer for the Class of ’64, annually planning their activities for the Faculty of Law Reunion, for an impressive total of 11 Reunions to date.
Andrew Heal (JD 1988) has served as a council member for the Law Alumni Association and a volunteer on the Class of '88 reunion committee, helping to engage his classmates and raise participation at their reunion.
Heather Platt (LLB 1999) has been a dedicated council member of the Law Alumni Association, as well as a volunteer with the Faculty's Campaign for Excellence Without Barriers in support of financial aid and enhancing the student experience.
Faculty of Law alumni Fidelia Ho (JD 2013), Stephen Hutchison (JD 2011) and William James Keel (LLB 1984), were nominated by the U of T fencing team, Innis College and Trinity College, respectively.
2019 Arbor Award Recipient
Michael Dineen (LLB 2002) is a long-time advisor to students participating in Law School mooting competitions. He helped establish the appellate criminal law externship, which gives students opportunities to work on pending appeals going before the Ontario Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court of Canada.
2018 Arbor Award Recipients
Ari Blicker (LLB 1995) advises and supports U of T law students as they navigate recruitment in the legal profession. His annual cover letter presentation to first-year students is one of the most popular sessions offered by the Faculty of Law’s Career Development Office and has benefitted countless students with their job applications. Ari also participates in many other Career Development Office events in his capacity as Director, Student & Associate Programs for the law firm Aird & Berlis.
Angelo Gentile (JD 2006) has volunteered since 2011 for the Tax Advocacy Project, which provides legal representation to low-income clients in tax court. Piloted at U of T’s Faculty of Law, the Project now also operates in Ottawa and Edmonton. As the Project’s lead lawyer, Angelo provides core legal training to law-student volunteers, preparing them for upcoming hearings and providing ongoing mentorship and supervision.
Atrisha Lewis (JD 2012) is a dedicated volunteer in the Faculty of Law. She is an adjunct professor, coaching the Grand Moot and lecturing to students on motions and litigation strategy. Atrisha is also a prominent speaker on issues of diversity in the legal profession.
Laura Trachuk (LLB 1986) has coached many moot teams to victory in the Canadian Labour Arbitration Competition. The Faculty of Law is grateful for her extraordinary commitment to sharing her expertise in labour law with their students.
Maureen L. Whelton (LLB 1995) has coached U of T entries to the Jessup International Law Moot since 2011. Her commitment to students is remarkable. After her team advanced to the international rounds this year, she cancelled a family vacation to accompany the students to Washington.
2017 Arbor Award Recipients
Maggie Wente, LLB/MSW 2002, has volunteered at the Faculty of Law for almost a decade, mentoring Indigenous law students and alumni. She has helped the Indigenous Initiatives Office organize tours of her firm for JD students, and for participants in the Indigenous Youth Summer Program. In 2011, she supervised alumna (Class of 2013) Promise Holmes-Skinner's research on "true costs" of consultation on First Nations. In 2016, she gave a speech to first-year law students about social justice and importance of pro bono work and a lecture on First Nations Governments. In 2017, she coached the Kawaskimhon moot by reviewing student work.
Bryce Edwards, LLB 2002, has coached the Kawaskimhon moot for seven years. Kawaskimhon is a Cree word meaning "speaking with knowledge". This moot is conducted in accordance with Indigenous customs of peaceful negotiation and consensus building. Bryce has guided students with legal research and author-written submissions, but also teaches them negotiation strategies and public speaking skills. In 2013, he and Margaret Kenequanash, CEO of Wataynikaneyap Power, delivered a lecture at the law school called The Far North Act: The Best Worst Act Ever. For many years, he has given his time to speaking on an annual Aboriginal Law Practitioners Panel for students interested in the field.
2016 Arbor Award Recipients
Sarah Armstrong (JD 2002) has given innumerable volunteer hours to the benefit of U of T's law students. For Sarah, maintaining a connection with the law school is very important. She has acted as a compulsory moot judge, participated on the Class of 2002 Reunion Committee, organized her firm's first year advocacy workshop for current students and been a strong role model for future litigators through the law school's mentorship program. She also helped launch the International Human Rights Program's Alumni Group and served on the committee to bring substantive programming to the program's alumni and friends.
Molly Leonard (JD 2010) Molly has actively participated in law's mentorship program since 2012. A firm believer in the transformative power of mentorship, she has connected with numerous students from the law school's LGBT community as well as students interested in starting a small legal practice or who share a passion for family law. From 2013 to 2016, she served on the Law Alumni Association Council and the Council's Alumni Services Sub-Committee. As part of the Alumni Services Sub-Committee, her work involved developing the framework for alumni events designed to engage law alumni across various geodemographics.
2015 Arbor Award Recipients
Karl Jaffary, Law ’62, has been a longstanding volunteer at the law school. Despite a demanding career in municipal law and public service, Karl has served as a Class of ’62 Reunion Committee member where he worked tirelessly to keep his classmates engaged with the law school. Most recently, he co-chaired a fundraising committee for the Class of ‘62 which raised $30,000 to create a financial aid bursary to support law students in need.
Roslyn Tsao, Law ‘91, has been a longtime volunteer at both the law school and the university. From 2004-2008, Roslyn volunteered with the law school’s Downtown Legal Services to help set up and volunteer within the family law division. Though a sought after lawyer and co-managing partner of Epstein Cole, Roslyn has taken time to out of her busy schedule to serve as a mentor to many law students interested in exploring family law. She has also been an active Reunion Committee member. Her volunteerism goes beyond the law school to the University at large, where she has acted as co-chair with the University Tribunal, Trial Division – Academic discipline matters since 2007.
Don Wakefield, Law ’62, has been a dedicated volunteer at the Faculty of Law. Don has volunteered as a Class of ’62 Reunion Committee member where he worked alongside his colleagues to engage his classmates in the largest Reunion celebration at the law school. In 2014, he co-chaired the Class of ‘62 fundraising committee which raised $30,000 to create a financial aid bursary to support law students in need of financial support.
2014 Arbor Award Recipients
Hessam Ghadaki, Law 2007, has become a dedicated volunteer for many of the law school's key programs with alumni, current and future students. In 2012, he co-chaired the class of 2007 Reunion Committee, bringing over 70 of his classmates out to celebrate their five year Reunion. Hessam has actively engaged with many current law students through the Faculty’s Alumni-Student Mentorship Program taking on multiple students. Most recently, Hessam participated as a panelist at the See Yourself Here Open House, a student-led initiative which encourages high school students from under-represented minorities and lower-socioeconomic backgrounds to consider pursuing legal education.
Rita Maxwell, Law 2001, is a tremendous source of inspiration for U of T law students, especially those who have been fortunate to be paired with her through the Alumni-Student Mentorship Program. From 2007 to 2013, she served on the Law Alumni Association Council working on developing an improving alumni engagement and fundraising activities. Rita continues her involvement with the law school through her volunteer work on diversity initiatives such as the annual See Yourself Here Open House, a student-led initiative which encourages high school students from under-represented minorities and lower-socioeconomic backgrounds to consider pursuing a legal education.
Angus Gunn, Law 1993, has been an exceptional volunteer for the law school, its alumni and students. He served as a Council Member on the Law Alumni Association Council from 2006 -2009. To help introduce students to the law school community and support the admissions office welcome program, he hosts Welcome Events for incoming law students from the Greater Vancouver Area. Angus also participated on the Class of 1993 Reunion committee, connecting with his classmates living in the Vancouver area and encouraging participation in the law school’s Reunion 2013 Events.
2013 Arbor Award Recipients
Since graduating, Tariq Remtulla (JD '05) has been a dedicated volunteer and champion of equity and diversity at the law school. Actively engaged with high school youth through the law school’s Law In Action Within Schools (LAWS)/Blakes Mentoring Program partnering Blakes lawyers with students at one of Toronto’s most diverse high schools, he also sits on the LAWS Steering and Advisory Committee. Tariq has mentored several young law students through with the law school’s Alumni-Student Mentorship Program. He also helps to keep young alumni engaged with the law school through his work with the Law Alumni Association.
Andrea Burke (LLB '94) is a source of tremendous inspiration for U of T law students, especially those who have been fortunate to be paired with her through the Alumni-Student Mentorship Program. Despite a busy, thriving practice at a major Toronto law firm and an equally busy home life, she has given many volunteer hours to the Law Alumni Association as a Council Member. Through her work on the Council, Andrea has supported many alumni engagement activities and fundraising projects. She also jointly spearheaded a tremendously successful campaign for the law school’s new building at her law firm.
Tom Rahilly (LLB '69) has been actively engaged with the law school since his graduation. Throughout the years, he has worked diligently to keep the class engaged with the Faculty volunteering for his class Reunion committee ensuring a strong connection between his class and the law school for more than four decades of Reunion events. Most recently, he co-chaired the law school’s Capital Campaign successfully raising the funds necessary to provide the law school with a much-needed new building.
2012 Arbor Award Recipients
For over 5 years, Jon Feldman (LLB '99) has given generously of his time to support the law school as a member of the Law Alumni Association Council. In this capacity, Jon has sat on the planning committee for the Distinguished Alumnus Award Dinner as well as actively raised alumni awareness and support for the Excellence Fund which provides funding for student- and faculty-run programs. In addition, Jon has acted as a mentor to several students through the Faculty of Law Mentorship.
Sana Halwani (JD '04), graduated from the Faculty of Law in 2004, since then she has been actively involved as a mentor, guest lecturer, preparing moot teams for competition and volunteering for Career Development events including mock interviews and career panels. Sana has been teaching Trial Advocacy since 2009 and in 2010 she joined the Faculty’s Law Alumni Association. As a council member, she has been engaged in promoting young alumni involvement through the Strategic Development Committee and the Distinguished Alumnus Award After-Party planning committee.
2011 Arbor Award Recipients
Noella Milne, a 1986 Faculty of Law graduate, has served on the Dean’s Strategic Advisory Board for more than 10 years, providing valuable guidance on many important projects at the faculty. Noella is also on the council of the Law Alumni Association and has been involved in organizing class reunions.
Paul Morrison, who graduated with his law degree in 1975, has served for many years as both a volunteer to the Faculty of Law and to the University. He has been active for more than seven years as the secretary and treasurer of the Law Alumni Association. Paul has also played a key role in organizing his class reunions and has participated in the alumni association’s Student Mentorship Program. Since 2007, Paul has also served on the U of T College of Electors.
The Honourable Mr. Justice Russell Otter of the Ontario Court of Justice has been the driving force behind reunion events for his 1970 Faculty of Law graduating class. He also volunteers with the Law Alumni Association’s student mentorship program.
David Spiro, who graduated from the Faculty of Law in 1987, is the lead volunteer in a pilot project providing representation to low-income individuals in the Tax Court of Canada. David has developed the project with Pro Bono Students Canada, which provides law students with meaningful experience in the community. He has also coached students preparing for the Bowman Tax Moot.
2010 Arbor Award Recipients
Nancy Stitt (LLB, ’93) has been a long time participant in the Law School’s On-Campus Interviews and Career Fairs, where she participates on a number of different panels each year. She is also spearheading the implementation of the employer interface our new electronic applications system, viDesktop. Ms. Stitt has frequently provided guidance to both staff and students on the key issues affecting the profession and practice of law, enabling the Faculty to provide key programming for both students and alumni. The Faculty has greatly benefitted from her keen insight and assistance on the Law Firm Engagement Strategy.
Simon Clements (LLB, 90) has actively participated in the upper year Compulsory and Competitive mooting programs. He has assiduously worked one-on-one with the students, spending many hours coaching them through the intricate process of developing the factum and preparing for the moot. As well he has served as a volunteer judge during the Moots providing great insight based on his noteworthy career in Professional Liability and Health Law.
Sarah Corman (LLB, ’03) started her volunteer work at the Faculty of Law during her time as a student when she coordinated a legal aid clinic through Downtown Legal Services for Out of the Cold, a winter program that provides food and temporary shelter to Toronto's homeless. The Law School has continued to benefit from her countless hours of volunteer work. As an alumnus, Ms. Corman has been actively involved in the yearly Grand Moot, acting as an advisor and mentor to the students coordinating the event. As well, she has worked tirelessly on the planning of the 1st year Trial Advocacy course as well as serving as a judge. Ms. Corman is a tremendous role model for the Law students and her gracious mentoring has been of benefit to all.
Gordon Baird (LLB ’89) has demonstrated a commitment to one of the noblest aspects of the legal profession, pro bono volunteerism. He has been an ardent supporter of Pro Bono Students Canada (PBSC is a national program that was founded by the U of T, Faculty of Law and is housed here) for the last six years , providing ongoing guidance and support to the U of T staff tasked with managing the program. An in-demand business lawyer and chair of his firm's national pro bono committee, Mr. Baird’s support of public interest activities is greatly valued. Mr. Baird has volunteered his time for the Faculty’s academic program, during our Ethics Bridge Week. Most recently, Mr. Baird acted as a volunteer host of a broad-based focus group on access to the justice system for middle-income consumers and debtors in Ontario, as part of the Faculty’s signature Access to Justice Project.
2009 Arbor Award Recipients
Joe Colangelo has served as a tireless volunteer with Pro Bono Students Canada (PBSC) at the Faculty of Law. His active role in PBSC’s Health Professions Appeal and Review Board (HPARB) Advocacy Pilot Project was critical to the project’s success. Mr. Colangelo has dedicated hundreds of hours training and supervising students who provide advocacy-related services though PBSC to people who are self- represented before the Board.
The Honourable Mr. Justice J. Todd Ducharme has served as a volunteer in many areas of the law school. He has been a dedicated volunteer in organizing his most recent class reunion, and more recently, he served as a judge for the Faculty of Law’s 2008 Grand Moot. He also continues to serve as an Advisory Board Member for the Centre for the Legal Profession at the Faculty of Law.
The Right Honourable Paul E. P. Martin graduated from the Faculty of Law in 1964. In recent years he has actively served as a volunteer for the law school. In 2007 he was the guest speaker in a classroom discussion on the topic of political institutions and development. Most recently, In May 2008 he hosted a summit on Developing Aboriginal Economies at the Faculty of Law. This one-day symposium brought together a diverse group and provided a forum for new ideas and approaches to economic development in Aboriginal communities. He also serves as a member of the Strategic Advisory Board for the Faculty of Law’s building project.
2008 Arbor Award Recipients
Robert Centa has been a tireless volunteer and supporter of the law school since he graduated in 1999. For the past eight years he has been a tremendous resource to the law school though the Trial Advocacy Program, which provides students with the necessary skills to conduct jury or non jury trials. He has also served as Council to the Human Rights Law Clinic, providing bro bono legal advice on difficult and complex matters. Currently, he is a co-organizer for the Legal Ethics and Professionalism Bridge week, which is an important component of the first year academic program. Rob has also served on the Law Alumni Association.
A recent graduate of the Faculty of Law, David Asper has been an extraordinary ambassador for the law school. He currently serves on the Strategic Advisory Board for the Faculty of Law’s building project. Most significantly, David made an historic $7.5 million gift, the largest ever made by an individual to a Canadian law school, to establish the David Asper Centre in Constitutional Rights at the Faculty of Law. This gift will enhance access to justice and will immeasurably enrich the education opportunities of students.
2007 Arbor Award Recipients
Daniel Debow has been an active volunteer to the law school since shortly after his graduation in 2000. He has been an enthusiastic Council Member of the Law Alumni Association (LAA) since 2003. He has also been a dedicated volunteer to the Law in Action Within Schools (LAWS) initiative since the program’s inception in 2005. LAWS is an innovative high school program that uses legal education as a tool to assist students to succeed in school, meaningfully consider post secondary education, and become engaged and active citizens. Finally, Daniel has been active in promoting the activities of the J.D./M.B.A. association, including assisting in the organization of events.
A graduate of the Class of 1977, Justice Gloria Epstein has been a tireless volunteer for the law school over the past several years. Most recently, she is very actively involved in organizing her class’ 30 year reunion with the Faculty of Law. She is also currently an Executive Member of the Law Alumni Association. In addition, she has participated on an advisory committee related to alumni participation, providing advice to the law school administration on how best to engage alumni volunteers. In 2006, Justice Epstein presided over the Grand Moot, the law school’s signature advocacy competition.
University of Toronto Faculty of Law alumnus Dr. Scott Guan (SJD 2003) is a senior partner of Zhong Lun Law Firm in Shanghai, China. Dr. Guan has extensive experience in mergers and acquisitions and cross border investment transactions and is recommended by Chambers, Legal 500 and other professional publications as a leading business lawyer in Asia Pacific.
As U of T alumni communities have blossomed across China over the past few years, Dr. Guan has provided expert leadership, advice and support in U of T's outreach initiatives in Shanghai. Despite a demanding career, Dr. Guan has contributed time and energy to the Shanghai alumni initiative, local receptions and delegations and has helped to raise U of T's profile throughout the growing Shanghai alumni community.
Today, Dr. Guan is the President of the World Law Group, a global network of elite law firms, with 60 member firms, approximately 21,000 lawyers in over 90 countries. Dr. Guan proudly supports the Faculty's International Business Law Summer Internship with the Dr. Scott Guan China Law Practice Award that provides one JD student with an exceptional opportunity to intern in Shanghai, China.
Cornell Wright is an Associate with Torys LLP. A 2000 JD/MBA graduate, he has become highly active in life at the law school over the past few years. Since the program’s inception in 2005, Mr. Wright has been a dedicated volunteer to Law in Action Within Schools (LAWS), an innovative high school program that uses legal education as a tool to assist students to succeed in school, meaningfully consider post secondary education, and become engaged and active citizens. Mr. Wright currently serves as the Co-Chair of the LAWS Advisory Board. He is also an enthusiastic member of the Law Alumni Association (LAA) and the JD/MBA Association. He has assisted JD/MBA students in building their network, and hosted a major event for that organization at his firm. Most recently, he addressed the graduating class at convocation about the importance of engaging in public service activities.
Richard Price is a Partner at Sherman and Sterling LLP in London, England and a member of the Faculty of Law Class of 1988. He has played an important role in the law school’s efforts to reach out to international alumni. In 2006, he hosted the first -ever law alumni event in London. His efforts ensured that the event was an outstanding success and he is now working on the second annual reception.
2006 Arbor Award Recipients
Larry Banack is a tireless supporter of the Faculty of Law. Recently, Larry was the lead volunteer for his class' 30th anniversary reunion. His efforts allowed a group of extraordinary alumni to reconnect with their alma mater and share memories of their student days. As a long-serving Bencher of the Law Society and Chair of the Law Foundation of Ontario, the 1975 graduate has done much to advance and strengthen legal knowledge and education at all of the law schools across the province.
Joseph Cheng is counsel with the Department of Justice Canada in Toronto. A 2000 graduate of the Faculty of Law, he consistently and energetically donates time to the law school. Joseph is a member of the Law Alumni Association Council, and served on his class' five-year Reunion Committee. He regularly speaks at Career Development events and has participated in equity outreach initiatives at the faculty. Most recently, Joseph addressed the graduating class at Convocation and encouraged the new grads to use their legal education to advance the public interest.
A 1957 graduate in electrical engineering and a 1960 law grad, Ted Donegan has made a transformative gift to U of T. Ted endowed two scholarships - one in engineering and one in law - that enable top students from Canadian engineering schools to enter law at U of T. Ted wants other students to enjoy what he had: a U of T education free of debt. As well, the gift will help fund the construction of a proposed conference centre at the Faculty of Law and a Study and Design Space at the Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering.
Before entering the public service and serving as a Member of Parliament for 13 years, the Hon. William Graham, currently the Interim Leader of the Liberal Party, taught at the Faculty of Law and pioneered the international law program. Since launching his successful career in government, the 1964 graduate has acted as an ambassador and advocate for U of T's law school, giving public lectures, addressing student groups and acting as an adviser to the dean on the International Law Program. In 1999, he helped fund the William C. Graham Chair in International Law and Development.
2005 Arbor Award Recipients
Prior to joining Cineplex Odeon, Allen Karp was a partner with Goodman and Carr. He has spent the last 20 years at Cineplex in various positions including President and CEO and Chairman and CEO. Mr. Karp served on the Faculty's Strategic Development Board from 1998 to 2002.
The Honourable Edward M. Roberts, now the eleventh Lieutenant Governor of Newfoundland & Labrador, has a long history with the University of Toronto and the Faculty of Law. Recently, he hosted a weekend retreat for 17 alumni from the class of 1964.
Recipient James (Jim) McCartney, a Toronto lawyer for McCarthy Tétrault LLP, has made generous contributions to the McCarthy Tétrault Electronic Classroom at the Faculty of Law, the Bora Laskin Law Library, and the Class of 1964's 40th anniversary reunion last year.
Gallant Yiu-tai Ho, founder and owner of the Hong Kong law firm, Gallant Y. T. Ho & Company, has established a number of bursaries at the law school to assist students in need, including the Walter R. Stevenson Bursary to honour friend and former classmate John Stevenson '68.
(L - R): 2005 Arbor Awards recipients in law, Allen Karp ’64, Mr.Gallant Yiu-tai Ho, and Jim McCartney ’64. Not pictured, Edward Roberts ’64.
2004 Arbor Award Recipients
Peter Brauti ('96) has provided outstanding service to the Faculty of Law since graduating in 1996. For the past seven years, he has been an instructor in the Trial Advocacy course where students learn the art of witness examination and cross-examination. Mr. Brauti has served as a member of the Law Alumni Association Council since 2001. He takes time out of his extremely busy criminal law practice to volunteer for law school events, and recently acted as a speaker for a panel hosted by the Career Development Office on "Career Transitions for Alumni".
Sally Bryant ('94), didn't follow a traditional career path but rather enrolled in law school in her forties after a successful career in the education and real estate development sectors. After her graduation in 1994, Ms. Bryant joined McCarthy Tétrault where she practices in the areas of medical malpractice and professional discipline. Her involvement in the law school includes providing extraordinary mentorship and counseling to mature students. Ms. Bryant also sits on the "Second-Career Lawyers" panel hosted annually by the Career Development Office.
John B. Laskin ('76), has provided significant support and advice to the law school administration on a range of issues. Since 1998, Mr. Laskin has served as a member of the Law Alumni Association Council and its efforts to reach out to law graduates. He played an important role in the establishment of a Breakfast Speakers' Lecture Series. In addition, Mr. Laskin served as the chair for the 25th reunion for his class.
2003 Arbor Award Recipients
Melissa J. Kennedy '87
Melissa Kennedy has served as an adjunct faculty member at the Law School since 1998. With The Hon. John W. Morden '59, she teaches a course in Advanced Civil Procedure, which focuses on the motions, trials, and appeals related to civil proceedings in Ontario. The Law School's proximity to Toronto's downtown commercial core and Federal and Provincial courts makes it possible for leading members of the bar to make a significant contribution to the teaching program. These adjunct faculty members offer students valuable insights from the world of legal practice, as well as a sense of professional responsibility. In addition to this role, Melissa has also been a member of her Class of 1987 Reunion Committee, serving as a class co-chair in 1992 and working as a committee member in 2002.
Frank N. S. Marrocco '70
A long-time supporter of the University of Toronto through his commitment to both St. Michael's College and the Faculty of Law, Frank Marrocco has served the university community with distinction as a member of the University of Toronto Tribunal since 1982. The Tribunal considers cases relating to both academic issues through the Code of Behaviour on Academic Matters and non-academic issues through the Code of Student Conduct. Frank Marrocco is a Co-Chair of the Tribunal and serves as a Presiding Chair in matters in trial-level cases. In 2002, in addition to his work as Co-Chair of the Tribunal, Frank Marrocco was appointed by the senior chair of the Tribunal to serve as a hearing officer, where he heard a case relating to the Code of Student Conduct.
Laleh Moshiri '92
For the past three years, Laleh Moshiri has been a leader among graduates of the Faculty of Law in providing resources to support events in the area of women and the law. Her involvement began in 2000 when the Catalyst study was released, detailing the stresses women lawyers face balancing home and professional responsibilities. Laleh was instrumental in funding a student launch of the study, organized through the Career Development Office at the Law School, and for making copies of the study available for students. Since then, she has assisted in annual events focusing on women in the law through the CDO. On a personal level, Laleh has provided one-on-one mentoring for students identified through the Career Development Office as facing particular challenges. The Award is in recognition of Laleh's willingness to provide extraordinary mentoring and information to our students.
J. Scott Wilkie '80
A long-time supporter of the Faculty of Law, Scott Wilkie has served as an adjunct faculty member since 1999. Former chair of the National Tax Section of the Canadian Bar Association, Scott has taught International Taxation at the Faculty. The course reflects the Law School's increasing emphasis on globalization, and considers the techniques and structures used by internationally-oriented Canadian businesses for the conduct of business and financing in foreign jurisdictions. Adjunct faculty members bring their expertise in particular areas, as well as their experience as advocates, negotiators, drafters, policy-makers, and adjudicators, to the courses they teach and their practical experience in an invaluable addition to the academic program at the Law School. In addition, Scott has been an active and engaged alumnus, and has lent his support and encouragement to a number of different initatives at the Faculty.
John and Mary A. Yaremko
The contributions of John Yaremko to the University of Toronto began with his first days as a student in the Honours Law program at University College in the late 1930s. An unwavering advocate of the importance of education, Mr. Yaremko entered the public service in 1951 as a representative in the Ontario Legislature for Bellwoods Riding. His tenure as a public servant lasted for more than 23 years, and his was a strong voice in the cabinets of Frost, Robarts, and Davis for human rights and multiculturalism. This commitment led John and his wife, Mary, to establish the John and Mary A. Yaremko Program in Multiculturalism and Human Rights at the Faculty of Law in 2002. The program supports an annual forum that brings scholars and teachers to the Law School to engage the community in vital discussion about the core concepts underlying our sense of ourselves as Canadians: pluralism, multiculturalism, and inclusion. In addition to the Yaremko Program, the couple has established the Yaremko Leadership Award and the Yaremko Opportunity Award at the Law School.
2002 Arbor Award Recipients
Raj K. Anand '78: A distinguished practitioner in the areas of civil litigation and human rights, Raj Anand has been a member of the LAA Council since 1995, currently serving as Treasurer. Recipient of the 1978 Dean’s Key, he has spoken to students about his career at a Dean’s Leadership Luncheon. Raj was invited to join a select group of alumni who met with an external review committee to assess the performance of the Faculty relating to its academic mission.
Erminia (Emi) R. Bossio '96: Erminia Bossio is a key member of the Calgary chapter of the Law Alumni Association. She worked with fellow graduates to organize the 2001 Calgary Alumni dinner with Supreme Court Justice and former Dean of the Law School, The Hon. Frank Iacobucci. The success of the regional chapters of the LAA rests in large measure on the commitment of local alumni who maintain strong ties both with the Faculty and with their colleagues in their home communities.
Kirby Chown '79: Through her service with the LAA Council, Kirby Chown has helped to shape the direction of the Faculty. As President of the Council and a staunch supporter of the recent task force report on the future of the Law School, she spearheaded a process to ensure that all Council members were thoroughly informed about the plan. A partner at McCarthy Tetrault, Kirby was instrumental in securing the firm’s commitment to establish a state-of-the-art classroom at the Law School.
Hubert J. Stitt, Q.C. '57: The epitome of the lawyer-statesman, Bert Stitt has sought to advance the law and to educate others in the profession. A pioneer in the field of international law, he introduced a course at the Faculty that invited leading foreign lawyers to speak to his classes about their countries’ legal regimes. A dedicated member of the LAA Council, Bert devoted considerable time and energy to the Law School’s 50th Anniversary celebrations. His contributions to the Faculty and the legal community are legion.
Lianne Tysowski '94: After graduating from the Faculty in 1994, Lianne Tysowski established her career in Calgary where she became a dedicated member of the Calgary Chapter of the LAA, maintaining strong ties with both the Law School and her fellow graduates. Working with Molly Naber-Sykes and Emi Bossio, Lianne was instrumental in organizing the memorable 2001 Calgary Alumni Dinner with Supreme Court Justice and former Dean of the Law School, The Hon. Frank Iacobucci and more than 30 alumni and guests.
2001 Arbor Award Recipients
Michael A. Code, LL.B. '76, LL.M. '91: The Faculty of Law has been fortunate over the years to count Michael Code among its superb adjunct faculty. An esteemed member of the Toronto Criminal Law Bar Association, Michael has inspired many students to pursue careers in criminal law. His course on criminal law is consistently ranked as one of the most popular at the faculty. Students speak fondly of his encyclopedic knowledge of the law and his commitment to the rights of the accused and to principles of procedural fairness.
Madam Justice Bonnie Croll '77: Bonnie Croll has made a lasting impact on student services at the Faculty of Law during her many years of professional and volunteer service. Her many achievements include the development of a comprehensive financial aid scheme, the creation of a Career Development Office, and the establishment of a national pro bono Program and Public Interest Advocacy Summer Fellowship Program. Since her departure in 2000, she has maintained a close relationship with the Faculty and continues to serve on the Law Alumni Association Council.
Julie K. Hannaford '83: Described as "an extraordinary coach and mentor," Julie Hannaford has for years coordinated the popular trial advocacy course at the Faculty of Law. As a result of her efforts, students have graduated from the law school secure in the knowledge that they are well prepared to appear in court. Julie is known for her dedication, her passion for teaching, and her commitment to her students, many of whom have gone on to win prestigious advocacy competitions at the faculty.
Jeremy A. Oliver '86: The Faculty of Law and extended alumni community were deeply saddened by the untimely death of Jeremy Oliver in May 2001. Jeremy was a dedicated and tireless supporter of the Faculty. He was a key advisor in the early years of the Faculty's Career Development Office and provided leadership and guidance to students in search of career opportunities. "The Art of the Deal," a course he taught at the Faculty, was a perennial favourite among students.
Arbor Awards 1989 to 2000
| 2000 | Mr. Justice Stephen T. Goudge '68
Markus Koehnen '85
William C. McDowell '86
The Hon. David R. Peterson '67
Hart Martin Pomerantz '65
Joanne D. Rosen '86
Janet H. Stubbs '69 |
| 1999 | Melanie L. Aitken '91
John A. Campion '72
Jeremy J. Devereux '92
Patricia D.S. Jackson '77
C. Anthony Keith '60
Brian M. Levitt '73
Janet E. Minor '73
Molly F. Naber-Sykes '83
Ann A. Peel '87
Stephen C. Smith '74 |
| 1998 | Terence Dalgleish '75
Virginia L. Davies '79
Clay B. Horner '83
Kenneth G. Ottenbreit '83
Les M. Viner '81
Brian C. Westlake '65 |
| 1997 | S. Margot Blight '87
Josef R.C. Cermak '58
Margaret L. Leighton '87
James D. Scarlett '81 |
| 1996 | James C. Baillie '61
John W. Macdonald '60 |
| 1995 | Madam Justice Rosalie S. Abella '70
The Hon. Edwin A. Goodman '40
The Hon. Horace Krever '54
Mr. Justice John W. Morden '59
Paul D. Paton '92
Arthur D. Wilson '90 |
| 1994 | Donald S. Affleck '64
Mr. Justice Robert P. Armstrong '65
J. Bruce Dunlop '54
Mr. Justice John I. Laskin '69
Clifford Lax '68 |
| 1993 | Jack H. Batten '57
Marie T. Huxter '68
William J. Stewart '50
James G. Ware '68 |
| 1992 | Frederick Ka Chong Kan '67
William J.H. Ostrander '80
Lionel H. Schipper, O.C. '56 |
| 1991 | The Hon. Tony P. Clement '86
J. Trevor Eyton '60
George A. Fallis '53
Madam Justice Kathryn N. Feldman '73
David R. McCarthy Jr. '84
Mr. Justice Michael J. Moldaver '71
Brian A. Schnurr '72 |
| 1990 | Robert A. Donaldson '64
John F. Petch '63
John H. Switzer '58
Ann E. Wilson '75 |
| 1989 | John D. Gilfillan '66
Richard B. Potter '65 |
