Scholars, a judge, actor, doctor and others celebrated at University College’s Alumni of Influence Awards
By Coby Zucker
Arts & Science students, faculty, alumni and community members came together to recognize remarkable alumni honoured at University College’s 2023/2024 Alumni of Influence awards reception in mid-January.
Each year, a selection committee awards Alumni of Influence (AOI) status to a handful of University College’s most exceptional alumni, highlighting their contributions and worldwide impact, as well as their impact on U of T and their communities.
“Tonight, we are recognizing members of our community who have made noteworthy impact, locally, nationally and internationally,” said Sali Tagliamonte, professor of linguistics and acting principal of UC. “This is an opportunity for all of us to embrace the joy that comes from honouring the journeys of those who have inspired us and to acknowledge what it took to forge those paths.”
Among this year’s cohort of honoured alumni were Maryka Omatsu, the first East Asian woman appointed a judge in Canada; Amir Hussain, an esteemed scholar of religions; Ralph Chou, an expert on solar eclipse eye safety; and more.
“The older you get, the more you hope you've actually done something that's going to leave this world a bit better,” says 2023/2024 AOI winner Dr. Rajiv Singal, who studied at U of T from 1984 to 1990. “It’s nice to be able to do what I do. I’ve been very lucky. And for someone to recognize that work, it’s just a bonus.”
Singal is a urologic surgeon and the surgeon-in-chief at Michael Garron Hospital in Toronto. Since 2016, Singal has worked overseas in Malawi, Kenya, Uganda, Jamaica and China to explore opportunities to build urologic and surgical capacity in the developing world.
Singal’s advice to students and young alumni is to be optimistic, stay curious and recognize the opportunities they are granted to lead, influence change and shape agendas.
Also recognized was Maev Beaty, known for her stage and screen performances for the Stratford Festival, Soulpepper, Crow’s Theatre, Apple TV and CBC, to name a few. Beaty got her start in theatre at UC’s drama program from 1995 to 1999.
“I carry University College with me,” Beaty says. “I don't feel like I graduated and left and came back. I feel like it's part of the story of who I am.”
“The university has so many spectacular resources, so many ways of connecting people, so many gorgeous spaces, and so many support networks.”
The reception also honoured two recipients of the Young Alumni of Influence award. This year’s recipients were Uma Kalkar, who earned her honours bachelor of science in 2020, and Diana Lam, who earned her honours bachelor of science in 2022.
Kalkar is a technologist and policy advisor focusing on global risks associated with emerging technologies such as AI and biotechnology. Lam recently completed her master of teaching at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, researching the impact of stress culture on student mental health. During her time at UC, Lam improved the Commuter Orientation experience and supported Access & Inclusion Peer programs.
“Getting recognized with this award and hearing feedback from others — students I’ve worked with, interacted with — it feels good to know I’m making an impact,” Lam says. “I always want to participate in things that involve students and their lives, their academic journeys.”
Lam, like her fellow award recipient, is actively looking for ways to give back to the community, the college and the university that set her on the path to success.
“I’m always open to opportunities where I can mentor and guide people, give them advice based on my experience,” Lam says. “It fulfills me when I do things like that, and I can help others.”
See the full list of 2023-24 awardees and read their complete biographies.
All photographs by Della Rollins.