The Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education at the University of Toronto recently celebrated its students’ academic achievements and recognized the donors who supported their success.
Student award recipients waiting to hear their names called out
Professor Gretchen Kerr, dean of KPE, welcomed the honoured students, cheered on by their family and friends, saying that, as an alumna, she knows first-hand the hard work and dedication that goes into being a student at U of T - Canada’s most prestigious and academically rigorous higher education institution.
“It’s not easy to balance your studies and extra-curricular activities with your home life, social life and, in some cases, employment,” said Kerr, “but you manage to pull it off with incredible grace.
“Your hard work and perseverance will serve you well as you continue your studies - and well after you graduate.”
Students mingled and posed for pictures before the start of the award ceremony.
Professor Michael Atkinson, acting associate dean of graduate education, introduced the graduate student award recipients and said they reflect the Faculty’s commitment to developing, advancing and disseminating knowledge about the links between physical activity and health.
“You excel in the classroom and you go above and beyond through co-curricular activities here on campus, and volunteer work in your communities,” he said.
Madison Klaas, a first-year student in the Master of Kinesiology program, was awarded with a graduate fellowship for research in health and physical activity, presented to a student on the basis of academics, publications, presentations and research.
Klaas was nominated by her supervisor, Professor Kelly Arbour-Nicitopoulos, who specializes in physical activity and disability, and runs the ADAPT lab for accessible and inclusive physical activity at KPE.
“Coming into my first year of a master’s program at U of T and receiving this recognition is truly inspiring and makes me want to dedicate myself even more to research in this field,” said Klaas, who already has practical experience supporting children with disabilities in the Oshawa region and did a research practicum on the subject as an undergraduate student at Ontario Tech University.
Professor Catherine Amara, associate dean of undergraduate education, with help from Terry Gardiner, the Faculty’s director of equity, diversity and inclusion, introduced the undergraduate student award winners.
“One of the greatest pleasures of my role as associate dean of undergraduate education at KPE is to observe undergraduate students grow, both academically and personally, with each new year,” said Amara.
Arya Poorchavoshzadeh, a fourth year undergraduate student at KPE, was honoured with the Kirk Wipper Leadership Award. The award, named after the late Professor Emeritus Kirk A.W. Wipper, is presented to a student with demonstrated leadership skills and concern for the natural environment.
Wipper, considered a giant in the field of outdoor education, developed and led the Faculty’s outdoor projects for many years and founded the Kanawa International Museum of Canoes and Kayaks.
“I won an award last year and then again this year, and being recognized in this way really serves to push me to continue to go after my passions and achieve more for myself and the community,” said Poorchavoshzadeh, who plans to continue his education in the University’s occupational therapy graduate program when he graduates.
Proud parents snapped many pictures of their award winning students.
Students were awarded for their marks, publications, presentations, research and dedication to a broad range of kinesiology-related matters, from advancing women’s health to sport advocacy to defence sciences to high performance sport.
“The impressive number of award recipients is a testament to our students’ achievements and our donors’ generosity,” said Kerr. “It speaks to a culture of excellence and giving that’s deeply ingrained in our Faculty.
“When you graduate, we hope that you will continue the tradition of supporting the Faculty.”