Past Recipients

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:

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.

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.

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.

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 (see www.UofTLaw1975.com). 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.

1989 to 2000

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