'A great honour, bestowed’: Here are OISE’s Arbor Award winners for 2025
The 2025 Arbor Awards, , has been bestowed onto seven alumni and friends of the 91ֱ.
Our recipients, who have taken on leadership roles at OISE and beyond, are being recognized for their outstanding volunteer service to the University. Created in 1989, the University annually acknowledges the alumni and friends whose loyalty, dedication and generosity have added substantially to the quality of the University of Toronto experience for students, faculty, staff and alumni.
“I’m so pleased to recognize this year’s award winners,” said Professor Creso Sá, Acting Dean of OISE. “They’ve shown outstanding leadership through the time and care they’ve given to others, and their volunteer contributions have made a lasting difference in our community. They set a wonderful example for their peers and for future students and alumni. Congratulations to each of them.”
The OISE Alumni and Friends community is a diverse network of professionals, leaders and changemakers who are making an impact in the world of education and beyond. With about 100,000 alumni worldwide, many of them work adjacently to education locally, nationally, and globally.
“Their service to our community helps OISE deliver on its academic and institutional missions to prepare students for the challenges of our world,” says Sim Kapoor, Director of OISE’s Office of Advancement, Communications, and External Relations. “We are extremely grateful to be working with some incredible leaders, and especially this wonderful crop of Arbor winners – they are invested in our collective future.”
“I send my heartfelt congratulations to Liliana, Henry and Gina for being bestowed an Arbor Award.”
To celebrate our winners, we share below their official Arbor Award citation, our thoughts, and we have also asked our winners the following:
- What does it mean to receive this Arbor Award?
- Why was it important to volunteer as an OISE alumni?
- How do you want to instill a volunteer spirit at OISE and beyond?
Alice Bhyat
Dr. Bhyat has supported graduate students for over five years as part of the expansive mentorship program at the 91ֱ. Along with her generous contributions as a mentor, Alice demonstrates her ongoing dedication to the program by attending and engaging in professional development sub-events. In 2023, her commitment to OISE deepened further as she joined the alumni association, diligently serving at all quarterly meetings as a member at large.
What does it mean to receive this Arbor Award?
It has been an incredible and unexpected honour to receive the Arbor Award. It is also very humbling to know that the work that I and so many volunteers do is recognised and appreciated.
Why was it important to volunteer as an OISE alumni?
It is important to volunteer at OISE to provide support to students working on Masters and PhD degrees. It is about making connections with students, helping them navigate the system, being a cheerleader for them and pointing them in the direction of resources and people who could help them answer their questions that I may not have answers for. It is important to support and nurture learners who may be potential future educator/learners.
How do you want to instill a volunteer spirit at OISE and beyond?
In order to instill a volunteer spirit, I would take every chance I have to speak to groups to let them know how rewarding it is to volunteer, how it may open career possibilities, open doors and make social connections. I want to emphasise the critical importance of collective selfless giving to further social good.
Dan Bowyer
Dan's volunteer impact at U of T spans decades and campuses. At the 91ֱ, he is a mentor and member at large of the alumni association and represents OISE on the College of Electors. Dan is also a longtime supporter of U of T Scarborough, serving as a mentor, member of campus council and director of UTSC’s alumni association. Across all these roles, Dan is generous with his ideas, time and energy, making a powerful difference for our community.
What does it mean to receive this Arbor Award?
Receiving the Arbor Award is for me the pinnacle of recognition for everything one does and will continue to do for the University of Toronto. The Award was unexpected and most humbling, while the ceremony itself exemplifies the overarching collegiality of our Alma Mater.
Why was it important to volunteer as an OISE alumni?
I volunteered at U of T when I was an undergraduate. Five decades later, now that I have more of an opportunity, I gladly take on a multitude of roles as a means of giving back for all that I have received over the years from U of T.
How do you want to instill a volunteer spirit at OISE and beyond?
Currently, I am the 2026 OISE ‘Giving Day Ambassador’, a member of the OISE Alumni Board and I represent OISE on the College of Electors. As well, I mentor OISE and UTSC students, having them join me for governance meetings across tri-campus locations. I strive to lead by example and to impart to others this measured responsibility towards our great institution.
Daniel Parmar
Captain Dr. Parmar served for three years as a mentor at the 91ֱ, helping guide graduate students interested in professional health education. In his role as an Operational Flight Surgeon and General Duty Medical Officer for the Canadian Armed Forces, Dr. Parmar experienced tremendous demands during the pandemic. Nonetheless, in a reflection of his commitment to OISE, he joined the OISE Alumni Association during the outset of the crisis, providing valuable support that continues with his participation in quarterly meetings.
What does it mean to you to receive the Arbor Award?
To receive the Arbor Award is a deeply humbling experience. To me, it represents the vital intersection of professional practice and community stewardship. As someone whose career is rooted in both medicine and education, I view this award not just as an individual honor, but as a testament to the idea that our responsibility to our alma mater doesn't end at graduation—it evolves into a lifelong commitment to the institutions that shaped us.
Why was it important for you to volunteer as an OISE alumnus?
OISE provided me with a unique pedagogical lens that has been indispensable in my medical and leadership roles. I volunteered because I believe that the strength of an academic community is sustained by the bridge between theory and practice. By staying engaged, I’ve been able to give back to a community that gave me the tools to educate others, ensuring that current students see the broad, real-world impact an OISE degree can have across diverse fields.
How do you want to instill a volunteer spirit at OISE and beyond?
My goal is to demonstrate that service is not a "side project," but a core component of professional leadership. I hope to inspire fellow alumni to recognize that even small contributions—be it mentoring a student or offering a guest perspective—can have a massive ripple effect. By leading with empathy and staying connected to our roots, we can ensure that the spirit of service remains a hallmark of the OISE legacy for years to come.
Dr. Megan Pearson
Dr. Pearson’s exceptional leadership has helped define and elevate the Dr. Eric Jackman Institute of Child Study Lab School, which is part of the 91ֱ. As president of the Parents’ Association, Megan has worked closely with school administration to increase transparency, enhance parent engagement, and champion initiatives that reflect and support the school's socio-economic diversity. Her lasting impact on the Jackman Institute community has set a strong foundation for parent involvement and advocacy.
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Receiving the Arbor Award was an unexpected and deeply meaningful honour. I’ve engaged in this work because I believe in the power of local, community‑based initiatives; but having my contributions acknowledged by such a large and diverse community affirmed how quiet, sustained efforts can ripple outward. Standing alongside other recipients underscored the collective nature of this work and the importance of keeping our efforts grounded in listening, partnership, and accountability. In my ongoing collaboration with the Parents’ Association and school leadership, we’ve advanced transparency, broadened parent participation, and upheld initiatives that reflect and support the socio‑economic diversity of our community—work that continues to confront systemic barriers affecting access, belonging, and representation in educational spaces.
Volunteering as an OISE alum is a natural extension of my long-standing relationship with the Dr. Eric Jackman Institute for Child Study, where I first began as an undergraduate Work Study student; it’s a way to support and enhance programs and people who shaped my early academic life while contributing to ensuring that future students benefit from the same vibrant environment. To instill a volunteer spirit at OISE and beyond, I try to model the many ways people can contribute and to celebrate the diverse forms that service can take. Elevating stories of volunteers and allies and drawing inspiration from leaders who champion economic inclusion and opportunities for historically underrepresented communities, helps sustain a culture of service and keeps equity at the centre of our shared work.
Dr. Glen Sharpe
Dr. Sharpe is a highly dedicated mentor at the 91ֱ. He has served in the OISE Mentorship Program since 2020, including one year serving as a mentor coach, working with peers to improve their mentoring skills. While he has resumed directly mentoring students, Glen continues to coach on an ad hoc basis. Beyond mentorship, Glen is also an excellent online ambassador for OISE, amplifying social media content and promoting events and other initiatives.
What does it mean to receive this Arbor Award?
I have had a long and eventful career and winning the Arbor Award is my greatest honour and achievement. I could not be more proud to be an Arbor Award recipient.
Why was it important to volunteer as an OISE alumni?
I want to do whatever I can to support OISE and its current and former students. I want to promote OISE whenever I can.
How do you want to instill a volunteer spirit at OISE and beyond?
I try to encourage OISE alumnus to remain connected and active in our community and to help current students who may require guidance and mentorship.
Dr. Hyunjung Shin
Dr. Shin has been a highly engaged mentor with the 91ֱ for seven years. In 2023, her involvement deepened as she joined OISE’s alumni association and became Chapter Chair for Korea, helping engage Korean teachers/educators and alumni on behalf of the Institute. Hyunjung’s other valuable contributions include organizing a Korean teacher delegation to visit OISE and representing the institute in Seoul at a president’s reception and presentation. She also delivered a webinar for the Ten Thousand Coffees platform on Compassionate Leadership in an Uncertain Time.
What does it mean to receive this Arbor Award?
I was really pleasantly surprised to receive the award email. This honor holds special significance for me because it affirms the work I care deeply about and reassures me that my priorities are aligned.
Why was it important to volunteer as an OISE alumni?
OISE holds a special place in my heart. I loved my time there, and volunteering is my way of giving back and passing that spirit on to current and future students.
How do you want to instill a volunteer spirit at OISE and beyond?
I want to instill a volunteer spirit by sharing how meaningful service has been in my own life and by strengthening the connection between OISE and the broader community, including alumni. When people see the tangible impact of their time and talents, service feels personal and becomes lasting.
Janina Shuster
Shuster has provided dedicated leadership to the Dr. Eric Jackman Institute of Child Study Lab School, which is part of the 91ֱ. For seven years as a member and Chairperson of the Daycare Board, Janina ensured a nurturing and high-quality environment for children and families. She skillfully guided the board through key transitions, prioritizing the well-being and development of every child, and she has built a legacy of excellence in early childhood education.
What does it mean to receive this Arbor Award?
Learning about the contributions of my fellow Arbor Award recipients crystallized the magnitude and impact of their volunteer work at U of T. Their vision for their community and dedication to this institution is remarkable and I’m honoured to be recognized among them for my work with the Institute of Child Study Afterschool Daycare Board.
Why was it important to volunteer as an OISE alumni?
With a young child who started in the Nursery year at the Dr. Eric Jackman Institute of Child Study (JICS) Lab School, I wanted to support the school and develop deeper ties to the community. With our son in daily aftercare, it made sense to volunteer with the ICS Afterschool Daycare Board. I quickly became passionate about giving back to this wonderful school that so lovingly nurtures and supports the development of each individual student.
At the Arbor Award ceremony, Chancellor Wes Hall shared that a young student had asked “when should one start volunteering?” His answer resonated strongly with me, replying that you’re never too young to start volunteering. It reminded me why I continue to involve my son in volunteer work, emphasizing to him the importance of helping others and giving back to the community.
As my son gets older, I hope he will reflect on my involvement and years of volunteer service with the JICS community. And that he is inspired to support his own community, sharing in the work often only accomplished because of volunteer time and dedication. Today though, he’s more impressed that his mom won an award and shook hands with Wes Hall - he’s twelve after all!
How do you want to instill a volunteer spirit at OISE and beyond?
Volunteering is an unique opportunity to not only to give back to the community, but truly to become a part of the community, to make connections, to support, strengthen, and build on the vision for your Lab School or OISE as a leader in education and child development studies.