Youth ‘netizen’ highlights an impressive group of achievers

TORONTO, November 7, 2007 -- Jennifer Corriero, who brings the world's youth together through TakingITGlobal (TIG) -- the online network she co-founded -- is one of five York University alumni who will be recognized for their outstanding contributions and achievements at the annual Bryden Alumni Awards dinner Thursday evening. 

Corriero (BA ’03, MES ’06) began TakingItGlobal.org (TIG) in 1999, and since then it has become a much-honoured international organization built around various online projects.  TIG has active, involved members in over 200 countries, is available in five languages, receives over 1.4 million hits every day, and has been given many awards around the world.  Jennifer has worked as a consultant and advisor on youth strategy for organizations such as Microsoft, Nike, Pollution Probe and the Ontario Science Centre, among others.

Others being honoured with awards include: Karen Kraft Sloan, (MES ’90), passionate environmental voice for Canada and a former member of parliament; Paul Alofs, (MBA ’83), a Canadian leader in both the non-profit and entertainment fields; Maxwell Gotlieb, (BA ’72, LLB ’75, LLM ’97), a three-time York grad who is a respected legal mind and philanthropist; and, Charmaine Courtis, (BA ’72), for her leadership in developing York’s financial assistance and diversity programming.

"The Bryden Awards are a yearly reminder of the significant and varied achievements  York graduates make to the interdisciplinary society in which we live,” said Naguib Gouda (MBA ’84), president of York University’s Alumni Association. "York continues to produce diverse and eclectic leaders who influence all of us through their amazing individual efforts and accomplishments.” 

The Bryden Awards are named after the late Bruce Bryden (BA ’64), founder of the York University Alumni Association (YUAA) and the first alumni Chair of the York University Board of Governors.  The awards recognize a variety of contributions and accomplishments in categories that include:  Redefine the Possible, Outstanding Contribution, The One-to-Watch, Local Hero, and the Pinnacle Achievement.

Past recipients of the Bryden Awards have included: the late Carol Anne Letheren, (BPHE '63, BA '69, MBA '77) former CEO/Secretary General, Canadian Olympic Association, CTV's Sandie Rinaldo, (BA Hons. Fine arts '73); Astronaut Steve MacLean (BSc '77, PhD '83, D.Sc '93); president and CEO of Bell Globemedia, Ivan Fecan (BA '01, LLD); and Ontario Progressive Conservative leader John Tory (LLB '78).

The awards, hosted by CBC Radio's and York alumna Barbara Budd (BA '74), will be presented at a gala dinner Thursday at The Design Exchange.

York University is the leading interdisciplinary research and teaching university in Canada. York offers a modern, academic experience at the undergraduate and graduate level in Toronto, Canada’s most international city. The third largest university in the country, York is host to a dynamic academic community of 50,000 students and 7,000 faculty and staff, as well as 200,000 alumni worldwide. York’s 11 faculties and 24 research centres conduct ambitious, groundbreaking research that is interdisciplinary, cutting across traditional academic boundaries. This distinctive and collaborative approach is preparing students for the future and bringing fresh insights and solutions to real-world challenges. York University is an autonomous, not-for-profit corporation.

 

Contact:

Keith Marnoch

Media Relations

(416) 736-2100 ext. 22091

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