York U adds to its prestigious Bryden legacy - - -
Toronto, November 4, 2010 – Nino Ricci, award-winning author and past president of PEN Canada, is one of five York alumni being celebrated for their outstanding contributions and achievements at tonight’s Bryden Alumni Awards at Toronto’s Design Exchange.
“The Bryden recipients inspire us—our York community and Canadians in general—to dream big and work hard. We are extremely proud that they got their start here at York and that they continue to be involved with us,” says James Allan, senior director of York’s Alumni Division.
Ricci will receive the Pinnacle Achievement Award, which is given to a grad whose integrity and outstanding achievements inspire their peers. Beyond his numerous literary achievements, including the Governor General’s Literary Award for Fiction, Ricci is receiving this award for his leadership at PEN Canada as well as his continued involvement with York. Watch the profile video of Nino Ricci
The Redefine the Possible Award will be presented to cosmetics giant Hana Zalzal for demonstrating leadership and success that embodies York's motto, "Redefine the Possible.” Her Toronto-based company, CARGO, is a celebrity-endorsed multi-million dollar company. Her success has been attributed to her focus on innovation and her marketing savvy, notes James Gillies, University Professor Emeritus at York’s Schulich School of Business, where Hana returns regularly as a guest speaker. “It is innovative people such as Ms. Zalzal who will continue to keep Canada strong in the new, competitive world economy,” Gillies says. Watch the profile video of Hana Zalzal
Only one decade into her career, TV reporter Galit Solomon has already earned awards for her work, the deep respect of her colleagues and local acclaim. In addition to her journalistic successes, Solomon has also made an impact on the lives of thousands of people in York Region through her volunteer work raising awareness of sexual violence. It is for her proven talent and early commitment to social responsibility that York has selected Solomon for the One-to-Watch Award. Watch the profile video of Galit Solomon
The Outstanding Contribution Award will be presented to lawyer and philanthropist James Love for his commitment to advancing York University. The vibrancy and richness of York’s biodiversity and conservation research can be attributed to Love’s multi-faceted contributions. He is the top supporter of many York fundraising events including an auction that supports Las Nubes, York’s very own rainforest in Costa Rica. He is also a member of the York University Foundation Board, chair of the Fundraising Committee. Watch the profile video of James Love
Finally, Harriet Lewis, Osgoode Hall Law School graduate and York University Secretary and General Counsel, will receive the Local Hero Award for going above and beyond in her contribution and leadership at the university. Lewis has played a major role in the growth of York over the past 20 years. Her legal counsel has guided nearly every arm of the university. She also leaves a legacy in the literature prizes she has established, in the lasting impact she’s made on successive Board of Governors and Senate chairs, and in the students she has inspired as a guest lecturer. Watch the profile video of Harriet Lewis
About the Bryden Alumni Awards
Every year, York University honours its most outstanding leaders with Bryden Alumni Awards. Inaugurated in 2000, “the Brydens” were inspired by one of York’s great leaders, Bruce Bryden.
A student of York’s first graduating class, Bryden returned to work at York. Over the course of 30 years, he held several prestigious volunteer positions. He was founding president of the York University Alumni Association (1965-1966), Fellow of McLaughlin College (1974) and the first and one of only three alumni ever to chair the Board of Governors, to name just a few of the positions he held. His inspiring commitment and vision helped shape York into the innovative university it is today.
Past recipients of Bryden Awards include: ESPN and ABC basketball commentator Mark Jones (BA ’84); the late Carol Anne Letheren, (BPHE '63, BA '69, MBA '77) Canadian Olympic Association’s former CEO/Secretary General; national affairs journalist Chantal Hébert (BA '76); long-time Cirque du Soleil choreographer Debra Lynne Brown (BFA Spec. Hons. '78); CTV’s Sandie Rinaldo, (BA Hons. Fine arts ’73); president and CEO of Bell Globemedia, Ivan Fecan (BA '01, LLD); and TD Bank executive Bill Hatanaka (BA Hons '77).
What: York University’s Annual Bryden Alumni Awards
Where: Design Exchange, 234 Bay St., Toronto
When: 6:15 pm, Thursday, November 4, 2010
Details: Photo and interview opportunities
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 240,000 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,
York University, Media Relations
(416) 455-4710
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