I am pleased to announce we have launched the 2026 Ludwik & Estelle Jus Memorial Human Rights Prize—part of the broader University of Toronto Awards of Excellence (AWEX) program.
The prize recognizes exceptional contributions by administrative staff, librarians, faculty members, and students for their scholarship, personal service to others, and/or activities in support of the University of Toronto’s commitment to human rights and equity, diversity, and inclusion.
The award was established in 1995 in memory of two Polish educators who risked their lives during the Holocaust to rescue Jewish people. Ludwik & Estelle Jus believed deeply in the moral value of human beings, irrespective of race, nationality, class, or religion.
Nominations can be made in one of two categories:
- Emerging Leader – presented to a current student or administrative staff member who has consistently made positive and lasting contributions in the areas of scholarship, service to others, and / or action against discrimination; and
- Influential Leader – presented to a faculty member, librarian, or administrative staff member who has consistently made positive and lasting contributions in the areas of scholarship, service to others, and / or action against discrimination.
Any member of the University of Toronto community can nominate another member of the University community.
I encourage you to review the nomination details and nominate deserving candidates for the prize.
Nomination Details
Nominations can be submitted to the Employee Recognition & Engagement Team until 5:00 p.m. on Friday, December 19, 2025.
The AWEX website provides complete details about both prize categories, including program criteria, eligibility and submission guidelines, and the nomination form.