The 2020 – 2022 Simcoe Hall Vice-Presidential (SVP) Staff Awards were presented on September 13 at a luncheon at the Faculty Club. Well-attended by three years of SVP Staff Award recipients and their nominators, the luncheon was particularly special for being the first in-person celebration of these awards since the pandemic. 

The SVP Staff Awards recognizes staff working in service of the President’s Office, the Division of the Vice-President & Provost, a Simcoe Hall Vice-Presidential Division, or the Office of the Governing Council who excel in one of the following areas: significant contribution; sustained service of excellence; leading with a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion; or inspirational attitude.  

In her congratulatory remarks, Kelly Hannah-Moffat, the Vice-President of People Strategy, Equity & Culture, acknowledged the range of roles and responsibilities represented by the 2020 – 2022 winners. She noted, “We can appreciate the vast breadth of staff contributions to the University of Toronto, and how vital they are to this institution’s very existence.” Hannah-Moffat thanked all recipients for “everything they have done to make this University a truly exceptional place to study and work.” 

 A selection of the winners in attendance included: 

• Jody Townshend (2020), whose skills in collaborative work and strategy development led to the success of the University’s Boundless campaign expansion. 
• Prasanna Nanayakkara (2021), the lead cook at 89 Chestnut, whose optimism and inspirational attitude positively influenced the moods and outlooks of those around him during the pandemic. 
• Toks Weah (2022), who was a crucial resource to Deans’ offices across the divisions concerning the appointment of academic administrators, interpreting policy, and facilitating appointments. 
• Andrea MK Gill (2022), a true leader at U of T in equity, diversity and inclusion and a strong collaborator across various internal divisions and external sponsors. 

 Award recipients received framed certificates and True Blue points that can be redeemed for items of their own choosing. 

 The full list of  2020 – 2022 SVP Staff Award recipients is available on the SVP Staff Award Site. 

 Nominations for the 2023 SVP Staff Award will open in January 2023. To nominate someone, please visit the Simcoe Hall Vice-Presidential Staff Award site.