We are proud to honour and celebrate the tremendous generosity and contributions of our exceptional and longstanding volunteers. Congratulations to members of the Trinity College community on their 2024 Arbor Awards, the highest honour granted by the University of Toronto to volunteers: Shannon Garden-Smith; Matthew Kieswetter; Ross McKean; Jane Speakman; and Ann Wainwright.
Shannon has been an invaluable part of the Executive Committee for Trinity College’s Alumni Association for six years, including the past two years as president. She is a thoughtful and inclusive leader, with notable achievements during her tenure that include leading valuable efforts to reinvigorate alumni engagement, especially among young alumni, and successfully planning Reunion celebrations after the challenges of the pandemic.
Matthew is a member of the Corporation of Trinity College and, for over six years, an integral part of the Divinity Associates Executive. As president of the executive, Matthew led efforts to broaden alumni outreach, increase engagement, and enhance integration with the Faculty of Divinity. These efforts include expansion beyond the annual conference to include events throughout the year, and creation of a new, targeted newsletter.
Ross is a big part of the success of the John W. Graham Library at Trinity College. For years at the annual book sale, he has busily sorted, priced and displayed, while also taking on literal heavy lifting. Ross has also served for six years on the Friends of the Library executive and, most recently, accepted a challenging new role as a member of the managing committee.
Jane is an extraordinary volunteer who has been giving back to Trinity College for decades. Over the past six years, she has served on the executive committee of Trinity’s alumni association—which is now her third term overall. Jane is also a member of the Corporation and a dedicated representative for her graduating Class of ’78, motivating her classmates to stay connected with each other and contribute to their class bursary.
Ann has been an invaluable, longtime Trinity volunteer in many capacities. Her contributions over decades include serving on Corporation and as an integral member of the ’58 Reunion committee. In addition, she has helped in various roles with the Trinity College Book Sale, including managing the Sports section. Always cheerful and willing to help, Ann embodies the spirit of community that characterizes Trinity College.
U of T Arbor Award recipients are essential to advancing the University of Toronto as one of the world’s great institutions of higher learning and advanced research. These leading members of the U of T community elevate all facets of life at the university, providing volunteer supports that span everything from governance and academic programming to experiential learning and mentorship, among other valuable contributions. We congratulate all 2024 Arbor Award recipients who have given so generously of their time, energy and expertise.
Categories: Alumni; College News; Library News; University of Toronto News