Congratulations to all of the 2024-2025 award winners!
On this page:
Principal’s Service Awards for Excellence
Dina Moreira, Academic HR Manager
Since joining UTM, Dina has played a pivotal role in shaping and strengthening the Academic HR portfolio. Her leadership, dedication, and innovation have elevated the quality of service provided to faculty, chairs, and academic departments across campus.
Dina is widely recognized for her strategic thinking and has developed tools and workflows for enhanced efficiency, transparency, and sustainability. Her initiatives—such as the Chair/Director handbook, orientation programs, and drop-in workshops—have significantly improved onboarding and support for academic leaders.
A champion of equity, diversity, and inclusion, Dina has led efforts to diversify hiring practices, reduce bias in academic processes, and foster inclusive environments. Her collaboration with the Toronto Initiative for Diversity and Excellence (TIDE) has brought impactful training to UTM, reinforcing the university’s commitment to inclusive excellence. Colleagues describe Dina as a generous mentor, a trusted advisor, and a tireless advocate for faculty and staff.
Elizabeth Martin, Director of Accessibility Services
Liz has been a transformative leader in advancing accessibility, equity, and inclusion across our campus. She was the first staff member of Accessibility Services, and now leads a thriving team of 21 full-time staff, 40 student staff, and 800 volunteers, supporting more than 2,000 students with disabilities.
Liz’s leadership is defined by compassion, innovation, and a deep commitment to human rights. Her efforts have resulted in consistently high student satisfaction and meaningful institutional change.
Colleagues and students alike speak of her profound impact. One staff member noted that Liz “created an environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered,” while a former student described her influence as “life-changing,” crediting Liz’s leadership with helping them embrace their disability and thrive academically.
Principal’s Staff Awards
Advancing Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Black Alumni Mentorship Program Team
Launched in Winter 2024, the Black Alumni Mentorship Program was developed in response to recommendations from University of Toronto’s Anti-Black Racism Task Force Report. The program provides black-identifying UTM students with meaningful mentorship opportunities, connecting them with experienced UTM alumni in fields aligned with their career aspirations. In its first year, the program matched 14 students with 12 alumni mentors, expanding in 2025 to support 17 student mentees and 15 alumni mentors.
Through mentorship, workshops, and community-building events, the program has fostered a supportive and empowering space for Black students to explore career pathways, build networks, and develop leadership skills.
The team’s work has made a lasting impact on the student experience and continues to build a vibrant, connected Black student and alumni community.
The Black Alumni Mentorship Program team includes:
- Melissa Heide (Alumni Engagement Officer, Office of Advancement)
- Tara Clemens (Alumni Engagement Officer; Office of Advancement, pictured left)
- Sheri Browne (Assistant Director, Career Development; Career Centre)
- Martin Kengo (Manager, Black Initiatives, Office of the Vice-President & Principal, pictured middle)
- Cameron Walker (Supervisor, Community Mentorship; Centre for Student Engagement, pictured right)
The Temporary Black Student Space project team includes Cloveth Smith and Steven Suraci.
Temporary Black Student Space Team
This team demonstrated exceptional leadership in creating a temporary dedicated space for Black students at UTM. Their initiative transformed KN 127 into a welcoming and inclusive environment that supported over 950 Black students and more than 10 Black student-led groups. This space became a hub for mentorship, academic collaboration, cultural celebration, and community building — laying the foundation for the establishment of the permanent Centre for Black Excellence and Belonging (CBEB).
Cloveth and Steven, under the leadership of the Chair of Management, Tanjim Hossain, played a hands-on role in setting up and maintaining the space, but the impact of their work extends beyond the physical space. By championing equity and inclusion, they have inspired change and strengthened intercultural understanding across campus.
Creativity & Innovation
Santino Pannozzo, Media Technician
Since joining UTM, Santino has transformed the media production landscape within the Institute of Communication, Culture, Information, and Technology (ICCIT). His technical expertise, creative problem-solving, and collaborative spirit have elevated both teaching and learning experiences across the department. From designing and managing ICCIT’s media labs to supporting faculty with emerging technologies, Santino has consistently gone above and beyond to foster innovation.
Santino’s contributions include the development of a centralized equipment inventory system, enabling efficient access to professional hardware for students and faculty. Faculty and students alike praise his ability to translate complex technical concepts into accessible learning experiences.
He is described as a mentor, collaborator, and problem-solver whose impact extends far beyond his job description.
Emerging Leadership
Veronica Marchuk, Health Education Coordinator
Veronica’s student wellness programming, including creating an inclusive and welcoming environment in the Wellness Den and the revitalization of the Health & Counselling Centre (HCC)'s Peer Wellness Ambassador program, has transformed the student experience. Veronica’s leadership style is rooted in empathy, strategic thinking, and a deep commitment to mentorship.
Her coordination of events such as the emBODY Wellness Expo and Be Well initiatives has exceeded expectations, creating immersive and supportive environments for student growth. Veronica exemplifies the qualities of an emerging leader — visionary, collaborative, and deeply committed to the UTM community.
Martin Kengo, Manager, Black Initiatives
Martin’s leadership has been transformative in advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion across campus. One of his notable achievements is the creation and implementation of the Black Flourishing Framework which has helped to advance policies and practices that support the academic, professional and personal success of Black staff and students. He has established spaces for intentional dialogue and community building through his coordination of initiatives such as the Black Student Space, Black History Month celebrations, and the Black Flourishing Summit.
His collaborative approach, strategic advocacy, and commitment to community-building have elevated Black voices and fostered a culture of belonging.
Martin leads with empathy, vision, and integrity. His mentorship, policy development, and dedication to inclusive excellence have positioned him as a rising leader whose influence extends far beyond his formal role.
Enhancing the UTM Experience (The Karen Thiffault Award)
Shane Chan, Assistant Supervisor for Information & Loans
Often working behind the scenes at the UTM Library, Shane applies a user-centered approach to team development and service enhancement efforts. As supervisor of over 20 Student Library Assistants (SLAs), Shane has built a rigorous training program that emphasizes proactive customer service, professionalism, and compassion.
Shane’s contributions span operations, technology, and community engagement. He also led the implementation of an automated public announcement system, amplifying diverse voices and freeing staff to focus on patron support.
His leadership in initiatives like Food for Fines and the integration of multiple student roles into a single, enriched position demonstrates his commitment to innovation and student development. Colleagues describe Shane as humble, thoughtful, and deeply committed to service. His work has inspired students to pursue careers in librarianship and has elevated the UTM Library as a model of excellence in service and community engagement.
Master of Management of Innovation (MMI) Program Staff
Afrodite Cruz, Recruitment, Placement and Employer Relations Manager and Beate Ensminger, Program Coordinator, have demonstrated exceptional dedication to student success, program innovation and community building. Their work spans the full student journey—from recruitment and professional development to internship placement, alumni engagement, and beyond.
Through their work, the MMI program has developed tailored professional development sessions, built industry partnerships, and launched the innovative “Product Management by Design” course. They have provided strategic program management, are exceptional in their responsiveness to student needs, and propose forward-thinking ideas.
Together, they have created a supportive and inclusive environment that fosters student confidence, career growth, and community engagement. Their efforts have been praised by students, alumni, faculty, and external reviewers, who noted that the success of the MMI program is deeply rooted in their commitment and care.
The administrative team behind the Master of Management of Innovation (MMI) program includes Afrodite Cruz and Beate Ensminger.
Leadership
Duncan Hill, Department Manager
Duncan’s outstanding contributions have been described as profoundly enriching both the department of Historical Studies and the UTM community. He is praised for his visionary leadership, problem-solving, and strategic planning, unwavering commitment to community and professional development and for fostering consensus and team empowerment.
Among his many accomplishments, Duncan’s leadership reshaped the department’s governance – through his introduction of Program Directors for each program in the department. This has enhanced collaboration, transparency and efficiency across the academic programs in the department. Duncan has also been instrumental in navigating complex budgets to ensure essential resources are secured for faculty members.
Colleagues describe him as “a gentle, highly approachable and positive leader” whose open-door policy fosters trust and collaboration. By prioritizing inclusivity and shared decision‐making, he nurtures a workplace where collaboration thrives, and solutions emerge through collective effort.
Jeff Espie, Director, Strategy & Brand Integration
Jeff’s leadership is defined by his strategic thinking, collaborative spirit, and exceptional ability to build relationships across campus. He is described as a storyteller and story-builder, whose deep understanding of university history, policy and governance allows him to craft materials that provide a clear sense of purpose, vision and mission for his colleagues and ensures UTM is recognized as an integral part of the University.
Jeff’s impact is far-reaching.He has supported the transition of new leaders, guided strategic planning sessions, and helped departments align their messaging with institutional goals. His work with the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Office (EDIO) transformed complex anti-racism reports into an accessible framework, enabling campus-wide engagement and action. He has demonstrated a deep commitment to supporting some of the University’s most important work including the UTM’s response to the Anti-Black Racism Report.
Colleagues describe Jeff as a generous mentor and trusted advisor. His support has empowered others to grow in their careers. Jeff’s ability to unite people around a shared vision and elevate their contributions makes him an exceptional leader.
Sustainability/Green Initiatives
Meagan White, Senior HR Advisor
Meagan is passionate and dedicated to sustainability, not just in the workplace but outside work and in the community. As co-lead of the HR office’s participation in the Sustainable Change Office Program, she championed initiatives that earned the department Platinum status — the only UTM office to achieve this distinction in 2024. Some of the initiatives under the program include organizing clothing, toy, and book swaps, introducing electronic waste drives, introducing proper waste sorting bins, launching “Meatless Mondays” and promoting energy conservation and regularly sharing information to raise awareness and encourage sustainable practices.
Meagan’s ability to inspire change, model sustainable behaviors, and build a culture of environmental stewardship exemplifies the spirit of this award.
Operations, Sustainability, and Asset Management (OSAM) Leadership Team
This exceptional group has demonstrated a deep and sustained commitment to advancing UTM’s Sustainability Strategic Plan and Climate Positive goals. Their collaborative efforts have integrated sustainability into every facet of campus operation, setting a high standard for environmental stewardship.
Their work has championed biodiversity, emissions reduction and waste management practices through initiatives such as electric landscaping equipment, pollinator gardens, and reduced road salt usage. The team has also significantly contributed to protecting natural habitats and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The team's efforts support UTM’s transition to clean energy. Their work has resulted in measurable energy savings and plays a vital role towards reaching UTM’s 2030 Climate Positive targets.
The OSAM Leadership team includes:
- Rob Eidukaitis, Senior Manager ‐ Grounds and Property Management
- Sameem Shah, Senior Manager ‐Infrastructure & Asset Management
- Kuldeep Gangireddy, Senior Manager, Caretaking & Waste Management
- Kranti Sharma, Senior Manager, Utilities Services and Chief Operating Engineer