Engineering Alumni Medal
First awarded in 1939, the Engineering Alumni Medal is the highest honour awarded by the Engineering Alumni Association. High achievement is the common thread that links past recipients of this medal. In their diverse careers, these individuals have demonstrated superior accomplishments and have responded with flair and excellence to the challenges they have faced. They are outstanding role models for Engineering students.
Arthus S. Slutsky, IndE MASc 7T2
Throughout his illustrious career, Arthur has championed collaborations between engineering and medicine. In particular, he catalyzed research that teamed up U of T’s MIE students with St. Michael’s Hospital, where he is Vice-President, Research.
As a U of T Engineering student, Arthur was fascinated by the human body’s complex system of chemical, biomechanical and other networks. Following his Engineering training, he completed medical school, and subsequently developed expertise in critical care medicine. After serving on faculty at Harvard Medical School, he returned to Canada in 1984, becoming a clinician scientist at Mount Sinai Hospital and U of T. Within four years, he was a full professor of medicine, with cross-appointments in biomedical engineering and surgery.
In 2000, Arthur became St. Michael’s first research executive, transforming it into a world-class research centre. He played a key role in creating the Keenan Research Centre, the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, and the Centre for Research on Inner City Health, a global leader that addresses the health needs of disadvantaged populations — the homeless, those with mental illness and those living with HIV.
Arthur was U of T’s first director of the Interdepartmental Division of Critical Care Medicine, recently reviewed as one of the top two centres globally in critical care research. An acknowledged leader in mechanical ventilation, he chaired an international consensus committee that laid the foundation for how patients with respiratory failure are treated today.
Engineering Alumni Hall of Distinction Award
The Hall of Distinction is an assembly of extraordinary alumni, selected for membership by their peers for their lifelong accomplishments. These are graduates whose performances have ultimately defined what is most exemplary in our graduates and in our profession. The careers of the members stand as examples and add a sense of reality to the aspirations of successive generations of Engineering students. Located in the Sandford Fleming Building, the Hall of Distinction is a familiar daily presence in the lives of students and is often visited by alumni and their families.
Prabha Kundur, ElecE MASc 6T5, PhD 6T7
Dr. Prabha Kundur is one of the world’s foremost authorities on electrical power systems. In addition to an illustrious career with Ontario Hydro and Powertech Labs Inc., he served as a consultant to many power utilities the world over, has been involved in teaching and research as adjunct professor at U of T since 1979, and has written an award-winning and influential book on the subject. His contributions have been recognized by many top international honours and awards.
Som Seif, IndE 9T9
At the age of 28, Som Seif founded and grew Claymore Investments into an innovative asset management firm that changed the Canadian investment industry. He continues that entrepreneurial spirit today as president and CEO of Purpose Investments Inc. But Seif’s leadership is not limited to his professional career. He is a member of the Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering advisory board and BizSkule alumni chapter committee. An avid water polo player, Seif coached U of T’s varsity team to five provincial championships.
Gerry Smith, MechE 8T7
As CEO of CiRBA, Gerry Smith transformed the software company from a 10-employee operation with less than $1 million in sales to a leader in data centre analytics with 125 employees in offices throughout Canada, Europe and the US. Clients such as Citi Bank, Manulife and Disney have deployed CiRBA’s software throughout their data centres.
William Troost, ChemE 6T7
William “Bill” Troost, founder and president of Peel Plastics, is an outstanding business leader who has demonstrated innovation and entrepreneurship. He started Peel Plastics in 1978 as a two-person operation. Today, the company employs over 300 people and is a leader in the flexible packaging market. Troost is a member of both the board of advisors of the Department of Chemical Engineering & Applied Chemistry and ILead, and he and his wife Kathleen have generously donated to various engineering Faculty initiatives.
2T5 Mid-Career Achievement Award
The Class of 2T5 was the first class in Canada to receive iron rings at The Ritual of the Calling of an Engineer. Since 1975, the Class of 2T5 annually presents the 2T5 Mid-career Achievement Award. This award recognizes a graduate (11 to 25 years from undergraduate graduation) who has earned respect within the profession as well as the broader Canadian community.
Ted Maulucci, MechE 8T9
Ted Maulucci is a leader and innovator within the construction industry in Toronto. As chief information officer of Tridel Corporation, he championed the development and promotion of “smart buildings” andwas recognized in 2013 with a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee medal for his accomplishments. Maulucci co-founded One Million Acts of Innovation, a not-for-profit group that is committed to working with students and others to bring new ideas to market.
7T6 Early Career Award
The Class of 7T6 annually presents the 7T6 Early Career Award to engineering graduates who have attained significant achievement early in their career and shows promise of further contributions. The award is presented to an individual who is distinguished early in their profession, community, university and other related fields.
Mathew Szeto, CompE 0T4
Mathew Szeto has distinguished himself as a leader at both RBC Capital Markets and throughout Toronto’s investment community. As the head of Electronic Sales and Trading, Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA), Szeto was handpicked by RBC to advance their business in those regions. In 2009, he received an Arbor Award for his volunteer commitment to Skule™ and regularly speaks to aspiring engineering students interested in financial services.
Malcolm F. McGrath Alumni Achievement Award
Named in honour of Malcolm McGrath on his retirement as assistant dean — alumni liaison, this award recognizes contributions of personal service to the Faculty, the University or to the community. McGrath was the first assistant dean responsible for alumni affairs and development in the Faculty. Among his many accomplishments are the growth of the Annual Fund, the Engineering Open House, the introduction of the Skule™ Stage Band, and the establishment of the Graditude Campaign.
Caprice Boisvert, MechE 9T3
Caprice Boisvert has played an active role in the EAA, serving as a member of the EAA Council from 2004–06. In 2005, the Skule™ Mentorship Program was created, matching alumni with third- and fourth-year students. For nearly seven years, Boisvert was responsible for all aspects of the program, and as a result of her efforts it gained the reputation as one of U of T’s top mentorship programs.
L.E. (Ted) Jones Award of Distinction
This award was established to acknowledge the contributions of Professor Emeritus L.E. (Ted) Jones and is in recognition of the contributions over his long and distinguished career to students, alumni and the Faculty. It also pays tribute to his continuing support and dedication to the Engineering Society and the Engineering Alumni Network (EAN) of the University of Toronto. The award endorses Jones’ great appreciation of the arts and his love of music.
Christopher Sun, EngSci 1T3 + PEY
Christopher Sun’s belief in the power and educational potential of music and the arts keeps him passionate about inspiring his peers and building a community for the arts in engineering. In addition to the many performing arts clubs and events he’s involved with, Sun co-directed, choreographed and wrote for Skule™ Nite 1T3, the Engineering Musical Sketch Comedy Revue, resulting in five sold-out shows at Hart House Theatre. He was the valedictorian for the engineering class of 1T4.