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Introducing the Erin Yunger Memorial Award

A generous gift honors legacy of activism and bolsters student engagement in social justice at TMU
January 17, 2023
Photo of Erin Michelle Yunger

The Faculty of Arts at Toronto Metropolitan University is proud to announce the establishment of the Erin Yunger Memorial Award to be administered by the Department of Sociology commencing January 2023. This award was established in loving memory of Erin Michelle Yunger, who was a TMU Sociology alumnus and dedicated social justice advocate. After transferring into the Sociology program at TMU from McGill University, Erin was able to flourish as a student and young academic. As an active contributor to the Sociology program, Erin harnessed her passion for social justice and found academic and extracurricular outlets to dismantle oppression and support those facing systemic oppression. “Students like Erin remind us to be steadfast in our commitment to building a more equitable future for all,” said Dean of Arts Dr. Pamela Sugiman. “It’s an honor to offer students in Sociology the opportunity to advance Erin’s impact at the university.”

Alongside excelling in her courses and other activities, Erin also faced personal health challenges and fought fiercely against her prolonged illness. “She was always concerned with social justice in the classroom and beyond because she understood her role in supporting the fight for equity, diversity and inclusion, and her illness deepened that passion throughout her life,” recalled her mother Robbin. “We hope future recipients of this award will work to support Erin’s important legacy of social justice activism at TMU in the years to come''

During her transition into the Sociology program, Erin appreciated the unique and supportive environment that it offered her and the meaningful relationships she built with other students and faculty throughout her undergraduate journey in Arts.

“The establishment of the Erin Yunger Award Memorial Award is a welcome and exciting development for the department of Sociology. With this generous gift, students like Erin will be supported to flourish as critical thinkers and agents of social change,” said Department Chair Cheryl Teelucksingh. 

The Erin Yunger Memorial Award at TMU

This award was established in loving memory of Erin Michelle Yunger, beloved daughter of Robbin and Larry Yunger and dear sister and sister-in-law of Matthew and Blair. The Erin Yunger Memorial Award honours the contributions and achievements of a full-time Sociology student who expresses interest in a wide variety of program-related themes including, but not limited to community development, environmental justice, urban issues, diversity, equity, and inclusion. The inaugural award will be offered in Fall 2023 and students can apply on Award Spring and apply by October 27, 2023.