Arts Gold Medal Award winner reflects on his undergraduate experience
"I think university is a place that helps you figure out who you are. When we’re kids, we believe we have the power to change the world, but as life goes on, we become more practical or realistic, and sometimes we lose that desire to do something bigger. TMU really helped me with that. I discovered that when you see a problem in your community or something that could be better, university sets you up with the right people who share similar interests, and helps you figure out where to start. It forces you to step outside your comfort zone to reach your full potential."
The Faculty of Arts celebrated the Class of 2026 during spring convocation on June 23. At the ceremony, Economics and Finance graduate Thomas Nguyen was honoured with the Gold Medal Award, which recognizes a student from each faculty for their academic excellence and outstanding community involvement.
An international student from Vietnam, Thomas moved to Toronto in 2021 to finish high school. After completing Grade 12, he had a decision to make: move back to Vietnam and reunite with his parents, explore another opportunity in a different country, or continue his education in Canada. He chose to stay in Toronto, and go to TMU.
Throughout his time at TMU, Thomas has had a broad and measurable impact on the campus community through sustained leadership across multiple student organizations. In his role with the Society of Arts, Social Sciences, and Humanities (SASSH), he managed financial operations totaling over $1.6 million and allocated more than $200,000 to student-led initiatives, while helping establish new grant programs that expanded access to funding.
He also held leadership roles with the Ted Rogers Real Estate Association (TRREA), the TMU Economics and Finance Course Union, and Investa Insights, strengthening connections between students, faculty, and external partners. Beyond TMU, his work with the Ontario Ministry of Finance and participation in international forums reflects his impact on the global stage.
Photo: Harry Choi
Tell me about your undergraduate journey. What will you take away from your experience?
In my first year, I was very focused on my studies and trying to maintain a high GPA. But I quickly realized that I needed to find ways to develop my skills, so I began exploring how I could get involved in student leadership opportunities. I initially joined the Toronto Met Vietnamese Student Association to help with cultural events. From there, I got heavily involved within my program as a peer mentor for first-year students, helping them navigate challenging math and economics courses. As the vice-president of finance for SASSH, I led the budgetary and financial processes for the society while managing funding for around 20 different student groups, advocating for students.
I also participated in an intercollegiate investment club that collaborates across 12 Canadian universities to help students break into the finance industry. In my last year, I served as the co-vice-president of finance for the Ted Rogers Real Estate Association (TRREA). It was an amazing opportunity to pitch to industry professionals and secure corporate sponsorships and bring about impactful initiatives, bridging my passion for finance and business with my roots in the Faculty of Arts.
The biggest takeaway from my university experience is to not let the fear of failure stop you from taking advantage of an opportunity. In order to reach your full potential, you need to challenge yourself and step outside of your comfort zone, while connecting with and learning from as many like-minded people as you possibly can. That’s what helps you grow as a person.
What does receiving this award mean to you?
To be honest, it means everything. Growing up in a Vietnamese household, there can sometimes be this underlying layer of high expectations. It was never about competing with anyone else, but rather competing with a previous version of yourself: If you're going to involve yourself in something, why not do your best and make the most out of it? I wanted to leave the biggest impact I could during my time at TMU, and this award represents that.
It also reminds me that hard work pays off. Furthermore, it's incredibly special for my family. I moved to Canada with just my younger brother, and our family is quite spread out now across Vietnam, Vancouver and Toronto. Dedicating this award to my family and friends, and the faculty and staff who shaped my journey, is a reminder that while grades and reputation are important, it is also the collective support system that gets you through.
What are your future plans? How did the Faculty of Arts help prepare you for your career?
While my core studies were in economics and finance, I also completed a minor in global politics and development because I have always been deeply passionate about global development and finding ways to make a tangible change in the world. During my third year, I had the opportunity to complete a summer co-op as an intern economist for the Ontario Ministry of Finance, which perfectly merged macroeconomic analysis with public policy.
The Faculty of Arts was instrumental in expanding my horizons through unique initiatives. Through the faculty, I connected with the Latin American Trade Association of Canada (LAATAC) and became a delegate for the Toronto Global Forum. That experience allowed me to engage directly with global CEOs, politicians, and academics on critical global issues like energy, geopolitics, and finance. The International Economic Forum of the Americas even invited me back for their conference in Montreal recently, where I was able to bring along a group of my TMU peers.
As for what's next, I will be entering the corporate world to continue building my life and career here in Canada. While I am not jumping into graduate school immediately, pursuing postgraduate studies is a goal of mine.
What advice would you give to a student entering their first year?
My advice is to not let opportunities pass you by—grab whatever comes your way. It is easy to feel constrained or caged by just textbooks, news articles, and lecture halls. The true value of your university experience comes from getting out there, participating in discussions, listening to what people are experiencing in their fields, and finding out how you can contribute.
Maintain your focus on your academic foundations, but remember that a fulfilling university experience is a balance. Don't underestimate your own knowledge or capacity to get involved early on. Surround yourself with extracurriculars, find your relatable community, and keep pushing forward—especially when it gets hard or uncomfortable.