Celebrating TMU’s spring 2026 Gold Medal Award winners
Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) is celebrating eight exceptional graduates who received the Gold Medal Award, the university's highest academic honour.
Presented to one student from each faculty, the award recognizes outstanding academic achievement as well as leadership and contributions beyond the classroom.
The eight Gold Medal Award recipients are:
Amy Dunlop | Kayla Longland | Sana Mahmood | Thomas Nguyen | Priyanshi Patel | Joella Russell | Ria Sidhu | Mahan Ziaolhagh
Longland was also selected to receive the Board of Governors Leadership Award and the Governor General’s Academic Silver Medal, which recognizes academic excellence and high grade point averages.
Two additional students received the Governor General’s Academic Silver Medal. They include:
- Anastasia Bashkirtseva (Nutrition and Food, Bachelor of Applied Science, Faculty of Community Services)
- Teodor Cirstoiu (Computer Science Co-operative, Bachelor of Science (Honours) (Faculty of Science)
Learn more about these exceptional Gold Medal Award-winning scholars and their accomplishments below:
Above, Amy Dunlop smiles on stage with TMU President Mohamed Lachemi. (Photo: Harry Choi)
Amy Dunlop’s journey reflects the power of lifelong learning, community building and meaningful connections.
With more than two decades of experience supporting museums and cultural organizations, Dunlop pursued The Chang School’s certificate in fundraising management to strengthen her ability to help organizations grow and thrive.
Today, as manager of operations and strategic initiatives at Woodland Cultural Centre, she applies the lessons learned in her role supporting fundraising strategies, capital campaigns and long-term planning.
Dunlop’s dedication to learning, collaboration and cultural leadership has made a lasting impact both professionally and beyond TMU.
Advice from Dunlop to future students
“Be open to new opportunities and don't be afraid to ask questions. Learning isn't about being perfect — it's about being curious and willing to grow.
Take the time to build relationships with your professors, classmates and community.
Apply what you're learning in real situations, learn from your mistakes, and don't be afraid to try something new. Those experiences are what create meaningful learning, and they'll stay with you long after you've finished your certificate.”
Kayla Longland received all three top awards at convocation, demonstrating her outstanding scholarly success, leadership skills and dedication to community service. She’s joined by TMU President Mohamed Lachemi, left, and Chancellor Donette Chin-Loy Chang. (Photo: Harry Choi)
Kayla Longland’s TMU journey was shaped by academic excellence, leadership and a deep commitment to building community.
After moving to Canada from South Africa as an international student, Longland embraced every opportunity to get involved, helping create a welcoming environment for students from around the world.
Through her leadership with the Faculty of Community Services’ International Student Association, mentorship roles and initiatives like the International Student Gala, she helped foster connection and belonging across campus. Her dedication to service, inclusion and public health has made a lasting impact on the TMU community.
Advice from Longland to future students
“Approach your university experience with gratitude and openness. It really is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
TMU challenged me academically, helped me grow professionally and gave me so many opportunities to step outside of my comfort zone.
Opportunities, friendships and lessons come from simply saying yes, showing up and being willing to learn. Try new things, immerse yourself, don’t be afraid to put yourself out there.
Some of the most meaningful personal growth happens outside the classroom. Getting involved on campus taught me so much beyond academics — communication and interpersonal skills, leadership, time management, adaptability, balance — all lessons that I’ll carry with me throughout life.”
Sana Mahmood poses with her Gold Medal Award and Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree with President Lachemi and Chancellor Donette Chin-Loy Chang. (Photo: Harry Choi)
Sana Mahmood combined academic excellence with a passion for advancing technology and research.
During her time at TMU, she explored computer science and health care through award-winning AI research focused on neuro-oncology, presenting her work at national and international conferences.
Alongside her research achievements, Mahmood supported her peers as a lead teaching assistant and helped foster innovation on campus through co-organizing initiatives like TMU’s inaugural TerraHacks hackathon.
Her curiosity, leadership and commitment to using technology to solve complex challenges made a lasting impact on the TMU community.
Advice from Mahmood to future students
“Seek out opportunities that intimidate you. It’s comforting to pursue opportunities where you know what’s ahead of you, whether that be going after an internship with skills you already have, or enrolling in courses with topics you already know.
However, it’s the experiences that are a little scary that tend to have the most to learn from, and being a student gives you a safety net to try these opportunities out.
I encourage future students to pursue at least one opportunity during undergrad that intimidates them, in hopes that when they graduate it will no longer be scary, but comforting.”
Thomas Nguyen receives his Gold Medal Award from TMU President Mohamed Lachemi.
Thomas Nguyen’s TMU journey was defined by academic excellence, leadership and a commitment to creating opportunities for others.
As an economics and finance student, Nguyen combined his studies with extensive involvement across the university community, including leadership roles with student organizations where he helped expand funding and support for student initiatives.
For instance, 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.
From mentoring peers to representing TMU on broader platforms, this international student from Vietnam consistently used his skills in finance, collaboration and advocacy to make a meaningful impact on campus and beyond.
Advice from Nguyen to future students
“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.”
Priyanshi Patel smiles with her Gold Medal award and degree with TMU President Mohamed Lachemi. (Photo: Harry Choi)
Priyanshi Patel combined academic excellence with a passion for leadership, mentorship and creating opportunities for others.
Throughout her time at TMU, she earned Dean’s List honours while taking on leadership roles with the Information Technology Management Students’ Association, where she helped deliver professional development opportunities for her peers. She also strengthened her technical expertise during internships at Intact Financial and the Ontario Ministry of Education.
Through her work as a mentor, academic peer helper and TedPack leader, Patel demonstrated a commitment to supporting student success.
Her dedication to service, ranging from academic mentoring to raising $10,000 for charities, also exemplifies her exceptional community impact.
Advice from Patel to future students
“My biggest piece of advice is to say ‘yes’ to opportunities, even when they seem intimidating. University is the perfect time to explore new interests, meet new people and discover what you are passionate about.
I highly encourage students to join a student group, participate in a case competition, attend networking events or volunteer for something they have never done before.
Some of my most valuable experiences came from taking chances on opportunities I initially was not sure about. Through these experiences, I was able to strengthen my skills and meet people who share similar goals, interests and experiences. These connections easily became one of the most rewarding parts of my university journey.”
President Mohamed Lachemi, left, graduate Joella Russell, centre, and honorary doctorate recipient Ashraf Habibullah.
Throughout her time at TMU, Gold Medal Award recipient Joella Russell paired outstanding academic achievement with a deep commitment to strengthening the engineering community.
Inspired by a passion for building resilient infrastructure, she founded TMU Seismic, a student team focused on designing earthquake-resistant structures for international competition.
Whether mentoring first-year students as a frosh leader, supporting high school learners through the Raise the Grade program, or taking on leadership roles within engineering organizations, Russell has consistently used her skills to help others grow and foster a more connected, inclusive community.
Advice from Russell to future students
“Remember your uniqueness and your unique journey is your superpower. The world needs people who will bring different perspectives and experiences.
By being brave and standing in what makes you different, you will be able to find an amazing community of like minded people. Or even build the kind of community you want to see.
Most importantly, remember to have fun. Those four plus years really do go by fast.”
Gold Medal Award winner Ria Sidhu smiles at her convocation ceremony.
Ria Sidhu made the most of every opportunity at TMU, combining a passion for student leadership and community building with academic excellence.
From digital content creator for Student Life and ChooseTMU to serving as president of The Society of The Creative School, she helped foster connection and school spirit across campus.
Through her leadership, creativity and commitment to enriching the student experience, Sidhu has left a lasting impact on The Creative School community.
Advice from Sidhu to future students
"My advice to current and future Creative School students is to get involved. You don't know you like something until you try it.
The only way I made my four years as great as they were was through the people I met, both in terms of students and staff. Also, once you put in the effort and work hard, you'll notice how many opportunities come your way, and that feeling is fulfilling.”
Mahan Ziaolhagh is joined by TMU President Lachemi, left, and Chancellor Donette Chin-Loy Chang to celebrate his Gold Medal Award and degree. (Photo: Harry Choi)
Throughout his time at the Lincoln Alexander School of Law, Mahan Ziaolhagh combined academic excellence with a commitment to giving back.
Alongside leadership roles with the TMU Law Review and student organizations, he gained valuable legal experience working with the Ontario Court of Justice and Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP.
Whether coaching moot teams, mentoring classmates or leading exam preparation sessions, Ziaolhagh has been dedicated to helping others succeed — a quality that made a lasting impact on the law school community.
Advice from Ziaolhagh to future students
“My number one piece of advice for incoming law students is to be confident and believe in yourself… You have made it this far because you have what it takes. Do your best not to compare yourself with others. As brilliant as your peers are, you too are brilliant.
I also encourage students to take advantage of extracurricular opportunities. The strongest relationships are built during those late nights when you and your mooting partner are rewriting your arguments, and the most rewarding memories are made when your student club successfully hosts an event you’ve been planning for months.
Be curious, have fun, and always help those around you.”
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