Julia Hanigsberg Make Your Mark Staff Award Recipients
The Julia Hanigsberg Make Your Mark Staff Award is in recognition of Julia Hanigsberg, former vice-president, administration and finance. This award recognizes up to six individuals and teams who have demonstrated excellence in one of the following areas:
- Client service – provides exceptional client service that is professional, client-focused and collaborative beyond the position’s basic responsibility.
- Community engagement – creates and maintains opportunities for collaboration and engagement with the surrounding community and/or within TMU’s community that have a positive social, civic, cultural, or environmental impact, and supports values of equity, diversity and inclusion.
- Innovation – challenges the status quo with new solutions and applies new ways of thinking that positively transform the campus and community. These solutions may be new systems, technologies, products, programs, or policies that tackle process, social, cultural, civic, or health and safety issues. This person or team is an intrapreneur who looks for a better way of doing their job.
- Sustainability – contributes toward an economic, social and/or environmentally sustainable initiative by developing a new solution, engaging people, or collaborating with groups on or off campus.
Individual recipients receive a certificate and a one-time monetary award of $2,000 (subject to applicable deductions). Team recipients (a group of two to 20 individuals) receive individual certificates and a total one-time monetary award of $3,000 (subject to applicable deductions) to be shared equally among members.
Key criteria: Client service; community engagement; innovation; sustainability
2025 recipients
Maria Asuncion
The G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education
Maria Asuncion is deserving of the Julia Hanigsberg Make Your Mark Staff Award for her outstanding work with Spanning the Gaps, an access program at Toronto Metropolitan University supporting mature students facing barriers in higher education. Since 2019, Maria has offered exceptional client service and coaching as the program's Student Success Facilitator. Maria's unwavering commitment to developing accessible, trauma-informed teaching and learning methods equips all learners to overcome barriers and build the essential foundational academic and emotional skills required to excel academically at TMU.
Michael Carter-Arlt
TMU Libraries
Michael Carter-Arlt is the Immersive Technology Specialist at Toronto Metropolitan University Libraries. He combines 3D development, web design, and 2D animation to create AR/VR applications for educational projects. Michael has led numerous innovative initiatives, including the 2023 Rumi Exhibit, in collaboration with organizations such as the Aga Khan Museum. He played a key role in establishing the TMU Libraries' Immersion Studio, a large-scale immersive visualization environment that supports pedagogical innovation and experiential learning. His work has significantly expanded opportunities for the TMU community to uphold the University's innovative spirit and foster community partnerships.
Martha Castillo
Ted Rogers School of Management
Martha Castillo plays a vital role at the Ted Rogers School of Management, providing exceptional service as a web developer. She supports various teams by maintaining websites, implementing new applications, and leading major projects such as the implementation of Salesforce, a customer relationship management platform, and transitioning to a new Adobe web template. Her proactive, client-focused approach ensures high-quality communication, branding, and user experience across platforms. She also leads training initiatives for staff, optimizing their web practices. Her leadership in impactful projects, like the TRSM annual report and EDIA report has be pivotal to the communication of the school's success.
Megan Omstead
Faculty of Community Services
As Practicum Coordinator for the School of Nutrition, Megan Omstead demonstrates outstanding leadership, innovation, and dedication to student success. She has pioneered advancements in dietetic practical training, fostered key community partnerships, enhanced student-preceptor experiences, and developed sustainable scholarly initiatives. Megan's expertise in diverse dietetic practice environments and her exceptional relationship-building skills with students and external preceptors ensure our program remains at the forefront of practical training. Her efforts elevate dietetic practice in Ontario and position our graduates as leaders in the profession.
Leigh Paulseth
Faculty of Science
Leigh Paulseth leads transformative science communication and outreach efforts at TMU. Her community partnerships extend to underserved groups, fostering inclusivity through hands-on science. She organizes impactful programming like climate (in)justice symposia and runs Soapbox Science events that provide a platform empowering women and nonbinary scientists. Her leadership in the 2024 solar eclipse project-featuring educational workshops, public viewing parties, and diverse resources-impacted thousands. Leigh exemplifies EDI values, supports environmental and social causes, and builds TMU's public engagement, making her an ideal candidate for this award. Her dedication and innovative outreach significantly benefit both the TMU community and the public.
Academic Plan Team
- Anthony Conte, Office of the Provost & Vice President, Academic
- Alexandra Culcearu, Office of the Provost & Vice President, Academic
- Julia Hennessey, University Relations
- Marc Mainguy, School of Medicine
- Kimberley McCausland, University Planning
- Georgina Phillips, Office of the Provost & Vice President, Academic
- Rose Sandino, Office of the Provost & Vice President, Academic
- Johanna Vandermaas, University Relations
This cross-functional team, with members from the Office of the Provost and Vice-President, Academic, Central Communications and University Planning Office went above and beyond by developing new processes for community consultation, data collection and analysis, and content development to create the 2025-2030 Academic plan. The team developed a strategy to ensure TMU's next Academic Plan reflects the diverse perspectives within our community and defines priorities that will enhance the student learning journey, create positive impact through Scholarly, Research and Creative excellence, support people and community, continue our commitment to Truth and Reconciliation and ensure future-readiness.
Sustainablity Team
- Mark Dettweiler, Facilities Management and Development
- Sharmilla Raj, Facilities Management and Development
- Animesh Roy, Facilities Management and Development
- Erica Wilkinson, Facilities Management and Development
The FMD Sustainability Team at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) is awarded the Julia Hanigsberg Award for Sustainability for their exemplary leadership in environmental stewardship. Through the creation of TMU's first Sustainability Action Plan (SAP) and achieving a Gold STARS ranking, they have set a transformative path toward a sustainable future. Their inclusive approach engaged students, faculty, and staff across the university, fostering a collaborative culture that aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. This foundational work has established TMU as a sustainability leader, with ambitious goals inspiring change at institutional and community levels.
Past recipients
- Brampton Venture Zone by TMU
- Mohammed Riaz Ahmed, Office of the Provost and Vice-President, Academic
- Prabaarja Bedi, Office of the Provost and Vice-President, Academic
- Fardan Khan, Office of the Provost and Vice-President, Academic
- Nabiha Noorani, Office of the Provost and Vice-President, Academic
- Arleana Rajkumar, Office of the Provost and Vice-President, Academic
- Mohammed Riaz Ahmed, Office of the Provost and Vice-President, Academic
- Julie Cabantan
Faculty of Community Services - Erin Hallock
Office of the Vice-President, Equity and Community Inclusion - Sana Mulji
Ted Rogers School of Management - Eyosias Samuel
Athletics & Recreation - Gavin Taylor-Black
Registrar's Office
- Vincenzo Carinci
Financial Services - Mike Hollands
Community Safety & Security - Harsimran Rattan
Student Affairs - Milene Santos Costa Ferreira
Faculty of Community Services - Affinaquest Implementation Team
- Nirmal Adiyodi, University Advancement
- Sergio Chiodo, University Advancement
- Jill Cooper, University Advancement
- Jody Dailey, University Advancement
- Tony Davison, University Advancement
- Jamison Dowsett, University Advancement
- Shawn Hymers, University Advancement
- Myha Mac, University Advancement
- Karen Musytschka, University Advancement
- Meherab Saher, University Advancement
- Als Thompson, University Advancement
- Branded Materials Transition Project
- Nuala Byles, Athletics & Recreation
- Gina Vaccaro, Athletics & Recreation
- Adam Chaboryk
Computing and Communications Services - Hirma Leon
The G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education - Spiros Vavougios
Office of the General Counsel and Board Secretariat - The Classroom Refresh Project Team
- Ryann Campbell, Facilities Management and Development
- Michelle Schwartz, Centre for Excellence in Learning and Teaching
- Grant Te Brugge, Facilities Management and Development
- Media Services Team
- Brian Boase, Computing and Communications Services
- Robert Brown, Computing and Communications Services
- James Cousins, Computing and Communications Services
- Sean Kearns, Computing and Communications Services
- Sergei Lipnitski, Computing and Communications Services
- Luke Nater, Computing and Communications Services
- Steve Pelletier, Computing and Communications Services
- Jacub Rak, Computing and Communications Services
- Randall Savoie, Computing and Communications Services
- Office of Aboriginal Initiatives
- Sheila Desjarlais, Equity and Community Inclusion
- Sarena Johnson, Student Affairs
- Samantha Mandamin, Equity and Community Inclusion
- Monica Mckay, Equity and Community Inclusion
- Jo-Anne Miller, Equity and Community Inclusion
- Brian Norton, Equity and Community Inclusion
- Sheila Saikkonen, Equity and Community Inclusion
- Diane Simone, Equity and Community Inclusion
- Cheryl Trudeau, Equity and Community Inclusion
- Lyn-Marie Farley
Student Affairs - Elzbieta Hyatt
University Planning - Kevin Liu
Faculty of Science - Sean Sedlezky
Ted Rogers School of Management - Campus Core Revitalization Project Team
- Matthew Baker, University Relations
- Nicolas De Salaberry, Facilities Management and Development
- Victoria Lee, Facilities Management and Development
- Edward Johnson (Jay) Martin, Facilities Management and Development
- Jule Mycan, Facilities Management and Development
- Charmian Zoll, Administration and Operations Communications and Facilities Management and Development
- Department of Chemistry and Biology Technical Staff (RALE Development) Team
- Saif Al Alul, Faculty of Science
- Miriam de Jong, Faculty of Science
- Robert Denning, Faculty of Science
- Angelica Florentinus-Mefailoski, Faculty of Science
- Shawn McFadden, Faculty of Science
- Karen Puddephatt, Faculty of Science
- Liberty Victorio-Walz, Faculty of Science
- Wei Zhang, Faculty of Science
- UA Employee Engagement Task Force
- Rachel Falzon, University Advancement
- Claudia Hughes, University Advancement
- Florence James, University Advancement
- Rudo Mataure, University Advancement
- Natasha Ramnath, University Relations
- Meherab Saher, University Advancement
- Katarzyna Stec, Ted Rogers School of Management
- Angela Steinmann, University Advancement
- Jae Yang, University Advancement
- Get Ryerson Ready Team
- Andrew Bisnauth, Student Affairs
- Casey Dorrell, Ted Rogers School of Management
- Meera Govindasam, Student Affairs
- Michelle Green, Office of the Registrar
- Juannittah Kamera, Student Wellbeing
- Deidre Lam, Student Affairs
- Kathryn Maksym, Athletics and Recreation
- Ann Wilkin, Student Affairs
- Michelle Hounslow
University Advancement - Stephanie Jakubowicz
Office of the Dean, Faculty of Science - Centre for Urban Innovation (CUI) Development Team
- Danny Baltazar, Facilities Management and Development
- Ryann Campbell, Facilities Management and Development
- Kevin Davies, Computing and Communications Services
- Nicolas De Salaberry, Facilities Management and Development
- Loudanski Gumbs, Community Safety & Security
- Jean-Francois Landry, Facilities Management and Development
- David Lester, Computing and Communications Services
- Shane Penney, Computing and Communications Services
- Grant Te Brugge, Facilities Management and Development
- Library Circulation Team
- Joseph Boissonneau, Library and Archives
- Michelle Chen, Library and Archives
- Barbara Dajnowiec, Library and Archives
- Jennifer Ellis, Library and Archives
- Venugopal Gudivada, Library and Archives
- Flora Hon, Library and Archives
- Abraham Kassa, Library and Archives
- Marisa Nunes, Library and Archives
- Jeanine Orleans, Library and Archives
- Kevin Tan, Library and Archives
- Marketing and Creative Services
- Cristina Blesa, University Relations
- Nik Firka, University Relations
- Derek Flack, University Relations
- Michael Lund, University Relations
- James Wentzell, University Relations
- Road Salt Reduction Demonstration
- Mario Aquino, Facilities Management and Development
- Daniel Batko, Facilities Management and Development
- Joey DeMelo, Facilities Management and Development
- Kieran McCully, Facilities Management and Development
- Dawn McLean, Facilities Management and Development
- Angela Murphy, Office of the Dean, Faculty of Science
- Claire Oswald, Department of Geography & Environmental Studies, Faculty of Arts
- Todd Palmatier, Facilities Management and Development
- Sharmilla Raj, Facilities Management and Development
- Guillermo Torres, Facilities Management and Development
- James Trimble, Facilities Management and Development
- Staff Voluntary Retirement Incentive
- Carey Barker, Human Resources
- Jan Neiman, Human Resources
- Emily Pomeroy, Human Resources
- Student Financial Assistance
- Irene Chiriboga, Office of the Registrar
- Winnie Fung, Office of the Registrar
- Gracie Gauci, Office of the Registrar
- Min (Mary) Liu, Office of the Registrar
- Kathryn Macmillan, Office of the Registrar
- Bianca Marryshow, Office of the Registrar
- Natasha Matthews, Office of the Registrar
- Christine Micallef, Office of the Registrar
- Steven Nguyen, Office of the Registrar
- Michelle Robertson, Office of the Registrar
- Brett Taylor, Office of the Registrar
- Jasmine Visto, Office of the Registrar
- Nelane Yamunarasan, Office of the Registrar
- Marcelle Mullings
Office of the Vice-Provost, Students - Janice Pinto
Spanning the Gaps, The G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education - Brian Withers
RTA School of Media, Faculty of Communication and Design - Ceremonials Office Team
- #RoadtoRyerson Orientation Leadership Team
- Union/Management Teams for 2018 CUPE 233 Collective Agreement Renewal
- The White Privilege Conference Operations Planning Group
- Jennifer Barcelona
Student Affairs - Nene Brode
Faculty of Engineering and Architectural Science - Maria Burgos
Faculty of Community Services - Marilou Cruz
The G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education - Carson Pun
Faculty of Arts - Nursing Course Relocation Team
- Marietta Canlas
School of Graphic Communications Management, Faculty of Communication and Design - Loudanski Gumbs
Security Services, Integrated Risk Management - Arlene Throness
Food Services, University Business Services - Toronto Metropolitan University Lifeline Syria Challenge Team
- Take Our Kids to Work Day Team
- University Undergraduate Calendar Project Team
- Your Neighbour Program Team