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The University of Toronto Speech-Language Pathology Alumni Association would like to highlight our co-presidents, Faiza Ali and Michelle M. Simmons, who are both recipients of the 2025 Arbor Award.
This award is the highest honour granted by the University of Toronto to volunteers, and is given for sustained volunteerism supporting specific units, such as faculties, colleges or institutes, or for broader university-wide contributions.
Michelle and Faiza were nominated for this award by the Manager of RHSE and PGME Alumni Programs Lisa Jobson, who shared the following reflection celebrating their dedication to the University of Toronto.
“I have had the pleasure of working closely with both Faiza and Michelle over the past three years and have seen firsthand their commitment to the University of Toronto, its students, and its alumni through the generous investment of their time and talents. Their dedication, leadership, and service exemplify the spirit of the Arbor Award. With the support of the Speech‑Language Pathology Department leadership and the Temerty Medicine Office of Advancement, it was our pleasure to nominate them for this well‑deserved recognition.“
Faiza Ali (MHSc ’17) has been a dedicated and highly impactful volunteer with the Speech‑Language Pathology Alumni Association for more than seven years. Known for her exceptional leadership and commitment to community‑building, Faiza has played a key role in delivering several initiatives that support both students and alumni.
Her contributions include full‑cycle planning and execution of the annual fall graduation ceremony, organizing the J.F. Walker Lecture Series for students and alumni, and editing and producing the semi‑annual alumni newsletters.
Through her thoughtful leadership, Faiza has helped strengthen connections across the alumni community while elevating the visibility and impact of the rehabilitation sector.
Michelle M. Simmons (MSc ’20) is a deeply committed volunteer with the Speech‑Language Pathology Alumni Association at Temerty Medicine. As co‑president of the SLP Alumni Association, Michelle has been instrumental in planning and delivering key alumni and student‑focused initiatives, including the annual fall graduation ceremony, the J.F. Walker Lecture Series alumni event, and the production of the semi‑annual SLP alumni newsletter.
Through her collaborative approach and dedication, Simmons has strengthened connections among graduates, fostered a sense of belonging within the alumni community, and highlighted the critical role of the rehabilitation sector in health care.
Congratulations to Faiza and Michelle on this prestigious recognition!
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