Michener 2025 Student Awards by The Michener Institute of Education at UHN

APRIL 29, 2025

2025 STUDENT AWARDS CEREMONY

5:00 PM Registration/Welcome Reception

6:00 PM Master of Ceremonies

Ray Nielsen, MBA, BSc Dean of Students

Remarks

Dr. Harvey Weingarten, BSc, MS, MPhil, PhD

Principal

Presentation of President’s Scholarship

Dr. Brian Hodges, MEd, PhD, MD, FRCPC

Executive Vice President, Education and Chief Medical Officer, UHN

Presentation of Dr. Diana Michener Schatz Scholarship

Presented by the Schatz Family

Presentation of the Dr. Renate Krakauer Research Scholarship

Dr. Renate Krakauer, BSc, MES, EdD

Former President and CEO of The Michener Institute

Presentation of Program-Specific Scholarships

Anesthesia Assistant

Chiropody

Diagnostic Cytology

Digital Health and Data Analytics

Genetics Technology

Medical Laboratory Science

Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging

Radiation Therapy

Radiological Technology

Respiratory Therapy

Ultrasound

Presentation of Clinical Scholarships

Presentation of General Scholarships

Presentation of Alumni Scholarships

7:30 PM Closing Remarks

DR. DIANA MICHENER SCHATZ SCHOLARSHIP* ($2,500)

Established in 1996 in honour of Dr. Diana Michener Schatz, founder and former President of The Michener Institute, this award is presented to a student who has undertaken a career transition while achieving academic excellence, exemplifying innovative thinking in their chosen applied health profession and contributing to the betterment of the Michener communit y.

• Jossana Bishay

Respiratory Therapy

PRESIDENT’S SCHOLARSHIP ($1,500)

Established in 1997, this award is presented to an Advanced Diploma student in their graduating year who has contributed to student life, demonstrated leadership and set an example as a team player in the lab and classroom. The recipient is nominated by faculty.

• Zaeem Qureshi

Respiratory Therapy

PROGRAM-SPECIFIC SCHOLARSHIPS

ANESTHESIA ASSISTANT

Elihu Fitzroy Henry Memorial Scholarship ($1,000)

This scholarship is named in honour of Elihu Fitzroy Henry, a Respiratory Therapist and Anesthesia Assistant who worked at Sunnybrook for over 35 years, including as a Clinical Practice Leader. He taught many Michener alumni and faculty.

• Daniel Chen

CHIROPODY

BioPed Footcare & Orthotics Educational Scholarship ($1,500)

The BioPed Footcare & Orthotics Educational Scholarship is presented to a student who has successfully completed the first year of the Chiropody program with consistently high grades and who has demonstrated enthusiasm, leadership skills and team work skills.

• Joshua Kewley

College of Chiropodists of Ontario’s Scholarship Fund in Memory of David Weston D.P.M.* ($350)

This scholarship is awarded to a student in year three of the Chiropody program who has received consistent favourable reports from both faculty and clinical supervisors.

• Aiswaryaluxmy Sathanantham

Paragon Orthotic Laboratory Clinical Education Award ($1,000)

This award is given to a graduating chiropody student who has demonstrated professionalism throughout their clinical placement and the ability to work both as an individual and in an interprofessional team providing collaborative patient centered care.

• Wail Alhantoush

Paris Orthotics Clinical Education Scholarship ($1,000 x 2)

Established in 2009, this award is presented to two students: one who has graduated and one in their final year. Recipients will have demonstrated leadership in the clinical setting including clinical excellence in Podiatric Biomechanics and professional behavior in both academic and health care settings. The students will have demonstrated a commitment to improving the lives of others and have demonstrated how they work effectively in an interprofessional team.

• Linnaea Harper Graduate

• Jenny Haydock Third Year

DIAGNOSTIC CYTOLOGY

Dr. Hugh Curry Diagnostic Cytology Scholarship ($500)

This award is presented to the second-year student who has the highest average in microanatomy and screening of gynaecological and non-gynaecological unknowns in cytology.

• Humayra Tasmin

Zonta Club of Toronto Diagnostic Cytology Scholarship* ($2,000)

Established in 2005 by the Zonta Club of Toronto, this award is presented to a student enrolled in second year who is in good academic standing and who has demonstrated a caring and sensitive attitude towards people and has exhibited a genuine interest in advancing the health of women. The recipient of this award is selected by the Program Chair.

• Michelle Bos

DIGITAL HEALTH AND DATA ANALYTICS

Dr. Gillan practicum Bursary ($750 x 2)

Through a generous donation by Jian Wu (alumni of the DHDA program), to acknowledge the contributions of Dr. Caitlin Gillan for the DHDA program. This bursary supports students in the DHDA program during their practicum period.

• Kishif Fatima

• Ayesha Rafi

Wanda Peteanu Award in Digital Health ($1,000)

This award is named in honour of Wanda Peteanu, the former Program Lead for the Digital Health and Data Analytics program, for her efforts to promote the roles of women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics disciplines. The award is presented to a student in the Digital Health and Data Analytics program who has demonstrated high academic merit.

• Fariah Rahman

GENETICS TECHNOLOGY

Dr. Allen Gardner Memorial Award ($1,000)

This award is presented to a student in the field of Genetics Technology who has completed the first half of the program. The recipient must demonstrate consistent academic ability, good technical skills in the laboratory setting and professionalism during the didactic portion of the program. The recipient must also maintain a minimum overall B average and demonstrate good citizenship with a commitment to improving the lives of others.

• Alexis Demol

Margie Patterson Memorial Scholarship in Molecular Genetics* ($1,500)

Established in 2005 in memory of Margie Patterson, a Medical Laboratory Technologist, this award is presented to a student who achieved excellence in molecular genetics studies, who demonstrated excellent technical skills in the laboratory and who exhibited professional behaviour in both academic and health care settings. The recipient of this award is nominated by their clinical coordinator based on their leadership skills and commitment to improving the lives of their patients.

• Nichola Nelson

MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENCE

Kay Boyington Medical Laboratory Science Scholarship* ($500)

Established in 1987 and named in tribute to Kay Boyington, this award is presented to a student who maintained a minimum B average; who sets a positive example both in the lab and classroom; who offers assistance to fellow students and faculty; and who is active in student life.

• Daniel Torres

LifeLabs Medical Laboratory Science Scholarship* ($1,000)

Established in 2006 by LifeLabs Inc., this award is presented to a second-year student who has obtained consistently high marks in the practical components of all courses and has demonstrated enthusiasm, leadership and teamwork skills.

• Bixuan (Emily) Yang

MacDonald Sutton Laboratory Sciences Scholarship ($500)

This award is presented to a third-year student who has demonstrated outstanding patient skills during their simulated clinical rotation.

• Chelsea Margerum

Medical Laboratory Science Academic Excellence Scholarship ($1,000)

This award is presented to the third year Medical Laboratory Science student who has the highest average across all of their Chemistry and Hematology courses in Semesters 1 through 4.

• Katie Luong

Paul and Brenda Gamble Scholarship* ($1,500)

The Paul and Brenda Gamble Scholarship is presented to a third year Medical Laboratory Science student who demonstrates clinical aptitude and performance in the practical component of the program including the summer ‘simulation’ semester –which prepares the students clinically in all five (5) disciplines.

• Ellen Cheng

NUCLEAR MEDICINE AND MOLECULAR IMAGING

Alexandra Mitchell Prudencio Memorial Scholarship* ($500)

Established in 1998 in memory of Alexandra Mitchell Prudencio, a graduate of the Nuclear Medicine Technology program who passed away, this scholarship is presented to a student who is enrolled in the Nuclear Medicine Technology program. The student is recommended by their clinical coordinator for demonstrating excellent patient care while in the clinical setting. The student also takes an active role in class and/or Michener activities while proving to be clinically competent in the field of Nuclear Medicine.

• Jaden Bardens

Dr. Fred Heagy Bursary ($1,500 and $1,000)

There are two bursaries presented on behalf of the late Dr. Fred Heagy and family with one awarded to a third-year student and one to a second-year student. Recipients will have demonstrated a commitment to the program and the profession, have financial need and have maintained a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.7 (B-).

• Jeeheung Michael Ryu Third Year

• Talia Deratani Second Year

Dr. J.E. Prince Nuclear Medicine Scholarship* ($500)

This award is presented to a student who has demonstrated an interest in health care and the community and is currently completing his or her clinical component of the program.

• Anupa Hirimuthugoda

Joyce and Jack Longman Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Technology Scholarship ($1,280)

This Scholarship is presented to the Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Technology student in second year who has the highest cumulative GPA in the first year of the program.

• Shirley Xinyi Wang

RADIATION THERAPY

Brookfield LePage Johnson Controls Radiation Therapy Scholarship* ($500)

Awarded to a student in their second year of the Radiation Therapy Program, who has maintained a minimum B+ grade point average, made a significant contribution to the program, provided assistance to the faculty and shown collegiality and provided mentorship to peers. The award recipient has also exhibited excellence in his or her academic pursuits combined with leadership skills or community involvement.

• Ho Ying Bella Au

Tim Colfe and Cecilia Alfonso Radiation Therapy Program Bursary* ($1,000)

This bursary is awarded to a second or third-year student with good academic standing and a genuine interest in helping people. The recipient will have demonstrated a caring and sensitive attitude and will have made a meaningful contribution to the Radiation Therapy program.

• Natalia Kazmierczak

RADIOLOGICAL TECHNOLOGY

Dr. Jim Sieniewicz Radiological Technology Scholarship ($500)

Established in 1990 and named for Dr. Jim Sieniewicz, this award is presented to a student who has made a significant contribution to the Radiological Technology program. The recipient of this award is selected by the Program Chair.

• Keonna Grace Tan

Radiographic Quality Control Scholarship ($500)

Established by Alex Gontar, a now-retired Radiological Technology faculty member. The recipient is a third-year student in the Radiological Technology program who has demonstrated excellent knowledge of equipment operations. The recipient has the highest average in four key courses and a letter of support from their Clinical Coordinator.

• Yoon soo Lee

Zonta Club of Toronto Radiological Technology Scholarship* ($2,000)

Established by the Zonta Club of Toronto, this award is presented to a student enrolled in third year who is in good academic standing, has demonstrated a caring and sensitive attitude towards people, and has exhibited a genuine interest in advancing the health of women through their choice of assignment topic in one of: Clinical Project, Research Methods or the Mammography Practical Selective. The recipient of this award is selected by the Program Chair.

• Nirujah Kesavan

RESPIRATORY THERAPY

Alan Whiteley Memorial Scholarship ($5,000)

This scholarship is presented to a Respiratory Therapy student who has successfully completed their first two semesters with consistently high grades, and who has exhibited excellence in academic pursuits combined with leadership skills and community involvement.

• Jennifer Bonanno

Andrew Whiteley Family Scholarship ($5,000)

• Ainsleigh Sedore

A.W. Conn Respiratory Therapy Scholarship ($500)

Established in 1978 and named for Dr. Alan W. Conn, this award is presented to the student who has achieved the highest academic average in the didactic phase of the Respiratory Therapy program.

• Katherine Wang

The Bronwen Roberts Memorial Award ($1,000)

This award was established in 2011 in memory of Bronwen Roberts, a Respiratory Therapist who graduated from Michener in 1981 and was dedicated to her patients’ needs throughout her career. This award is presented to a student in their third year who through attitude and proven experience, demonstrates a commitment to caring for and helping others and who has demonstrated diligence and responsibility in their academic work, particularly as it relates to patient care.

• Zaeem Qureshi

CHS Respan Respiratory Therapy Award for Student Excellence ($1,250 x 2)

Established in 2013 by Janey Hacke, President of Respan Products Inc., this award is presented to a second-year student in recognition of their extensive volunteering in their community (including at Michener) during the academic year, or who is actively caring for dependents while pursuing their studies.

• Syed Iftikhar

• Lily Robbins

The Kevin Taylor Memorial Award for Leadership in Respiratory Therapy ($1,000)

This award is presented to a graduating respiratory therapy student who has demonstrated leadership and professionalism among their peers and throughout their clinical placements, and who has achieved academic merit.

• Zaeem Qureshi

Kyoom Abdool Scholarship of Excellence in Respiratory Therapy

($1,500 and $500)

The Kyoom Abdool Scholarship of Excellence in Respiratory Therapy was established by Trudell Medical Marketing Limited, in honour of alumnus and former Respiratory Therapy program instructor, Kyoom Abdool (Class of 1976). This scholarship acknowledges two graduates with the highest CGPA entering final year.

• Viktoriya Rybenchuk • Basimah Sajid

Ontario Home Respiratory Services Association Respiratory Therapy

Graduating Student Scholarship of Excellence ($500)

Established in 2008 by the Ontario Home Respiratory Services Association, this award is presented to a graduate of the Respiratory Therapy program who has demonstrated motivation, dependability and reliability during their clinical placement.

• Nicholas Cabral

ProResp Respiratory Therapy Graduating Student Scholarship of Excellence

($1,000)

Established in 2007 by ProResp, this award is presented to a student who has demonstrated motivation, reliability and a passion for excellence in clinical respiratory care.

• Jossana Bishay

ULTRASOUND

True North Imaging Scholarship in Ultrasound ($1,000)

Established in 2012 by True North Imaging, this award is presented to a graduate who is passionate about their chosen field and has demonstrated progressively strong interpersonal and communication skills and works effectively within a team-based environment. The recipient seeks out, considers and accepts constructive feedback, and grows professionally as a result.

• Mary Jane Tangjia Reaney

Ultrasound Scholarship* ($300)

This scholarship is awarded to a second-year student who has consistently exhibited professional behaviour in the academic setting and shown a commitment to improving the lives of others, as illustrated by the ability to work effectively both as an individual and as a member of an interprofessional team providing collaborative patient-centred care. The student will have demonstrated a commitment to sharing his/her expertise with others and represents Michener in a professional and accountable manner.

• William Zavaros-Bairos

CLINICAL SCHOLARSHIPS

Clinical Placement Relocation Award ($2,000 x 2)

Established in 2008, the Clinical Placement Relocation Awards are presented to students who have relocated 50 kilometres or greater from home to their assigned clinical placement. Consideration for this award is also based on the recipients’ career aspirations, abilities and achievements. These recipients are nominated by faculty.

• Calvin Chang Chiropody

• Ting An Samantha Tam Cardiovascular Perfusion

Michener Excellence in Clinical Education Scholarship ($2,000 x 2)

These awards are presented to the students who have consistently exhibited leadership and professional behaviour in both academic and health care settings. Recipients will have demonstrated a commitment to improving the lives of others, as illustrated by their ability to work effectively both as individuals and in interprofessional teams, providing collaborative patient-centred care. The recipients are nominated by their clinical coordinators.

• Jiaxi Fang Radiological Technology

• Nathalie Sagisi Medical Laboratory Science

Michener Excellence in Clinical Preparation Scholarship ($2,000)

This award is presented to a student who has consistently exhibited professional behaviour and the ability to work effectively both as an individual and in interprofessional teams in the clinical preparation semester. The recipient is nominated by faculty.

• Ting An Samantha Tam Cardiovascular Perfusion

• Ellen Cheng Medical Laboratory Science

GENERAL SCHOLARSHIPS

Alpha Charitable Foundation Scholarship* ($1,000 x 2)

Established in 2009 by Dr. C. Joseph Kurian, founder of Alpha Charitable Foundation and President of Alpha Laboratories Inc., this award is presented to two students who have demonstrated a commitment to their community through volunteer involvement and in outreach programs that assist others in need. One award reserved for an Indigenous student.

• Shen Mei Liu Cardiovascular Perfusion

• Sarah Bacchus Diagnostic Cytology

Covidien Scholarship ($500)

This scholarship is awarded to a graduate of the program who has exhibited academic excellence combined with either leadership skills or community involvement and has been recommended by their clinical coordinator.

• Nicholas Cabral

Respiratory Therapy

The Dorothy A. Hubbs and Gamble Family Scholarship* ($5,000 x 2)

Established in 2006 by Dorothy A. Hubbs, these endowed awards are the most significant individual gifts given to Michener students. These scholarships are presented to students in their graduating year who have clearly demonstrated a commitment to learning by continually striving to enrich their studies and experience at Michener by undertaking independent studies or research. The recipients have also demonstrated a commitment to community leadership through volunteer activities, mentoring and tutoring other students, and exhibit professional behaviour in both academic and health care settings with a commitment to patient care and interprofessional collaboration. The recipients are nominated by program faculty, with the nominations supported by the program chair.

• Zaeem Qureshi

Respiratory Therapy

• Jossana Bishay

Respiratory Therapy

Dr. Clarence Redekop Memorial Scholarship ($1,000)

Established in 2000 in memory of Dr. Clarence Redekop, a former member of Michener’s Board of Governors, this award is presented to the student who has achieved the highest GPA of all Advanced Diploma programs at Michener.

• Brandon Hannay Genetics Technology

Dr. Dan Wilmot Scholarship* ($500)

For students in Nuclear Medicine, Radiological Technology, Magnetic Resonance Imaging or Ultrasound. This award is presented to a currently registered technologist in diagnostic imaging who wishes to pursue further studies at Michener or to a currently registered technologist who has successfully completed the didactic portion of any fulltime or part-time post-diploma program (e.g. Semester 4 of MRI).

• Pan Tran MRI 1st Discipine

Dr. Renate Krakauer Research Scholarship* ($1,000)

Established in 2001 by Renate Krakauer, former President and CEO of The Michener Institute, this award recognizes a student engaged in a research project under the supervision of a faculty member. The project must be completed outside of normal course requirements.

• Fred Liang

Respiratory Therapy

Michener Student Council Awards* ($1,000 x 4)

These awards are presented to students who have made contributions to their program and/or student life at Michener. The recipients will have demonstrated a caring and sensitive attitude and a genuine interest in helping people.

• Mereena Paul Respiratory Therapy

• Margaret Koo Medical Laboratory Science

• Lily Robbins Respiratory Therapy

• Ellen Cheng Medical Laboratory Science

National Bank Award ($1,500 x 2)

This award is presented to two current year graduates who exhibit excellence in the related fields of health care quality, patient safety, and innovations in health services delivery through inter-professional collaboration during their clinical placement. Recipients modeled open inquiry and helped foster a sense of curiosity and/or innovation in their clinical placement (graduating year). The inquiry/innovation aligned with one or more of UHN’s Core Value (Safety, Compassion, Teamwork, Integrity and Stewardship).

• Shanee Leah McGuinness Cardiovascular Perfusion

• Emily Cole MRI 1st Discipline

Saul Ellis Memorial Bursary ($750)

Awarded to a full-time student who is in good standing and has demonstrated financial need.

• Nushrat Huque MRI 1st Discipline

Ron Bentley Memorial Faculty Scholarship* ($1,000)

Established by Michener Faculty in 2002 and named in memory of Ron Bentley, a former member of Michener’s faculty, this award is presented to a student in their final year who has shown academic improvement over the course of their didactic studies. The recipient of the award is nominated by Michener faculty.

• Michelle Bos Diagnostic Cytology

* Michener established various endowed awards through generous donor contributions that were matched by the provincial government’s Ontario Trust for Student Support (OTSS). The income generated from these endowments is used to support awards for Michener students who are Canadian citizens, are Ontario residents and have demonstrated financial need as well as meeting the award criteria.

ALUMNI SCHOLARSHIPS

Michener Alumni Association Scholarship ($500)

Established in 1999, this award is presented to members or children of members of the Michener Alumni Association who, through their accomplishments, have demonstrated leadership and are positive role models in their community.

• Zaeem Qureshi

Respiratory Therapy

TD Insurance Meloche Monnex Student Alumni Scholarship ($1,000)

Established in 2004 by TD Insurance Meloche Monnex, this award is presented to a student in their graduating year who has contributed to student life and/or the Michener Alumni Association.

• Zaeem Qureshi

Respiratory Therapy

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Thank you for attending the Student Awards Ceremony. We applaud and appreciate your continued support of The Michener Institute of Education at UHN and our students. We thank our alumni and friends, former and current faculty and staff, the Board of Governors, our corporate friends and government partners for your financial commitment to the Student Scholarships, Named Bursaries and Awards program. Your support to Michener ensures that we continue to fulfill our mandates to educate the health care professionals of tomorrow. Through your generosity, we are pleased to present 61 individual awards with a total value of over $76,000 this year. We encourage you all to continue to support our students through donations to existing Scholarships, Awards and Named Bursaries or to create a new Scholarship, Award or Named Bursary. Please contact Michener’s Registrar through regoffice@michener.ca for more information. The Registrar’s Office also presents General Bursaries to students in financial need each term and supports students in their Professional Development opportunities.

2025 SCHOLARSHIPS AND AWARDS COMMITTEE

Cathy Babiak Retired Faculty Representative

Tamar Kraus Development & Alumni Relations Officer

Lindsay Martinek Alumni Raymond Nielsen Dean of Students

Sean McCluskey Alumni Association Representative

THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS SUPPORTERS

Community and Corporate Donors

• Alpha Charitable Foundation

• BioPed Footcare & Orthotics

• Blue-Zone Technologies Ltd.

• Brookfield LePage Johnson Controls

• CHS Ltd.

• College of Chiropodists of Ontario

• Covidien Ltd.

• Faculty and Staff from The Michener Institute of Education at UHN and University Health Network (UHN)

• LifeLabs

• MacDonald Sutton Laboratory

• Michener Alumni Association

• Michener Student Council

• National Bank

• Ontario Home Respiratory Services Association

• Paragon Orthotic Laboratory

• Paris Orthotics

• ProResp Inc.

• TD Insurance Meloche Monnex

• True North Imaging

• Zonta Club of Toronto

THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS SUPPORTERS

Individual Donors

• Tim Colfe & Cecelia Alfonso

• Anonymous

• Sheena Bhimji-Hewitt

• Thomas Blennerhassett

• Kaylea Bove

• The Family and Friends of Kay Boyington

• Karen Chaiton

• Miranda Cheng

• Fiona Cherryman

• Tim Chipman

• The Family and Friends of Ron Bentley

• The Family and Friends of Dr. Alan W. Conn

• The Family and Friends of Saul Ellis

• The Schatz Family

• The Whiteley Family

• Dorothy A. Hubbs and Family

• Barry and Deirdre Finlay

• Paul and Brenda Gamble

• The Family and Friends of Dr. Allen Gardner

• Alex Gontar

• The Family and Friends of Dr. Fred Heagy

• Dr. Brian Hodges

• Brian Hyndman

• Hasina Kanji-Jaffer

• Dr. Renate Krakauer

• Tamar Kraus

• Vivian Lam

• Anna Ying Xin Liu

• The Estate of Joyce and Jack Longman

• The Family and Friends of Dr. Hugh Curry

• Christine Nielsen

• Raymond Nielsen

• Jennifer O’Neill

• The Family and Friends of Margie Patterson

• The Family and Friends of Dr. J.E. Prince

• The Family and Friends of Alexandra Mitchell Prudencio

• Michael Radoslav

• The Family and Friends of Dr. Clarence Redekop

• Juanita Richardson

• The Family and Friends of Bronwen Roberts

• Alex Rwahwire

• The Family and Friends of Dr. Jim Sieniewicz

• Dr. Kevin Smith

• The Family and Friends of Kevin Taylor

• Ka Lam Erica Tong

• Manuela Ungureanu

• Dr. Harvey P. Weingarten

• The Family and Friends of Dr. Dan Wilmot

• Jian Wu