OISE alumna Sylvia McPhee receives 2011 Arbor Award 

September 14, 2011

By Eileen Thomas

Congratulations to all 2011 Arbor Award recipients, including OISE alumna Sylvia McPhee (M.Ed., 1978), whose outstanding volunteer contributions to the OISE Alumni Association have benefited and enriched OISE in countless ways.

For nearly 30 years, Sylvia has been a pillar of the OISE Alumni Association, of which she was a founding member. As Vice President of the OISE AA, Sylvia drafted its first constitution. She continues an invaluable member of the community, taking on projects from revising the Association constitution, to planning anniversary celebrations and participating in many alumni events and activities. Her hard work as a pioneer of the Association has contributed to the formation of a strong and effective alumni community.

Association President Sema Kenan expressed the association's gratitude to Sylvia for her work and the lasting impact she has had on the OISE community at a special presentation and reception held at University of Toronto President Naylor’s official residence on September 13, "I rely on Sylvia who is a tireless worker with insight, intelligence and plenty of energy. With her presence, she has proven to be a true asset for our organization. Ms McPhee is the only founding member of the Association; she is the link to our past and our inspiration for the future. Currently, she is representing the Alumni in all matters relating to Initial Teacher Education and the Student Teachers' Union."

The Arbor Awards were created by the University of Toronto in 1989 to recognize volunteers for outstanding personal service to the University. Since then, U of T annually acknowledges the alumni and friends whose loyalty, dedication and generosity has added substantially to the quality of the University of Toronto experience for students, faculty, staff and alumni. The Arbor Award is a way of thanking them and letting them know that their contributions of time, energy and expertise are celebrated.