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University of Toronto Occupational Therapy Students Honored with Prestigious Award

posted: Monday, July 05, 2010

(Ottawa, ON) – The Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT) is pleased to announce that CAOT members and University of Toronto Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy students, Denise Dubois and Carol Aiga, are recipients of the 2010 Gordon Cressy Student Leadership Award. The "Cressys," created by the University of Toronto Alumni Association and named after the university’s former vice-president, recognize students for their contributions to improving the world around them and for inspiring others to do the same.

Ms. Dubois and Ms. Aiga have demonstrated outstanding student leadership within and beyond the MScOT program at the University of Toronto.  Since 1994, more than 2,000 students have received the leadership award, and this year 145 students were selected across all disciplines of which only 10 were selected from the Faculty of Medicine, including Ms. Dubois and Ms. Aiga. 

Ms. Dubois was recognized for her effective organizational skills and ability to lead by example. She founded the Community Involvement Committee and actively organizes events throughout the Greater Toronto Area to support the homeless and people with mental illness. Ms. Dubois serves as the occupational therapy student council vice-president and volunteers with the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health.

 "I was so honoured even to be nominated for this award,” says Ms. Dubois. “When I was waiting to go on stage to accept my certificate, it struck me that I was among some of the leaders in the University of Toronto community and perhaps someday, leaders in their fields and in the greater community."

Ms. Aiga, a long-term volunteer with the Canadian National Institute for the Blind, was also honored for her many noteworthy accomplishments.  As a member of the occupational therapy department’s Student Affairs Committee, she has participated in many recruitment initiatives and co-chairs the Grassroots Committee, which promotes the role of occupational therapy in the community.

“Receiving this award not only let me know that my contributions were recognized, but more importantly that other members of the community found them valuable,” says Ms. Aiga. “This award has provided me with confidence in my profession and inspiration to continue to volunteer and be involved in my community.”

Both Ms. Dubois and Ms.Aiga take confidence away from this experience and look forward to applying their academic achievements to the practice of occupational therapy.

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For more information, please contact:
Cheryl Evans
Communications Coordinator
The Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists
613-523-2268 EXT. 225