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Awards & Scholarships

2008 Bryden Award Winners

Each year, York celebrates alumni who attained extraordinary achievements and made remarkable contributions to York and to their communities.

The '08 Bryden Alumni Award recipients are:

Outstanding Contribution Bill Hatanaka (BA Hons '77)
Local Hero Paul Axelrod (BA '72, PhD '80)
Redefine the Possible Wendy Craig (MA '89, PhD '93)
The One-to-Watch Frank Cianciulli (BA '97)

The history of the Bryden Awards

Past Recipients

 

Outstanding Contribution

Dedication to the advancement of the University through exceptional service, commitment, and contributions.

Bill Hatanaka (BA Hons '77) is one of York's most passionate ambassadors — and a truly remarkable individual.

  • Former OUA football all-star and CFL Grey Cup Champion
  • Joined the York University Foundation's Board of Directors in 2006
  • Co-Chair of the University's York to the Power of 50 fundraising campaign, guiding the campaign to unprecedented success.
  • Played an influential role in TD Bank's multi-million dollar support of the University, including the company's recent $1 million gift to establish the York University-TD Community Engagement Centre.
  • Chairman of TD Bank's Diversity Leadership Council
  • Mentor to York students
  • Leads the TD Bank Financial Group integrated Wealth Management Business in North American and the United Kingdom and Chair and CEO of TD Waterhouse Canada

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Local Hero

A York alumnus and employee of the University who has gone beyond the call of duty

Paul Axelrod (BA '72, PhD '80) has taken on many roles at York over his 40-year career including student, political leader, union head, faculty member, senator and Dean.

  • Active member of the student community, writing for Excalibur and serving as President of the York Federation of Students.
  • Headed the part-time faculty union in 1976-1977.
  • Upon completing his doctorate and teaching at Queen's University, he returned to York for good in 1982 as a faculty member and has made a truly remarkable contribution to the university, particularly during his time as Dean of the Faculty of Education.
  • Under his leadership, the Faculty opened several off-campus teacher education sites, forged partnerships in Kenya and created a Centre for Research on Education and the Community.
  • Paul's outstanding research into education has earned him a number of prestigious awards and enhanced York's reputation internationally.

Video

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Redefine the Possible

For leadership and successes which are innovative, unconventional and daring, embodying York's trailblazing motto "Redefine the Possible"

Wendy Craig (MA '89, PhD '93) is a researcher and scholar who has truly lived up to the York philosophy, "Redefine the Possible."

  • Launched a number of initiatives to translate bullying research into knowledge that can help children around the world
  • Co-founded PREVNet (Promoting Relationships and Eliminating Violence Network), an organization which coordinates the work of researchers at over 21 universities and provides expertise on bullying to 44 organizations across Canada.
  • She has drawn international attention to the issue of cyber-bullying by appearing on Canada AM, CTV News and various CBC news programs, The Oprah Winfrey Show and 20/20.
  • Wendy is a professor in the Department of Psychology at Queen's University, and an expert on cyber-bullying for the World Health Organization.

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The One-to-Watch

For remarkable professional and community accomplishments early in his or her career.

Frank Cianciulli (BA '97) has been described as a serial entrepreneur — and with good reason.

  • Frank has founded or co-founded numerous companies, earning himself a place on Canada's 2007Top 40 Under 40.
  • His organization Enunciate Conferencing was deemed one of Profit Magazine's "Hot 50" Canadian companies in 2004 and 2005 and was named one of the Top 20 Best Small and Medium Employers in Canada.
  • A recipient of the Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award in 2006, Frank has proven himself to be a tireless innovator with a string of remarkable successes early in his career
  • Currently sits on the Faculty of Arts Dean's Advisory Board.

Video

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Bryden Awards History

These awards are inspired by Bruce Bryden (BA ’64), who was an exceptionally committed and influential leader at York. He was a member of our first undergrad class and held several prestigious positions, including founding president of the York University Alumni Association and member of the Board of Governors. It is for his vision and exemplary leadership that we named these awards after him.