On Nov. 6, members of the York University community gathered at the TIFF Lightbox in downtown Toronto for the 25th anniversary of the 2025 York U Alumni Awards. More than 200 guests were in attendance bringing together alumni, friends, faculty, students and staff for an evening of celebration, entertainment and networking.
“For the past 25 years, the Alumni Awards have celebrated the remarkable achievements and contributions of our alumni community," says Julie Lafford, Assistant Vice-President, Alumni Engagement. “It was a privilege to continue this longstanding tradition of honouring our alumni recipients who have demonstrated leadership and commitment to the public good.”
Co-hosted by Fox 5 New York reporter Stephanie Bertini (BA ’07) and host/producer of the Gent’s Talk podcast, Samir Mourani (BA ’14), the Awards honoured the achievements of six outstanding alumni recipients and featured musical performances by Domanique Grant (BA ’13) and the York U Department of Music Soul Collective Alumni Ensemble.
This year’s honourees were: Robert (Bob) (BA ’67) Drummond and the late Vicky Drummond (MA ’76), Dr. Milad Modabber (BSc ’08, MSc ’10), Dr. Pamela Farrell (BEd ’07), Farzia Khan (BA ’17) and Jaime Wong (MBA ’01).
“I’m incredibly honoured to be in the company of all the award winners tonight and to put myself among those recognized in the Tetanda Via award category before me,” said award recipient, Dr. Pamela Farrell. “I’d like to recognize York University for giving me this award, it just reassures what I’m doing and how one person can make a difference.”