Dean Alice J. Hovorka presented five awards to members of the Faculty of Environmental & Urban Change (EUC), recognizing their significant contributions within the Faculty.

City Institute Executive member Prof. Luisa Sotomayor received the Dean’s Service Award.

Prof. Sotomayor's nomination notes her invaluable role in serving the York University community and beyond. Prof. Sotomayor’s breadth of service contributions includes leading the MES (Master of Environmental Studies) Planning program, developing and offering planning skills workshops, driving EUC renewal in urban and planning realms, coordinating research seminars, organizing and chairing conferences, engaging with York organized research units YCAR (York Centre for Asian Research) and CITY Institute, serving on Social Sciences and Humanities Research council (SSHRC) adjudicating committees, working with the Professional Standards Board for Planning in Canada, and holding numerous senior positions in professional organizations.

Prof. Sotomayor is praised by colleagues for her professionalism, thoughtfulness, respectfulness, empathy and practicality. Prof. Sotomayor is recognized for having an open-door policy and a willingness to find time to help those in need. Prof. Sotomayor embodies the positivity and change-making that EUC strives for and is supported with a sincere sense of admiration and gratitude for her contribution and dedication to the Faculty.