Every year, the Tom Janes Award for Black Scholars shines a light on Black students in York University’s Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies (LA&PS), highlighting academic excellence and emerging leadership.
The renewable scholarship supports incoming undergraduate students and provides $5,000 in annual funding to help remove financial barriers.
“The Tom Janes award is such a high-impact award,” says Daniel Kikulwe, interim associate dean of students, LA&PS. “It follows each student throughout their undergraduate time at York, encouraging them and supporting degree completion.”
Created by the Janes family in memory of Tom Janes, the program aims to support Black students in achieving success. The family has pledged over $1.5 million to the program to date. “We wanted a way to help students who otherwise might be held back for various reasons. It means a lot to us to see so many students succeeding at York,” said Lem Janes, brother of the late Tom Janes.
Fourth-year international development studies student Gabrielle Viola Curate, a recipient of the scholarship, says the award has created opportunities and pathways to success during her time at York.
“This award allows me to continue my studies with greater focus and determination,” she shares. “It has opened a door that many Black women, like my mother, have not had the opportunity to walk through.”
First-year political science student Sylvan Lewis says he is honoured to be selected as a recipient of the scholarship and aspires to make meaningful contributions to policy.
“Knowing that my work and my potential are being recognized has strengthened my confidence and motivation during this important first year of study,” he says. “I am deeply grateful to Lem and Karen Janes for their generosity in memory of Tom Janes.”
Curate and Lewis are among the 28 students who are current award holders – from first to fourth year and across a variety of programs, including Information Technology, Law & Society, Human Rights & Equity Studies, Commerce, English and more.
Kikulwe notes the award’s impact is felt by students throughout their time at York and beyond, adding that 10 student recipients have already graduated.
Bachelor of commerce alum Tigist Solomon credits the Tom Janes Award with giving him not only crucial financial support but also “the confidence and encouragement to pursue my goals with purpose.” Solomon has been working in a professional marketing role since graduating in Spring of 2025 and says the award reinforced for him “the importance of perseverance, community and giving back.”
“What inspires us most is seeing these students excel and become leaders,” says Kikulwe. “This award shows what is possible when students are offered support to help them thrive.”