Alumni, faculty and staff receive African Scholars Awards

U of T Celebrates

The University of Toronto is home to some of the world’s top faculty, students, alumni and staff. U of T Celebrates recognizes their award-winning accomplishments.

Left to right, from top: Michel Chikwanine, Antoinette Handley, Eddie Jjumba, Karima Hashmani; Tshweu Moleme, Sulaiman Jalloh, Mercy Lillian Gichuki, Jeffrey Fasegha; Seggane Musisi, Ismail Kibirige, Entisar Yusuf, Rachel Samuel

Community

Alumni, faculty and staff receive African Scholars Awards

Published: February 3, 2021

Sixteen members of the University of Toronto community have been recognized with African Scholars Awards.

Created by a group led by Henry Ssali, the founder and executive director of the African Alumni Association, the African Scholars Awards honour alumni, faculty and staff for their contributions in realms ranging from academic achievement and social innovation to community development and volunteering.

“To me, this award is an indication that we are all destined to do great things in our communities and society at large, despite our circumstances,” said alumna Rachel Samuel, who came to U of T from Malawi, where she grew up in a refugee camp, and is now working on a research project on refugee health and mental health at York University.

“This causes me to reflect on my journey and really understand that my thoughts and dreams should never be limited by my circumstances.”

The winners are:

Community Development Award – Rev. Eddie Jjumba, Tshweu Moleme
Outstanding Recent Alumni Award – Rachel Samuel, Entisar Yusuf, Jeffrey Fasegha, Sulaiman Jalloh
Social Innovation Award – Ismail Kibirige
Global Impact Award – Michel Chikwanine, Seggane Musisi
Emerging Academic Award – Mercy Lillian Gichuki, Morris Komakech
Distinguished Volunteer Award – Joan Kasozi, Ayaan Abdulle
Influencers’ Award – Akwasi Owusu-Bempah, Antoinette Handley, Karima Hashmani