Five Arts & Science students are among this year’s recipients of the University of Toronto’s Student Engagement in the Arts Awards. The awards recognize undergraduate and graduate students who have made significant leadership and/or volunteer contributions to co-curricular arts activities at the University.
Rachel Evangeline Chiong
Rachel is a student at University College studying linguistics. She is the senior editor of the UC Review and the official photographer of UC. Her published illustrations and written works have appeared in The Strand, UPAYA, The Spectatorial, and most notably Demo, the Hart House music magazine. Her goal is to add beauty and warmth to post-secondary life and shed light onto the deserving people she photographs and their inspiring stories that she nurtures.
Maryam Hassan
Maryam is a student at Victoria College studying sociology with minors in visual studies and near Middle Eastern civilizations. In 2017, she was a recipient of the Shelley Peterson Student Art Exhibition Juror Award for her captivating installation Roshanrepresenting the spirit of the 1970s in Afghanistan. Maryam is currently planning a youth mentorship initiative that connects U of T students and St. James Town youth through the Centre for Community Partnerships.
James Hyett
James is a student at University College double majoring in theatre and linguistics. In his three years at U of T, he has been involved in campus theatre as a performer, lighting operator and director. He has performed onstage in seven campus productions. As VP internal of the U of T Improv Team, James has worked to ensure the longevity of the group for years to come, as well as expanding the club to include a weekly drop-in open to all. For the past two years, he has helped coordinate the University of Toronto Drama Festival — a weekend of competitive theatre for students on the Hart House Stage.
Anthony Johnson
Anthony is a third-year Rotman Commerce management specialist and Innis College student. As the founder and president of U of T Music Factory, he is credited with working to bring creative minds together and providing them with the tools to bring their artistic vision to life. Anthony put his music production skills to use for student-based events, writing, recording and performing Innis College’s first-ever theme songs to accompany the College’s orientations in 2016 and 2017. Off campus, he is actively involved in Toronto’s pop and urban music scene. His work earned him a place as a finalist at the 2017 Ontario Songwriting Challenge.
Theresa Wang
Theresa is a student at Victoria College studying art history, cinema studies and French studies. As co-chair of the Hart House Art Committee, she has worked extensively to promote arts and cultural participation within the University community. Under her dedicated leadership, the committee has successfully run events including the ArtWork Career Conference, resume and grant writing workshops, life drawing workshops, gallery tours, and student exhibitions in the Hart House Arbour Room. Through partnerships with other student groups, Theresa has set the foundation for inter-campus collaborations by building a tight-knit community of volunteers.
The Student Engagement in the Arts Awards were presented at a ceremony on March 23, 2018.
For a full list of this year’s recipients, see the announcement from the Office of the Vice-Provost, Students.
With files from the Office of the Vice-Provost, Students.
