The Honourable Dr. Vivienne Poy has won the 2022 Canadian Council for the Advancement of Education (CCAE) Friend of Education Award for her transformative contributions to education at institutions across Canada, including the University of Toronto, McGill University, York University, Simon Fraser University and Seneca College.
Poy is a distinguished Faculty of Arts & Science alumna who holds master’s and doctoral degrees in history as well as an honorary doctor of laws from U of T. She served as chancellor of the University from 2003 to 2006 and has spearheaded numerous initiatives at U of T, including the establishment of the Richard Charles Lee Canada-Hong Kong Library and the Vivienne Poy Endowment in Asian Canadian Cultural Studies at University College.
The award recognizes Poy’s legacy as “a notable entrepreneur, a designer, an author, a historian, and a trailblazer who has dedicated her life to sharing the story of the Chinese Canadian experience.”
In 1998, Poy was the first Canadian of Asian descent to be appointed to the Senate of Canada where she focused on gender issues, multiculturalism, immigration and human rights. She was also instrumental in having May recognized as Asian Heritage Month in Canada. Since retiring from the Senate in 2012, Poy has continued to contribute tirelessly to communities across the country.
“She has made a tremendous difference in lifting the voice of the Chinese Canadian community and ensuring that their place in Canada’s history is recognized and understood. Dr. Poy is an outstanding alumna, volunteer, and University citizen, and is truly deserving of this recognition,” said U of T President Meric Gertler.