Skip to content

TRIBUTES & MEMORIALS

When you make a tribute gift to say thanks or mark a special occasion, or a gift in memory of someone special, you help enhance the quality of education for Humber students. You can choose to direct your gift to any one of Humber College’s six faculties.

To learn more or notify us that you are planning on requesting gifts in memory or in tribute of someone special, please call us at 416-673-0152 or email us at giving@humber.ca.

adam

Adam Sura Arborist Apprentice Memorial Scholarships

Adam Sura was an artist, a musician, an athlete, a wonderful son, a great friend, and an Arborist. Adam excelled in his chosen profession, graduating with honours. Being an Arborist allowed him to meld his athletic and creative skills into a career that he was proud of. To honour his memory, the Adam Sura Arborist Apprentice Memorial Scholarship was established, as we know he would be happy to help out aspiring Arborists attending the Arborist Apprenticeship Program with fees and equipment costs.

carol

Caroldean Birch Memorial Scholarship

Caroldean Birch (October 6, 1936 - November 24, 2022) was a trailblazer who roared into the parking lot of Humber College in a yellow 1965 Corvette with the top down. She had a number of roles at Humber, but the one she loved the most was her time working in the Marketing Department. During this time, she met many international students and admired their dedication and tenacity to achieve their education goals. It was her commitment to international students that moved family and friends to establish a scholarship so that Carol’s memory lives on and helps the students she so admired realize their dreams.

john

John McLaughlin Memorial Scholarship

John Austin McLaughlin (Aug 16, 1967 - Apr 21, 2022) had a life-long love for music and the arts. With his musical interests spanning contemporary jazz, fusion, funk, world and the experimental milieu, John was not only immensely proud of being a Humber alumnus, but of being a recipient of the Oscar Peterson Program scholarship. Well-acquainted with the sacrifices that struggling musicians make, John’s commitment and passion for music was burned into his soul – he did what he loved and there was no other path. Family and friends believe that John would be so delighted that his memory lives on through a scholarship at Humber in his name and that it exists for others who have the drive, commitment and passion for music that John did.

kenny

Kenny Ejim Memorial Scholarship Bio

Kenny Ejim, born December 3, 1994 in Toronto, Ontario, was a record-breaking National Champion Humber College Men’s basketball Alumnus.

Throughout his life, Kenny remained an avid supporter of Humber Athletics. You could most likely find him at the gym or on the court, inspiring those he came across with his passion and heart. Kenny was the type of person who always spread positive energy and uplifted the people who were close to him.

mayank

Mayank and Mahrukh Bhatt Scholarship

Mayank Bhatt (1962-2022) was a journalist and writer who immigrated to Toronto from Bombay (Mumbai) in 2008. He completed the Humber School for Writers creative writing certificate under the mentorship of M.G. Vassanji in 2010. He enjoyed and placed high value on the program, and credited it with his ability to complete his debut novel Belief, which was published in 2016 by Mawenzi House. Mayank's survivors and friends believe that Mayank would have been delighted to know a scholarship at Humber for this program in his and his wife's names, will exist for writers who experience financial need. We hope writers will be able to benefit from the mentorship this program offers, as they travel the difficult road to completing the manuscript of a literary work—as Mayank did.

bryana

Bryana Auclair Memorial Scholarship

Bryana Auclair (1997-2021) had discovered her dual callings as a passionate student of social justice, and also as a defender and supporter of the environment. She had a natural affinity for technology, animals, and humans alike, and was much loved by her work colleagues as both an extremely caring person and a font of technical knowledge. Her memorial scholarship will seek to assist a student who has had to overcome challenges in order to fulfill their own goals of helping make the world a better place.

fatima

Fatima Baig Memorial Scholarship

Caring, talented, trustworthy, compassionate, selfless. These are the words that best describe Fatima Baig (1993-2021), a brilliant person, journalist, two- time liver transplant recipient and advocate for organ donation. Fatima was also a proud graduate of the Bachelor of Journalism program at Humber College. The Fatima Baig Memorial Scholarship will be created to honour Fatima’s legacy and will support a journalism student from an equity-deserving group who displays many of her admirable qualities.

alex

Alexandra Eastland Celebration Scholarship

Alexandra Eastland (1989-2021) was a funny, curious, bright, and generous person. A graduate of Humber College’s Fundraising Management program, she loved working in philanthropy and helping others. This scholarship exists to honour and continue Alex’s commitment to higher education, social justice, and generosity.

amanda

Amanda Batchelor Memorial Scholarship

Amanda Batchelor (1965-2021) found fulfilment in her work within the non-profit sector. Her steadfast dedication to the betterment of society led to a career advocating for charities, especially those with social service and health-related missions. It is fitting that the scholarship founded in her name will benefit women pursuing careers in the Fundraising and Public Relations sectors. Amanda’s legacy lies in part within the achievements of the future Amanda Batchelor Memorial Scholarship recipients.

jo-anna

Jo-Anna Downey Comedy Award

Jo-Anna Downey (1967-2016) was a multiple Canadian Comedy Award-nominated stand-up comedian. As the self-proclaimed “Mama” of Toronto’s comedy scene, Jo-Anna was bold and fearless in her support of new comics – especially woman comics.

canada book

The Blossom Fund

The Blossom Fund provides scholarships to Humber students with developmental disabilities and mental health challenges.

verrall

Verrall Clark Memorial Scholarship

Verrall Clark (1938–2020) dedicated his life making a difference in the firefighting profession, where he made invaluable contributions up until his retirement in 2003. Born in the rural community of Orillia in 1938, Verrall was the youngest of five children in a family of limited financial resources. At a young age, he learned the value of hard work and the need to pull together for the betterment and protection of all – qualities that are essential for a firefighter.

stuart smith

Dr. Stuart L. Smith Memorial Scholarship

Dr. Stuart L. Smith (1938-2020) dedicated his life to love and learning. Stuart’s commitment to Humber College was significant, serving as Chair of the Board of Governors, helping Humber expand its graduate certificate offerings, and contributing to the University of Guelph-Humber collaboration. This partnership between a university and a college was a first for Ontario and paved a new way of education for students by combining in-depth, theoretical education with hands-on learning experiences.

roy giroux

Roy F. Giroux Memorial Scholarship

Dr. Roy F. Giroux dedicated his life to education, life-long learning and helping others achieve their goals. He was born and raised in Windsor, Ontario and studied at the University of Windsor and Wayne State University in Michigan. After many quality career years in Windsor at Assumption College, Riverside and Herman Secondary Schools, he spent several years as Dean and Vice President at St. Clair College.

noela costa memorial scholarship

Noela Costa Memorial Scholarship

Noela was loved and cherished by many people including her parents, Henriqueta Costa and Antonio Costa; her sibling Daniel Costa (Natasha); her nieces Sofia and Ava and so many friends and colleagues.

andre arruda scholarship

Andre Arruda Scholarship

Andre "the Anti-Giant" Arruda (1983-2017) was born in Kitchener, Ontario, and moved to Toronto in 2001 to attend Humber College's Comedy Writing and Performance program. At “3-foot-something,” the comedian became not only a recognizable force in Toronto’s stand-up community, but an advocate for the rights of people with disabilities.

wayson choy

Wayson Choy Scholarship

Wayson Choy (1939-2019) was an award-winning novelist, a committed activist, and most of all a gifted and devoted teacher. His writing first came to public prominence with the publication The Jade Peony (1995), a poignant novel set in Vancouver’s Chinatown, where Wayson had grown up. This best-selling work, which won both the City of Vancouver Book Award and the Trillium Book Award, was followed by Paper Shadows (1999), All That Matters (2004, which also won the Trillium), and Not Yet: A Memoir of Living and Almost Dying. (2009). He was made a member of the Order of Canada in 2005.

ken wyman

Ken Wyman Scholarship

Ken Wyman started teaching for Humber in the mid-Eighties, with the part-term Certificate in Fundraising, run jointly with The Canadian Centre for Philanthropy, with classes held at OISE on Bloor Street.

In 2000 he joined the new full-time graduate Certificate in Fundraising and Volunteer Management. Tom Browne, a PR professor at Humber created it. Ken was on the founding Program Advisory Committee and taught one course in the first year. The next academic year Ken joined the faculty and became Program Coordinator.

Nick Greeson

Nicholas Greeson Memorial Award

For a very brief time, Nicholas Greeson was a student in the Funeral Director Program. Nick had been battling cancer for 6 years and was still doing so when he began his time at Humber in 2019. This memorial award recognizes individuals in the funeral program who have faced serious health issues with strength and courage and yet who are passionate and determined to help others in some of the darkest moments of their lives.

Stewart Aziz

Stewart Aziz Memorial Award

Born in Toronto, Stew navigated his life with devotion to family and friends, well-honed professional skill, eclectic interests, love of food and good conversation and a keen sense of humour. He attended King City Secondary School and went on to complete the Creative Cinematography program at Humber College graduating with Honours. During the third year of the program, Stew was recognized with the Humber Cinematography Award in 1983.

Jean Jablonski

Jean Jablonski Memorial Award

The colleagues and friends of Jean Jablonski wish to honour Jean Jablonski’s memory and contributions as a committed faculty member of Liberal Arts & Sciences at Humber College from 1976-2002. It was her love and concern for her students that makes this scholarship a fitting tribute.

Jim Differ playing the drums

Jim Differ Memorial Award

Jim was a self-taught drummer. A warm and generous person, Jim was seen as a mentor to countless musicians, young and old, and spent many years informally teaching those who were truly interested in learning. Donations to this award will make a difference in the lives of the students at the School of Creative & Performing Arts.

ayan warsame

Ayan Warsame Memorial Award

Ayan Warsame was a highly regarded student in the Child and Youth Care program who embodied warmth, inclusion, thoughtful dialogue and curiosity – ideals that defined the field she so passionately pursued. Donations to this award will support students from the School of Social & Community Services.

Geoffrey

Geoffrey Lyon Memorial Award

This scholarship was created in loving memory of Geoffery Lyon, a beloved Humber hospitality student who passed away suddenly in 2017. His family hopes to recognize students that carry on Geoffrey’s humble personality and passion for helping others.

jeoff bull

Jeoff Bull Memorial Scholarship

Jeoff Bull taught at Humber College for almost 15 years. He taught in the General Arts and Science programs when he was first recruited to work with students in both the University and College transfer profiles, assisting them as they transitioned to Humber and inspiring in them a love of learning so that they would then progress on to further post-secondary studies.

carol reid

Carol Reid Early Childhood Education Fund

Carol Reid, a proud Humber graduate began her teaching career at Humber in the Early Childhood Education program in 1989. From her first day of teaching until her retirement in 2014, Carol’s dedication to students and the community was characterized by her creativity and love of learning.

don johnso

Don Johnson Memorial Award

Don Johnson spent his entire life in the pursuit of excellence. Whether it was in music or golf, whatever he put his mind to he did with the utmost precision. He was often heard saying – If something is worth doing, it is worth doing well or correct.

bob nix

Bob Nix Memorial Award

Bob Nix was born in 1927 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He began his love affair with the trombone in high school, and played actively throughout his university years as well while studying to become an actuary at the University of Manitoba.

Diana Belshaw Theatre Creator Award

Diana Belshaw (Head of Acting) was Director of the Theatre Performance Program for twelve years, as well as founder of the Acting for Film and Television Program at Humber.

Dr. Kira Payne Memorial Scholarship

Dr. Kira Payne,1965-2016, a professional musician, physician and psychiatrist, lived her life in the pursuit of excellence. 

Eda Cucakovich Memorial Scholarship

Eda Cucakovich, 1956 – 2014, was a fashion show producer and choreographer who worked in the fashion industry for thirty-seven years. 

Eric Dymond Memorial Award

In honour of the recent passing of Eric Dymond, friends and colleagues at Humber College have established the Eric Dymond Memorial Award. 

Gordon L. Goldie Memorial Scholarship

Gordon L. Goldie, 1925 – 2009, was a fundraising pioneer and helped many clients across Canada run successful campaigns.

Graham Clarke Scholarship

The Graham Clarke Scholarship is awarded annually to a student in the Bachelor of Music program who displays "an exceptional commitment to the art of creating and sharing joyful music, and who has an interest in music production and recording". 

Jean Augustine Legacy Scholarship

Hon. Jean Augustine was appointed as the first Fairness Commissioner for Ontario in March 2007.  

Joe Kertes Scholarship

Joe Kertes is retiring from Humber College this summer after thirty-five years. He began as a professor in Liberal Arts & Sciences, was a Chair in Applied & Creative Arts, became Director of Marketing for the college, and has been Dean of the School of Creative & Performing Arts since 2001. 

John Mason Leadership Scholarship

John Mason retired as the Vice President, Student and Corporate Services in 2013, after a thirty-seven year career at Humber College. 

Karen Hill Memorial Scholarship

Karen L. Hill, 1958 - 2014, was a passionate creative writer who enjoyed her mentorship at the Humber School for Writers. 

Renée Roth Memorial Award

Renée Roth was a true trailblazer and a passionate leader in the broadcasting industry.