VUSAC BIPOC Leadership Award
Nominations for 2026 are now open!
Established in 2021 by students, parents, alumni, and friends of Victoria College. Matching funds were provided by Brian Johnston of the Victoria College Class of 1981 and Victoria University. This is an initiative of Victoria College’s student government, the Victoria University Students Administrative Council (VUSAC).
The VUSAC BIPOC Leadership Award will be conferred upon a Victoria College student identifying as Black, Indigenous, or Person of Colour (BIPOC) who demonstrates involvement and service to others through positive and significant contributions to student life, the community at large, or both. One or two awards may be conferred to students in any year of study in each academic year until funds are depleted.
Students may self-nominate or be nominated by staff or students from Victoria College.
Award value: up to two awards of $1,000 each.
Deadline: Feb. 20, 2026
Inquiries: vic.awards@utoronto.ca
Apply/Nominate for the VUSAC BIPOC Leadership Award
Congratulations to the 2025 Recipients!
L-R: Jackson Nicholas Leslie and Zahra Ahmadi
- 2025 Recipients: Jackson Nicholas Leslie, Zahra Ahmadi
- 2024 Recipients: Joel Ndongmi, Lamar Elfaki
- 2023 Recipients: Fabiola Astrid Cruz Li, Jae Kim
- 2022 Recipients: Hannah Saleh Ali Ahamedi, Abena Gyebuaa Somiah
"As a refugee student, receiving the VUSAC BIPOC Leadership Award increases the visibility of asylum seekers and refugees in leadership positions while highlighting their contributions to the migrant community."
- Fabiola Cruz Li, 2023 recipient
Larry Davies Award for Public and Community Service
The annual application deadlines are Dec. 1 and March 1.
To encourage Victoria College students to involve themselves in public and community service in Canada. This award will support students whose participation demonstrates practical and direct benefits to individuals and/or communities in Canada. Preference will be given to candidates who demonstrate financial need.
Past recipients have been involved in organizing a virtual homework help program for Afghan women; bringing music and lessons to children in hospitals; assisting Somalian refugees to host cultural events and connect families with community services and supporting academic co-curricular outreach programs. Funds may be used to assist with travel costs to remote communities, to offset expenses or living costs necessary to allow time for community service work.
Inquiries: vic.dean@utoronto.ca.
Crescam Serviendo
Nomination Form Now Cosed
Check in January, 2026.
The Latin phrase crescam serviendo translates roughly as “I will grow through service.”
The Crescam Serviendo Awards recognize students who have made an exceptional effort to provide service to Victoria College and to fellow students. Successful nominees will have demonstrated involvement in the Victoria College community and service to others through positive and significant contributions to student life and the larger community,
For questions please get in touch with ali.kehl@utoronto.ca.
Community Engagement and Leadership Certificate
To complete the Community Engagement and Leadership Certificate, you must attend a minimum of 6 programs/events in 4 distinct categories. You must complete 1 program/event from each category, plus an additional 2 programs/events from any of the categories. The categories include Leadership, Cultural Awareness and Civic Engagement, Wellness, and Career Readiness.
Every time you attend a program/event that you believe will count towards the certificate, please fill out the following form:
At the end of each year, successful recipients will be invited to the Crescam Serviendo Student Awards & Recognition Dinner, where they will receive their in-person certificate!
For questions or inquiries, please email ali.kehl@utoronto.ca.