The Fall Awards Ceremony on November 28, 2025, celebrated excellence in optometry by recognizing students whose achievements reflect academic distinction and professional dedication. Generous donor support made these awards possible and encourage the continued pursuit of excellence. Congratulations are extended to all recipients, including those unable to attend the ceremony!
- Barbara Sivak Memorial Award: Sara Zakhourand Taylor Chamoun El-Helou
- David Mckenna Memorial Scholarship: Rachel Murphy
- Douglas H. Jenkins Memorial Scholarship: Hayley Rideout
- Karen Tompa Nowy Third-Year Memorial Award: Tara MacKinnon
- Reed Dawkins Entrance Award: Prableen Dhugga
- Wensveen and Smith Award in Binocular Vision and Perception: Abarnaa Arithas
- F. Attridge Award for Highest Achievement in Pathology: Reagan Myers
- J. Chisholm Memorial Scholarship: Samra Brkic
- EssilorLuxottica Eye Care Award: Kaitlyn Dufaultand Adrianna Warren
- Frederick T. Armstrong Scholarship: Benjamin Quilley
- FYidoctors Academic Leadership Award: Shreya Jain
- Pat Cummings Scholarship: Jordyn Matthews
- Manitoba Association of Optometrists A.H. Basman O.D Scholarships: Sarah Marks, Sophia Devinyakand Emma Coughlan
- Monaghan Memorial Scholarship: Abby Walker
- New Brunswick Association of Optometrists Scholarship: Elise Violet Hansen
- Nova Scotia Association of Optometrists Scholarship: Katelyn Geddes
- Reginald Williams Memorial Scholarship: Emily Lolita Wood
- Saskatchewan Association of Optometrists Scholarship: Jon Raedeke
- Steve de Pinto Awards: Fadi Naomand Carli Taylor Hemsworth
- VSP and AAOF Canadian Practice Excellence Scholarships: Helen Liangand Paige Wagar
Recognition is also extended to the following students, recipients of summer research awards:
- Bobier/Fisher/Lyle Research Award: Julia Jin
- Howard A. Backman Scholarship: Vicky Shah
- Stein Summer Research Award: Helena Woo
- Optometry Faculty Undergraduate Research Scholarship: Jordyn Matthews
The ceremony highlighted the important role of donors and associations in supporting these awards. Dr. Jake Sivak Dr. Jake Sivak presented the Barbara Sivak Memorial Award, Britt Backman (daughter of Dr. Howard A. Backman) presented the Dr. Howard A. Backman Scholarship, and Zach Riley (Manager, OD Recruiting) presented the EssilorLuxottica Eye Care Award. Their participation highlighted the connections between donors, the profession and the next generation of optometrists.
