York University President & Vice-Chancellor Mamdouh Shoukri has been named a recipient of a 2013 RBC Top Canadian Immigrant award, presented by Canadian Immigrant Magazine. Shoukri is among a list of 25 distinguished recipients of the award, which celebrates the achievements of immigrants to Canada. The winners were announced Thursday, June 20.
Mamdouh Shoukri
“I am extremely honoured to be recognized with this prestigious award along with such respected and accomplished individuals who have contributed so much to Canada,” said Shoukri. “I am proud to accept this on behalf of my colleagues at York University, where we value diversity in every way as a means by which we promote innovation and shape global thinking.”
Also on the list of award recipients are Osgoode Hall Law School graduates Michael Tulloch, a judge of the Ontario Court of Appeal, and Winnie Wong, a lawyer and small claims court deputy judge. More than 600 nominations were received in just two months and of these, 75 finalists were shortlisted by a panel of judges comprised of past winners and dignitaries. More than 30,000 votes were cast online, the highest number received in the award’s history.
Michael Tulloch
“These 25 award winners are a diverse group, ranging from artists to philanthropists to entrepreneurs from a variety of ethnicities across the country,” says Margaret Jetelina, editor of Canadian Immigrant Magazine. “Each of these winners has an inspiring story about overcoming challenges and making their country a better place to live. We are proud to present our top 25 award to these very deserving recipients.”
The Top 25 winners will be honoured at awards ceremonies on June 20 in Toronto and on June 26 in Vancouver. The program is proudly supported by title sponsor RBC Royal Bank and associate sponsor Chevrolet. The awards program is also supported by the Toronto Star, Metro, Sing Tao, CBC Toronto and South Asian Focus.
Winnie Wong
“These winners are role models, not just for new Canadians, but for all Canadians who will be inspired by the valuable contribution these individuals have made to their communities,” said Paul Sy, director, Multicultural Markets, RBC. “These extraordinary individuals are living proof that anyone can make a difference and contribute to the rich fabric of Canadian life.”
The RBC Top 25 Canadian Immigrant award winners will receive a commemorative plaque and a $500 donation towards a registered Canadian charity of their choice. Winners will be featured in the July print edition of Canadian Immigrant Magazine.