For more than two decades, the York U Alumni Awards have celebrated alumni who embody the principles of York University, have achieved the extraordinary and work to right the future by creating positive change in their respective fields. This tradition will continue on Nov. 6, when this year’s distinguished awardees will be honoured at a special ceremony.
This year’s outstanding recipients are Michael Eubanks (BA ’93), Scott D. Tanner (BSc ’76, PhD ’80), Alia Abbas (BA ’13, MA ’17) and Bri S. Darboh (BA ’15, MA ’18, MBA ’22, PhD ’24).
The awards celebrate the broad York alumni community of innovators, activists, and researchers and their long-standing commitment to the public good.
“The recipients of the 2024 York U Alumni Awards truly exemplify the positive change that our alumni are creating locally and globally,” says Heather Auden, director of alumni engagement. “This recognition is a testament to the leadership they have demonstrated in their fields as well as their commitment to the public good. Their remarkable accomplishments serve as an inspiration for future generations of alumni, and we eagerly anticipate honouring them at the awards ceremony this November.”
Outstanding Contribution: Michael Eubanks (BA ’93), chief information officer, goeasy Ltd.
This award goes to an alum who has made a significant contribution to the advancement of York and its students through exceptional service, commitment and/or philanthropic contributions.
Michael A. Eubanks is the chief information officer of goeasy Ltd., leveraging more than 30 years of diverse experience across the retail, financial services, and digital and information technology sectors in both Canada and the U.S. As a leader in enterprise strategic planning, he specializes in implementing complex technology changes to meet shifting business models for public and private companies. A believer of strong leadership at every level, he is passionate about identifying and mentoring the next generation of leaders.
Outstanding Achievement: Scott D. Tanner (BSc ’76, PhD ’80), co-founder and CEO, DVS Sciences; former principal scientist, Sciex; professor, University of Toronto
This award goes to an alum who has achieved distinction in their field and whose integrity and ability inspire alumni, faculty, staff and students.
During his 25 years at Sciex, Scott D. Tanner invented successful instruments for the measurement of pollutants in air, dioxins in soil and, most notably, a series of instruments for measuring the atomic composition of matter. In 2005, he joined the faculty at the University of Toronto, where he was named the 2011 Inventor of the Year in Biomedical and Life Sciences. He later co-founded DVS Sciences, an Ontario-based biotech company that developed a first-in-class mass cytometer instrument, bringing mass cytometry to the world. Upon retirement in 2015, he enjoyed an appointment as adjunct faculty in the Department of Chemistry here at York.
Tentanda Via: Alia Abbas (BA ’13, MA ’17), CEO and founder, Alia Consulting; economic development officer, Town of Milton
This award goes to an alum who has demonstrated innovative, unconventional, and daring leadership and success, reflecting the University’s motto, “The way must be tried.”
Alia Abbas works with the Town of Milton as an economic development officer, where she continues to drive economic growth and development initiatives. She is also the CEO and founder of Alia Consulting, collaborating with partners across the United States. She leverages her extensive background in disaster and emergency management, as well as business continuity, to drive the success of her firm. Alia Consulting specializes in providing crucial support to economic development organizations, particularly in disaster and emergency preparedness, with a strong focus on business continuity.
One to Watch: Bri S. Darboh (BA ’15, MA ’18, MBA ’22, PhD ’24), clinical psychologist and neuropsychologist; clinical and business strategy consultant; adjunct faculty, Schulich School of Business.
This award goes to an alum who has made a significant impact in their field and/or community within 15 years of a bachelor’s degree or 10 years of a professional/graduate degree.
Bri S. Darboh is a clinical neuropsychologist and psychologist in supervised practice. Additionally, she is an adjunct faculty member in the master of business administration program at the Schulich School of Business, where she teaches Strategy in Healthcare. Darboh is a dedicated community leader, mentor and health equity advocate. She has founded and developed multiple programs aimed at supporting and mentoring aspiring neuropsychologists and has initiated and co-organized several conferences and workshops to raise awareness and foster inclusivity in clinical practice.
About the awards
The York U Alumni Awards were inspired by Bruce Bryden, an exceptionally committed and influential leader at York University for many years. He was a member of York’s first undergraduate class, the founding president of the York University Alumni Association (now the York University Alumni Board/YUAB) and a member of the York University Board of Governors. The York U Alumni Awards recognize and honour his vision, exemplary leadership and extraordinary achievements.
For information, visit the York U Alumni Awards web page.