New College Arbor Award Winners 2023

New College would like to congratulate all our volunteers who received a 2023 Arbor Award.

The Arbor Awards celebrates the contributions of U of T’s exceptional and longstanding volunteers. It is the highest honour granted by the University to its volunteers, and is given for sustained contributions to specific academic units, such as faculties, colleges or institutes, or the broader contributions to the University.

We are profoundly grateful for our volunteers who help elevate every facet of the College and University life.

Meet this year’s recipient’s from New College and learn about their individual acts of service:

Jonathan Chen (NEW’08)

Following his extraordinary experience in the New College Career Mentorship Program, which inspired him to pursue law school, Jonathan returned to volunteer his time with the program, but now as a mentor. In this role, he helps students learn more about the application process, navigating law school and working as a lawyer. He celebrates that his own mentor later officiated his wedding.

Barry Glaspell (NEW’81)

A lawyer and founding partner at Glaspell Class Actions, Barry has devoted countless hours to mentoring students interested in pursuing a career in law through the New College Career Mentorship Program. He is highly regarded for his willingness to share his career successes with students and made such an impression that some of his mentees have returned to mentor students.

“I cannot stress how important mentorship is to me.  My New College Mentorship Program mentor opened up many doors for me and allowed me to meet professionals from various industries at an early stage.  Those experiences lifted my confidence as I entered the workforce.  It is a pleasure to be able to give back and be a resource for students forging their paths.”
– Jonathan Chen (NEW’08)