Paying it Forward: How Sally Walker’s Dedication Inspires a NEW Generation of Giving

Posted on July 31, 2026

Sally Walker with scholarship recipient at the New College 2025 Scholarship Reception. Photo Credit; Horst Herget.

July 31, 2026 by A. Rodrigues Magalhaes

At New College, retirement doesn’t always mark the end of a faculty or staff member’s impact. For Sally Walker, the care and support she inspired has multiplied across generations.

For more than four decades at the University of Toronto, including 22 years as New College’s Registrar and Assistant Principal, Walker served as a guiding presence for generations of students. Known for her warmth, wisdom and unwavering belief in the power of education, she made it her life’s work to ensure students did not just navigate university, but thrived.

Walker served as an inspiring presence for generations of students during her time at U of T and New College. Photo Credit: Supplied

When she retired in 2014, the New College community came together to establish the Sally Walker Scholarship, a meaningful way to honour her legacy by continuing what she loved most: supporting students.

“Working with students and being able to help people, even in small ways with their journey, was something I found endlessly interesting, inspiring and gratifying,” says Walker about her time as a registrar.

Inspired Generosity in Action

The scholarship stands as a prime example of what the New College community can accomplish by giving together.

A recent campaign to expand the fund inspired donors who were deeply moved by Walker’s compassion, including alumni and colleagues who experienced her guidance firsthand. For many who contributed, their support was a way of paying forward the care that shaped their own lives.

As Lesley Riedstra (HBA 1995 NEW) recalls, that environment of care defined her university experience, so much so that she and her partner and fellow alum, Rian Mitra (BSc NEW 1997), created their own scholarship.

“New College will always be another home to me thanks to leaders like Sally Walker,” says Riedstra. “Sally and the registrar team were instrumental in helping me navigate the college’s resources, including financial support, which is critical to fulfilling the needs of students.”

For Tasmia Hai (HBSc 2012 NEW), Walker’s support during a crucial moment in her life made all the difference. “During a time of significant financial hardship, Sally’s support made it possible for me to complete my undergraduate degree,” says Tasmia. “Her kindness and belief in me was transformative, and I would not be where I am today without her.”

Empowering Students to Thrive

Awarded annually to exceptional students entering their final year at New College, the Sally Walker Scholarship recognizes academic achievement, leadership and a strong spirit of community involvement — qualities Sally valued throughout her career. She continues to attend the scholarship reception each year to meet the recipients in person and celebrate their achievements.

Support for the Sally Walker Scholarship helps grow its impact, ensuring that student recipients can focus on their studies, undertake ambitious projects and contribute meaningfully to campus life.

For Benjamin Mumford (HBA 2021 NEW), a 2021 award recipient, the scholarship ensured he could get the resources needed to complete his fourth-year urban planning research project.

“Scholarships have been crucial in allowing me to complete my research,” he says. “I know that it is only possible for students like me due to generous donors. I hope that through my academic research and education that I can contribute to new urban planning solutions for the future.”

Continuing a Tradition of Care

The story of the Sally Walker Scholarship illustrates what happens when a community unites around a shared belief in its students. Thanks to the generosity of New College donors, Sally’s tradition of warmth and support continues to empower bright, curious and driven individuals to finish their studies and step confidently into the future.

To learn more about the Sally Walker Scholarship or ways to get involved at New College, please visit the scholarship webpage or email Ashley Law, Senior Development Officer, at ashley.law@utoronto.ca.