ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´

Members of the Trinity community receive 2025 U of T Arbor Awards

Posted: November 28, 2025

We are proud to honour and celebrate the tremendous generosity and contributions of our exceptional and longstanding volunteers. Congratulations to members of the ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ community on their , the highest honour granted by the University of Toronto to volunteers:ÌýHeather Gibson; Stanley Ho; Hilary Pearson;ÌýAlmos Tassonyi; Steven & Pam Popoff; Randall Baran-ChongÌýandÌýRichard D. Phillips.

 


Trinity’s 2025 Arbor Award Recipients

Heather Gibson

Heather is a dedicated volunteer and donor who has been giving back to ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ for decades. A passionate advocate of the College, Heather is a member of Corporation and active Year Representative, spearheading class of 7T3 Reunions, helping to fundraise, and motivating classmates to stay connected. More recently, Heather has taken on a new role as co-chair of the Gerald Larkin Society, which recognizes Trinity’s planned giving donors.

Stanley Ho

Development Committee, Board of Trustees, Building committee, ex-Corporation

An integral part of the Development Committee, the Building Committee, and the ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ Board of Trustees and Corporation, Stan asks tough questions to help ensure the College gets it right. Thoughtful and reliable, he is generous with his time whether it is reviewing the construction and business plans for the new Lawson Centre for Sustainability, reaching out to donors and prospects, or ensuring alumni stay connected. Stanley is a true champion of ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´.

Hilary Pearson

A recognized expert in philanthropy, policy, and the charitable sector, Dr. Hilary Pearson served on the Living Trinity Campaign Cabinet from 2019-2024. She has readily shared her vast knowledge and experience through student mentorship and with College and U of T staff. Together with her husband, Michael Sabia, she sponsored the Pearson – Sabia Distinguished Visitor in International Relations from 2019-2025 and has also generously named the Pearson-Sabia seminar room in the Lawson Centre for Sustainability.

Almos Tassonyi

Almos has been a long-time dedicated volunteer who is always ready to go the extra mile for Trinity. A generous donor who has served on Senate for 9 years, on Corporation, and as a class representative for the Class of 7T3, Almos continually makes giving back to the College and enriching the community a priority. Together with his wife, Maureen Simpson, he is passionate about improving the student experience at Trinity and supporting students across UofT.

Steven & Pam Popoff (Group)

Not only did Steve and Pam meet at Trinity, they have been giving back in thoughtful and impactful ways ever since. As Class Representatives for the Class of 8T0, Steve & Pam have been both effective and proactive leaders in Reunion fundraising and outreach, creating the Class of 8T0 bursary, which has provided financial assistance to dozens of students. Not to mention the countless class socials and Reunion gatherings they have helped to organize.

Randall Baran-Chong

For a remarkable 16 years, Randall has made a tremendous difference for students at Rotman Commerce and across the University of Toronto. His volunteer efforts include participating in the Rotman Commerce Alumni Mentorship Program, offering students invaluable wisdom and practical advice. As an extension of when he was president of the Rotman Commerce Students’ Association, Randall has mentored student leaders, participated in numerous panels, and advised on programs to support Rotman Commerce students as they begin their professional journeys. Furthermore, Randall’s commitment extends across the University of Toronto, with dedicated participation in several mentorship programs and panels including ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ and the Faculty of Arts & Science.

Richard D. Phillips

Richard is a dedicated volunteer and generous supporter of U of T. His volunteer roles include chair of the Faculty of Music Advisory Council since 2018, and member of U of T’s Defy Gravity Steering Committee since 2021. Richard’s passionate advocacy for the arts also extends to supporting specific initiatives across the Faculties of Music and of Arts & Science, including the Richard Phillips Baroque Oratorio Fund and the Grosse Research Trust.

 


as one of the world’s great institutions of higher learning and advanced research. These leading members of the U of T community elevate all facets of life at the university, providing volunteer supports that span everything from governance and academic programming to experiential learning and mentorship, among other valuable contributions. We congratulate who have given so generously of their time, energy and expertise.