Principal James Orbinski had the pleasure of presenting seven medals to members of the Massey College community on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, in a ceremony at Massey College.
The Coronation Medal was created by King Charles III, on the advice of the Canadian Government, to mark the significant and historic occasion of His Majesty’s Coronation as King of Canada and to recognize Canadians who have made a difference. The honour is being awarded to 30,000 Canadians, representing less than 1% of the country’s population. This is the first Canadian Coronation Medal, continuing a long tradition of honours commemorating royal and national milestones dating back to 1887. Award citations are below.
We wish to congratulate all recipients and acknowledge their significant contributions to Ontario through their work with Massey College.
Massey College is deeply grateful to the Office of the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario for bestowing this honour on our organization, allowing us the privilege of awarding the King Charles III Coronation Medal to outstanding community members in recognition of their service and dedication.
Akwasi Owusu-Bempah, Chair of the Governing Board at Massey College, has been a pivotal advocate for increasing equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) within the institution. His leadership has championed the representation of historically underrepresented groups in the College community. Additionally, Akwasi successfully chaired the Search for the New Principal, leading to the appointment of an exceptional new leader for the College. Beyond his governance contributions, he is renowned for his groundbreaking research and publications in criminology, particularly in the areas of racial justice and policing. His unwavering dedication to scholarship and his commitment to fostering an inclusive environment have made a profound impact on Massey College and the broader community.
Mary McGeer is a tireless volunteer at Massey College, where she serves on the Chapel Royal Committee. She plays an instrumental role in fostering spiritual and cultural connections and assists with music programming and curation, bringing her expertise to enrich the College’s events. Mary is also known for her generosity and support of staff, making her a vital part of the community. As an accomplished viola player, she further enhances the College with her artistic contributions. Her dedication exemplifies the spirit of service, creativity, and excellence that defines the Massey College community
Peter Lewis served as the College Bursar from 1997 to 2006, demonstrating exceptional financial stewardship and administrative leadership during his tenure. His dedication to the fiscal health of Massey College helped ensure the institution’s stability and growth, enabling it to support its diverse community of scholars and fellows. In addition to his professional contributions, Peter has a profound love of poetry, often winning the annual literary competition at the Winter Gaudy. His passion for literature and commitment to transparency in financial management have left a lasting legacy at the College, enhancing its mission of academic excellence
Christine Tran made history at Massey College as the first female of color to serve as Don of Hall, breaking new ground and serving as a role model for the College community. During the pandemic lockdowns, Christine provided exceptional guidance and leadership to the Junior Fellows, ensuring they felt supported and connected during challenging times. Her commitment to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment has left a lasting impact on the College, significantly contributing to its ongoing efforts toward equity and inclusion.
David Landaverde has been a dedicated member of Massey College for 29 years, contributing significantly to the life and operations of the institution. Serving meals daily with a kind and friendly manner, David creates a welcoming atmosphere for students, staff, and fellows. Known for his love of the Spanish language, he enthusiastically shares his knowledge and culture with the College community. His commitment, professionalism, and genuine care have made a lasting impact, fostering a sense of belonging and warmth. David’s steadfast service truly embodies the values and spirit of Massey College.
Alexandra Sorin has played a pivotal role in reviving the Massey College Alumni Association, significantly increasing visibility and participation among the College’s 2,500+ alumni. Through her innovative initiatives and leadership, she has fostered a strong sense of community among graduates, encouraging meaningful connections and engagement. Alexandra’s dedication to enhancing the alumni experience has strengthened the bonds between past and present members of Massey College, ensuring that the values and spirit of the College continue to thrive beyond graduation.
Nalini Stewart has been a dedicated member of the Quadrangle Society, serving for many years on the Quadrangle Selection Committee and currently on the combined Senior Member Selection Committee. Her contributions to the selection process reflect her deep commitment to maintaining the high standards of excellence and diversity within the Society. In addition to her committee work, Nalini actively participates in programming and the life of the College, mentoring students and fostering their growth. Her thoughtful insights and dedication to cultivating a vibrant community of scholars have significantly enriched the fabric of the Quadrangle Society.
