To be eligible for a scholarship, a student must be carrying a full load of academic courses for the year under consideration, when the Examinations and Awards Committees meets to recommend awards. In the selection process, both course work that has been completed by the date of the spring Examinations Committee meeting and course load are considered. The following prizes are awarded upon admission or at the end of each academic year, and award recipients recognized at the Faculty’s annual Reception for Scholars.
ADMISSION SCHOLARSHIPS
University of Toronto Scholars Program – Admission Scholarships
The University of Toronto Scholars Program provides recognition to the University’s outstanding students, at admission and on an on-going basis. Outstanding students newly admitted to KPE are eligible to be considered automatically for these awards valued at $7500 each. Applicants who have previously attended a post-secondary institution are not eligible for U of T Scholars consideration. https://future.utoronto.ca/finances/scholarships/
Payment of the award is conditional on full-time registration at the Faculty in the fall of the year the award is granted.
President’s Scholars of Excellence Program
Approximately 100 of the most highly qualified students applying to first year of direct entry, undergraduate studies will be distinguished as President’s Scholars of Excellence. This distinction includes a $15,000 entrance scholarship in first year and exposure to the research environment at the Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education, beginning in your second year. Payment of the award is conditional on full-time registration at the Faculty in the fall of the year the award is granted; retention of the higher year opportunities attached to the award requires the student’s continuing full-time registration in good standing.
The National Book Award
The University of Toronto National Book Award Program recognizes and rewards the very best Canadian secondary school students, regardless of which university those students choose to attend. These are students who demonstrate superior academic performance, original and creative thought, and exceptional achievement in a broad context. They excel in academic pursuits, demonstrate enthusiasm for intellectual exploration and have a strong involvement in the lives of their schools and communities. It is not necessary that the student intend to apply for admission to the University of Toronto.
The National Scholarship Program
Students who have been nominated by their schools as National Book Award recipients may submit applications to the National Scholarship Program. In addition, students who identify themselves as meeting the scholarship criteria are invited to apply directly for the National Scholarship, without having been nominated for the Book Award. Please refer to the composite profiles which illustrate attributes of successful candidates.
Additional information on these and other scholarships offered by the University of Toronto is available at the University of Toronto’s scholarship web page.
Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education Admission Awards
KPE Inclusive Excellence Undergraduate Scholarship
To be awarded to a first-year, full-time undergraduate student entering the Faculty on the basis of academic excellence, and who self-identifies as: Canadian First Nations, Metis, Inuit and/or Black. This award is renewable pending good academic standing.
Allan Parker Student Leader Entrance Scholarship
To be awarded to first-year, full-time undergraduate student(s) entering the Faculty on the basis of academic excellence. Preference will be given to a student who self-identifies as a member of an equity-deserving group, and who demonstrates leadership through community involvement, recreation and physical activity initiatives, and is engaged in contributions to the health and well-being of young people.
Dalt and Marnie White Award
The Dalt and Marnie White Award is awarded to a student entering first year who has demonstrated participation in school activities and leadership in the organization and support of athletics. This award was established in honour of Alexander Dalton ‘Dalt’ White, a former student-athlete and Director of Athletics at the University of Toronto.
Dean’s Scholarship
The Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education offers Dean’s Scholarships to recognize the outstanding caliber of two students entering the undergraduate program. Secondary school students (entering first year) with a 90% average or better will be considered for this award.
Dr. Donald H. H. MacKenzie Entrance Scholarship*
This award is made to a student entering first year on the basis of financial need, and excellence as determined by admission average, a commitment to a lifestyle of physical activity as a means of maintaining health, and leadership experience in some aspect of the broad field of physical and health education.
Jean Forster Entrance Scholarships
Two entrance scholarships are awarded to first year students entering the Faculty from high school or the equivalent with “A” standing or above (based on attainment in six 12U credits or equivalent) and an outstanding Statement of Interest. Jean Forster administered the university’s diploma program in physical education in the 1930s and played a leading role in the creation of the original School of Physical and Health Education.
Judy Goldring Entrance Scholarship
The scholarship was created to recognize Judy Goldring’s leadership and volunteer contributions to the University of Toronto. It is awarded, on admission, to one full-time undergraduate student who demonstrates academic excellence, leadership and service to their community.
KPE Global Excellence Scholarship
This admission award will be awarded to one international student, admitted to first-year undergraduate study in the Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education. This award may be held along with other University of Toronto admissions awards, with the exception of the Lester B. Pearson International Student Scholarships. To be eligible for this award, the recipient must complete a secondary school program with high academic standing and fully satisfy the conditions of the offer of admission to the Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education at the University of Toronto. The Faculty reserves the right to withdraw this award offer if these conditions are not satisfied. Award renewal is based on academic performance and compliance with the eligibility requirements following the student's first, second and third year of study. The renewal will be based on the final grades. While renewal is not tied to a specific minimum grade point average, the expectation is that the student will continue to have high academic achievement and will remain “in good standing” as defined by the Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education. Student must be registered full-time in eight consecutive Fall/Winter terms. An exception is made for students registered with Accessibility Services with a reduced course load accommodation. Note: Credits earned during Summer sessions and transfer credits are not considered. An exception is made for transfer credits earned during an outbound exchange through U of T Programs.
This scholarship will be awarded annually by the KPE committee designated by the Dean of KPE for selection of undergraduate student admission awards. Students will automatically be considered. The recipient of this award will receive $10, 000 annually.
Robert Goode Entrance Scholarship
This award was established in memory of Professor Emeritus Robert Charles Goode by his colleagues, former students and friends. It is awarded to a student entering first year of the undergraduate programme on the basis of academic merit, a demonstrated commitment to physical activity as a means of maintaining health, leadership experience in the broad field of physical and health education and demonstrated interest in the teaching profession.
Roy Shephard Memorial Award
This scholarship is awarded to a student entering the undergraduate program on the basis of academic excellence and whose degree-related education and/or research demonstrates promise of public impact.
Sheryn Posen Entrance Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded to a student entering the undergraduate program on the basis of having a minimum average of 85%, having demonstrated leadership and not received any other scholarship.
Sylvia Parker Scholarship
To be awarded to a full-time undergraduate student (entrance or in-course/continuing) on the basis of academic excellence. This award is created by Mrs. Sylvia Parker (nee Kerr) (Degree: BPHE 1956; BA 1957 VIC, Varsity Blues Basketball First Level T-Holder, and President of the PHEWUAA) and her spouse: Mr. Edward John Parker (Degree: BASc 1957; Track and Field Second Level THolder).
Wenda Kwong Admission Scholarship
Awarded to two outstanding first year students who have demonstrated commitment to the field of kinesiology and physical education and achieved an excellent entering average. These awards are renewable each year conditional upon the recipient meeting the criteria in each year of study. This award is named after the first Registrar and Director of Student Services for the Faculty. Over her 40-year career at the University of Toronto, she spent 25 of those years serving this Faculty.
UPPER YEAR HONOURS
I. University of Toronto Scholars Program In-Course Scholarships
The University of Toronto annually offers in-course scholarships to students on completion of their first, second, or third year. About 100 scholarships are available for each level. Students who are enrolled will be considered; no special application is needed.
II. Academic Awards
Winners of the following are determined by the Examinations Committee after the final results of the year have been tabulated.
Sylvia Parker Scholarship
To be awarded to a full-time undergraduate student (entrance or in-course/continuing) on the basis of academic excellence. This award is created by Mrs. Sylvia Parker (nee Kerr) (Degree: BPHE 1956; BA 1957 VIC, Varsity Blues Basketball First Level T-Holder, and President of the PHEWUAA) and her spouse: Mr. Edward John Parker (Degree: BASc 1957; Track and Field Second Level THolder.
Barbara Drinkwater Award
The award was established to commemorate the awarding of an Honorary Degree by the University of Toronto to Barbara L. Drinkwater, Ph.D., FASCM in 2001. In addition to her significant research contributions Dr. Drinkwater is also recognised for her mentoring and world-wide advocacy for the participation of girls and women in physical activity. The award is to be given to the graduating student who has demonstrated exemplary mentoring, advocacy or research in the area of girls’ and/or women’s health and physical activity. Demonstrated academic achievement, particularly in courses related to women’s health and physical activity is required.
Canadian Society of Exercise Physiology (CSEP) Award
A commemorative medallion and certificate donated by the Canadian Society of Exercise Physiology is presented annually to the graduating student who has achieved the highest standing in the required biophysical courses.
Governor General’s Silver Medals
Three Silver Medals are awarded annually to the university’s most academically outstanding bachelor’s degree graduates. The Dean of the Faculty forwards the Examinations Committee’s nomination to the Selection Committee chaired by the Director of Student Awards. Each nominee receives a certificate recognizing him/her as the best graduate from his/her faculty.
J. Harry Ebbs Achievement Awards
These awards were established by the former Physical and Health Education Undergraduate Association (PHEUA) to encourage academic improvement and excellence among all undergraduates. They are given to second, third and fourth year students who improve their overall academic percentage by 8% or more from the previous year, and to first-year students who improve their academic percentage average by 5% as compared to their final high school averages. Students must be enrolled in a recognizable full course load to be eligible. A visionary physician and physical educator, Dr. J. Harry Ebbs was the first full-time director of the school. As chair of research for the National Advisory Council on Fitness and Amateur Sport in the 1960s, he enabled many of the path breaking studies into Canadian fitness to be undertaken
Mavis E. Berridge Scholarship*
This scholarship was established in memory of a former professor of adapted physical education in recognition of her contribution to the former School of Physical and Health Education. It is awarded to a graduating BKin student with the highest cumulative academic average who has been admitted to the graduate program in Kinesiology.
KPE Alumni Scholarships (formerly the PHE Alumni Scholarships)
The student in each of the first, second, third and fourth year who attains the highest academic average based on a recognizable, full-time program for that year receives a scholarship donated by the alumni of the Faculty.
R. Tait McKenzie Society
The R. Tait McKenzie Society is the Faculty’s honour society. It was founded in 1956 by Director Dr. J. Harry Ebbs for the purpose of bringing outstanding students together with faculty for social evenings of scholarly and professional interest. Alumni remain active members. Under the leadership of current president, Martha Cumming- Buchannan (9T1), the Society brings together undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, and alumni. Each year’s admission scholarship winners are inducted into the Society. Selection criteria for induction is 2nd year or higher standing, a top ten rank for their class on a recognizable full course load, minimum 3.5 GPA. Students graduating with High Honours standing are also inducted. R. Tait McKenzie was a pioneering Canadian physical educator, physician, author and sculptor. An advocate of physical education and sports throughout schools and universities and a creative innovator in the use of physical activity for rehabilitation, he is perhaps best remembered for his remarkable sculptures celebrating the joys of effort.
Social Sciences and Humanities Award
An annual award is made to the graduating student who has achieved the highest standing in the required courses in the social sciences and humanities.
Spirit of 6T2 Awards
These awards have been made possible by the Class of 1962 to encourage academic improvement and excellence among students in the undergraduate program of the Faculty. The awards will be made to the J. Harry Ebbs Award recipients in second and third year who have improved their overall academic percentage averages by the greatest amount based upon a full academic load.
III. LEADERSHIP AWARDS
Recipients of the following are selected by the Awards Committee, from applications submitted by the students. Information and applications are available online at the Faculty’s website in the spring of each year: www.kinesiology.utoronto.ca. To be eligible for an award, a student must be carrying a full load of academic, practicum and ODP courses for the year of consideration, and a minimum annual GPA of at least 2.5.
Beverly Vickers Leadership Award
Established in memory of a former student, this award is given annually to the outstanding female first-year student as determined by scholarship and leadership.
The Bradley Award*
This award is made preferably but not exclusively to a female student who has participated in athletic and/or recreation programs of intramurals and/or varsity sport. Involvement in some aspect of the administration of athletic or physical education programs is also preferred.
Charles and Ena Reeve Memorial Award*
The Charles and Ena Reeve Memorial Award is given to a student enrolled in the undergraduate program on the basis of financial need, academic merit and involvement in student leadership. This award honours two respected U of T alumni.
Craig and Deborah Kennedy Family Physical Activity Matters Scholarship
To be awarded to one or more continuing, full-time undergraduate student(s) in the Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education on the basis of demonstrated leadership in the area of fitness, physical activity, and contributing to the physical and mental well-being of youth and other members of the community. Academic excellence will also be considered, and preference to be given to a student who demonstrates financial need.
David B. Cooper Award
This award is given to a KPE continuing undergraduate student who has demonstrated exceptional achievement in both the academic and co-curricular programs of the Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education including a minimum 80% average or higher, academic excellence in courses related to pedagogy or coaching, and excellence as a Varsity Blues athlete or a high performance athlete who competes for Canada internationally.
John Logan Memorial Scholarship
This award was established by Judith Logan and Colin Fitzsimons in honour of John Logan (PHE Class of 1968). John taught elementary and high school for thirty years before retiring to pursue his love of the outdoors. He enjoyed camping, canoeing, bird watching, mystery novels, and every kind of sport imaginable. Awarded to an undergraduate student who demonstrates enthusiastic involvement in sports, leadership, willingness to help others, and a concern for the natural environment.
Eva McDonald Memorial Prize
The Eva McDonald Memorial Prize is the joint gift of the Royal Life Saving Society Canada (Ontario Branch) and the Alumni Association of the Faculty. It is awarded in memory of Eva Peace McDonald, an outstanding graduate of the Faculty (5T0), who at the time of her death was President of the R.L.S.S.C. (Ontario Branch). The prize is awarded to the undergraduate student who has made the most significant contribution to the development of aquatics and lifesaving education through the University and the Life Saving Society.
The Fitness Institute Scholarship*
This scholarship was established by The Fitness Institute in memory of founder Lloyd Percival on the occasion of the Institute’s 30th anniversary in 1993. It is given to a second or third year student who achieves first-class standing in her/ his academic courses and demonstrates significant leadership in some aspect of physical education, sports or fitness.
Professor John Flowers Award
A four-time U of T graduate, John Flowers joined the former School of Physical and Health Education in 1976. Throughout his life John was an avid sportsman, watching and participating in campus sports, as well as other outdoor pursuits including canoeing. The award is made to a third or fourth year student who demonstrates qualities of leadership and motivational ability by giving of themselves in a way that elevates those whom he or she comes in contact with, giving them the confidence to forge ahead.
Juri Daniel In-Course Scholarships*
This award is made to students entering their second, third, and fourth years who demonstrate qualities of leadership and have contributed to the Faculty. A minimum 85% average based on a full course load is required. Professor Juri Daniel (5T4) was Director of the school between 1972 and 1979. A member of U of T’s Sports Hall of Fame, he has made many important contributions to Canadian aquatics and adult fitness.
Kirk Wipper Award
This award is presented to a student who demonstrates enthusiastic involvement in the Outdoor Projects, leadership, willingness to help others and a concern for the natural environment. The late Professor Emeritus Kirk A.W. Wipper (4T8), was a giant in the field of outdoor education. He developed and led the Faculty’s outdoor projects for many years and is the founder of the Kanawa International Museum of Canoes and Kayaks.
M. G. Griffiths Leadership Award
This award is made to a first-year male student who has demonstrated outstanding leadership in some aspect of physical and health education, either within the University or the community. The award commemorates Professor M.G. Griffiths, who was a supportive mentor to many male students in the Faculty.
Mike Furlong Award
Established by friends and colleagues in memory of a former student, this award is given annually to the male or female student completing third year who best exhibits those qualities admired in Mike: namely, scholarship and active participation in Faculty activities and athletics.
Paul Carson Student Leadership Award
This award was established by colleagues and friends of Mr. Paul Carson in recognition of his more than 40 years of dedicated service to the Faculty. It is awarded to a student on the basis of demonstrated leadership and involvement on an athletic varsity team or administrative leadership and a minimum annual GPA of at least 2.5 in the current academic year.
Peter Klavora International Fund*
This award was established by Professor Peter Klavora, an expert in the field of motor learning and theory of coaching. Up to two awards are available to students in the KPE undergraduate or graduate programs in support of a research presentation at an international academic conference during the year the award is made.
Alumni Shield
The Alumni Shield was established by alumni, on the 25th anniversary of the former School of Physical and Health Education in 1965. The award honours Warren A. Stevens, “in recognition of his foresight in recommending courses of a university level leading to a physical education degree.” A commemorative certificate is presented annually to the two most outstanding graduating students.
KPE Alumni Leadership Awards*
Established by the Physical Education and Health Alumni, these awards are made to students on the basis of financial need, academic merit and leadership contributions.
The Raptors Foundation Awards*
These awards were donated by the Toronto Raptors Foundation to assist students in the academic program of the Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education to continue an outstanding university education while they simultaneously pursue excellence in athletics and leadership in the Varsity sport of their choice. Awards will be presented to one male and one female on the basis of enrolment in the academic programs of the Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education, academic achievement, financial need and excellence in Varsity athletics. Application can be made by interested candidates or by nomination from a faculty, student or staff member of the Faculty.
Spirit of 0T3 Faculty Advancement Award
Established by the graduating class of 0T3, this award will be made to a student or students in good academic standing on the basis of exemplary leadership characteristics as demonstrated by organizing or actively participating in an event(s) that served to improve the learning environment, quality of student life, or the profile of the Faculty in that academic year.
Zerada Slack Leadership Award
This award is made each year to a second-year student who has demonstrated outstanding leadership qualities in some aspect of physical and health education, either within the University or the community. Professor Zerada Slack was a tireless campaigner for women’s opportunities in physical education and sports. It was her persistent lobbying which led to the construction of the Benson Building, the University of Toronto’s first athletic facility for women.
Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education Athletic Awards
The Chee Family Award in Distance Running
This award has been endowed by Wayne Chee. This award will be granted annually to a Varsity Blues male or female (graduate or undergraduate) distance runner on the basis of athletic performance with preference given to student entering their first year of studies. The recipient of this award will be awarded $5, 000 annually. Applications are not required, the award will be granted on recommendation by the coach and the selection of the successful candidates will be made by the Senior Director responsible for intercollegiate athletics.
The Shirley Eckel Kerr Memorial Award for Excellence in Track and Field
This award has been endowed by Dean Gretchen Kerr and her family. It was endowed in December of 2023 in honor of the family's late mother, Shirley Eckel, who was an Olympic hurdler, and also a U of T alumna. The award will be awarded as an annual income from the endowment to the award recipient and it will be granted annually to a Varsity Blues track and field graduate or undergraduate athlete on the basis of athletic performance, with preference given to a female hurdler. The recipent of this award will receive $25, 000 annually.
The Toronto Varsity Blues Football Award
This award has been endowed by David Scandiffio, Mr. Scandiffio is a T-Holder, and received his Bachelor of Science in 1994. Mr. Scandiffio endowed $100,000 for this award. The recipient will receive this award as an annual income. It will be awarded to Varsity Blues football student-athletes enrolled full-time with a preference to those who demonstrate financial need. One recipient annually is preferred, however the final decision is left up to the discretion of the coach in consultation with the Senior Director responsible for intercollegiate athletics.
Notes: *Awards marked with an asterisks denote those which have a financial need requirement. The primary assessment of need is OSAP support. All awards require completion of a minimum of two full academic terms at the University of Toronto by May of the current academic year, and a minimum annual GPA of at least 2.5 (“B”) in the current academic year, unless otherwise specified.
