The University of Toronto recently recognized eleven exceptional members of its engineering community with the 2025 Arbor Awards, the highest honour for volunteer service at U of T. Among the honourees are two standout alumni from the Department of Chemical Engineering & Applied Chemistry: Liane Catalfo (ChemE 0T9, MEng 1T0) and Oluwatobi Edun (ChemE 1T8). The Arbor Awards celebrate volunteers whose dedication has enriched the student experience, strengthened alumni connections, and supported the faculty’s strategic goals.
Liane Catalfo has been a pillar of alumni engagement, serving on the Engineering Alumni Network Board—including a term as president—and representing alumni on the executive committee of Faculty Council. Her volunteer contributions extend to appearances on the faculty podcast Tell Me More: Coffee With Chris Yip, sharing her insights with students and alumni alike. Through her leadership, Catalfo has played a vital role in fostering a connected and thriving engineering community.
Oluwatobi Edun has also made a lasting impact through mentorship, event participation, and governance. Since sending encouraging notes to students in 2020, he has expanded his involvement as a mentor, speaker, and competition judge. Most recently, Edun joined U of T Engineering’s Faculty Council, contributing directly to key decisions shaping the faculty’s future. Both Catalfo and Edun exemplify the spirit of service that drives U of T Engineering, inspiring students and alumni to engage, lead, and innovate.
We also congratulate M. G. Venkatesh Mannar, a long-time supporter of the Food Engineering program. Mannar has been involved with the program since 1994, serves as an adjunct professor and remains actively engaged in food-fortification initiatives within Chemical Engineering. He also contributes his expertise as a member of the CGEN advisory board.
Read the full story from U of T Engineering News here.