Congratulations to the School of Journalism alumni who received Alumni Achievement Awards from TMU

A few decades after earning their journalism degrees, two esteemed alumni returned to campus on Thursday, October 27, 2022, to receive Alumni Achievement Awards.

We sat down with the two award winners, Honourable Justice Gregory Regis ‘77 and Amorell Saunders N'Daw ‘88, to discuss their connections with the journalism school.

The Honourable Justice Regis left St. Lucia to study journalism with the goal of returning home to qualify as a reporter. But his time on campus in Toronto left a deep impression and after returning home, he was soon back, working as a journalist in Toronto.

"I still think the three years I spent, they're among the best three years of my life," said Regis.

After working as a journalist for 16 years, he transitioned into a career in law. But those skills he learned in journalism school helped him as a justice in the court.

 "It is a matter of being able to speak and articulate in court, being able to prepare your case in a logical way, an accessible way," says Regis.

After graduating from law school, he worked in legal aid, an assistant crown attorney before being appointed as a judge of the Ontario Court of Justice in 1999. When he was appointed Regional Senior Justice for the Central East Region in 2007, he was the first non-white person to hold that office. He retired in 2014. 

"I think the world is constantly changing, constantly evolving. And I think if one is going to live and have a fulfilled life, that one has to be constantly engaged in what's happening around them,"

Regis says that his goal in life is to leave a legacy and contribute to making the world a better place. He adds that his sense of optimism and duty help him aspire to take on new things in life.

To the future generations, Regis says that he wants them to take a moment and re-imagine the circumstances.

"Things may look bleak at the moment; there might be barriers, but try not to allow barriers. And even sometimes when people deliberately put obstacles in front of you, try not to let that bring you down,"

Regis says that he wants people to focus on being compassionate and respectful.

“Focus on what's more important, which to me, is being human. Focus on your ability to be compassionate, focus on your ability to be respectful, focus on your ability to help people," says Regis.

N'Daw says she felt a special connection to what’s now called Toronto Metropolitan University from the day she stepped foot on campus.

"People think that you spend your three or four years at your university and then you leave, and that's it. But it really is a lifelong relationship, and I have taken that to heart," says N'Daw.

N'Daw says she has used the skills she took from the School of Journalism all her life whether she was writing for the Toronto Star or helping clients as a public relations professional.

"Oh, my goodness, journalism, the art and craft, of writing, of telling a story, of interviewing, of communicating, interacting and engaging with people. These are necessary and important life skills that I have a degree in," says N'Daw.

N'Daw says that she wants to be able to help journalism students pursue a career in journalism. 

"What I want to be able to do is to be able to help those who, for one reason or another, perhaps it's lack of financial resources, or perhaps they don't see sort of role models doing the work, I want to be here to help, and to say that you can do it," says N'Daw.

N'Daw has established The Amorell Saunders N'Daw Award for Equity Leadership in The Creative School to help people from traditionally marginalized groups get support for their studies and their communities.

N'Daw says that her inspiration comes from her philosophy of being an active and engaged citizen.

"I honestly feel we're all put on this earth to do good, I really do believe in being an active and engaged citizen, to make the world a better place, and it seems really lofty, but I actually believe that to be true," says N'Daw.

To aspiring journalists, N'Daw says it's essential to have a healthy and positive outlook.

"In order for us to do good in the world, I think it really helps us to consider the positive impact we can make and to think about in the midst of all the challenges that we face," says N'Daw.

N'Daw also says that one small action cumulatively can make a significant difference in the world.

"We shouldn't underestimate the power and the difference we can make in small, incremental actions that can, you know, help improve people's lives and maybe do it at the local level. Maybe it's on a broader scale, but not to discount the impact of one's efforts in one's actions," says N'Daw.