05/01/2026
Way to go, ANAR! We didn’t just attend the Faculty of Arts Awards and Celebration of Excellence 2026—we redecorated it with our names.
In a celebration of outstanding research, teaching, and community engagement across the Faculty of Arts, our department delivered what can only be described as a very strong showing (read: we cleaned up nicely).
Motilola, Shelley, Rofina, Karen, Shirin, Sakura, and Mary all walked away with awards. As well, Amanda’s Arthur B. McDonald Fellowship was rightly celebrated at this event. The word is that security reportedly considered escorting us out for excessive excellence.
You’ll find details on each award (and some excellent videos) below—well worth a watch.
Huge congratulations, everyone. This was less “we participated” and more “we made it our event.”
Impact Award: Connection, Community and Culture
Dr. Motilola Akinfemisoye-Adejare, Anthropology and Archaeology
Motilola Akinfemisoye Adejare creates spaces where Black and African diasporic students see their histories, identities, and lived experiences treated as central rather than marginal. Her work reflects a commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility by advancing inclusive pedagogies, fostering belonging, and strengthening connections between the university and broader communities.
Impact Award: The Pod Administrative Team in ANAR, GEOG, and PSYC
Manager: Shelley Wind Team members: Alice Gao, Barsha Rimal, Karen Tablazon, Madison Trifaux, Rofina Bauer, Sakura Aoyama and Shirin Inanloo
The POD Administrative Team supporting Anthropology and Archaeology, Geography, and Psychology supports every member of their departments and advances the academic mission of the University. They contribute to an environment of excellence in learning, teaching, and research through their commitment to shared goals, professionalism, and continuous pursuit of efficiencies. As a high-performing team, they hold one another accountable, value diverse perspectives, and celebrate collective achievements.
Career Achievement Awards: Health and Wellness
Dr. Mary McDonald Pavelka, PhD, Professor, Anthropology and Archaeology
Established Scholar, Teaching Award
Dr. Pavelka’s scholarship in biological anthropology has reshaped our understanding of primate sociality, menopause, aging and ecological disruption. Her critical insights into the social and biological determinants of health, inform academic inquiry and broader societal conversations. Her legacy reflects a commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility through inclusive field based learning, ethical research practices and the cultivation of diverse scholarly communities.
