Paul Walters and Ross Lawrence recently presented the Engineering Class of 5T6 Award of Merit to second-year ECE student Ethan Mao
To ignite and fan the spark in students who show curiosity and to nurture their growth into leaders who make meaningful contributions professionally, within their communities and to the world at large — this is the legacy of the class of 5T6.
The Engineering Class of 5T6 Award of Merit was created in 1993 to accomplish this mission. It is granted to a student who successfully completes first year in any engineering undergraduate program and is just one of the ways that the class of 5T6 is still giving back to their alma mater, 70 years after they graduated.
In addition to having excelled in their academic studies, the recipient must demonstrate qualities of strong leadership and character, and be motivated to making a positive difference in the world through involvement in extracurricular activities, either within the University of Toronto or the community at large.
“We wanted to award a student that showcased high achievement beyond their academics. Someone involved in their community or that wanted to have an impact on society at large,” says Paul Walters (MinE 5T6), president of the 5T6 class and co-founder of this award.
Along with his classmate and award co-founder Ross Lawrence (GeoE 5T6, MCom 5T9) Walters wanted to give back in a way that put the class of 5T6 on the map, creating something people would remember them for. Their class executive committee had come up with the idea for an annual student award.
“We would get together every other month, or so. It was a great way to stay connected with each other,” says Walters.
Walters and Lawrence met when they were high school students at Lawrence Park Collegiate Institute but cemented their friendship at U of T Engineering.
Both had long and successful careers. Lawrence became a founding partner in Watts, Griffis and McOuat, Consulting Geologists and Engineers, shortly after graduating. He worked there for more than 50 years.
After working in Vancouver for a few years, Walters eventually found his way back to Toronto and started his own company, Walters Forensic Engineering, where he worked until his retirement.
Today, they still have strong memories of how important their time at U of T Engineering was.
“It was very impactful. My engineering education became my lifelong career and many classmates became close friends,” says Lawrence.
“My favourite part was learning to problem solve like an engineer: find all the alternatives to the solution, analyze them and come to a conclusion. This is a good way to work through any challenge in life you have,” says Walters.
No matter where they went, they always made sure to stay in touch. They, and their fellow 5T6 classmates, have met each year with their student recipient in the hopes of passing down some wisdom and career advice to the next generation, and feed their curiosity about new developments in engineering. But it’s also about feeling the energy and enthusiasm they once felt.
Ethan Mao (Year 2 ECE) is the student who received the most recent award. He is involved in many extra-curriculars including serving as the VP Communications of the Engineering Society and as ECE class representative. His proudest accomplishment is bringing back the First Year Chair position.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the role of First Year Chair had been dormant, but Mao has helped to revive it. He’s responsible for getting first year students actively involved in events, traditions and building community at U of T Engineering.
“Thank you for your generosity and for supporting students like me,” says Mao.
“Your belief in our potential means more than you know, and it continues to inspire me to make the most of every opportunity here at U of T Engineering.”
Over the years, the 5T6 graduates have seen big changes in the types of students who are receiving the award.
“We had three women in our class — now U of T Engineering is more than 40% women,” says Lawrence.
“The technology has changed so much and is now incorporated into everything in the faculty,” says Walters.
Overall, Walters and Lawrence are extremely satisfied with what their award and community has achieved. They note how rewarding it is to start something and see it carry on for years.
What is their advice for current students?
“Think in terms of what contribution you can make in the broader community so when you are studying, you always have in your mind the bigger purpose. Work towards a plan with purpose,” says Walters.
“Some of your fondest memories will be from your time here, and it’s energizing to return to campus and see the next generation. Stay connected with each other and find your legacy here,” says Lawrence.
By Kristina Kazandjian
This story originally posted by Engineering News