Throughout his undergraduate studies, Andrew Kidd (1T8 PEY Physics) dedicated himself to building a strong community within U of T Engineering and the larger U of T student body. Every September for the past three years, he has welcomed incoming engineering students during F!rosh Week, twice as a Head Leedur and finally as the Orientation Chair.
He served as Engineering Science Representative on the Board of Directors of the Engineering Society (EngSoc), following a year as Board Speaker in which he helped make the EngSoc more accessible to the student body. He also served on various EngSoc committees, including the Finance and Policy & Structures Committees, helping to distribute funding and develop policies to improve the student experience.
Through his involvement with You’re Next Career Network (YNCN), Andrew connected thousands of students with employers, and has planned countless professional development events during the past 3 years. As President of YNCN, he closely mentored his executives and advocated for engineering students within the University’s professional development environment. Andrew also co-founded the Volunteer Engineering Experience Program (VEEP), to help students develop their technical skills while working on real-world projects with local non-profit organizations.
In everything he does, Andrew brings a balance of energy and pragmatism, always leaving the organizations he works with better than how he found them. Beyond his extracurricular activities, what makes Andrew most deserving of the Spirit of EngSci Award is his dedication to creating a positive environment for his peers at U of T. Over the years, Andrew has been a mentor and a friend to students from all years of study, within EngSci and beyond. His ardent passion and genuine commitment to leadership and service strongly exemplifies the values and spirit of an EngSci graduate.
“Engineering Science has so much to offer – from rigorous coursework to incredible people and wide-ranging extracurricular opportunities. Figure out where you want to drive positive impact, for yourself or for others, and then use your EngSci skills and work ethic to make it happen. Just make sure to carve out time to make friends along the way!”