Why these U of T Engineering alum are still paying it forward, 70 years after graduation

Aug 12, 2026

Paul Walters and Ross Lawrence recently presented the Engineering Class of 5T6 Award of Merit to second-year ECE student Ethan Mao

*Top row, left to right: Anne Lawrence and her father, Ross Lawrence. Bottom row, left to right: Raymond Mao Bhushan, his brother Ethan Mao and Paul Walters. Photo credit: Kristin Philpot*.

Established in 1993 by U of T’s Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering’s Class of 1956, The 5T6 Award of Merit has an ambitious goal: 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. The award, earmarked for a student who successfully completes first year in any engineering undergraduate program, is just one way in which the class of ’56 is 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 U of T 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, president of the ’56 class and co-founder of this award.

Giving back and staying connected

Along with his classmate and award co-founder Ross Lawrence, Walters wanted to give back in a way that put the class of ’56 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 ’56 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. The gatherings also foster the energy and enthusiasm they felt as students.

Inspiring future engineers

Ethan Mao, a second-year electrical and computer engineering (ECE) student, is this year’s Class of 5T6 recipient. He is involved in many extra-curriculars including serving as the VP Communications of the Engineering Society and the ECE class representative.

His proudest accomplishment is bringing back the First Year Chair position, which had gone dormant due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Mao helped to revive it and as a result, got first year students actively involved in events, traditions and community building at U of T Engineering.

Mao is deeply grateful for the support from the Class of 5T6 award. “The alumni’s belief in my potential means more than they know; it continues to inspire me to make the most of every opportunity here at U of T Engineering,” he says.

Over the years, the ’56 graduates have seen big changes in the types of students who are receiving the award, from the class make up to the changes in technology. “We had three women in our class; now U of T Engineering is more than 40 per cent women,” says Lawrence.

“The technology has changed so much and is now incorporated into everything in the faculty,” says Walters.

Words of wisdom for current students

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,” says Waters.

Lawrence adds: “Some of your fondest memories will be from your time here and it’s energizing to return to campus and see the next generation,” he says. “Stay connected with each other and find your legacy here.”

By Kristina Kazandjian