Meric Gertler

As the University of Toronto prepares to kick off a new school year, President Meric Gertler is extending a warm welcome to new and returning students, faculty, staff and librarians across the university’s three campuses.

“Each of you brings unique talents, perspectives and dreams – and each of you has a place in our academic community,” he said in a video released today. “Together, we're expanding the boundaries of knowledge in every field, challenging ourselves and each other in the adventure of learning, discovery and innovation.”

President Gertler called �Թϱ�� “your gateway to the world,” highlighting its diverse community and wide range of international opportunities.

“It's an exciting place to be, and this is an exciting time to be part of it. Thank you all for joining us. I wish you all the best in the year to come.”

Learn more at UTogether

Rose Patten presides over 133rd – and final – convocation as �Թϱ�� Chancellor

utc — Tue, 25 Jun 2024 17:50:17 +0000

Rose Patten presides over 133rd – and final – convocation as �Թϱ�� Chancellor utc Tue, 06/25/2024 - 13:50

Chancellor Rose Patten entered Convocation Hall on June 21 – led by the Eagle Feather Bearer and a bedel carrying �Թϱ��’s gold-plated mace – for the last time as the 34^th chancellor of the University of Toronto.

She then proceeded to confer degrees on graduates from University College in the Faculty of Arts & Science.

Chancellor Rose Patten addresses graduating students, their families and friends in Convocation Hall. The Eagle Feather Bearer looks on in the background (Photo by Johnny Guatto)

Near the end of the ceremony, President Meric Gertler commended Patten for her service, noting that she presided over a total of 133 convocation ceremonies during her six years in the role.

“Rose, on behalf of the entire university community, please accept our deep appreciation for your dedicated service to the University of Toronto,” he said, presenting her with a bouquet of white roses.

Chancellor Rose Patten with students who marshal members of the Class of 2024 for the procession into Convocation Hall and as they cross the stage, at a reception on June 21 (Photo by Lisa Sakulensky)

Patten, who has been a key volunteer leader in the �Թϱ�� community for more than 25 years, completes her second term as chancellor (the maximum length permitted) on June 30, 2024.

She leaves a legacy characterized by visionary leadership and engagement in every aspect of university life.

Chancellor Rose Patten exits Convocation Hall at the conclusion of the ceremony on June 21. (Photo by Johnny Guatto)

Patten encouraged the graduates to stay connected and make a positive impact in their future endeavors.

“As I bring this convocation ceremony to a close on your special day – this is your special day – we hope we will see you often in the years to come,” she said.

She then brought her final ceremony as chancellor to a close with the declaration: “Concilium dimissum est.”

Rose Patten presides over 133rd – and final – convocation as �Թϱ�� Chancellor

President Meric Gertler presents Chancellor Rose Patten with a bouquet at the conclusion of her 133rd convocation ceremony (photo by Lisa Sakulensky)

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�Թϱ�� ranked second among North American public universities, among top 25 globally: QS World University Rankings

Christopher.Sorensen — Tue, 11 Jun 2024 14:11:38 +0000

�Թϱ�� ranked second among North American public universities, among top 25 globally: QS World University Rankings

Christopher.Sorensen Tue, 06/11/2024 - 10:11

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(photo by Drew Lesiuczok)

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QS World University Rankings

Rankings

The University of Toronto is ranked first in Canada, second among North American public universities and among the top 25 institutions globally in the latest QS World University Rankings.

�Թϱ�� continued to be recognized as one of the world’s leading public universities in the highly regarded annual ranking, placing just behind the University of California, Berkeley in North America.

The ranking, the largest-ever by U.K. analytics firm Quacquarelli Symonds, was released June 4 and placed �Թϱ�� first in Canada and 25^th overall among more than 1,500 institutions.

�Թϱ��’s performance was buoyed by its scores for academic reputation, employer reputation, employment outcomes, international reach and sustainability – a category in which it ranked first in the world.

“This ranking affirms once again that the University of Toronto provides a world-class education, generates important new research and prepares our graduates for leadership in virtually every field,” said �Թϱ�� President Meric Gertler.

QS sampled a broader swath of schools for the 21^st edition of the global ranking, nearly doubling the number of institutions it evaluated to determine its published list of 1,500 universities across 106 education systems.

This year’s ranking also saw a reshuffling among the top echelon as universities from Asia and Europe continued to climb the charts. Several elite U.S. universities experienced double-digit drops, while �Թϱ�� was down four spots compared to last year.

Nine weighted indicators are used to calculate a university’s overall score in the ranking. Based on a survey of international scholars, academic reputation carries the most weight at 30 per cent. �Թϱ�� ranked 11^th globally on that front.

�Թϱ�� also earned top marks for employer reputation, which accounts for 15 per cent of the score, based on a survey of employers from around the world.

Other indicators considered include: faculty-student ratio; citations per faculty; international faculty; international students; international research network; employment outcomes; and sustainability, where �Թϱ�� took top spot.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Imperial College London and University of Oxford took the top three spots in the ranking.

Alongside �Թϱ��, three other Canadian universities made the top 100: McGill University (29^th), University of British Columbia (38^th) and University of Alberta (96^th).

U of T is ranked first in Canada and among the top 25 universities globally in the five most closely watched international rankings: QS World University Rankings, U.S. News & World Report’s Best Global Universities, Times Higher Education’s World University Rankings, ShanghaiRanking Consultancy’s Academic Ranking of World Universities and National Taiwan University World University Rankings.

Congratulations Class of 2024! �Թϱ�� prepares for spring convocation

rahul.kalvapalle — Mon, 27 May 2024 19:32:48 +0000

Congratulations Class of 2024! �Թϱ�� prepares for spring convocation rahul.kalvapalle Mon, 05/27/2024 - 15:32

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Some 16,000 students are set to graduate during 34 ceremonies in June

The University of Toronto’s three campuses are abuzz as graduating students prepare to turn the page on a transformative period of their lives and celebrate their accomplishments at this year’s spring convocation ceremonies.

More than 13,000 graduating students will cross the stage inside Convocation Hall on the St. George campus and receive their degrees during 34 ceremonies held between June 3 and 21. They will be cheered on by their fellow graduands, families and friends.

This spring’s graduating students represent 123 countries, including Canada, and range in age from 17 to 70. In all, more than 21,500 students will graduate from �Թϱ�� this year, including some 16,000 this spring.

“Many members of the Class of 2024 began their post-secondary studies during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, when the world was turned upside down,” said �Թϱ�� President Meric Gertler. “And each of this year’s graduands persevered and succeeded despite that extraordinary challenge.

“The qualities they demonstrated will serve them well in their chosen fields and in their efforts to help build a more just and sustainable world.

“On behalf of the entire University of Toronto, I thank them for their contributions, and I congratulate them on their achievements.”

This year’s spring convocation schedule gets underway on June 3 with ceremonies for Honours Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Arts students from �Թϱ�� Mississauga and culminates with University College’s commerce and science graduands on June 21. Each ceremony will be livestreamed at �Թϱ��’s Convocation Hub. And viewers in mainland China can watch the broadcasts on MyMedia two to three days after the original ceremony date.

Graduating students and their guests – up to two family members or friends per student – who attend one of the ceremonies at Convocation Hall will take part in a number of rich convocation traditions. They include inspirational convocation speakers; colourful hoods and flowing gowns; a bedel carrying �Թϱ��’s gold-plated mace; a 51-bell carillon ringing out from atop Soldiers’ Tower; and the chancellor’s procession led by an Eagle Feather Bearer carrying a ceremonial Eagle Feather that was first introduced to �Թϱ��’s convocation ceremonies in spring 2022.

This year’s spring ceremonies will also feature the inaugural appearance of the Eagle Feather Bearer’s Stole, which, like the Eagle Feather and Eagle Feather Bearer, symbolizes the university’s deep respect for Indigenous Peoples and cultural traditions. Designed by Katie Longboat, a Mohawk and Cree artist originally from Six Nations of the Grand River, the stole is inspired by nature around campus with beadwork depicting Toronto’s waterways and �Թϱ�� symbols such as the beaver.

Ten luminaries will receive honorary degrees at this year’s spring ceremonies.

As the ceremonies draw closer, �Թϱ�� staff are hard at work preparing Convocation Hall and meticulously checking students’ names against printed parchments that are placed into envelopes. Meanwhile, dozens of convocation readers – who comprise current and retired faculty as well as staff – spend hours preparing to read graduands’ names.

Come their big day, graduating students can collect their regalia at the Myhal Centre for Engineering Innovation & Entrepreneurship (a TCard or government-issued photo ID is required) before assembling for the procession to Convocation Hall. They will be presented on stage by degree in alphabetical order.

The recessional concludes on Galbraith Road, where new graduates can reunite with their guests.

Further information on how to best participate in the long-standing tradition of convocation at �Թϱ�� can be found in an FAQ at the Convocation Hub, including a reminder that graduating students and their guests are only permitted to bring small clutch/handbags inside Convocation Hall, while all other personal effects must be placed in transparent plastic bags.

Diploma frames, Class of 2024 merchandise and other apparel and gifts can be purchased at the �Թϱ�� Bookstore, which is located a short distance from Convocation Hall and will have extended hours during the convocation season.

Chancellor Rose Patten, who confers all degrees as chair of convocation, commended the members of the graduating class on their many achievements.

“I would like to congratulate each and every member of the Class of 2024 for reaching this important milestone,” said Patten, who will participate in her final �Թϱ�� convocation ceremony this spring as her second term as chancellor draws to a close. “Our graduating students are a source of immense pride for the entire University of Toronto community. They embody our mission to foster intellectual excellence, creativity and compassion to help build a better world.

“We look forward to seeing what you go on to accomplish in your lives and careers to come.”

Wesley J. Hall elected to serve as the 35th chancellor of the University of Toronto

Christopher.Sorensen — Fri, 17 May 2024 00:41:06 +0000

Wesley J. Hall elected to serve as the 35th chancellor of the University of Toronto

Christopher.Sorensen Thu, 05/16/2024 - 20:41

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(photo supplied)

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Wesley J. Hall, business leader and champion of equity, diversity and inclusion, will serve as the next chancellor of the University of Toronto.

Hall was elected by �Թϱ��’s College of Electors to serve a three-year term effective July 1, 2024.

He will be the university’s 35th chancellor since its founding in 1827.

“As I take on the role of the chancellor at the University of Toronto, I am deeply privileged and humbled to carry forward the institution’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and advancement, values that strongly align with my personal beliefs,” said Hall, who holds several honorary doctorates and an ICD.D designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors.

“I take on this role with a vision where every voice resonates, every perspective is honoured and appreciated, and every opportunity is open to all, regardless of background or experience. Rooted in the belief that education is a fundamental human right, this esteemed position is about dismantling barriers and paving the way toward a more inclusive and equitable future for everyone.

“We are living in a diverse world – but there is still more work to be done. Together, let us champion inclusivity, ensuring that the university remains a beacon of excellence, progress and limitless possibilities.”

Elected for a three-year term, the chancellor is the ceremonial head of the university, presiding at convocations, conferring all university degrees and acting as ambassador to the wider community and alumni worldwide. The chancellor also plays an essential role in advancing the university's interests within the local, provincial, national and international arenas.

Hall’s election follows a rigorous search process conducted by the College of Electors and chaired by Candice Jay. The college, which was established by the Governing Council in 1971, comprises members representing the constituent alumni associations of the University of Toronto Alumni Association (UTAA) and is charged with the responsibility of electing alumni governors and the chancellor.

“Dr. Wesley Hall is a widely respected and inspirational business leader, and he is deeply committed to creating opportunities for disadvantaged individuals and communities,” said Meric Gertler, president of �Թϱ��.

“His professional and personal accomplishments and talents make him eminently qualified to take on the position of chancellor. I am delighted that he has accepted this key role, and on behalf of the entire University of Toronto, I thank him for his willingness to contribute his immense talent and experience to the advancement of our academic mission.”

Hall is Executive Chairman and Founder of WeShall Investments, Kingsdale Advisors and the BlackNorth Initiative. WeShall Investments is a private equity firm with a diverse portfolio of companies predominantly led by BIPOC entrepreneurs. The BlackNorth Inititiave is committed to removing systemic barriers impacting the Black community.

He has improved the lives of thousands of children in the Caribbean and Canada, donating both his money and time. And he has been instrumental in mentoring many of Canada’s Black entrepreneurs and leaders.

“I am delighted with Dr. Wesley Hall's appointment as Chancellor-elect,” said Anna Kennedy, chair of �Թϱ��’s Governing Council.

“Dr. Hall's remarkable achievements in the business world and unwavering dedication to empowering marginalized groups resonate deeply with the University of Toronto’s values of equity and inclusivity. He is an authentic leader and a community builder, and we anticipate his transformative leadership will enrich our institution's culture and the experience of our students.”

In 2021, Hall partnered with the Rotman School of Management to introduce a new course on Black entrepreneurship and leadership, the first of its kind in North America. Developed in partnership with the BlackNorth Initiative, and with Hall as the lead instructor, the course has proven to be highly successful.

In 2023, �Թϱ�� conferred a Doctor of Laws honoris causa on Hall in recognition of his innovative corporate and entrepreneurial leadership, and for his outstanding service to the local community, as a champion for equity on behalf of the Black community. He has also received honorary doctorates from five other universities.

"In addition to his remarkable professional accomplishments, Dr. Wesley Hall’s philanthropic initiatives demonstrate his deep commitment to societal betterment,” said Jay in her role as chair of the College of Electors. “His clear focus on equity and opportunity, and his authentic and inspiring approach as an individual and leader distinguishes him as an outstanding candidate for the role of chancellor. He has a fantastic way of connecting with students and shares stories that inspire change and action. We cannot be more thrilled to welcome him as the next chancellor of the University of Toronto.”

Hall’s achievements in business, and his work to advance and broaden opportunities for the Black community, have been recognized with numerous awards. In 2021, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce awarded him a Lifetime Achievement Award, and in 2022, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce recognized him as Canadian Business Leader of the Year. Long celebrated for his generosity and his commitment to charitable causes, Hall’s board service includes SickKids Foundation, Pathways to Education Canada, the Toronto International Film Festival and Huron University College. He also served on the Capital Markets Modernization Task Force for the Ontario Ministry of Finance.

Hall will succeed Chancellor Rose Patten, whose second term comes to an end on June 30, 2024. At that time, she will have completed the maximum length of service in the role permitted by the University of Toronto Act, 1971.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Chancellor Patten for her tireless and exceptional work on behalf of the University over the past six years,” said President Gertler.

“I know it is deeply appreciated by the entire University community, and we all look forward to paying tribute to her in the weeks to come.”

�Թϱ�� welcomes federal budget's investments in research and innovation

Christopher.Sorensen — Tue, 16 Apr 2024 18:39:56 +0000

�Թϱ�� welcomes federal budget's investments in research and innovation

Christopher.Sorensen Tue, 04/16/2024 - 14:39

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(photo by Matthew Dochstader/Paradox Images)

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Research and Innovation

The University of Toronto is welcoming measures in Tuesday’s federal budget that boost research programs and support a new generation of talent across Canada, strengthening the country’s innovation ecosystem and knowledge economy.

The spring 2024 budget, announced by Chrystia Freeland, Canada’s deputy prime minister and finance minister, allocates more than $3 billion in investments in Canada’s research ecosystem over the next five years.

This includes increases to the tri-council funding agency budgets, additional support for master’s and PhD students and post-doctoral fellows, and more money for major research infrastructure projects – a clear recognition that universities are drivers of economic growth and can find solutions to the challenges facing Canada and the world.

“Today’s budget is a very significant and welcome recognition of the critical role the research ecosystem plays in driving Canada’s productivity and prosperity,” said �Թϱ�� President Meric Gertler.

“It builds on this government’s earlier investments in research and innovation, and helps secure Canada’s global competitiveness for future generations.”

The budget’s key elements for the post-secondary sector include an increase of 30 per cent, across five years, in Canada’s three research funding agencies: the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC), the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR).

The budget also invests $825 million in support of master’s and PhD students and post-doctoral fellows, boosting the value of these scholarships and fellowships significantly, and adding a further 1,720 students or fellows each year.

“In the knowledge economy, the global market for ... ideas is highly competitive and we need to make sure talented people have the right incentives to do their groundbreaking research here in Canada,” the budget document states.

In addition, the budget lays out a plan for the creation of an advisory Council on Science and Innovation, which will be tasked with setting priorities and boosting the impact of federal investments in science and innovation. And it proposes the creation of a new capstone research funding organization to optimize the impact of the federally funded research councils.

The budget also earmarks $2.4 billion, previously announced, to consolidate Canada’s competitive edge in AI – a field where �Թϱ�� researchers are playing a leading role.

The measures come as post-secondary institutions in Ontario grapple with a challenging financial environment and follows growing calls across Canada for reinvestment in research and innovation.

�Թϱ�� is a member of the Coalition for Canadian Research, which has urged the federal government to increase support for research to enhance Canada’s competitiveness as a destination for top talent and accelerate Canadian researchers’ efforts in tackling pressing national and global challenges.

“Canada has many strengths in this new strategic race, including unparalleled access to talent, an increasingly successful commercialization pipeline from researchers to business, and a federal government focused on developing the industries of tomorrow,” Leah Cowen, �Թϱ��’s vice-president, research and innovation, and strategic initiatives, noted in a May 2023 column for The Hill Times.

In October, the coalition – whose members include post-secondary institutions as well as research hospitals, life sciences companies, charities, students and early-career researchers – released an open letter calling for “ambitious reinvestment” to support Canada’s research and innovation ecosystem amid an increasingly competitive global landscape and rising societal and economic challenges.

�Թϱ��’s Wisdom Tettey named president and vice-chancellor of Carleton University

Christopher.Sorensen — Tue, 16 Apr 2024 14:45:48 +0000

�Թϱ��’s Wisdom Tettey named president and vice-chancellor of Carleton University

Christopher.Sorensen Tue, 04/16/2024 - 10:45

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(photo by Vuk Dragojevic)

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Wisdom Tettey, University of Toronto vice-president and principal of �Թϱ�� Scarborough, has been named the next president and vice-chancellor of Carleton University.

A scholar of African politics, media and diaspora, Tettey will assume the leadership position at Carleton on Jan. 1, 2025.

�Թϱ�� President Meric Gertler congratulated Tettey on his new role.

“Professor Tettey has been a truly transformative leader for the University of Toronto,” he said. “Under his stewardship, �Թϱ�� Scarborough has flourished as a hub of inclusive excellence and a model for sustainable campus growth.

“We are grateful for his contributions and wish him well in this next chapter.”

Tettey joined �Թϱ�� as vice-president and principal of �Թϱ�� Scarborough in 2018 after serving as dean of arts and sciences at the University of British Columbia’s Okanagan campus. After leading �Թϱ�� Scarborough through the COVID-19 pandemic, Tettey was re-appointed to the role for a second five year term that began in 2023.

A professor of political science and development studies, Tettey’s many achievements as vice-president and principal included the launch of a five-year strategic plan, Inspiring Inclusive Excellence, that consolidated �Թϱ�� Scarborough’s reputation for drawing on diverse perspectives to enrich higher education and strengthen responses to pressing societal challenges, as well as an extensive curriculum review that prioritized centring Indigenous, Black and international perspectives.

Tettey also championed the creation and adoption of the Scarborough Charter on Anti-Black Racism and Black Inclusion in Higher Education, a commitment by Canadian post-secondary institutions to recognize the impact of anti-Black racism and foster Black inclusion, and played a key role in strengthening �Թϱ��’s ties with post-secondary institutions in Africa.

The �Թϱ�� Scarborough campus undertook several marquee projects during Tettey’s tenure. They include: Harmony Commons student residence, Indigenous House, the Scarborough Academy of Medicine and Integrated Health (SAMIH), and EaRTH District. The campus also secured a landmark $25-million donation from Scarborough-based business leader Sam Ibrahim towards the creation of the Sam Ibrahim Centre for Inclusive Excellence in Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Leadership.

“It is with mixed feelings that I announce my departure from the University of Toronto,” Tettey said. “I would like to thank the entire university community for their support, particularly the students, staff, faculty and librarians at �Թϱ�� Scarborough, who have never ceased to amaze me with their dedication to the cause of higher education.

“I will leave with an enormous sense of pride in everything we have achieved together.”

Tettey is currently on administrative leave from �Թϱ��, with Professor Linda Johnston serving as acting �Թϱ�� vice-president and principal of �Թϱ�� Scarborough. �Թϱ�� plans to share further information about interim leadership and succession plans in the coming weeks.

“I am delighted to welcome Dr. Tettey to Carleton,” said Greg Farrell, chair of Carleton University’s Board of Governors. “Dr. Tettey is an inclusive and authentic leader who will build on the university’s reputation for teaching, learning and research excellence. He impressed the advisory committee with an ambitious vision of Carleton as a top-tier university on both a national and international scale.”

Born in Ghana, Tettey completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Ghana before coming to Canada to earn a master’s degree at UBC and a PhD at Queen’s University.

During his installation speech at �Թϱ�� Scarborough in 2019, Tettey reflected on how his upbringing in Ghana influenced his strong belief in education and collaboration to achieving individual and collective growth.

“I grew up in a low-income, pluricultural neighbourhood of the national capital [Accra], where diversity, marginalization and community converged,” he said.

“I saw excellence in the midst of deprivation. I saw good emerge when communities are motivated by common purpose, mutual commitment to that purpose, and belief in one another to accomplish it.”

�Թϱ�� ranks among top 20 globally across all five broad fields tracked by QS World University Rankings by Subject

Christopher.Sorensen — Mon, 15 Apr 2024 20:40:05 +0000

�Թϱ�� ranks among top 20 globally across all five broad fields tracked by QS World University Rankings by Subject

Christopher.Sorensen Mon, 04/15/2024 - 16:40

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(photo by Matthew Volpe)

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The university is ranked 10th in the world for arts and humanities in 2024

The University of Toronto is ranked among the top 20 universities globally across all five broad subject fields featured in the latest QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024 – including a coveted top-10 spot for arts and humanities.

The rankings, compiled by London-based analytics firm Quacquarelli Symonds, evaluate universities’ performance across five broad subject fields and 55 more specific subjects.

In the five broad fields, �Թϱ�� ranked 10th in arts and humanities, 12th in social sciences and management, 13th in life sciences and medicine, 17th in engineering and technology and 19th in natural sciences.

It also made the global top 10 in seven more specific subject areas: sports-related subjects (5th), nursing (5th), education (8th), data science (9th), English language and literature (10th), mineral and mining engineering (10th) and philosophy (10th).

Moreover, �Թϱ�� placed among the top 50 institutions in 46 subjects – more than any other university in the world – and scored in the top 25 in 34 subjects behind only the University of California, Berkeley; University of Cambridge; Harvard University, University of Oxford, National University of Singapore and University of California, Los Angeles.

“These latest rankings recognize �Թϱ��’s place among an elite group of global universities that consistently demonstrate academic and research excellence across a broad array of disciplines,” said �Թϱ�� President Meric Gertler.

“This wide range of scholarly expertise, along with �Թϱ��’s culture of multidisciplinary collaboration, puts us in a unique position to tackle some of the most complex and pressing challenges of our time, from treating cancer to addressing climate change.”

For the 2024 edition of its subject rankings, Quacquarelli Symonds ranked nearly 1,600 universities across 55 subjects. The results are based on indicators including academic and employer surveys, research citations per paper, an index that quantifies the productivity and impact of an institution’s published work and a metric that reflects the reach of international collaborations.

Globally, the university made gains in 21 subjects this year, including jumping 12 spots to 21st place in communication and media studies and an 11-spot rise to secure 10th place in mineral and mining engineering.

�Թϱ�� also climbed the ranks in four of the broad fields, ascending 10 spots in engineering and technology, five in arts and humanities, four in natural sciences and three in social sciences and management. Its standing remained unchanged in life sciences and medicine.

Among Canadian universities, �Թϱ�� ranked first in all five broad fields and first in 34 more specific subject areas.

In total, �Թϱ�� was ranked by QS in 50 of the rankings’ 55 subjects.

Overall, �Թϱ�� is ranked first in Canada and among the top 25 universities globally in the five most closely watched international rankings: QS World University Rankings, U.S. News & World Report’s Best Global Universities, Times Higher Education’s World University Rankings, ShanghaiRanking Consultancy’s Academic Ranking of World Universities and National Taiwan University World University Rankings.

�Թϱ�� to confer honorary degrees on 11 academic, business and community leaders

Christopher.Sorensen — Fri, 01 Mar 2024 01:12:13 +0000

�Թϱ�� to confer honorary degrees on 11 academic, business and community leaders

Christopher.Sorensen Thu, 02/29/2024 - 20:12

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From left to right, starting at top row: Blake Goldring, Joannah Lawson, Brian Lawson and Bruce Kuwabara; Harold Hongju Koh, Jane Corkin, Patrick Awuah and Rosemary Sadlier; Zanana Akande, Wilton Littlechild and Sarah Polley (photos by AGF, Chris Nicholls, Karri North, Koh Family, Eric Watters, Ashesi University, Lawrence Kerr, Hudson Taylor Photography, Lynn Streeter and Derek Shapton)

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A fearless advocate of anti-racism who helped establish Black History Month. A leader of the global Indigenous rights movement who served on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. And an Academy Award winner who has used her platform to speak up about inequities in the entertainment industry.

These three luminaries – Rosemary Sadlier, Wilton Littlechild and Sarah Polley – are among the 11 individuals who will receive honorary degrees from the University of Toronto this year and will address graduating students at convocation ceremonies in the spring or fall.

“The dedication, vision and generosity of these extraordinary leaders are an inspiration to all members of the University of Toronto community," said �Թϱ�� President Meric Gertler.

“I'm looking forward to celebrating their remarkable achievements at our convocation ceremonies this year.”

Here is the full list of �Թϱ�� honorary degree recipients for 2024:

Zanana Akande, a �Թϱ�� alumna who, in 1990, became the first Black woman elected to the Ontario legislature, is recognized for her decades of constructive leadership and fearless advocacy for equity and diversity. Her work has focused on employment equity, community building, race relations and the empowerment of women.

Patrick Awuah, the founder and president of Ghana’s Ashesi University, is recognized for being a change-maker with an inspiring and outstanding commitment to global education. Dedicated to empowering African students, he launched a consortium of more than 150 African universities to establish standards for excellence in higher education across the continent.

Jane Corkin, an internationally renowned gallerist who made Toronto a hub for modern and contemporary art, is recognized as a visionary in the art world and for fostering cultural conversations in Canada and beyond. Her influence on photography is particularly significant, helping to elevate awareness of the medium as an art form.

Blake Goldring, an alumnus and accomplished business leader, is recognized for his service to the university through his civic and community service with local and national impact. A deeply engaged university citizen, Goldring’s volunteer and philanthropic contributions have had a profound impact on �Թϱ�� – and especially its students – that will be felt for generations.

Harold Hongju Koh, a globally recognized legal scholar, is recognized for being a staunch defender of democracy and a vigorous advocate for the rule of law and human rights. A leading expert in international law, national security law and human rights, he is the Sterling Professor of International Law at Yale Law School, where he previously served as dean, and has represented Ukraine before the International Court of Justice.

Bruce Kuwabara, a founding partner of KPMB Architects who has shaped some of Canada’s most notable buildings and public spaces, including �Թϱ��’s Rotman School of Management, is recognized for his excellence in design and for his outstanding service to �Թϱ�� as a devoted alumnus. He has also led several fundraising campaigns at the university and served as the inaugural chair of Waterfront Toronto’s design review panel.

Brian and Joannah Lawson, both �Թϱ�� alumni, are recognized for their dedication to the university by serving as steadfast supporters, proud ambassadors and trusted advisers. Brian, vice-chair and director of Brookfield Corporation, served on �Թϱ��’s Governing Council for nine years, including one year as chair, and remains engaged as co-chair of the Defy Gravity campaign and Chancellor of Trinity College. Joannah served as a member of the board of trustees of Trinity College and on the campaign cabinet of the Temerty Faculty of Medicine. She played a significant role in the establishment of The Joannah & Brian Lawson Centre for Child Nutrition at the Temerty Faculty of Medicine and continues to be involved in an advisory capacity. Together, Joannah and Brian have also made sustainability a principal philanthropic cause as reflected by their Integrated Sustainability Initiative at Trinity College.

Wilton Littlechild, a lawyer, Cree chief and former Member of Parliament, is recognized for his inspirational and transformative advocacy of Indigenous rights and human rights. An athlete who dedicated his career to improving the lives of Indigenous communities, he was a driving force for the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples at the United Nations, a member of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada and one of the founders of the North American Indigenous Games and World Indigenous Nations Games.

Sarah Polley, a celebrated filmmaker and author, is recognized as an exceptional Canadian talent and advocate of equity and fairness. After acting in numerous film and television productions, she made her directorial debut in 2006 with Away from Her and went on to win an Academy Award for best-adapted screenplay for Women Talking in 2022, among other cinematic achievements. Polley also penned a national bestseller in Run Towards the Danger while using her platform to address issues such as income inequality and sexual abuse in the entertainment industry.

Rosemary Sadlier, a �Թϱ�� alumna, author, historian, educator, social justice advocate, is recognized for her transformative work and leadership advancing anti-racism, Black women’s issues and Black history and heritage. She initiated the process to establish February as Black History Month and has championed the recognition of Aug. 1 as Emancipation Day at the local, provincial and national levels. Sadlier has also contributed significantly to African Canadian curriculum development and education, empowering generations of students and teachers.

Meric Gertler

President, Office of the

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'Your gateway to the world': President Meric Gertler welcomes �Թϱ��� community to fall term

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Rose Patten presides over 133rd – and final – convocation as �Թϱ��� Chancellor

�Թϱ��� ranked second among North American public universities, among top 25 globally: QS World University Rankings

Congratulations Class of 2024! �Թϱ��� prepares for spring convocation

Wesley J. Hall elected to serve as the 35th chancellor of the University of Toronto

�Թϱ��� welcomes federal budget's investments in research and innovation

�Թϱ���’s Wisdom Tettey named president and vice-chancellor of Carleton University

�Թϱ��� ranks among top 20 globally across all five broad fields tracked by QS World University Rankings by Subject

�Թϱ��� to confer honorary degrees on 11 academic, business and community leaders

'Your gateway to the world': President Meric Gertler welcomes �Թϱ�� community to fall term

Rose Patten presides over 133rd – and final – convocation as �Թϱ�� Chancellor

�Թϱ�� ranked second among North American public universities, among top 25 globally: QS World University Rankings

Congratulations Class of 2024! �Թϱ�� prepares for spring convocation

�Թϱ�� welcomes federal budget's investments in research and innovation

�Թϱ��’s Wisdom Tettey named president and vice-chancellor of Carleton University

�Թϱ�� ranks among top 20 globally across all five broad fields tracked by QS World University Rankings by Subject

�Թϱ�� to confer honorary degrees on 11 academic, business and community leaders