President / en President, Office of the /node/8696 <span class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">President, Office of the</span> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span>sgupta</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2016-01-07T15:47:18-05:00" title="Thursday, January 7, 2016 - 15:47" class="datetime">Thu, 01/07/2016 - 15:47</time> </span> <div class="field field--name-field-url field--type-string field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">URL</div> <div class="field__item">https://www.president.utoronto.ca</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-above clearfix"> <h3 class="field__label">Tags</h3> <ul class="links field__items"> <li><a href="/news/tags/meric-gertler" hreflang="en">Meric Gertler</a></li> <li><a href="/news/tags/u-t" hreflang="en">U of T</a></li> <li><a href="/news/tags/leadership" hreflang="en">leadership</a></li> <li><a href="/news/tags/president" hreflang="en">President</a></li> <li><a href="/news/tags/gertler" hreflang="en">Gertler</a></li> <li><a href="/news/tags/president-meric-gertler" hreflang="en">President Meric Gertler</a></li> </ul> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-campus field--type-entity-reference field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Campus</div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/6953" hreflang="en">St. George</a></div> </div> Thu, 07 Jan 2016 20:47:18 +0000 sgupta 8696 at U of T launches new Institutional Equity Commitments website /bulletin/u-t-launches-new-institutional-equity-commitments-website <span class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">U of T launches new Institutional Equity Commitments website</span> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span>ksoobria</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2024-02-13T11:10:33-05:00" title="Tuesday, February 13, 2024 - 11:10" class="datetime">Tue, 02/13/2024 - 11:10</time> </span> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>The Ƶ community has a new website that enhances the way it tracks institutional progress on addressing recommendations from its equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) working groups and task force.</p> <p>Launched in December 2023, the <a href="https://commitments.utoronto.ca/">Institutional Equity Commitments</a> website outlines the commitments U of T has made in response to recommendations from the <a href="https://people.utoronto.ca/inclusion/anti-racism-strategic-tables/anti-black-racism-task-force/">Anti-Black Racism Task Force</a>, <a href="https://people.utoronto.ca/inclusion/anti-racism-strategic-tables/anti-semitism-working-group/">Antisemitism Working Group</a>&nbsp;and <a href="https://people.utoronto.ca/inclusion/anti-racism-strategic-tables/anti-asian-racism-working-group/">Anti-Asian Racism Working Group</a>; provides status updates on each initiative; and shares articles, photos, and resources that bring this work to life. </p> <p>“The university is committed to building on the strong foundation for change laid in the reports of our <a href="https://people.utoronto.ca/inclusion/anti-racism-strategic-tables/">EDI working groups and task force</a>,” said U of T President Meric Gertler. “It is also imperative that our actions be transparent and accessible to all members of our community. We hope that the new Institutional Equity Commitments website will foster an increased awareness of what we have achieved together so far and inspire participation in the many initiatives yet to come.” </p> <p>Developed through collaboration among the Office of the President, the Office of the Vice-President &amp; Provost and the Office of the Vice-President, People Strategy, Equity &amp; Culture, the Institutional Equity Commitments website is an evolution of a pilot project that began in 2021. The pilot version, known as the Commitments Dashboard, was created to track the implementation of Anti-Black Racism Task Force recommendations and later expanded to include Antisemitism Working Group recommendations. Over the years, there has been a growing need to enhance the existing site. </p> <p>“Guided by our community’s feedback, we have designed a site that is easier to navigate and clearly demonstrates institutional accountability while celebrating our shared progress,” said U of T’s Vice-President, People Strategy, Equity &amp; Culture Kelly Hannah-Moffat.</p> <p>The updated website has a redesigned look and enhanced user experience, including featured stories, progress snapshots, and status updates on the recommendations. Visitors can filter the entire page by specific report. Additionally, divisions or offices responsible for reporting progress on each commitment are now identified. </p> <p>“The nature of equity work is that it is an ongoing journey, characterized by continual growth and change,” said Jodie Glean-Mitchell, executive director, equity, diversity and inclusion.</p> <p>“The newly revised Institutional Equity Commitments website provides the university with a tool to put EDI accountability into action as we engage our collective responsibility to foster an equitable and inclusive university.”    </p> <p>Members of the U of T community are encouraged to explore the new site and consider how the working group recommendations might inform change in their own areas of the university. Feedback on the site and stories about local progress on EDI commitments are also welcome and can be submitted using the <a href="https://commitments.utoronto.ca/share-feedback/">feedback form</a>.  </p> <p>“We are fortunate to have a very engaged community of students, faculty, librarians and staff who make important contributions to this work, and we’re glad to have their continued input,” said Trevor Young, U of T's vice-president and provost. “Our ongoing goal is to better deliver and report on the institutional commitments we've made to equity and to improve transparency and accountability.”</p> </div> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-caption field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__item"><p>U of T launches new Institutional Equity Commitments website</p> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-featured-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_370/public/2024-02/UofT11637_20160520_CarvedCoatofArmsatUC_5-lpr.jpg?h=56d0ca2e&amp;itok=Ffwy8NJ_ 370w, /sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_740/public/2024-02/UofT11637_20160520_CarvedCoatofArmsatUC_5-lpr.jpg?h=56d0ca2e&amp;itok=bbL83xJ_ 740w, /sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_1110/public/2024-02/UofT11637_20160520_CarvedCoatofArmsatUC_5-lpr.jpg?h=56d0ca2e&amp;itok=Gc_l-vlK 1110w" sizes="(min-width:1200px) 1110px, (max-width: 1199px) 80vw, (max-width: 767px) 90vw, (max-width: 575px) 95vw" width="740" height="494" src="/sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_370/public/2024-02/UofT11637_20160520_CarvedCoatofArmsatUC_5-lpr.jpg?h=56d0ca2e&amp;itok=Ffwy8NJ_" alt="U of T coat of arms carved in to University College arch"> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-cutline field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">(photo by Johnny Guatto)</div> <div class="field field--name-field-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden clearfix"> <ul class="links field__items"> <li><a href="/news/tags/equity" hreflang="en">Equity</a></li> <li><a href="/news/tags/kelly-hannah-moffat" hreflang="en">Kelly Hannah-Moffat</a></li> <li><a href="/news/tags/provost" hreflang="en">Provost</a></li> <li><a href="/taxonomy/term/6864" hreflang="en">People Strategy</a></li> <li><a href="/news/tags/diversity" hreflang="en">Diversity</a></li> <li><a href="/news/tags/anti-asian-racism-working-group" hreflang="en">Anti-Asian Racism Working Group</a></li> <li><a href="/news/tags/anti-black-racism" hreflang="en">Anti-Black Racism</a></li> <li><a href="/news/tags/anti-asian-racism" hreflang="en">Anti-Asian Racism</a></li> <li><a href="/news/tags/antisemitism" hreflang="en">Antisemitism</a></li> <li><a href="/news/tags/president" hreflang="en">President</a></li> </ul> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Melinda Mattos </div> <div class="field field--name-field-hide field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> Tue, 13 Feb 2024 16:10:33 +0000 ksoobria 306094 at Ƶ President Meric Gertler appointed to second term /news/university-toronto-president-meric-gertler-appointed-second-term <span class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">Ƶ President Meric Gertler appointed to second term</span> <div class="field field--name-field-featured-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="eager" srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_370/public/2017-05-10-gertler.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=pjYk0k2x 370w, /sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_740/public/2017-05-10-gertler.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=ggGFVBpo 740w, /sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_1110/public/2017-05-10-gertler.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=KRlkhrsh 1110w" sizes="(min-width:1200px) 1110px, (max-width: 1199px) 80vw, (max-width: 767px) 90vw, (max-width: 575px) 95vw" width="740" height="494" src="/sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_370/public/2017-05-10-gertler.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=pjYk0k2x" alt="photo of President Gertler"> </div> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span>lanthierj</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2017-05-18T16:42:06-04:00" title="Thursday, May 18, 2017 - 16:42" class="datetime">Thu, 05/18/2017 - 16:42</time> </span> <div class="field field--name-field-topic field--type-entity-reference field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Topic</div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/topics/global-lens" hreflang="en">Global Lens</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-story-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/president" hreflang="en">President</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/international" hreflang="en">International</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/meric-gertler" hreflang="en">Meric Gertler</a></div> </div> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Professor <strong>Meric Gertler </strong>has been appointed to a second term as president of the Ƶ, the chair of U of T’s Governing Council announced Thursday – and will lead the university until June 30, 2023.</p> <p>“The Ƶ is thriving,” said <strong>Shirley Hoy</strong>, who leads the 50-member council of faculty, staff, students, alumni and government appointees that oversees the university’s academic, business and student affairs.</p> <p>“In the increasingly competitive world of higher education, U of T is fortunate to have one of the world’s leading scholars and administrators as its president,” Hoy said. “The university consistently ranks among the top 10 public universities worldwide, and Meric’s unwavering dedication to excellence in teaching and research plays a crucial role.”</p> <p>A renowned urban scholar, Gertler was installed as U of T’s 16th president in November 2013. He had served as dean of the Faculty of Arts &amp; Science – the university’s largest and most diverse academic division – since Dec. 1, 2008. &nbsp;</p> <p>During Gertler’s first term, <a href="/news/u-t-transform-regenerative-medicine-thanks-historic-114-million-federal-grant">the university received the largest research grant in its history</a>, celebrated 11 Rhodes Scholars, and <a href="/news/toronto-s-vector-institute-officially-launched">launched the Vector Institute</a> with a diverse array of private sector and public sector partners. The university has helped launch 48 startups in the past two years – and this year became the only Canadian institution named to the <a href="/news/hoping-collaborate-research-worlds-most-innovative-firms-canada-pick-u-t">Times Higher Education list of universities working with the world’s most innovative firms</a>.</p> <h3><a href="/news/vector-institute-points-toronto-global-hot-spot-ai-research">Read more about the Vector Institute</a></h3> <p>“The University is attracting leading researchers – faculty and students – from around the world, reversing the ‘brain drain,’” Hoy said. “Our <a href="/news/u-t-has-one-world-s-best-graduate-employability-outcomes">graduates are among the most employable in the world</a>, and demand for enrolment, both undergraduate and graduate, is increasing.”</p> <p>Ƶ Chancellor <strong>Michael Wilson</strong> took office the year before Gertler was installed as president. Together, they have presided over the convocation of thousands of U of T undergrads and grads.&nbsp;</p> <p>“Meric genuinely cares about their experience at the university, and wants to know their plans for the future,” Wilson said. “He’s deeply committed to helping our students develop resiliency and resourcefulness – and to ensuring that future students are able to take full advantage of the range of opportunities offered by a U of T education.”</p> <p>Early in his term, <a href="http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/toronto/president-puts-university-of-torontos-expertise-to-work-in-the-community/article31469808/">Gertler took a public stand against carding</a>, recognizing it was having a significant impact on U of T students. With the presidents of York University, Ryerson University and OCAD University, <a href="/news/four-toronto-universities-join-forces-major-student-transit-survey">he organized a collaborative research initiative</a> on public transit – an issue of increasing importance for students who face longer and more gruelling commutes to school that can restrict their course selection and co-curricular engagement. And he worked with the provost on a range of issues where the University is determined to improve:</p> <h3><a href="/news/q-president-meric-gertler-u-ts-14-point-plan-beyond-divestment">Read about Beyond Divestment</a></h3> <h3><a href="/news/humility-responsibility-and-opportunity-u-t-responds-final-trc-steering-committee-report">Read about U of T’s response to TRC</a></h3> <h3><a href="/news/update-u-t-s-tri-campus-sexual-violence-prevention-and-support-centre">Read about sexual violence prevention and support</a></h3> <h3><a href="http://magazine.utoronto.ca/winter-2016/a-new-strategy-for-student-mental-health-at-u-of-t/">Read about student mental health</a></h3> <p>When he accepted the appointment in 2013, <a href="/news/world-renowned-urban-expert-to-become-next-u-t-president">Gertler acknowledged he was assuming the presidency at a time of great change</a> in the higher education sector. As he accepted a second term, he observed that political and economic changes on a global scale have made the role of the university more important than ever.</p> <p>“In some parts of the globe, we have seen a movement away from international engagement, mutual trust and sharing of information and expertise,” Gertler said. “Yet the international community is increasingly facing challenges – from climate change to the international migration of refugees − that are global in nature, and whose solutions require cooperation.&nbsp;</p> <p>“As one of the world’s leading research universities, we have a crucial role to play in fostering that collaboration – and in generating the knowledge that stimulates the production of new ideas, new technologies, new products and solutions.”</p> <p>The author, co-author or co-editor of more than 90 scholarly publications and nine books, Gertler’s academic work focuses on the economies of cities, the urban foundations of innovation, and the role of creativity, culture and diversity in urban life. That deep, research-based understanding of the importance of the city in a global economy – and the importance of the university as both a source of stability and dynamism for the city – are seen as driving forces in Gertler’s presidency.&nbsp;</p> <p>“In a world where some are turning inward, our university – located in one of the most diverse urban regions of the globe, in a country that is emerging as a beacon of stability and inclusion – has a vital role to play,” Gertler said. “We will continue to open up our campuses to the city around us, convening public discussions of the most pressing issues of the day.&nbsp;</p> <p>“And we will continue to reach across borders to connect with scholars and create opportunities for our researchers and our students to circulate ideas, solve problems and shape our understanding of the world.”</p> <p>At the start of his first term, Gertler outlined three strategic priorities: deepening U of T’s international engagement; leveraging U of T’s three locations in the most diverse urban region in the world; and enriching undergraduate education.&nbsp;</p> <p>“I look forward to working with our students, alumni, faculty and friends to continue to pursue those priorities,” Gertler said. “Our city-region is evermore significant as an economic, political and cultural centre. Our global networks and engagement are increasingly central to our success as an institution – and to the success of our community. To continue developing a truly excellent, distinctive undergraduate learning experience, we need to take full advantage of these strengths.”</p> <p><a href="http://www.president.utoronto.ca/">Read more about President Gertler</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-home-page-banner field--type-boolean field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">News home page banner</div> <div class="field__item">Off</div> </div> Thu, 18 May 2017 20:42:06 +0000 lanthierj 107673 at Open letter from U of T president in support of Central European University /news/open-letter-u-t-president-support-central-european-university <span class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">Open letter from U of T president in support of Central European University</span> <div class="field field--name-field-featured-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="eager" srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_370/public/2017-04-07-ceu-GETTY.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=tFRs_lZR 370w, /sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_740/public/2017-04-07-ceu-GETTY.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=M0qDueFT 740w, /sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_1110/public/2017-04-07-ceu-GETTY.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=p_etPURd 1110w" sizes="(min-width:1200px) 1110px, (max-width: 1199px) 80vw, (max-width: 767px) 90vw, (max-width: 575px) 95vw" width="740" height="494" src="/sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_370/public/2017-04-07-ceu-GETTY.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=tFRs_lZR" alt="photo of CEU"> </div> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span>lanthierj</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2017-04-09T12:07:27-04:00" title="Sunday, April 9, 2017 - 12:07" class="datetime">Sun, 04/09/2017 - 12:07</time> </span> <div class="field field--name-field-topic field--type-entity-reference field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Topic</div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/topics/global-lens" hreflang="en">Global Lens</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-story-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/president" hreflang="en">President</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/global" hreflang="en">Global</a></div> </div> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Ƶ President <strong>Meric Gertler</strong> has released the text of his letter to Hungary's minister of human capacities, opposing a recent vote in the Hungarian parliament that threatens to close the renowned Central European University – one of that country's smallest and most prestigious educational institutions.&nbsp;</p> <p>Below is the complete text of the president's letter:</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>April 5, 2017</p> <p>Mr. Zoltán Balog<br> Minister of Human Capacities<br> 1054 Budapest, Akadémia utca 3.<br> Hungary</p> <p>Dear Minister Balog:</p> <p>I write as President of the Ƶ to express our community’s alarm and dismay at the recent vote in the Hungarian parliament supporting legislation that would, in effect, shut down Central European University in Budapest.”</p> <p>Knowledge production, innovation and democracy depend upon the unfettered work of independent academic institutions and the free flow of ideas they foster. Academic freedom, and the freedoms of inquiry and expression, underpin the success of these institutions and in doing so, contribute to open, dynamic, and prosperous societies.</p> <p>CEU’s influence is most strongly felt at home. It contributes enormously to the prosperity and success of Budapest and Hungary, bringing talent, social and cultural vibrancy, economic opportunity and resiliency to its host region. CEU’s reach also extends globally. Academic communities around the world, including the one here in Toronto, benefit from their partnerships with CEU and Hungary more generally. It is utterly dismaying that the government of Hungary would contemplate forcing its closure.</p> <p>Hungary has a proud tradition of excellence and leadership in education, research, and innovation dating back centuries. For more than 25 years, Central European University has played an outsized role in that esteemed history. It is my sincere hope, both for Hungary and the broader international community, that it be permitted to continue.</p> <p>Sincerely,</p> <p>Meric S. Gertler<br> President</p> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-home-page-banner field--type-boolean field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">News home page banner</div> <div class="field__item">Off</div> </div> Sun, 09 Apr 2017 16:07:27 +0000 lanthierj 106547 at How can universities build a better future for Ontario? /news/how-can-universities-build-better-future-ontario <span class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">How can universities build a better future for Ontario?</span> <div class="field field--name-field-featured-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="eager" srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_370/public/2017-02-15-COU.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=Sdrm73f_ 370w, /sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_740/public/2017-02-15-COU.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=GmAp_wEX 740w, /sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_1110/public/2017-02-15-COU.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=89RhzpAC 1110w" sizes="(min-width:1200px) 1110px, (max-width: 1199px) 80vw, (max-width: 767px) 90vw, (max-width: 575px) 95vw" width="740" height="494" src="/sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_370/public/2017-02-15-COU.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=Sdrm73f_" alt="photo of students around a table"> </div> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span>lanthierj</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2017-02-15T08:05:25-05:00" title="Wednesday, February 15, 2017 - 08:05" class="datetime">Wed, 02/15/2017 - 08:05</time> </span> <div class="field field--name-field-topic field--type-entity-reference field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Topic</div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/topics/our-community" hreflang="en">Our Community</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-story-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/president" hreflang="en">President</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/cou" hreflang="en">COU</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/survey" hreflang="en">Survey</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/higher-education" hreflang="en">Higher education</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/ontario" hreflang="en">Ontario</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/universities" hreflang="en">Universities</a></div> </div> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>If you have ideas about how Ontario’s universities can help ensure a bright future for the province, the Council of Ontario Universities (COU) wants to hear from you. &nbsp;</p> <p>The COU, the voice of the province’s 21 universities, says it wants to see how universities can work with others to help build stronger industries, strengthen growing service sectors, support artists, protect Ontario’s natural heritage and promote good health.</p> <p>To get the conversation started and the ideas flowing, the COU has created a quick and simple o<a href="https://cou.typeform.com/to/IKrMiz">nline survey</a> to tap ideas of students, parents and others.</p> <p>Along with the survey, the COU is also holding one-on-one meetings and roundtables across Ontario with business and cultural leaders, public sector service providers, researchers and municipal leaders.</p> <p>“We’re asking people ‘what keeps you up at night?’” says David Lindsay, president and CEO of the COU. &nbsp;“Disruptive technology, demographic shifts and globalization bring tremendous opportunities but all that uncertainty can also make people anxious.”</p> <p>The campaign has the support of university presidents across Ontario, including U of T president <strong>Meric Gertler</strong>.</p> <p>“Universities are vitally important to this province and this country,” President Gertler said. “They produce well-educated graduates and prepare them for a lifetime of success. They connect their host cities with the world, and enable these places to reinvent themselves over time. At the same time, they’re an important stabilizing force within their local economies.</p> <p>“To build on these strengths, and to help us excel nationally and internationally, I’m encouraging all members of the U of T community to get involved. Take the survey or start a discussion on these important issues. We need to know what you think.” &nbsp;</p> <p>The survey and province-wide discussions will continue until the end of the 2016-17 academic year. The findings will be made public later in the year through online postings, blogs and reports, culminating in a summit on Ontario’s future and how universities can partner to help Ontarians succeed. &nbsp;</p> <h2><a href="https://cou.typeform.com/to/IKrMiz">Take the survey</a></h2> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-home-page-banner field--type-boolean field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">News home page banner</div> <div class="field__item">Off</div> </div> Wed, 15 Feb 2017 13:05:25 +0000 lanthierj 104961 at U of T President Meric Gertler joins the Waterfront Toronto board /news/u-t-president-meric-gertler-joins-waterfront-toronto-board <span class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">U of T President Meric Gertler joins the Waterfront Toronto board</span> <div class="field field--name-field-featured-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="eager" srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_370/public/2017-01-20-sugar-beach-flickr.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=OJ52egFu 370w, /sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_740/public/2017-01-20-sugar-beach-flickr.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=5-KqT9VA 740w, /sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_1110/public/2017-01-20-sugar-beach-flickr.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=TwDspqYF 1110w" sizes="(min-width:1200px) 1110px, (max-width: 1199px) 80vw, (max-width: 767px) 90vw, (max-width: 575px) 95vw" width="740" height="494" src="/sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_370/public/2017-01-20-sugar-beach-flickr.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=OJ52egFu" alt="photo of Sugar Beach in snow"> </div> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span>lanthierj</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2017-01-20T12:54:43-05:00" title="Friday, January 20, 2017 - 12:54" class="datetime">Fri, 01/20/2017 - 12:54</time> </span> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-cutline-long field--type-text-long field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Cutline</div> <div class="field__item">Sugar Beach (photo by Still The Oldie via flickr)</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-author-reporters field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/authors-reporters/romi-levine" hreflang="en">Romi Levine</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-author-legacy field--type-string field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Author legacy</div> <div class="field__item">Romi Levine</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-topic field--type-entity-reference field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Topic</div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/topics/city-culture" hreflang="en">City &amp; Culture</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-story-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/president" hreflang="en">President</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/waterfront-toronto" hreflang="en">Waterfront Toronto</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/cities" hreflang="en">Cities</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/city" hreflang="en">City</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/urban-planning" hreflang="en">Urban Planning</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-subheadline field--type-string-long field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Subheadline</div> <div class="field__item">“Our success as an institution rests very heavily on the quality of life in this region – and the waterfront is a huge part of that quality of life”</div> </div> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Toronto’s waterfront is experiencing a renaissance and Ƶ President <strong>Meric Gertler</strong> wants the university to be a part of it.</p> <p>He has been appointed by the Province to the board of <a href="http://www.waterfrontoronto.ca/uploads/documents/corporate_report_2017_18_final_website_postingcompressed_1.pdf">Waterfront Toronto</a>, a public agency created by the federal, provincial and municipal governments that aims to enhance community engagement, boost economic activity, and provide more public and inclusive spaces along Toronto’s waterfront.&nbsp;</p> <p>“We know that a successful waterfront can become a huge asset for a city, helping to attract and retain talented people, helping to attract inward investment, both residential and commercial-industrial,” says President Gertler. “If we are able to get the waterfront right, Toronto will be that much more successful in achieving these goals.”</p> <h3><a href="http://thevarsity.ca/2017/01/30/meric-gertler-appointed-to-waterfront-toronto-board/">Read more at <em>The</em> <em>Varsity</em></a></h3> <p>The president and CEO of Waterfront Toronto, William Fleissig, encouraged President Gertler to join the board.</p> <p>“It was very much part of Will's thinking that higher education and research should have a stronger presence on the waterfront,” President Gertler says.</p> <p>“Meric Gertler’s appointment to the Waterfront Toronto Board will make a huge difference to our work,” Fleissig says. “His extensive knowledge and understanding of urban innovation will make our revitalization efforts even more informed and more impactful.”</p> <p>President Gertler sees the university playing an important role in the development of Toronto’s waterfront by helping to make that piece of the city a truly innovative community.</p> <p>“Innovative in the sense of the high quality of built form and design standards, innovative in terms of attaining ambitious sustainability goals – and Waterfront Toronto is really committed to building what it refers to as climate-positive communities,” he says. “U of T has so much expertise to lend in that regard.”&nbsp;</p> <p>Waterfront Toronto wants to dedicate space along the water for innovation and entrepreneurship. U of T could possibly play a role in that too, Gertler adds.&nbsp;</p> <p>“It’s a brilliant move by Waterfront Toronto,” says Professor R<strong>ichard Florida</strong>, director of cities at U of T's Martin Prosperity Institute and an authority on cities, innovation and urban development.</p> <p>“Meric brings unparalleled knowledge and understanding of the forces that shape the world’s great cities and what makes them innovative, livable and sustainable,” Florida says. “We are lucky to have him as the president of the Ƶ, one of the world’s leading universities. He is a brilliant thinker and incredible city builder.&nbsp;</p> <p>“His appointment to the Waterfront Toronto board will help take a great global city to the next level.”</p> <p><strong>Shauna Brail</strong>, associate professor, teaching stream, and urban engagement adviser to the president, says the appointment “helps to further solidify the university’s commitment to leveraging our location” and working with a range of partners.</p> <p>“And given Waterfront Toronto’s revitalization mandate, and the Ƶ’s breadth and depth of urban expertise, this may also lead to the potential for new partnerships between faculty, students and the city.” &nbsp;</p> <p><img alt="head shot of President Gertler" class="media-image attr__typeof__foaf:Image img__fid__3212 img__view_mode__media_original attr__format__media_original" src="/sites/default/files/2017-01-20-gertler-embed.jpg" style="width: 375px; height: 469px; margin: 10px 20px; float: left;" typeof="foaf:Image">President Gertler attended his first board meeting in December.&nbsp;</p> <p>“I found it really interesting. It was a bit like drinking from a fire hose – there's a lot to learn,” he says.</p> <p>Growing up, he&nbsp;enjoyed trips to the island by ferry. Today, President Gertler likes to head over to places like Sugar Beach and Corktown Common.</p> <p>“It’s incredibly interesting to see how these new spaces have successfully animated the waterfront. They are attracting people to parts of the city that have long been neglected or overlooked,” he says.</p> <p>Waterfront Toronto is taking on some big projects in the coming years, such as the redesign of the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal.&nbsp;</p> <p>“Once Torontonians have a closer look at what is imagined for that facility, I believe there will be strong support for getting on with the task,” he says.</p> <p>He’s also looking forward to the transformation taking place underneath the Gardiner Expressway. A 1.75-kilometre stretch dubbed<a href="/news/under-expressway-vision-behind-gift-gardiner"> the Bentway</a> is set to become public space, connecting downtown neighbourhoods.&nbsp;</p> <p>“People who have seen the High Line in New York have an understanding of the potential for a project like that to really change the way we look at an often neglected, forgotten or abandoned part of the city in completely new and fresh ways – so that's going to be incredibly exciting.”&nbsp;</p> <p>Waterfront Toronto’s vision runs parallel to that of U of T in its quest to create a livable, inclusive city, he says.</p> <p>“Our success as an institution rests very heavily on the quality of life in this region – and the waterfront is a huge part of that quality of life,” says President Gertler. “So the work of an agency like Waterfront Toronto to create a waterfront that is available to be enjoyed by everybody and that brings together a really rich mix of activities and land uses will be incredibly helpful for our mission as an educational institution.”</p> <p>(Photo of Sugar Beach by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/oldcurmudgeon/5352417777/in/photolist-99Yxk8-9Unipi-9Unipc-dnzqXC-nQrLaQ-DzNDGg-dnzqWQ-cfv4Qs-8Twgtd-8rRsDN-cfv52Y-cfv55f-8ub98G-Cs8fGN-nVuPwt-FHnnzo-oCsQcH-jLgNmy-pA4RhY-rD42ZP-nVuXZF-ocF7Qp-s5be3h-cfv4TQ-8Psiid-dnzrMk-9a2E11-9vxFmL-dnzqYL-97MfSh-cfv4Y9-ahyVGq-9vxFmw-97Mec7-9Unipk-9vGLDv-ahyVCj-oSXAzd-qAkNfJ-ocUhaw-pabf3H-oSXAwN-8X5yzs-8yTLfU-papUnU-dXSKEu-eT4Fsr-pEathv-oKRJmi-oKRJ9V">Still the Oldie&nbsp;via flickr; see the&nbsp;Creative Commons Licence</a>)</p> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-home-page-banner field--type-boolean field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">News home page banner</div> <div class="field__item">Off</div> </div> Fri, 20 Jan 2017 17:54:43 +0000 lanthierj 103397 at Truth and reconciliation at U of T /news/truth-and-reconciliation-u-t <span class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">Truth and reconciliation at U of T</span> <div class="field field--name-field-featured-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="eager" srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_370/public/2017-01-16-trc-provost-pres-lead.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=oQGXLOAc 370w, /sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_740/public/2017-01-16-trc-provost-pres-lead.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=0n_VEWqL 740w, /sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_1110/public/2017-01-16-trc-provost-pres-lead.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=7ZAwTj73 1110w" sizes="(min-width:1200px) 1110px, (max-width: 1199px) 80vw, (max-width: 767px) 90vw, (max-width: 575px) 95vw" width="740" height="494" src="/sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_370/public/2017-01-16-trc-provost-pres-lead.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=oQGXLOAc" alt="photo of elder with provost and president"> </div> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span>lanthierj</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2017-01-16T12:21:50-05:00" title="Monday, January 16, 2017 - 12:21" class="datetime">Mon, 01/16/2017 - 12:21</time> </span> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-cutline-long field--type-text-long field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Cutline</div> <div class="field__item">Elder Andrew Wesley (left) presents U of T’s Truth and Reconciliation Steering Committee's final report to Provost Cheryl Regehr (centre) and President Meric Gertler (right) at Hart House Jan. 13 (photo by Johnny Guatto)</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-author-reporters field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/authors-reporters/rachel-halpern" hreflang="en">Rachel Halpern</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-author-legacy field--type-string field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Author legacy</div> <div class="field__item">Rachel Halpern</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-topic field--type-entity-reference field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Topic</div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/topics/city-culture" hreflang="en">City &amp; Culture</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-story-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/first-nations-house" hreflang="en">First Nations House</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/indigenous" hreflang="en">Indigenous</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/president" hreflang="en">President</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/provost" hreflang="en">Provost</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/truth-and-reconciliation" hreflang="en">Truth and Reconciliation</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-subheadline field--type-string-long field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Subheadline</div> <div class="field__item">President Meric Gertler: U of T embraces opportunity to work toward reconciliation</div> </div> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>The Ƶ’s Truth and Reconciliation Steering Committee has released its final report, calling on the University to take action in six key areas.&nbsp;</p> <p>Entitled <em>Wecheehetowin</em>, which means “working together” in Cree, the report highlights that the work to be done at U of T will be a collective journey.</p> <p>“Creating this report was a process focused on inclusivity and engagement,” said <strong>Jonathan Hamilton-Diabo</strong>, coordinator of U of T’s Council of Aboriginal Initiatives and co-chair of the committee. “There was a strong emphasis on incorporating a wide range of voices from both the University and broader community.”</p> <p>Five working groups informed and shaped the steering committee’s final report and each group identified similar themes in its findings, Hamilton-Diabo said.&nbsp;</p> <p>The report includes 34&nbsp;calls to&nbsp;action for&nbsp;U of T in the following areas:</p> <ul> <li>Indigenous spaces</li> <li>Indigenous faculty and staff</li> <li>Indigenous curriculum</li> <li>Indigenous research&nbsp;ethics and community relationships</li> <li>Indigenous students and co-curricular education</li> <li>Institutional leadership and implementation</li> </ul> <p>The committee was established by Ƶ President<strong> Meric Gertler</strong> and Vice-President and Provost <strong>Cheryl Regehr</strong> in early 2016 in response to the federal Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s challenge to Canadians to engage in an ongoing process of reconciliation.</p> <p>During a ceremony at Hart House Jan. 13, the final report was presented to the president and provost by Elder <strong>Andrew Wesley</strong>, one of two elders who advised the committee in its deliberations. &nbsp;</p> <p>“The Ƶ acknowledges its responsibility in contributing to the plight of Indigenous peoples, and we embrace the opportunity to engage with Indigenous communities and, together, lead the process of reconciliation,” said President Gertler, who noted that this work is particularly important as the University and the country mark&nbsp;the 150th anniversary of Canada’s Confederation.</p> <p>“On behalf of our entire community, I would like to express our most sincere appreciation to all members of the committee, its working groups, and contributors.”&nbsp;</p> <p><img alt="photo of elders lighting flame" class="media-image attr__typeof__foaf:Image img__fid__3148 img__view_mode__media_original attr__format__media_original" src="/sites/default/files/2017-01-16-embed-one-flame.jpg" style="width: 750px; height: 500px;" typeof="foaf:Image"><br> <em>Elder Andrew Wesley (left) and steering committee member James&nbsp;Bird (right) lighting sage at the entrustment ceremony (photo by Johnny Guatto)</em></p> <p>“I am deeply moved by the collective efforts of this Committee – and acknowledge our shared responsibility to address the historical and indeed present day injustices and exclusion that affect Indigenous peoples in Canada,” said Regehr. “We have the opportunity and imperative to work collaboratively towards change.”</p> <h2><a href="https://www.provost.utoronto.ca/wp-content/uploads/sites/155/2018/05/Final-Report-TRC.pdf">Read the full report&nbsp;</a></h2> <p>“I was really encouraged and inspired by the reports of our working groups,&nbsp;and by the contributions of individuals and groups from across the University community,” said Professor <strong>Stephen Toope</strong>. “They presented thoughtful analysis and potentially fruitful ideas.”</p> <p>The director of U of T’s Munk School of Global Affairs, Toope also served as co-chair of the committee.&nbsp;</p> <p>“I hope that the final report will prompt serious, continuing reflection at the University on its relationships with Indigenous people and how U of T can contribute to both truth and reconciliation across the country.”</p> <p>Hamilton-Diabo, who is also director of Aboriginal student services at First Nations House, said that this will continue to be an evolving process. &nbsp;</p> <p>“Now we have the opportunity to engage a larger audience, expand available resources&nbsp;and focus on involving the Indigenous community in developing plans, as we grow the Indigenous presence on campus.”&nbsp;</p> <p><img alt="photo of elder with Hamilton-Diabo" class="media-image attr__typeof__foaf:Image img__fid__3142 img__view_mode__media_original attr__format__media_original" src="/sites/default/files/2017-01-16-TRC-ceremony-embed.jpg" style="width: 750px; height: 500px;" typeof="foaf:Image"><br> <em>Steering committee member James&nbsp;Bird (left) and committee co-chair Jonathan Hamilton-Diabo (right) at the Hart House ceremony (photo by Johnny Guatto)</em></p> <p>Keeping the momentum going is important, Hamilton-Diabo said.&nbsp;</p> <p>“Presenting the report is a key milestone and the next steps will inevitably take time. &nbsp;While there is a lot of work to be done, there is also the opportunity for tremendous growth. And as we continue to move through this journey, there is a great sense of hope and a positive energy of what’s to come.”</p> <p>Wesley said he hoped the report “will help our university community to understand the history of residential schools and how the TRC came about. I think this will open a dialogue, create more awareness and engage the aboriginal university community.”</p> <p>Members of the steering committee also include:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Lee Maracle</strong>, Indigenous Elder and traditional teacher&nbsp;</li> <li><strong>Brian Gettler</strong>, assistant professor, department of historical studies, Ƶ Mississauga</li> <li><strong>Bruce Kidd</strong>, vice-president and principal, Ƶ Scarborough</li> <li><strong>Keren Rice</strong>,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.provost.utoronto.ca/awards/uprofessors.htm">University Professor</a> and chair of&nbsp;the&nbsp;department of linguistics, interim director of the&nbsp;Centre for Indigenous Initiatives, Faculty of Arts and Science</li> <li>Dr. <strong>Lisa Richardson</strong>, assistant professor, department of general internal medicine, co-lead of&nbsp;Indigenous health education, Faculty of Medicine&nbsp;</li> <li><strong>Eve Tuck</strong>, associate professor, department of social justice education, Ontario Institute for Studies in Education</li> <li><strong>Megan Bertasson</strong>, doctoral candidate, Ontario Institute for Studies in Education</li> <li><strong>James Bird</strong>, an undergraduate student who is an Aboriginal Studies major</li> <li><strong>Diane Hill</strong>, an undergraduate student at U&nbsp;of T&nbsp;Scarborough</li> <li><strong>Jackie Esquimaux-Hamlin</strong>, resource centre coordinator at U of T's&nbsp;First Nations House</li> <li><strong>John Monahan</strong>, warden of&nbsp;Hart House</li> <li><strong>Sandy Welsh</strong>, vice-provost students</li> <li><strong>Sioban Nelson</strong>, vice-provost academic programs and vice-provost, Faculty and Academic Life</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-home-page-banner field--type-boolean field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">News home page banner</div> <div class="field__item">Off</div> </div> Mon, 16 Jan 2017 17:21:50 +0000 lanthierj 103366 at In memoriam: U of T's David Strangway /news/memoriam-u-t-president-david-strangway <span class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">In memoriam: U of T's David Strangway </span> <div class="field field--name-field-featured-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="eager" srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_370/public/2016-12-14-strangway.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=78EGZjp0 370w, /sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_740/public/2016-12-14-strangway.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=a1ynFXjr 740w, /sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_1110/public/2016-12-14-strangway.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=ERMOL4pV 1110w" sizes="(min-width:1200px) 1110px, (max-width: 1199px) 80vw, (max-width: 767px) 90vw, (max-width: 575px) 95vw" width="740" height="494" src="/sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_370/public/2016-12-14-strangway.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=78EGZjp0" alt="Photo of David Strangway and moon rocks"> </div> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span>ullahnor</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2016-12-14T11:23:45-05:00" title="Wednesday, December 14, 2016 - 11:23" class="datetime">Wed, 12/14/2016 - 11:23</time> </span> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-cutline-long field--type-text-long field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Cutline</div> <div class="field__item">David Strangway (second from left) with Irving Spiegel, Tuzo Wilson and E.A. Robinson (left to right) at Erindale College's first showing of moon rock samples in Canada (photo by Robert Lansdale Photography, U of T Archives) </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-topic field--type-entity-reference field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Topic</div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/topics/city-culture" hreflang="en">City &amp; Culture</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-story-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/president" hreflang="en">President</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/david-strangway" hreflang="en">David Strangway</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/david-naylor" hreflang="en">David Naylor</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/rob-prichard" hreflang="en">Rob Prichard</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/bob-birgeneau" hreflang="en">Bob Birgeneau</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/alumni" hreflang="en">Alumni</a></div> </div> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>The Ƶ’s <strong>David Strangway</strong>, who led U of T as president from 1983-1984, died yesterday. He was 82.</p> <p>The only person to serve as president of both U of T and the University of British Columbia, Strangway was also the chief geophysicist for NASA in the 1970s, leading the analysis of moon rocks&nbsp;collected by Apollo astronauts.</p> <p>“David was an extraordinary human being whose inspired leadership made a profound and lasting impact in Canada and around the world,” President <strong>Meric Gertler</strong> said. “We join our colleagues at UBC in mourning the loss of this remarkable man, and we extend our condolences to David’s wife, Alice, his daughters, Susan and Trish, and his son, Richard.” &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p><img alt class="media-image attr__typeof__foaf:Image img__fid__2937 img__view_mode__media_original attr__format__media_original" height="499" src="/sites/default/files/2016-12-14-strangway-embed.jpg" typeof="foaf:Image" width="750" loading="lazy"><br> <em>Former President David Strangway (right) with U of T President Meric Gertler (middle) and&nbsp;Chancellor Michael Wilson (left) &nbsp;</em></p> <p>At U of T, Strangway served in many key academic leadership roles. He was chair of the geology department, academic vice-president and provost before eventually becoming president.</p> <p>His family&nbsp;connections with the university were also deep and enduring.&nbsp;Strangway&nbsp;earned his bachelor’s, master’s and PhD degrees at the Ƶ and his parents, <strong>Walter Strangway</strong> and <strong>Alice (Skinner) Strangway</strong>, also graduated from U of T – as his did his wife and son. Today, Strangway's grandson, <strong>Tyrone</strong>, already a U of T&nbsp;alumnus, is pursuing a PhD at the university.</p> <p>“David Strangway was an outstanding scientist, excellent academic leader and relentless innovator,” said President Emeritus<strong> David Naylor</strong>, who served as U of T president from 2005 to 2013. “Few if any alumni of the university have worn as many hats or made such diverse contributions to research and education.</p> <p>“He never stopped trying to make Canada and the world better.” &nbsp; &nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Bob Birgeneau</strong>, who also served as president of U of T from 2000 to 2004 and as chancellor&nbsp;of the&nbsp;University of California, Berkeley&nbsp;from 2004 to 2013, described Strangway as a “wonderful man.”</p> <p><img alt class="media-image attr__typeof__foaf:Image img__fid__2936 img__view_mode__media_original attr__format__media_original" height="624" src="/sites/default/files/2016-12-14-strangway%20photo.jpg" typeof="foaf:Image" width="750" loading="lazy"><br> <em>Strangway with former U of T presidents Robert Prichard,&nbsp;John Evans, Robert Birgeneau and George&nbsp;Connell (photo by Heather Monroe-Blum)</em></p> <p>While president of U of T, Strangway appointed the university’s first status of women officer and provided funding for research on the history of women at the university. &nbsp;</p> <p>“David was a fabulously good scholar and leader,” said President Emeritus <strong>Robert Prichard</strong>, who served as U of T president from 1990 to 2000. “He was an outstanding provost at U of T and then president for a one-year term before going to UBC.”</p> <p>Prichard said Strangway did an amazing job, “pushing UBC into the very top ranks in Canada and towards global recognition as an outstanding research university with a Pacific orientation. ‎UBC has never looked back since. He was a great force for good and among our university's most accomplished graduates.”</p> <p>It was while Strangway was at U of T's Erindale College, now U of T Mississauga, that he headed geophysical research for NASA. As an expert in the magnetic properties of minerals, he&nbsp;analyzed&nbsp;moon rocks for NASA, which were on display for the public. On one occasion, 3,000 people lined up to see the samples of moon rocks.&nbsp;</p> <p>In 1972, he was awarded the&nbsp;NASA Exceptional Scientific Achievement Medal&nbsp;for his scientific contribution to NASA.&nbsp;</p> <p>He also served as president of the&nbsp;Canada Foundation for Innovation, an independent corporation created by the&nbsp;Government of Canada&nbsp;to fund research infrastructure from 1998 to 2004.&nbsp;</p> <h3><a href="http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/david-strangway-ubc-1.3895587">Read the CBC's tribute to Strangway</a></h3> <p>&nbsp;</p> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-home-page-banner field--type-boolean field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">News home page banner</div> <div class="field__item">Off</div> </div> Wed, 14 Dec 2016 16:23:45 +0000 ullahnor 102807 at Universities are gateways to opportunity and knowledge, Gertler tells international forum in Japan /news/universities-are-gateways-opportunity-and-knowledge-gertler-tells-international-forum-japan <span class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">Universities are gateways to opportunity and knowledge, Gertler tells international forum in Japan</span> <div class="field field--name-field-featured-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="eager" srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_370/public/gertler_tokyo.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=IilRSlXT 370w, /sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_740/public/gertler_tokyo.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=I760N4GR 740w, /sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_1110/public/gertler_tokyo.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=b7vNUNyk 1110w" sizes="(min-width:1200px) 1110px, (max-width: 1199px) 80vw, (max-width: 767px) 90vw, (max-width: 575px) 95vw" width="740" height="494" src="/sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_370/public/gertler_tokyo.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=IilRSlXT" alt="University of Tokyo President Makoto Gonokami and Ƶ President Meric Gertler shaking hands"> </div> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span>lavende4</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2016-10-04T11:31:39-04:00" title="Tuesday, October 4, 2016 - 11:31" class="datetime">Tue, 10/04/2016 - 11:31</time> </span> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-cutline-long field--type-text-long field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Cutline</div> <div class="field__item">University of Tokyo President Makoto Gonokami and Ƶ President Meric Gertler after signing a Memoradum of Understanding between the two institutions</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-author-reporters field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/authors-reporters/terry-lavender" hreflang="en">Terry Lavender</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-author-legacy field--type-string field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Author legacy</div> <div class="field__item">Terry Lavender</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-topic field--type-entity-reference field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Topic</div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/topics/global-lens" hreflang="en">Global Lens</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-story-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/global" hreflang="en">Global</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/japan" hreflang="en">Japan</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/meric-gertler" hreflang="en">Meric Gertler</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/ted-sargent" hreflang="en">Ted Sargent</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/international-relations" hreflang="en">International Relations</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/president" hreflang="en">President</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/alumni" hreflang="en">Alumni</a></div> </div> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Universities are gateways – gateways of opportunity for young people, gateways to new knowledge, and gateways to their local regions and to the world, Ƶ President <strong>Meric Gertler</strong> told delegates at a forum on science and technology in society this week.</p> <p>The forum, which was also attended by <a href="/news/ted-sargent-s-global-vision-u-t">U of T vice-president international <strong>Ted Sargent</strong></a>, was held in Kyoto, Japan. President Gertler participated in a panel on the role of universities, alongside Japan’s minister of education, culture, sport, science and technology. Sargent took part in a panel on the development of nano-industry.</p> <p>Besides attending the science and technology forum in Kyoto, President Gertler also travelled to Tokyo where he met with U of T alumni and students.</p> <p>He&nbsp;also&nbsp;signed&nbsp;collaboration and student exchange agreements with the president of the University of Tokyo and met with Ian Burney, the Canadian ambassador to Japan. The president was scheduled to arrive in Singapore on Oct. 5.&nbsp;</p> <p><img alt class="media-image attr__typeof__foaf:Image img__fid__2172 img__view_mode__media_large attr__format__media_large" height="453" src="/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/gertler_instagram.JPG?itok=NcZqLJJR" typeof="foaf:Image" width="709" loading="lazy"></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Great event &amp; speech tonight in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/tokyo?src=hash">#tokyo</a> with <a href="https://twitter.com/UofT">@UofT</a> President Gertler and a fine bunch of <a href="https://twitter.com/uoftalumni">@uoftalumni</a>! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UofT?src=hash">#UofT</a> <a href="https://t.co/Vh1kYXEzjW">pic.twitter.com/Vh1kYXEzjW</a></p> — Darren Menabney (@Darmenab) <a href="https://twitter.com/Darmenab/status/783281424551948290">October 4, 2016</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Universities are gateways of opportunity because they give students the tools and experience they need to succeed and thrive, President Gertler said at the forum, noting that a quarter of U of T’s domestic undergraduate students come from families with a household income under $50,000.</p> <p>They’re gateways to new knowledge because they generate and collaborate on the research and innovation that drives the world, the president said. “Taken together, our institutions generate a vast amount of new knowledge, most of which finds its way into goods and services and ideas that improve and enrich the lives of the globe’s population.”</p> <p>Finally, universities are geographical gateways – gateways to their local regions and to global knowledge networks.</p> <p>“Our prosperity depends not only on the knowledge, know-how, and experience found at home, but also the knowledge originating in other leading centres of research and innovation around the world,” he said. “The new ideas, fresh perspectives, and novel approaches we encounter when crossing geopolitical and cultural borders help <em>create</em> new knowledge and solutions –&nbsp;by testing our assumptions, shifting the frame of reference, and offering new concepts.”</p> <p>For Sargent, it was his first major international address since being appointed vice-president international early this year. A&nbsp;renowned researcher in nanotechnology, Sargent argued that the world should use low-cost, abundant renewable energies such as wind and solar to synthesize chemical fuels for energy storage, especially liquid carbon-based transportation fuels.</p> <p>New technologies are emerging in university labs around the world – including the Ƶ and the University of Tokyo – that can do this efficiently and effectively, Sargent said.</p> <p>The result is renewable fuels that close the carbon cycle and reduce CO2 in the atmosphere, he said.</p> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-home-page-banner field--type-boolean field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">News home page banner</div> <div class="field__item">Off</div> </div> Tue, 04 Oct 2016 15:31:39 +0000 lavende4 101331 at Ƶ statement on Orlando shooting /news/university-toronto-statement-orlando-shooting <span class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">Ƶ statement on Orlando shooting</span> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span>lanthierj</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2016-06-13T16:49:38-04:00" title="Monday, June 13, 2016 - 16:49" class="datetime">Mon, 06/13/2016 - 16:49</time> </span> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-cutline-long field--type-text-long field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Cutline</div> <div class="field__item"> (photo of U.S. embassy in Warsaw on June 13, 2016 by Krystian Dobuszynski/NurPhoto via Getty Images)</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-topic field--type-entity-reference field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Topic</div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/topics/global-lens" hreflang="en">Global Lens</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-story-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/president" hreflang="en">President</a></div> </div> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>The Ƶ community has reacted with horror and grief at the news of the mass shooting at an LGBTQ nightclub in Orlando. Our heartfelt condolences go out to all those who are mourning the loss of family and friends, and those who have been injured in this immense tragedy.</p> <p>Our thoughts are also with our LGBTQ community here at U of T and with the greater community across Canada and around the world.</p> <p>This institution believes, unreservedly and without exception, that targeting individuals or groups based on their religion, ethnic or cultural heritage, country of origin, skin colour, gender, sexual orientation, age, or any other identity is reprehensible and intolerable. We reaffirm our commitment to be a safe and welcoming place for the widest breadth of communities and we stand with our LGBTQ colleagues – faculty, staff, students, alumni, and friends – in the wake of this despicable event.</p> <p>There has been a strong outpouring of support across our three campuses. Plans are underway for a vigil in support of the LGBTQ community with leadership from individuals and groups being joined by the Multi-Faith Centre, the Mark S. Bonham Centre for Sexual Diversity Studies, the Sexual &amp; Gender Diversity Office, and the Equity and Diversity Offices at UTM and UTSC.</p> <p>As always, we encourage anyone in need of personal support, including counseling or chaplaincy services, to take advantage of our local resources. Students can visit their campus student services websites for information (<a href="http://life.utoronto.ca/get-help/counselling/">St. George Campus</a>, <a href="http://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/hwc/">U of T Scarborough</a>, <a href="http://www.utm.utoronto.ca/health/health-counselling-centre/contact-us">U of T Mississauga</a>, <a href="http://www.studentlife.utoronto.ca/mf">Campus Chaplains Association</a>).</p> <p>For staff and faculty, free and confidential counseling is available through the University’s <a href="http://benefits.hrandequity.utoronto.ca/efap/">Employee Assistance Program</a>.</p> <p>It remains a great privilege to serve this remarkable institution in all of its diversity and vibrancy.</p> <p>Professor <strong>Meric Gertler</strong>, president<br> Professor <strong>Cheryl Regehr</strong>, vice-president &amp; provost<br> Professor <strong>Angela Hildyard</strong>, vice-president, human resources &amp; equity</p> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-home-page-banner field--type-boolean field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">News home page banner</div> <div class="field__item">Off</div> </div> Mon, 13 Jun 2016 20:49:38 +0000 lanthierj 14247 at