News | Office of the President

Welcome – and welcome back!

Fri, 31 Aug 2012 11:15:00 -0400

To our new students: I am delighted to extend a warm welcome for the 2012-2013 academic year. All of us at the College are delighted that you have chosen St. Michael’s as your academic “home base” within the wider University of Toronto, St. George Campus.

As you, our first year students, begin this most significant year in your lives, I invite you to make use of all that the College has to offer to help you as you begin your university education: our Registrar’s Office, the Writing Centre, the Math Aid Centre, our Chaplaincy services and our Campus Life Co-ordinator, and the range of amenities and activities in Brennan Hall. Remember at the Kelly Library, you have been assigned your own personal librarian to assist with Library Services. At USMC, we want to help you to make this transition into University life as seamless as possible.

To our returning students: Welcome back! Over the summer we have been planning with Principal Domenico Pietropaolo and SMCSU. Stay tuned for the results of the dialogue! The Canada Room has had a face lift and there is some new furniture in some of the residences. We have a Campus Life Co-Ordinator to work with SMCSU to ensure “a memorable student experience” both for residence and commuter students. The student Chapel has had a face lift. In this our 160th Anniversary year, we are “kicking off” our Boundless Community fund raising
initiative on the Feast of St. Michael, September 29th, 2012.

Please watch this space in the weeks ahead for some of the major events of the Fall term, including upcoming events, guest speakers as well as Parent Orientation Day. I speak for all of the faculty and staff of St. Michael’s in saying how enjoyable it is to see the campus once again come to life as our students return with such vitality and enthusiasm for the year to come!!! After a beautiful summer, we are looking forward to another year of activity and achievement here at the College.

With my best wishes for joy and success in this new academic year, 2012-2013!

Prof. Anne Anderson, csj
President & Vice-Chancellor

USMC Celebrates the Life of Professor Margaret O’Gara

Fri, 17 Aug 2012 09:49:00 -0400

Margaret O’Gara, Professor of Theology at the University of St. Michael’s College, entered eternal life on Thursday, August 16, at age 65, after a two year battle with cancer. She cared for and loved her students, her colleagues, and her teaching at the Faculty of Theology and we at USMC will mourn her passing.

On behalf of the Collegium, Faculty and staff of the University, we offer our deepest condolences and the assurance of our prayers and support to her husband, Professor Michael Vertin.

The Margaret O’Gara Scholarship, for an Advanced Degree Student Specializing in the area of Ecumenical Theology has been established in the Faculty of Theology at the University of St. Michael’s College.

Prof. Anne Anderson, csj
President & Vice-Chancellor

Professor Domenico Pietropaolo Appointed Vice- President (Academic) of the University of St. Michael’s College

Fri, 27 Jul 2012 14:52:00 -0400

Dear Colleagues,

I am very pleased to announce the Appointment of Professor Domenico Pietropaolo as Vice- President (Academic) of the University of St. Michael’s College. This appointment includes his regular duties as Principal and Director of the Kelly Library.

On behalf of the Collegium, I want to extend my gratitude to Professor Pietropaolo for his many fine contributions to the University and the College during his first very busy year as College Principal.

Sincerely,
Professor Anne Anderson, csj
President & Vice-Chancellor

Faculty of Theology Professor Margaret O'Gara to retire this September

Wed, 11 Jul 2012 22:40:00 -0400

Professor Margaret O’Gara, Faculty of Theology has announced her retirement as of September 1, 2012.

The University of St. Michael’s College is deeply grateful for thirty-seven years of academic and professional commitment to the Faculty of Theology, the Toronto School of Theology and to USMC itself.

Margaret is grateful for the prayerful support and concern of the entire St. Michael’s Community.

Congratulations Graduands!

Tue, 12 Jun 2012 14:38:00 -0400

Dear Members of the Class of 2012,

On behalf of the entire St. Michael’s community, Congratulations on your graduation! This milestone event in your lives is the culmination of years of study and plain hard work. You and your friends and family have every reason to be very proud of your accomplishment.

We at St. Michael’s are grateful to you for having chosen this College as your academic home base. Whether you were a commuter student or in residence, in one of our College programs or in a University of Toronto departmental program, we are grateful for your involvement in and contributions to the life of the College.

We have worked hard to assist you to prepare for your future and we share your delight as you begin another important chapter in your lives. Please remember St. Michael’s and keep in touch. Your ongoing involvement with your College as alumni/ae will be most welcome. Good luck and our best wishes from all at St. Michael’s!

Blessings this Graduation Day and always!

Prof. Anne Anderson, csj
President & Vice-Chancellor

Honorary Fellows to be Conferred at the Faculty of Arts & Science, Convocation on June 14, 2012

Fri, 01 Jun 2012 13:35:00 -0400

Anthony Lacavera | Rodney McEwan | Kevin Sylvester

Anthony Lacavera, Chairman and CEO of Globalive Holdings and WIND Mobile, is a Canadian-born entrepreneur who is boldly transforming the landscape of telecommunications in Canada. Since founding Globalive in 1998 after graduating from the University of Toronto with a Computer Engineering degree, Lacavera has led the company to become the global leader in next-generation telecommunications that it is today. During his time at U of T, Tony lived in residence at USMC. He contributes regularly to the Athletics Program and is also instrumental in providing every entering class “with a very good deal” with Wind Mobile.

Rod McEwan is a committed layman and the owner and operator of MCOR, which is a multifaceted security, maintenance and logistics company. In 2005, MCOR received the prestigious Arbor award for outstanding contribution to campus life in recognition of our hiring over 300 students and paying out over $2 million in student salaries. MCOR also has full-time staff that can meet your every need. Charity and community building is a core value for all MCOR staff. Many staff members enjoy both coordinating and volunteering in the St. Basil’s Parish Out-Of-The-Cold program. Here weekly nutritious meals are prepared for distribution to the homeless in the Bay-Bloor area.

Kevin Sylvester is an alumnus of St. Michael’s College. He is an award-winning illustrator, writer, and broadcaster. Game Day (Fall 2010) comes out of his experience as a sportscaster with CBC Radio. He was always struck by how hard people work behind the scenes to make sure that the day’s game actually happens. While the athletes get the glory these men and women are just as important to the success of sporting events. Kevin has covered eight Olympic Games and has produced documentaries on topics ranging from racism in hockey to the history of church bells in Canada. He also wrote a musical for the 2010 Olympic Arts Festival, entitled Ice Age 2010. He was named a Massey Journalism Scholar in 2007, and used the time to study theology at the University of Toronto.

Kevin has written a number of other bestselling books: Sports Hall of Weird and Gold Medal for Weird for kids and Shadrin Has Scored for Russia for bigger kids. Gold Medal won the 2009 Silver Birch Award for Non-Fiction. His book Neil Flambé and the Marco Polo Murders has just been released by Key Porter. Neil is a 14-year-old super-chef from Vancouver who solves mysteries on the side. Kevin splits his time between his attic studio in Toronto and the radio. He has two daughters, Erin and Emily, and his wife Laura Carlin is also a writer and journalist.

Honorary Degrees to be conferred at USMC, Faculty of Theology & Continuing Education Convocation on November 10, 2012 to:

Fri, 01 Jun 2012 13:35:00 -0400

Prof. Mary Evelyn Tucker | Prof. Giuseppe Mazzotta | The Rev. David Whalen, OSFS

PROF. MARY EVELYN TUCKER (Doctor of Sacred Letters)

Prof. Tucker is a Senior Lecturer and Research Scholar at Yale University where she holds appointments in the Divinity School and in the School of Forestry and Environmental Studies. She is co-director with John Grim of the Forum on Religion and Ecology at Yale. This arose out of a series of 10 conferences that they organized at Harvard on World Religions and Ecology that resulted in 10 edited volumes from Harvard. She is a research associate at the Reischauer Institute of Japanese Studies at Harvard. In 2011 she completed the Journey of the Universe with Brian Swimme which includes a volume published by Yale University Press, a PBS film, and an educational series of interviews. Among her many publications is Worldly Wonder: Religions Enter Their Ecological Phase (2003). She is a member of the Interfaith Partnership for the Environment at the United Nations Environment Programme. She served on the International Earth Charter Drafting Committee from 1997-2000. She holds a BA from Trinity College, and MA from SUNY, MA from Fordham and a PhD from Columbia University.

PROF. GIUSEPPE MAZZOTTA (Doctor of Sacred Letters)

Prof. Mazzotta is the Sterling Professor of Humanities and Chair of the Italian Department at Yale University. He specializes in medieval studies but his publications address all post-medieval periods of literary history. His is the author of seminal books on Dante, the Renaissance and Vico that have redirected in a radical way the course of the fields of research to which they belong. He is also widely acknowledged as the leading Dante Scholar in the world. A major theme that runs through all of his work is the vitality of the Catholic intellectual tradition, from Augustine through Aquinas, Bellarmin and Suares to Gilson, Maritain and Von Balthasar all of whom have played a significant role in his research. He is highly respected not only for his work as a scholar of great distinction but also for his ongoing effort to establish the centality of the Christian intellectual tradition in the non-theological curriculum of leading North American Universities.

THE REV. DAVID WHALEN, OSFS (Doctor of Divinity)

Fr. Whalen was Director of Formation for the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales during his tenure with the Faculty of Theology (1986-2003). He also served as Director of Basic Degree Programs as well as being a generous pastoral minister for several Toronto Parishes when “extra help” was needed. Fr. Dave left Toronto when his Congregation elected him to the Office of Provincial in June 2003. He served in this capacity for two consecutive terms and delighted in the obligation of making an annual canonical visitation to the Toronto House of Formation. In 2011, Dave’s term as Provincial Superior concluded. He is currently the Pastor of St. Pius Parish in Toledo, Ohio. The Oblates of St. Francis de Sales are now in the process of combining the theologates of two provinces which means that the Formation house here in Toronto will be closed and those in Formation will go to Catholic University in Washington, DC. The Oblates have been leaders in the Faculty of Theology generous with time and talent in building community among their colleagues. In honoring Fr. Dave for his teaching, leadership and mentoring of Faculty of Theology students, we also honor some seventeen years of Oblate presence and participation at USMC.

Appointment of Bursar & CFO

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:03:00 -0500

Ms. Georgina Kossivas begins her tenure at USMC as Bursar and Chief Financial Officer on Monday February 13th, 2012. Her prior experience includes, Vice-President of Atomic Energy of Canada, Vice-President and Controller, Telus Network Operations and Vice-President Finance, Technology & Solutions at Bank of Montreal. She holds a Bachelor of Arts, Honors Business Administration from University of Western Ontario and the designation of Chartered Accountant.

We look forward to welcoming Ms. Kossivas to St. Michael’s!

Prof. Anne Anderson, csj
President & Vice-Chancellor

Congratulations Cardinal designate Thomas C. Collins

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 10:15:00 -0500

The Collegium, Faculty, and Staff of the University of St. Michael’s College, warmly Congratulates our Chancellor on being named to the College of Cardinals by Pope Benedict XVI.

Read full article on the Salt and Light TV blog

Find out more about Archbishop Thomas Christopher Collins, Chancellor of the University of St Michael’s College

Professor Anne Anderson,csj
President & Vice-Chancellor
University of St. Michael’s College

Appointment of Executive Director of Development & Alumni Affairs

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 17:40:00 -0500

Robert (Bob) Edgett has been appointed the Executive Director of Development and Alumni Affairs for the University of St. Michael’s College. He will begin his work with and for St. Michael’s on Tuesday, January 3, 2012.

Bob comes to us from SickKids Foundation where he was Director, Major Gifts. His prior experience includes Ketchum Canada, Vice-President, Atlantic Region and Director of University Advancement for St. Thomas University in Fredericton, NB. He is experienced in capital campaign, major gift and corporate fundraising programs, donor relations and stewardship.

Prof. Anne Anderson, csj
President & Vice-Chancellor

Farewell to Director, Library & Archives

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 12:07:00 -0500

Dear Colleagues,

Today, December 7th, 2011 is Jonathan Bengtson’s last day as Director of Libraries and Archives.

I want to take this opportunity to thank Jonathan on behalf of the Collegium and all at USMC for the creative and transformative work that he has accomplished at the Kelly Library.

We wish Jonathan every success in his new role at the University of Victoria and we will look forward to welcoming him back to campus when he “comes east” to attend meetings.

Blessings and Gratitude from all of us!

Sincerely,

Professor Anne Anderson,csj
President & Vice - Chancellor
University of St. Michael’s College

Convocation Address by John L. Allen Jr. - Nov. 7, 2011

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 16:11:19 -0500

At the USMC Faculty of Theology & Continuing Education Division Convocation on November 7, 2011, Dr. John L. Allen Jr, one of USMC’s three, Honorary Degree Recipients, addressed the graduates and guests. Following are excerpts from Dr. Allen’s Convocation Address:

“….Thank you… for putting your intellect, your passions and your lives at the service of faith seeking understanding. It’s an arduous enterprise, and you’re probably more likely to hear from people mad at you than from those quietly grateful. The vitality of the church, however, depends in no small way on your work.

Since the powers that be invited a journalist to deliver this address, perhaps the most useful thing I can offer is a crash course in media literacy. As theologians, you are now certified as experts on church affairs, and from time to time you’ll doubtless be sought after by reporters seeking comment on whatever’s percolating in the church. I’ll suggest three qualities to project in those moments when you’re in the spotlight.

First, try to bring a global perspective. We live in a church in which two-thirds of the Catholics in the world live in the southern hemisphere, a share that will reach three-quarters by mid-century. This shift from north to south is the most dramatic demographic transformation of Catholicism in more than 2,000 years of church history. In consequence, it is inadequate to see the church primarily through the prism of North American experiences, concerns and priorities. If you can help people perceive the global dimension of Catholic life, I told the young theologians, you’ll be making an enormous contribution to better understanding.

Second, try to foster a “post-tribal” ethos. It’s no secret that Catholicism suffers from chronic internal divisions. Conventionally, we talk about those divisions in terms of “polarization,” as if everyone is clustered into either the left or the right. A more sociologically satisfactory term is “tribalization,” because if we look around, what we see is a cluster of Catholic tribes — pro-life Catholics, peace-and-justice Catholics, Vatican II Catholics, neo-con Catholics, liturgical traditionalists, the movements, and on and on. In principle, that diversity is a great blessing, but it becomes dysfunctional when these tribes start seeing one another as ideological and theological enemies. If our resources continue to be consumed by internal tribal warfare, the church won’t rise to the occasion of the challenges of the 21st century — it’ll be steamrolled by them. I challenged the young theologians to bring a post-tribal spirit to their work, drawing on all the voices and striving to create zones of friendship across tribal lines.

Third, try to have a sense of humor. One of my great professional frustrations as a journalist covering the Catholic church, I said, is that 95 percent of my time is consumed covering scandal, crisis and division. Those are, of course, important matters, but they are hardly the only Catholic story. Seen from within, the Catholic church, in most places and most times, is also full of friendship, life and laughter. Part of any successful evangelical strategy, it seems to me, is letting the outside world in on that secret. If theologians can project a sense of humor when they’re addressing whatever controversy happens to be in the headlines, maybe some of the inner reality of Catholic life will gradually register in public perceptions….”

From “All Things Catholic” by John L. Allen Jr.
National Catholic Reporter Online
Nov. 11/11

Congratulations to all 2011 Graduates of the University of St. Michael's College, Faculty of Theology & Continuing Education Division

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 16:21:00 -0400

Dear Graduates,

In anticipation of your Convocation on November 5th and on behalf of the Collegium and the entire St. Michael’s Community - Congratulations to the Graduates of 2011 on the completion of your graduate studies!

Each of you knows how much hard work and perseverance went into this very important accomplishment and you and your family and friends deserve to be very proud of what you have achieved.

The Faculty and Staff of the University of St. Michael’s College are proud of you and are grateful to you for having chosen St. Michael’s for your graduate education.

We trust that your involvement here will not end on November 6th. You are now forever linked to USMC. Please stay in touch and update us on your life and career in the years to come. Our Alumni are an integral part of our on-going course and curricula development as theological education is shaped to meet the needs of a changing Church and a world in flux.

Congratulations and best wishes from everyone at St. Michael’s!

Professor Anne Anderson, csj
President & Vice- Chancellor

View Faculty of Theology and Continuing Education Convocation Nov 5 11 photos

Congratulations Graduating Students of St. Michael’s College, Faculty of Arts & Science, Class of 2011

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 16:21:00 -0400

Dear Members of the Class of 2011,

On behalf of the entire St. Michael’s community, Congratulations on your graduation! This milestone event in your lives is the culmination of years of study and plain hard work. You and your friends and family have every reason to be very proud of your accomplishment.

We at St. Michael’s are grateful to you for having chosen this College as your academic home base. Whether you were a commuter student or in residence, in one of our College programs or in a University department program, we are grateful for your involvement in and contributions to the life of the College.

We have worked hard to assist you to prepare for your future and we share your delight as you begin another important chapter in your lives. Please remember St. Michael’s and keep in touch. Your ongoing involvement with your College as alumni/ae will be most welcome. Good luck and our best wishes from all at St. Michael’s!

Blessings this Graduation Day and always!

Prof. Anne Anderson, csj
President & Vice-Chancellor

View SMC FAS Convocation Nov 7 11 photos

Welcome to New Chaplain at St. Mike's Campus Ministry

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 13:10:00 -0400

Please join me in offering a warm welcome to our new Chaplain in Campus Ministry, USMC. Fr. Francois began at St. Mike’s this fall. We look forward to working with Fr. Francois and seeing him at upcoming events around the campus! Please be sure to drop by campus ministry and say hello.

Sincerely,

Prof. Anne Anderson, csj
President & Vice-Chancellor

Changes in the Bursar's Office

Sun, 16 Oct 2011 22:33:00 -0400

Dear Members of St. Michael’s Community,

On October 7th, 2011, Patricia Southern, our Bursar and Chief Financial Officer advised me that she would be leaving St. Michael’s on November 4th, 2011.

We are grateful for the many contributions that Pat has made to USMC in a tenure that was all too short.

Pat has very graciously agreed to return to take part in the Financial Section of the ATS Visitation of the Faculty of Theology scheduled for November 15-17th, 2011.

All of us at USMC wish Pat well in her new position!

Yours sincerely,
Prof. Anne Anderson, csj
President & Vice-Chancellor

For Information: Office of the President | usmc.presidentsoffice@utoronto.ca

Installation of Professor Domenico Pietropaolo as Fifth Principal, St. Michael's College

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 14:47:00 -0400

Dear Colleagues,

Please join us on Friday, October 7th, for the installation of Professor Domenico Pietropaolo as fifth Principal of St. Michael’s College. The ceremony will begin at 1:00 p.m. in Father Madden Hall, Carr Hall, USMC, 100 St. Joseph Street. A reception will follow.

Professor Pietropaolo began his term as Principal of St. Michael’s College effective July 1, 2011. An alumnus of St. Michael’s College, Domenico Pietropaolo is a specialist in drama and Italian literature. His main research interests are in Dante studies dramaturgy and Italian literary history and include the relationship between science and the arts. His publications include numerous articles on Italian literature from the Middle Ages to the Enlightenment and on various periods of theatre history.

We look forward to Professor Pietropaolo’s participation and collaboration with the USMC community !

Sincerely,
Professor Anne Anderson, csj
President & Vice-Chancellor

Contact Information: The Office of the President, University of St. Michael’s College
416-926-7138 | usmc.presidentsoffice@utoronto.ca

http://stmikes.utoronto.ca

Celebrating 1OO Years of Women’s Education at St. Michael's College, University of Toronto, 1911-2011

Fri, 02 Sep 2011 12:31:00 -0400

The Loretto Sisters, the Sisters of St. Joseph, The John M. Kelly Library and Continuing Education at the University of St. Michael’s College are proud to present a Lecture Series, “Celebrating 1OO Years of Women’s Education at St. Michael’s College in the University of Toronto, 1911-2011”

http://stmikes.utoronto.ca/onehundred/

Tuesday, September 27, 2011 - Opening Lecture & Reception
6:00 - Reception |Lecture - 7:00 p.m.
The John M. Kelly Library will host the opening reception launching an online exhibit as well as a historical display. Professor Elizabeth Smyth, Vice-Dean of Graduate Studies, University of Toronto, will present the lecture Women of St. Michael’s in the library Reading Room. The Kelly Library is located at 113 St. Joseph Street.

Monday, January 23, 2012 - Lecture #2
On January 23rd 2012, the Feast Day of Mary Ward, Sr. Evanne Hunter, IBVM, Provincial, will present The History of Loretto College in the Blue Room of Loretto College, located at 70 St. Mary Street.

Wednesday, March 7, 2012 - Lecture #3
On March 7th 2012, Sr. Mechtilde O’Mara, CSJ will give a talk on the history of St. Joseph’s College. This lecture takes place in the Christie House of Regis College, located at 100 Wellesley Street W.

St Michael's College Confers Honorary Degrees for 2011

Fri, 02 Sep 2011 12:26:00 -0400

Honorary Degrees to be conferred at USMC, Faculty of Theology & Continuing Education Convocation on November 5, 2011 to:

The Most Reverend Anthony F. Tonnos, D.D.| Mr. John L. Allen, Jr. | Dr. Eric McLuhan

The Most Reverend Anthony F. Tonnos | Doctor of Divinity, honoris causa in recognition of his extraordinary contribution to the Canadian Church particularly in the areas of Catholic Education and Catholic Health Care during fifty years of priesthood and twenty seven years as Bishop. As a distinguished alumnus of the College, we recognize a living exemplar of the motto and ethos of the College - Goodness, Discipline, and Knowledge!

Bishop Tonnos was installed as the eighth Bishop of the Diocese of Hamilton in 1984 and retired in August 2010. He is currently Bishop Emeritus for the Diocese of Hamilton. During his 27 years of Episcopal service, Bishop Tonnos was appointed to the Canon Law Commission, the Catholic Education Committee, was a member of the Executive and Permanent Councils, and served as treasurer for the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops. He is a Past President of the Ontario Conference of Catholic Bishops, Past President of the Catholic Health Association of Ontario, served as chair of the Ontario Bishops’ Insurance Plan committee and was a member of the OCCB Canon Law Commission. He has served as a judge on the Toronto Marriage Tribunal. In 2005, Bishop Tonnos received Performance Citation Award, the highest distinction given in Catholic Health Care in Canada, for his outstanding leadership in the Catholic Health Care Ministry.

Mr. John L. Allen, Jr. | Doctor of Sacred Letters, honoris causa in recognition of his remarkable contribution to communication, understanding and reconciliation in his work for the Holy See and for the Church in North America.

Mr. Allen is an American journalist based in Rome who specializes in news about the Catholic Church. He is senior correspondent for the National Catholic Reporter and vaticanologist of CNN and National Public Radio. During the coverage of the death of Pope John Paul II, Allen frequently appeared on CNN. Allen is also the author of several books about the Catholic Church. He has written two biographies of Pope Benedict XVI, the first one published in 2000 when he was still a cardinal and the first biography of him in English. Allen is one of the few Catholic journalists respected by Catholics of both “liberal” and “conservative” persuasions. His Internet column, “All Things Catholic,” is considered by knowledgeable observers to be the best single source of insights on Vatican affairs in the English language.

Dr. Eric McLuhan | Doctor of Sacred Letters, honoris causa in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the academe and for furthering the legacy and understanding of Marshall McLuhan’s work, particularly his work here at the University of St. Michael’s College.

Dr. McLuhan is an internationally-known and award-winning lecturer on communication and media, and has over 40 years’ teaching experience in subjects ranging from high-speed reading techniques to literature, communication theory, media, culture, and Egyptology. He has taught at many colleges and universities throughout the United States, Canada and abroad. Currently, he is Director, Media Studies, and lectures at The Harris Institute for the Arts in Toronto, Canada. In addition to co-authoring “Laws of Media” in 1988 and working closely for many years with his father, the late Marshall McLuhan, he has also been deeply involved in exploring media ecology and communications. In 1980, with Roger Davies, Dr. McLuhan developed the Thinking and Writing workshops to help business professionals with their writing and editing skills. His most recent published work includes On Media Ecology (Explorations in Media Ecology, Vol. 5, No. 3), Theories of Communication (Hampton Press, 2009), and Media and Formal Cause (NeoPoesis Press, 2)

Mark McGowan, former Principal St Michael's College, begins research leave

Fri, 08 Jul 2011 08:56:27 -0400

Dear Colleagues,

Many of you will be aware that this is Professor Mark McGowan’s final day as Principal of St. Michael’s College.

Mark began his tenure as the fourth Principal of St. Mike’s on July 1, 2002. Over the past decade he has become one of the most highly regarded administrators at the University of Toronto, whose wisdom and experience is relied upon by many across the campus. Despite the demands on his time and energy as Principal, Mark has maintained an active role in teaching and research which have been acknowledged by University teaching awards and various commendations for his publications. He was instrumental in the creation of the Book and Media Studies Program, the Concurrent Teach Education Program and the Cornerstones Program.

There is much more that could be said about Mark’s contributions as Principal to our community here at the College. His unrelenting attention to the academic health of the College will be an enduring legacy. Please join me today in thanking him for his service to the College and the University of Toronto as he begins a well-earned research and administrative leave.