U of T Mississauga

'Share joy with those that matter most': Holiday message from Principal Alexandra Gillespie

rahul.kalvapalle — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 15:11:26 +0000

'Share joy with those that matter most': Holiday message from Principal Alexandra Gillespie rahul.kalvapalle Tue, 12/09/2025 - 10:11

Topic

Our Community

Alexandra Gillespie

U of T Mississauga

In her annual holiday message, Alexandra Gillespie, University of Toronto vice-president and principal of U of T Mississauga, congratulated the community for its significant achievements in 2025 and called for rest, renewal and moments of joy ahead of the New Year.

“Reflecting on this past year fills me with pride and gratitude for all we’ve accomplished together,” said Gillespie, noting 2025 saw U of T Mississauga launch new programs, make significant progress on constructing a new student residence building, host its third annual All-Nations Powwow and continue to build a strong and supportive community for students, faculty, staff and librarians.

Gillespie, a professor of medieval and renaissance literature in the department of English and drama, added 2025 also brought the appointment of Melanie Woodin as U of T’s 17th president.

She said her holiday wish for the community is simple: “Take time to rest, find moments of peace and share joy with those who matter most.”

‘Thank you all’: A holiday message from U of T President Melanie Woodin

Christopher.Sorensen — Thu, 04 Dec 2025 20:23:47 +0000

‘Thank you all’: A holiday message from U of T President Melanie Woodin Christopher.Sorensen Thu, 12/04/2025 - 15:23

Topic

In a holiday message to the U of T community, President Melanie Woodin thanks faculty, librarians, staff, students and alumni for their encouragement during her first year as the university’s 17^th president.

She remarks that it has been a privilege to engage with the community about the university’s future.

“U of T is a place where we can think freely about what it means to be human, what it means to live in society, and about the wonders that nature has to reveal. And it’s a forum where we can talk openly and respectfully about the challenges and opportunities before us,” she says in a video message released today.

“With a new year on the horizon, let’s resolve to build on our history of excellence in service to society.”

“I wish you and your loved ones a very happy holiday season.”

Watch U of T President Melanie Woodin’s holiday message

Cramped, risky and awe-inspiring: U of T researcher explores the psychological impact of life in space

Christopher.Sorensen — Mon, 01 Dec 2025 18:01:09 +0000

Cramped, risky and awe-inspiring: U of T researcher explores the psychological impact of life in space

Christopher.Sorensen Mon, 12/01/2025 - 13:01

Cutline

Canadian Space Agency astronaut David Saint-Jacques is the International Space Station during his 2019 space mission (photo by Canadian Space Agency/NASA)

Kate Martin

Topic

Our Community

Psychology

Research & Innovation

Space

U of T Mississauga

Subheadline

The project, supported by the Canadian Space Agency, looks at how astronauts aboard the International Space Station cope with stress and process other emotions

Living and working on the International Space Station is cramped, challenging and filled with risk.

It’s also pretty awe-inspiring.

“You’re seeing the Earth in a way few people ever will,” says Jennifer Stellar, an associate professor in the department of psychological and brain sciences at the University of Toronto Mississauga.

“It can be dangerous and scary, but it also offers these opportunities for awe, connection, love, gratitude and compassion – positive human emotions.”

That range of experiences can have a significant impact on the mental health of astronauts, particularly those engaged in long space missions, she adds.

Just how they cope with stress, and process emotions like gratitude and compassion, is the focus of a new research project Stellar and several others are conducting, with the support of the Canadian Space Agency.

“We know a lot about what happens to genes and bones and blood (in space),” says Stellar. “But we have a lot to learn about what it does to your mind to be up there.”

The research project is called “Stress, Transcendence and Resilience in Space – Coping, Meaningful Work and Growth Among ISS Astronauts,” or C-STARS for short.

It launched this fall and will explore how personal traits and psychological resources play a role in resilience during and after spaceflight.

“The human species isn’t always going to be restricted to living on Earth, so if we are going to live on the moon and Mars, we need to know that psychological part, too,” says Stellar, who is the director of the Health, Emotions and Altruism Lab at U of T Mississauga.

“We don’t just want to survive when we get there, we want to thrive.”

(image by Canadian Space Agency)

The research group is led by principal investigator Jelena Brcic of the University of the Fraser Valley. In addition to Stellar, the team includes co-investigators Jason M. Harley of McGill University and Kirsten Robertson of Brock University as well as student Patrick Nicoll of the University of Victoria.

The researchers will survey U.S. and Japanese astronauts before, during and after their eight-month missions.

The project will collect data to measure physical health, including cortisol levels, while psychological insights will be shared by astronauts through interviews and self-reported diaries. But first the researchers need to sign up six to 10 willing participants.

“It’s totally voluntary,” Stellar says, noting there are usually more than 200 experiments being conducted on the space station at any given time.

“(The astronauts) have precious little time and they get to choose what they spend it on, so right now we are just asking ‘please do our survey.’”

Stellar says she has performed similar studies, but this one has unique challenges – not the least of which is getting the information to Earth.

“Getting data back from space isn’t easy, there’s a lot of levels and security,” she says.

Stellar says the research team hopes to use the findings – which it plans to collect and analyze through 2031 – to help improve conditions not just for astronauts but also for those who work in high-stakes situations closer to home, including in remote or confined environments such as military crews, search-and-rescue teams and wildfire firefighters.

“We owe it to these people who put their lives at risk for us to ask questions that move humanity forward, and to learn the emotional responses that can help them cope,” she says.

“We don’t want to just look at negatives like stress, fear or anger, but positives, too. Working in extreme environments can be a double-edged sword: the stresses are stronger, but the feeling of awe is also larger.”

The next generation of teaching leaders: Meet 6 exceptional U of T educators

Christopher.Sorensen — Wed, 26 Nov 2025 19:01:02 +0000

The next generation of teaching leaders: Meet 6 exceptional U of T educators

Christopher.Sorensen Wed, 11/26/2025 - 14:01

Cutline

Clockwise from top left: John De Backere, Lisa Zhang, Shelby Riskin, Lauren Cramer, Aditi Mehta, and Naomi Levy-Strumpf (photos of Backere, Riskin and Mehta by Polina Teif; photo of Lauren Cramer by Tim Fraser; photo of Levy-Strumpf supplied)

Mariam Matti

Topic

Our Community

Early Career Teaching Award

Chemistry

Cinema Studies

Ecology & Evolutionary Biology

Excellence in Teaching Awards

Faculty of Arts & Science

Geography and Planning

Teaching

U of T Mississauga

Urban Studies

Subheadline

“These early-career scholars and teachers have put student learning first"

From making chemistry greener to examining the aesthetics of Blackness in popular culture, University of Toronto professors are constantly developing new ways to advance learning and engage students in the classroom and beyond.

Six of U of T’s innovative educators were recently recognized with the Cheryl Regehr Early Career Teaching Awards, named for U of T’s former vice-president and provost Cheryl Regehr, a professor in the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work and a longtime champion of teaching excellence and innovation at the university.

“These early-career scholars and teachers have put student learning first and demonstrate through their teaching how important students are to U of T and to the future of research and scholarship,” said Heather Boon, vice-provost, faculty and academic life, at a recent reception for the award-winners.

From left: Susan McCahan, John De Backere, Aditi Mehta, Shelby Riskin and Heather Boon at a recent reception (photo by Polina Teif)

Susan McCahan, associate vice-president and vice-provost, digital strategies and vice-provost, innovations in undergraduate education, added that she’s “extremely proud of the immense talent and experience of our faculty, and the deep commitment we have to bringing knowledge and research to life for our students.”

U of T News spoke with all six award winners about their teaching focus and approach to educating students:

Shelby Riskin

Assistant professor, teaching stream – department of ecology and evolutionary biology, Faculty of Arts & Science

Shelby Riskin (photo by Polina Teif)

With a keen interest in the impact of global change on organisms and ecosystems, Riskin wants her students to gain first-hand experience with environmental challenges.

“I try to make sure students get their hands dirty, whether that’s in the field, in the lab or in discussion about the human impact on ecosystems and organisms. I take students on a field trip to the Koffler Scientific Reserve for soil sampling and deploying carbon dioxide detectors that students build themselves. Hands-on experiences with passionate teachers profoundly shaped my own life and career, and I strive to inspire others as I was inspired.”

Naomi Levy-Strumpf

Assistant professor, teaching stream - human biology program, Faculty of Arts & Science

Naomi Levy-Strumpf (supplied image)

Committed to providing innovative and unique learning experiences, Levy-Strumpf develops e-learning modules, multifaceted biotechnology curriculum and experiential learning opportunities.

“I am passionately committed to providing students with innovative and unique learning experiences. I strive to facilitate engaging and meaningful learning opportunities that build strong foundational knowledge while fostering holistic development of my students. My goal is to foster leadership, innovation and resourcefulness, enabling and empowering students to reach their full potential and fulfil their life aspirations.”

John De Backere

Assistant professor, teaching stream – department of chemistry, Faculty of Arts & Science

John De Backere (photo by Polina Teif)

De Backere is passionate about green and sustainable chemistry education and his teaching focuses on enriching students’ laboratory experiences.

“My goal as an educator has always been to enrich students’ learning experiences and drive the continual evolution of chemistry education through thoughtful curriculum renewal, reform and innovation. I’m extremely proud of what we’ve achieved so far, such as developing new teaching laboratories that provide students with more authentic and contextualized research-like experiences while simultaneously embedding principles of green and sustainable chemistry – preparing students to address future challenges responsibly.”

Aditi Mehta

Assistant professor, teaching stream – urban studies program and department of geography and planning, Faculty of Arts & Science

Aditi Mehta (photo by Polina Teif)

To instill civic values in her students, Mehta designs courses and research projects in collaboration with non-profit organizations for the purpose of social change.

“One of the overarching purposes of my teaching is to explore the drivers of urban inequality and to imagine how can we build places where everyone has access to basic needs, rights, opportunity, economic mobility and the freedom to design a better future.

Through my community-engaged teaching, I aim to advance the democratic production of knowledge and social change by elevating the position of underrepresented and marginalized communities in academic discourse. I expose students to neighbourhoods and communities that may differ from their own and I value each student’s situated knowledge as a vital contribution to our collective learning. Drawing from my experiences as a city-building practitioner in affordable housing policy and community development, I design educational experiences that equip my students to become compassionate changemakers in the city.”

Lisa Zhang

Assistant professor, teaching stream – department of mathematical and computational science, U of T Mississauga

Lisa Zhang (supplied image)

With an emphasis on undergraduate engagement and mentorship, Zhang’s interests include writing education and artificial intelligence education within computer science.

“Excellent teaching is creative. It develops foundational skills, it is social, it is introspective, it lets us imagine, it grounds us in our responsibilities and it is radically kind and inclusive. Excellent teaching is too many conflicting things to be embodied by a person.

I'm fortunate to work in an environment where students routinely encounter excellent instructors, allowing my teaching to focus on not just my values but my strengths: building fundamental skills in authentic ways. I'm grateful for a collaborative environment where students, TAs and colleagues are celebrated.”

Lauren Cramer

Assistant professor – Cinema Studies Institute, Faculty of Arts & Science

Lauren Cramer (photo by Tim Fraser)

Known by students for her “transformative” teaching style, Cramer’s research focuses on the aesthetics of Blackness and pop culture with published writing that explores everything from Jay-Z videos to Meghan Markle’s wedding.

“Teaching is truly the centre of my scholarly praxis. The advances I make in my research are all, in some way, a result of the time spent in the classroom. Here, where students are looking to me to make sense of the material and explain the purpose of advanced study in our precarious time, I’m constantly pushed to become a better reader and writer. So, at the same time I’m honoured to receive this teaching award, I’d like to express my gratitude to U of T’s students for being such wonderful interlocutors.”

U of T ranked 2nd in the world in latest QS sustainability rankings

lanthierj — Thu, 20 Nov 2025 13:16:19 +0000

U of T ranked 2nd in the world in latest QS sustainability rankings

lanthierj Thu, 11/20/2025 - 08:16

Cutline

The University of Toronto placed second in the world and first in Canada in the QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2026 (photo by Matt Volpe)

Adina Bresge

Topic

Our Community

Climate Positive Campus

Lawson Climate Institute

President Melanie Woodin

Alumni

Current Students

International

QS World University Rankings

Research & Innovation

Subheadline

The university is recognized for climate leadership, social impact and innovative governance

The University of Toronto has been named one of the top two universities in the world for sustainability by QS World University Rankings: Sustainability – for the fourth year in a row.

The annual ranking by London-based firm Quacquarelli Symonds – which has awarded U of T the No. 1 spot twice – evaluated nearly 2,000 universities on how effectively they address urgent environmental, social and governance challenges. Sweden’s Lund University moved up two spots from last year’s ranking to first place. Rounding out the top five were University College London, the University of Edinburgh and the University of British Columbia.

Melanie Woodin (supplied image)

“The University of Toronto is profoundly committed to building a more sustainable world,” said U of T President Melanie Woodin. “The challenges involved are complex and urgent but together we are showing that progress is possible and there is reason to hope.

“U of T's continued strength in the QS sustainability rankings is a testament to the passionate dedication of our students, faculty, librarians, staff and alumni in achieving a better future for all humanity.”

Woodin pointed to several university-wide initiatives driving U of T’s momentum – from its commitment to making its three campuses climate positive by 2050 and major investments in green infrastructure, to the launch of the Lawson Climate Institute and a growing range of sustainability-focused research and learning opportunities.

“At U of T, we’ve transformed our three campuses into a giant ‘living lab’ for learning, discovery and innovation in sustainability," said Woodin.

“We have received countless requests for information and advice from universities and organizations around the world who are inspired by our example.”

A strong Canadian showing

U of T led a strong showing for Canadian universities in this year’s ranking. It was joined in the top five by UBC, while McGill University and Western University ranked ninth and 24th, respectively.

An offshoot of the QS World University Rankings, the sustainability ranking measures how effectively institutions are addressing the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals. This year’s methodology draws on more than 50 indicators with assigned weights, grouped into three broad categories: environmental impact, social impact and governance.

U of T’s performance remained strong across the board. It ranked third in the world for both environmental impact and social impact, which respectively assess sustainability-focused education and research, and institutional commitments to equality and inclusion.

Sustainability across the three campuses

U of T’s performance is bolstered by major sustainability initiatives across its three campuses.

At St. George, work is underway on a multi-year shift to electric power at the central steam plant and the implementation of Canada’s largest urban geoexchange system, which will reduce emissions by an estimated 17,000 tonnes.

At U of T Mississauga, Project SHIFT is completing deep energy retrofits, electrification upgrades and steam-to-hot-water conversions designed to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 6,000 tonnes.

Gurtaj Bajwa, building engineer, monitors geothermal systems in the Instructional Building at the University of Toronto Mississauga (photo by Nick Iwanyshyn)

Meanwhile, U of T Scarborough is advancing clean-tech innovation through the Environmental and Related Technologies Hub (EaRTH), a partnership helping expand the sector in east Toronto and supporting projects such as a net-zero vertical farm.

The EaRTH District at U of T Scarborough aims to transform the eastern GTA into a hub for green-tech innovation

Expanding research, teaching and influence

Guided by the President’s Advisory Committee on the Environment, Climate Change, and Sustainability (CECCS), the university is deepening its academic leadership in sustainability.

Hundreds of faculty researchers contribute to climate-focused work across more than 120 research units and interdisciplinary initiatives. Students, meanwhile, have access to more than 2,000 undergraduate courses and over 115 graduate programs with sustainability content.

A self-cleaning coating developed by researchers at U of T is tested on solar panels at the Exam Centre (photo by Donglin Que)

One of the most significant undergraduate efforts is the Sustainability Pathways Program, which now reaches 86 per cent of students through coursework, experiential learning and campus-as-a-living-lab opportunities. This year, the program introduced a new Sustainability Leadership tier, giving students formal recognition – and up to $2,000 in awards – for taking on real-world sustainability leadership roles on and off campus.

Beyond the classroom, U of T is working closely with local, regional and internal partners to accelerate local climate action. In collaboration with the City of Toronto, the university is supporting youth engagement and climate education through TransformTO as well as the launch of a new pilot climate hub.

On the global stage, U of T plays a leading role in several international sustainability networks as a steering member of the University Climate Change Coalition (UC3) and member of the U7+ Alliance.

As part of this year’s COP30 Action Agenda, U of T and Cambridge University, as co-conveners and founders of the Network of Networks, were together tasked with leading the higher education sector globally in developing accelerated solutions for “education, capacity-building, and job creation to address climate change.”

In photos: U of T marks Remembrance Day 2025 across its three campuses

rahul.kalvapalle — Tue, 11 Nov 2025 18:06:17 +0000

In photos: U of T marks Remembrance Day 2025 across its three campuses

rahul.kalvapalle Tue, 11/11/2025 - 13:06

Cutline

(photo by Johnny Guatto)

Topic

Faculty of Arts & Science

Members of the University of Toronto and wider community gathered at Remembrance Day services across the three campuses to pay tribute to those who served and lost their lives in the First and Second World Wars and other conflicts – and to honour those who continue to serve today.

On the St. George campus, hundreds assembled outside Soldiers’ Tower as a recital was performed on the tower’s 51-bell carillon.

Peter MacLaurin, chair of the Soldiers’ Tower committee, offered an Indigenous land acknowledgement and words of welcome – which included paying homage to the contributions of Brig. Oliver Martin, a veteran of the First and Second World Wars who was the first Indigenous person to attain the rank of brigadier in Canada’s military.

U of T President Melanie Woodin then paid tribute to U of T alumni, students, faculty, librarians and staff who have served Canada.

The service also featured a performance of the Naval Hymn, a wreath laying and a recitation of the poem In Flanders Fields, written by U of T alum Lt.-Col. John McCrae in 1915.

At U of T Scarborough, a Remembrance Day ceremony was held in The Meeting Place, with the Highland Creek Colour Guard from Royal Canadian Legion Branch 258 participating in the event for the first time. The ceremonies also included remarks by Linda Johnston, U of T vice-president and principal of U of T Scarborough, and performances by the UTSC Concert Band and Concert Choir & String Orchestra.

U of T Mississauga's Service of Remembrance was held outside the Davis Building. Alexandra Gillespie, U of T vice-president and principal of U of T Mississauga, offered remarks and placed a wreath during the ceremony.

Here's how the U of T community marked Remembrance Day 2025 through the lenses of photographers:

(photo by Johnny Guatto)

Attended by hundreds of U of T community members, the 2025 Remembrance Day ceremony at U of T St. George featured acknowledgements of the 80^th anniversary of the liberation of the Netherlands by the Canadian Forces, as well as the 80^th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.

(photo by Johnny Guatto)

Cpl. Kevin Zhao, left, a student in the Faculty of Music and member of the Queen's Own Rifles of Canada Band & Bugles, played the Last Post during the ceremony on the St. George campus. Piper Rory Sinclair, right, followed with a rendition of the Lament.

(photo by Johnny Guatto)

Melanie Woodin, U of T's 17^th president, and Anna Kennedy, chair of U of T’s Governing Council, paid their respects.

(photos by Harry Xu; Johnston by Don Campbell)

U of T Scarborough's Remembrance Day ceremony, held in The Meeting Place, included a march by the Highland Creek Colour Guard from Royal Canadian Legion Branch 258 and remarks from Linda Johnston, U of T vice-president and principal of U of T Scarborough.

(photo by Nick Iwanyshyn)

Alexandra Gillespie (centre), U of T vice-president and principal of U of T Mississauga, Richard Waters (left), representative of United Steelworkers Local 1998 and Faisal Halabeya (right), PhD student of physics and president of the U of T Mississauga Association of Graduate Students, laid wreaths at U of T Mississauga's Service of Remembrance.

(photo by Johnny Guatto)

Maj. John D. Stewart, an alum of Woodsworth College at U of T, laid a wreath at the Soldiers' Tower on the St. George campus.

(photo by Johnny Guatto)

Members of the Hart House Chorus performed the Naval Hymn at the beginning of Remembrance Day ceremonies on the St. George campus. Later, during the placing of wreaths, the choir performed the elegy They Are at Rest and the British hymn I Vow to Thee, My Country.

(photo by Johnny Guatto)

Dianne Saxe, councillor for the City of Toronto's Ward 11 – University-Rosedale (front row, left), and Chrystia Freeland, member of Parliament for University-Rosedale and Canada's special envoy for the reconstruction of Ukraine (front row, right), were among the government representatives to attend the ceremony on the St. George campus. Jessica Bell, member of provincial parliament for University-Rosedale, was also in attendance.

U of T to mark Remembrance Day across its three campuses on Nov. 11

Christopher.Sorensen — Fri, 07 Nov 2025 15:45:10 +0000

U of T to mark Remembrance Day across its three campuses on Nov. 11

Christopher.Sorensen Fri, 11/07/2025 - 10:45

Cutline

(photo by Johnny Guatto)

Topic

The University of Toronto community will gather on Nov. 11 to observe Remembrance Day, which this year marks the 80^th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.

All three campuses have planned events to honour soldiers and veterans who served in the First and Second World Wars, as well as other conflicts – and all U of T community members are welcome to attend.

U of T will also lower flags across the three campuses to half-mast to acknowledge those who have served, including U of T students, faculty, staff and alumni.

Here’s more information on the ceremonies at U of T St. George, U of T Scarborough and U of T Mississauga:

St. George

The Service of Remembrance takes place at Soldiers’ Tower on the St. George campus. Proceedings begin with a carillon recital by composer-performer Naoko Tsujita at 10:10 a.m., with the official ceremony commencing at 10:30 a.m.

The ceremony will include a land acknowledgement, a reflection on Remembrance Day, a performance of the Naval Hymn by the Hart House Chorus and a recitation of “In Flanders Fields,” written by U of T alum and physician John McCrae. There will also be a commemoration of the 80^th anniversary of the end of the Second World War and a presentation about how Canada helped liberate northwestern Europe. Wreaths will be laid by representatives of the university and the broader community.

U of T President Melanie Woodin is scheduled to attend, as are other dignitaries including local MP Chrystia Freeland, Canada’s special envoy for the reconstruction of Ukraine.

U of T Scarborough

The Remembrance Day ceremony at U of T Scarborough begins at 10:40 a.m. in The Meeting Place, Science Wing.

In addition to a wreath laying and a moment of silence, the ceremony includes performances by the UTSC Concert Band and Concert Choir & String Orchestra. For the first time, the Highland Creek Colour Guard from Royal Canadian Legion Branch 258 will also participate in the event.

Linda Johnston, U of T vice-president and principal of U of T Scarborough, is scheduled to attend and deliver remarks.

U of T Mississauga

The Service of Remembrance at U of T Mississauga starts at 10:45 a.m. outside the Davis Building, near the flagpole. There will be a reading of “In Flanders Fields” during the ceremony, which will last approximately 20 minutes.

Alexandra Gillespie, U of T vice-president and principal of U of T Mississauga, will be in attendance, delivering remarks and laying a wreath during the ceremony.

In photos: U of T graduates celebrate fall convocation 2025

davidlee — Fri, 31 Oct 2025 14:15:28 +0000

In photos: U of T graduates celebrate fall convocation 2025

davidlee Fri, 10/31/2025 - 10:15

Cutline

With her degree in hand, a U of T graduate gets a big hug outside the university’s Convocation Hall (photo by Polina Teif)

Topic

Big smiles, proud tears and family snapshots filled Convocation Hall as students from across the University of Toronto’s three campuses marked a major milestone this week – crossing the stage to receive their degrees.

More than 4,000 graduates from 86 countries took part in fall convocation ceremonies, joining the ever-growing U of T community of alumni around the world.

Here’s a look at some memorable moments from U of T’s 11 fall convocation ceremonies as captured through the lenses of U of T photographers:

(photo by Lisa Sakulensky)

As U of T’s 17^th president, Melanie Woodin oversees her first series of convocation ceremonies.

(photo by Polina Teif)

Graduates come together to applaud their individual achievements as friends and family look on.

(photo by Polina Teif)

Eagle Feather Bearer Andrew Wiebe, a PhD candidate at the Faculty of Information, prepares to place the Eagle Feather in its case onstage in Convocation Hall. Introduced in spring 2022, the Eagle Feather symbolizes the university’s deep respect for Indigenous Peoples.

(photo by Polina Teif)

Love was in the air at Convocation Hall as a joyful graduate blows a kiss to her supporters in the audience.

(photo by Polina Teif)

U of T President Melanie Woodin, who is an alumna of the university herself, poses with new graduates behind the giant “U of T” letters on Front Campus.

(photo by Harry Xu)

First introduced at spring convocation, the giant “U of T” letters have become a go-to backdrop for graduation photos.

(photo by Polina Teif)

It's all smiles as a graduate celebrates with loved ones on Front Campus.

(photo by Lisa Sakulensky)

U of T Chancellor Wes Hall, who confers degrees on graduating students, glances toward a photographer inside Convocation Hall.

(photo by Nick Iwanyshyn)

Wearing their gowns, graduates prepare to walk into Convocation Hall on a sunny fall afternoon.

(photo by Nick Iwanyshyn)

A proud graduate shows off her U of T Mississauga pride following convocation.

(photo by Harry Xu)

Picture perfect: U of T Scarborough graduates pose with the CN Tower soaring in the background.

(photo by Johnny Guatto)

The weather mostly co-operated during this year’s fall convocation – but even when it didn't, grads still found a way to take some sunny snapshots.

Let's Go Blue Jays! World Series watch parties draw a crowd to U of T's St. George campus

rahul.kalvapalle — Tue, 28 Oct 2025 15:25:45 +0000

Let's Go Blue Jays! World Series watch parties draw a crowd to U of T's St. George campus

rahul.kalvapalle Tue, 10/28/2025 - 11:25

Cutline

The St. George campus has been transformed into a giant U of T community watch party on game nights as the Toronto Blue Jays play in the World Series for the first time in more than 30 years (photo by David Lee)

Topic

Undergraduate Students

Varsity Blues

With Blue Jays mania sweeping the city during the World Series, the historic core of the University of Toronto’s St. George campus has become a rallying point for fans, with a giant outdoor screen turning Front Campus into a buzzing hub of baseball, school spirit and civic pride.

The tone was set from Game 1’s thrilling 11-4 victory over Major League Baseball’s Los Angeles Dodgers on Oct. 24.

More than 500 fans showed up to support the Jays – with evening rain and single-digit temperatures doing little to dampen the spirits. Attendees sat on folding chairs – or plastic ground sheets handed out by U of T staff – and took in the action, with many sipping on warm beverages and munching down on poutine and snacks from nearby food trucks.

Members of the U of T community and beyond turned up in the hundreds, settling in with snacks and beverages (photo by Lisa Lightbourn)

The festivities kicked off with U of T President Melanie Woodin and Chancellor Wes Hall leading the crowd in a countdown culminating with a loud cry of “Go Jays Go!"

U of T Chancellor Wes Hall, left, and U of T President Melanie Woodin, right, share high-fives with True Blue, the university’s mascot (photo by Lisa Lightbourn)

Woodin said the decision to organize the watch parties – which also drew crowds for Game 2 the following night and for Game 3’s 18 inning marathon – was inspired in part by her fond memories of enjoying the Jays' World Series appearances in the early 1990s as a U of T undergrad.

“I remember so distinctly how fun it was to be with other U of T students celebrating the Jays in the World Series – and I wanted our students to experience the same,” Woodin said. “So we thought: why not open Front Campus and give them a place to come down, be together, have fun and support the Jays?”

First-year student Beomjin Park wore a #11 Bo Bichette jersey tucked under his winter coat (photo by Lisa Lightbourn)

Beomjin Park, a first-year social sciences student from South Korea, said the Blue Jays have enjoyed a large following in his home country since the signing of star South Korean pitcher Hyun-jin Ryu, who played for the Jays from 2020 to 2023.

"As a student now living in Toronto, to be supporting the Jays is very exciting," said Park, wearing a #11 Bo Bichette jersey – tucked under a winter jacket as the evening chill settled in.

First-year students, including Madeline Molnar, back right, pose for a celebratory photo after receiving free Game 2 tickets (photo by Lisa Lightbourn)

Madeline Molnar was among a group of lucky first-year students who received free tickets to Game 2 at the Rogers Centre, courtesy of a Rogers representative.

Molnar said she had a train booked to Niagara Falls, Ont., on the night of Game 2, but that a change of plans was now in order. “I'm cancelling it,” she said.

The prize marked a full circle moment for her entire group of friends, who met at U of T orientation and went to a Jays game together during orientation week.

There was plenty for fans to cheer about during Game 1, which the Jays won 11-4 (photo by Lisa Lightbourn)

While only time will tell whether the underdog Blue Jays will succeed in toppling what some had dubbed an “unbeatable” Dodgers team, there’s no question the competitive series has already provided a thrilling ride for Jays fans in Toronto and across Canada.

At U of T, that much was evident by the jubilation that coursed through the crowd when the Jays' Addison Barger hit the first-ever grand slam by a pinch hitter in Game 1, and by the 50-odd die-hard fans who stuck around to watch Game 3 until nearly 3 a.m. – only to see the Dodgers snatch a deflating 6-5 win after nine extra innings.

U of T Chancellor Wes Hall and U of T President Melanie Woodin talk to a group of Varsity Blues baseball players, including pitcher Patrick Stasyszyn, centre (photo by Lisa Lightbourn)

Several Varsity Blues baseball players showed up to the watch parties, including Connor Broughton, who expressed optimism for the Jays' chances.

“It doesn’t always matter which team spends more money or has a better team on paper. We might be underdogs here but … these are two strong teams and we’re a well-coached team, too,” said Broughton, a pitcher for the Varsity Blues and fourth-year student studying geography, planning and geographic information science (GIS).

He added the Jays could also benefit from being a young team who share a close bond with one another. “That goes a long way. I think they’re hungry to use a bit of an underdog mentality and just lay it all out and play their best baseball.”

(photo by Lisa Lightbourn)

For many U of T students, the chance to enjoy World Series watch parties on Front Campus was simply too good to pass up.

"We were planning to go to the bar, but then we saw on social media that U of T are doing this so we decided to come here together," said Yusuf Saputra, a second-year student from Indonesia majoring in economics and statistics in the Faculty of Arts & Science, who came with a group of friends.

Hannah H., a U of T Mississauga student who didn't want her last name used, said she travelled to the St. George campus with two friends on the UTM shuttle bus.

“We figured it would be a better time than trying to find some random sports bar or restaurant,” she said. “The environment is really cool.”

Learn more about World Series watch parties on the St. George campus

Lessons, challenges and looking ahead: 4 U of T students reflect on their path to graduation

mattimar — Mon, 27 Oct 2025 19:36:31 +0000

Lessons, challenges and looking ahead: 4 U of T students reflect on their path to graduation

mattimar Mon, 10/27/2025 - 15:36

Cutline

Clockwise from top left: Ruiqi Liu, Maxine Kirshenbaum, Michael Sava and Ashley Pozzo (supplied images, Pozzo by Nick Iwanyshyn)

Topic

International Students

Every student’s path to graduation at the University of Toronto is unique.

And each of the more than 4,000 students from 86 countries who are expected to cross the stage inside Convocation Hall from Oct. 27 to Oct. 30 has their own story to tell.

Among them are students who dove into cutting-edge research, balanced academics and athletics, championed sustainability and built their communities.

Four soon-to-be graduates reflect on the challenges, lessons and passions that shaped their U of T journey.

Varsity Blues swimmer Michael Sava became a pro at balancing the demands of training in the pool and meeting academic deadlines through careful planning and clear communication with coaches and professors.

On Oct. 27, he’ll graduate with a double major in human biology and physiology and a minor in immunology as a member of Victoria College – and then immediately begin a U of T master’s program in medical physiology.

Inspired by his great-uncle and aunt, who were physicians in Romania, Sava hopes to one day attend medical school.

“I feel like medicine is a very service-oriented field and you dedicate a lot of your time and energy to help others and their lives,” he says. “And that kind of stuck with me.”

As he explores new fields such as biotechnology and medical innovation during his master’s degree, Sava will continue to compete with the Varsity Blues swim team. He credits the sport with teaching him discipline and time management.

He says he also found community – both within his team and as a proud member of Victoria College.

“It’s tough to meet people by just going to class,” he says. “With the college system, there are lots of opportunities within that to build community and create lifelong connections. It’s truly special.”

After a rocky start at another university, Ashley Pozzo found her stride at U of T Mississauga.

When she first transferred, she wasn’t sure she’d made the right choice by keeping her major in life sciences. Then she reached out to a career counsellor on campus – and suddenly everything clicked.

“She spent a lot of time with me going over what my interests are, and what my goals were,” Pozzo said.

“She really listened and said, ‘You know what, you really seemed to like psychology, this could be a good major for you.’ She was right.”

Pozzo will graduate on Oct. 29 with a major in psychology and minors in anthropology and sociology, capping off a university journey shaped by involvement in campus clubs and the close-knit environment of U of T Mississauga’s campus.

Now a recruitment counsellor, she travels to schools and post-secondary fairs, helping prospective students navigate their next steps.

“They can talk to me about what the programs are like – (I’m) answering questions about prerequisites, applications,” said Pozzo, who is now pursuing an online master’s degree in counselling.

“I try to encourage them with the good things about U of T and UTM.”

Reflecting on her PhD journey, Maxine Kirshenbaum says the toughest challenge wasn’t managing the workload in the lab, but the mental demands.

“You have to learn how to compartmentalize,” she says. “It’s a good skill to have.”

Originally from Toronto, Kirshenbaum returned to U of T for her PhD after completing her undergraduate and master’s degrees at Dalhousie University. On Oct. 29, she’ll cross the stage inside Convocation Hall to receive her PhD in physical chemistry. Her research focused on the chemistry and physics of nanocrystals, specifically colloidal quantum dots, which have applications in energy, displays and environmental technologies.

Now a postdoctoral researcher at U of T, she is collaborating with industry partners to develop sustainable materials while expanding her skills in coding and simulations.

Diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) at age seven, Kirshenbaum has been open about her experiences to help reduce stigma and promote greater awareness of neurodiversity in academia.

Her advice to new graduate students: seek support early and embrace errors.

“We’re supposed to learn through mistakes,” she says. “You want to break it to put it back together.”

An international student from China, Ruiqi Liu, who goes by Serina, found herself adjusting to a new culture and community when she first began her studies at U of T Scarborough – all amid a global pandemic. So, she threw herself into campus life – working, volunteering and building new friendships.

“I went from someone who didn’t know how to make small talk to someone who now mentors others,” she says.

This month, Liu will graduate with a master’s degree in environmental science – a full-circle moment after completing a bachelor of science degree at U of T Scarborough with a double major in environmental science and psychology.

Her passion for sustainability began early, with childhood memories of helping her family sort waste at home.

“What drew me to environmental science was its multidisciplinary nature,” she says. “Through my undergraduate studies and my outreach work at the UTSC Sustainability Office, I came to understand that sustainability requires more than science alone: it needs advocates, communicators and leaders from diverse backgrounds.”

Liu also gained meaningful experiences through her work at the Health & Wellness Centre, the Centre for Teaching and Learning and the International Student Centre. She dedicated additional time to volunteering in three mentorship programs, helping other students find their footing and earning an array of awards and recognitions.

She’s most excited about what comes next.

“It feels like the beginning of a future filled with new possibilities.”

With files from Kate Martin