40th anniversary celebrations start with a bang (June 07, 2007)

The University of Toronto Mississauga kicked off its 40th anniversary on June 2, with a graduation reception, Spring Reunion and the official opening of the Hazel McCallion Academic Learning Centre.

The day began with a reception in the CCT atrium for the campus’ newest graduands, and following an address by 2007 class valedictorian Emmanuel Tolias, the students formed a procession led by a bagpiper and followed by 31 faculty and staff members. The procession crossed the campus to the Recreation, Athletics and Wellness Centre, for the kickoff ceremony to the 40th anniversary.

 

Vice-President and Principal Ian Orchard, former principals Roger Beck, Robert McNutt and E.A. Robinson, and Acting Vice-President and Principal Cheryl Misak prepare for the procession.

“I was deeply proud to help celebrate this day that reflected our history, growth and our vibrant and cohesive community,” said Vice-President and Principal Ian Orchard, who led the academic procession. “This type of procession has not taken place on campus since the 1970s.” It was a special experience for the students. “The walk to the gym left me feeling proud,” said 2007 graduand Rizwan Choudhary.

Speaking to a near-capacity crowd, with guests including former Ontario premier, the Honourable William G. Davis, alumnus, philanthropist and high-altitude mountaineer Rob Follows gave a keynote address along with his wife, Katrina Sandling. A burst of confetti cannons accompanied the unrolling of 40th anniversary banners.

 

U of T Mississauga graduands process across campus

 

"As a proud U of T Mississauga alumna myself, it was wonderful to see the number of fellow graduates that came to spring reunion,” said Sue Prior, manager of alumni development. “It not only made me feel proud of where we’ve come from, but also where we are and where we’re going.”

Guests left the gym to enjoy a picnic by the pond, complete with music, ice-cream, and photos of alumni from every decade over the past 40 years. From there, guests could choose at attend open lectures and labs featuring glow-in-the-dark rocks, “Sniffy the Virtual Lab Rat” and hissing cockroaches. At the “Body of Evidence” mock crime scene near the north end of campus, students gave guests an authentic glimpse inside the world of forensic procedure. Alumnus John Switzer led a popular wine-tasting event in the Council Chambers, while other guests enjoyed a glass of wine at a jazz bistro at CCT.

Professor John Percy gives an open lecture on astronomy	Getting up close and personal with a stick insect in the biology lab	Stepping under the crime scene tape with U of T Mississauga forensic sciences students

The day was capped off by tours, speeches and fireworks at the official opening of the Hazel McCallion Academic Learning Centre, where President David Naylor joined Mississauga’s legendary mayor to cut the ribbon on the state-of-the-art facility named in her honour. “Having an academic institution bear one’s name is an extraordinary and unique legacy to leave behind,” says Mayor Hazel McCallion. “I want to thank the University of Toronto Mississauga, a precious jewel in Mississauga’s crown, for bestowing this honour upon me and for providing me with the opportunity to leave my mark on the community that I love so much.”

Vice-President and Principal Ian Orchard, Mayor Hazel McCallion and President David Naylor cut the ribbon on the new Hazel McCallion Academic Learning Centre