Meric Gertler listens as Deep Saini introduces him

‘Meeting the family’: New U of T President Meric Gertler gets a UTM welcome

Nicolle Wahl

It was chilly outside, but U of T Mississauga gave new U of T President Meric Gertler a warm welcome to campus Nov. 14, at a reception in the Faculty Club.

It was Gertler’s first appearance at UTM since his official installation at the 16th president of the University of Toronto one week earlier. It’s been a whirlwind week for Gertler, who has also presided over his first convocations as president in the last few days.

Professor Deep Saini, vice-president of U of T and principal of U of T Mississauga, hosted the event, and took Gertler on a tour of campus prior to the reception.

“I am sure—now that he has had a chance to look around—that he understand why we are so proud to be working and studying at UTM,” said Saini. “I am delighted that President Gertler could find time in his busy schedule and at such an early juncture in his term to visit us, become acquainted with our campus, and get to know some of you.”

Gertler praised UTM's crucial role in the tri-campus system, which he called "an astonishing force for innovation and growth, and a mega-magnet for talent, in the world-leading urban region we’re privileged to call home."

He made note of several UTM initiatives that are making an impact in the community, including the Mississauga Academy of Medicine and UTM’s participation in the hiCollaborative—a program to provide reliable health information to people in this region.

Gertler also mentioned the new Centre for South Asian Civilizations and the global learning potential it offers to students. And he pointed to the new Institute for Management and Innovation, describing its role in “building a competitive advantage for regional industry, and connecting directly to the City’s innovation agenda.”

After finishing his formal remarks, Gertler chatted with guests. During his time on campus, he also met with leaders of student government and was interviewed for the student newspaper.