The 2024 nomination period closed on Thursday, November 30, 2023
Hazel McCallion, Mississauga’s longest-elected mayor, served 12 consecutive terms over 36 years. McCallion is remembered as a trailblazer, a fierce champion for the underrepresented, a passionate innovator, and a tireless volunteer. Throughout her lengthy time in office, she led Mississauga’s transformation into a power center for business, innovation, and education. Hazel was also a fierce advocate for UTM, generously donating her time for many years as a Special Advisor and driving the growth of the campus through her support of a broad range of capital projects and academic programs. Hazel was awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the University of Toronto in 2010, and is the namesake of the campus library. Hazel McCallion passed away in 2023, but will always be remembered for her relentless passion, advocacy and leadership.
The Hazel McCallion Award of Excellence will be presented annually to an alum who exemplifies Hazel McCallion’s inspiring determination to “live life with purpose,” which credits Hazel’s incredible commitment to UTM, her contribution to her community and her dedication to serving others.
The award honours an individual who may have taken risks or challenged the status quo. Their outstanding efforts and achievements may have served to drive positive change, break down barriers, or raise the voices of others. The winner of this award is an inspirational role model whom we are proud to call a UTM alum.
2024 will be the inaugural year for this award.