Former principal and chemist E.A. Peter Robinson remembered as 'founding champion' of Erindale College

 E.A. Peter Robinson, one of the founding champions of the University of Toronto Mississauga, is being remembered for his profound impact, decades of support and unwavering dedication to the institution. 

Robinson – the second principal of what was then Erindale College, as well as a past dean and professor – died last month in Bristol, U.K., at the age of 93. 

Alexandra Gillespie, UTM's vice-president and principal, called Robinson "a foundational leader whose passion for UTM never wavered."

"He championed this campus from its earliest days, helping to shape its direction and lay the groundwork for decades of growth," she said. 

"Over the years, he advocated for UTM's integral place within the broader university and the local community while supporting its future through generous philanthropy."

Gillespie said Robinson's leadership "will echo across UTM for generations." 

"We are deeply grateful for his enduring commitment to UTM," she said.

Robinson came to Canada from the U.K. in 1958 as a postdoctoral chemistry fellow and joined the University of Toronto as an assistant professor of chemistry in 1961. 

In 1966, he arrived in Mississauga to help establish what was then becoming Erindale College, which eventually evolved into UTM. 

Robinson served as associate dean, acting dean and eventually became the second principal of Erindale College in 1974, serving in the role until 1976.

As an administrator, Robinson said it was his mission to establish Erindale College “as a happy, vibrant and confident community; and to ensure that its campus would continue to grow in beauty and tranquility for the benefit of both scholars and visitors.” 

“Getting Erindale/UTM going to the best of our abilities was my great life experience,” Robinson said years later. 

Robinson was also active in teaching and research throughout his time at the university. He ran an introductory chemistry course and was one of the authors of a pair of modern chemistry textbooks and related study guides. 

In the laboratory, his work focused on a greater understanding of the complex chemistry of sulfuric acid. He and his research partners were involved in the invention of superacids and were among the first to use laser spectrometry – used to help identify the chemical makeup of substances – among other achievements. 

Robinson was key to establishing the firm foundation of Erindale College and embraced the undergraduate teaching mission of the university, said Judith Poe, a professor emeritus with the department of chemical and physical sciences. 

He was also an accomplished gardener and chef, often doing the cooking for formal dinners he hosted at the principal’s residence on campus, she said.

“He was a great human being – kind, fair, non-judgemental, creative and always looking forward,” said Poe, who knew Robinson well.

“His vision, hard work and unfaltering dedication were unparalleled.” 

Robinson’s commitment to UTM was recognized with the College Award in 1988 for outstanding contributions to the quality of life at Erindale College, as well as the Arbor Award in 2006 for outstanding service to the University of Toronto. 

The E.A. Robinson Medal, established in 1976, continues to be awarded annually to the top graduating students in four disciplines: humanities, sciences, social sciences and commerce/business administration. The medals go hand-in-hand with the Founder’s Gold Medal, which was Robinson’s gift to Erindale in 1994.

Robinson continued his relationship with the university through many philanthropic initiatives after he retired.

In addition to establishing two undergraduate student awards, Robinson supported the E.A. Robinson Science Education Lecture at UTM, an annual talk to disseminate information on the latest developments and initiatives in science education. 

“Peter Robinson didn’t just help build U of T Mississauga; he invested wholeheartedly in its people,” said Andrew Stelmacovich, UTM’s executive director of advancement. 

“By directly supporting student success and fostering vibrant academic dialogue, his profound investments will continue to enrich and inspire our campus community for generations to come.”

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In keeping with Professor Robinson's wishes, his family has indicated memorial gifts may be made to the Mare and Foal Sanctuary, a U.K.-based charity.