UTM launches 50th anniversary celebrations
UTM launches its 50th anniversary this year, an auspicious time to celebrate past successes and look forward to an exciting future, says Professor Ulrich Krull, interim vice-president and principal, U of T Mississauga.
“Our 50th milestone is a great opportunity for all members of the UTM community to come together to celebrate our past, present and future,” Krull said. “We encourage everyone to join us in 2017 as we showcase our history of teaching and research excellence, the impact made by our graduates and by our students who will help to shape the future, and our many community partnerships.”
In addition to anniversary celebrations, UTM is also undergoing a campus-wide visioning process this year which will help to set the stage for growth, Krull noted. “Our 50th is the perfect time to contemplate our future direction. This year, we will develop our academic and strategic plan so that we build on our strengths and make growth decisions with direction and focus.”
In 1967, Erindale College (later renamed the University of Toronto Mississauga) opened its doors to 155 students, 28 faculty and 40 staff. Fifty years later, UTM is the second-largest academic division of the University of Toronto with more than 15,000 students, 1,000 faculty and staff and 54,000 alumni around the world.
Beginning this month and continuing throughout the year, UTM will host many special anniversary events and projects, offering many opportunities to join in the festivities.
UTM’s 50th anniversary website (www.utm.utoronto.ca/utm50) is the key hub for keeping up-to-date on events, initiatives and news. There are historic touch-points, profiles of individuals who have shaped and continue to shape the success of the campus, and an ever-evolving photo gallery including stunning visuals by 50th anniversary photo laureate, alumnus Arjun Yadav. To encourage active involvement, there is a communications toolkit as well as information about funding opportunities for 50th anniversary projects.
All members of the UTM community are invited to share their photos and memories from Erindale and UTM at #UTM50.