‘We must rise to meet this moment’: Melanie Woodin officially installed as U of T’s 17th president

U of T President Melanie Woodin said she is honoured to follow in the footsteps of U of T’s 16 former presidents including, to her left, Meric Gertler, David Naylor and Robert Prichard. Claire Sault, chief of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, and Trevor Young, U of T’s vice-president and provost, are immediately to her right, while Shannon Simpson, senior director of Indigenous initiatives, and Sheree Drummond, secretary of the Governing Council, can be seen near the back. (photo by Johnny Guatto)

As she was officially installed as the University of Toronto’s 17th president, Melanie Woodin (BSc 1995, MSc 1997) outlined her vision of the university’s role in a world beset by challenges – calling on the U of T community to “meet this moment.”

The renowned neuroscientist formally assumed the leadership role during an Oct. 17 ceremony in Convocation Hall that featured processions of students and faculty in academic regalia and remarks from civic and academic leaders.

Woodin entered the rotunda of the hall in a procession led by the Manitou Mkwa Singers of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. She was accompanied by U of T Chancellor Wes Hall (Hon. LLD 2023) and Susan Hill, director of the Centre for Indigenous Studies and associate professor, who served as the Eagle Feather Bearer – a symbol of the university’s deep respect for Indigenous Peoples.

Woodin then made the declaration of office – administered by Governing Council Chair Anna Kennedy – and donned her presidential gown and cap with the assistance of three students representing the university’s three campuses.

In her installation address, Woodin emphasized the institution’s mission as Canada’s leading university amid mounting global challenges, including social polarization and threats to democracy and academic freedom.

“People everywhere are looking to our country to be a beacon of light … because Canada has something essential to offer the world,” said Woodin, who is also a professor of cell and systems biology in the Faculty of Arts & Science. “And so, as Canada’s flagship university, we must rise to meet this moment.”

Woodin noted that Convocation Hall was the very space where she attended her first university lecture as a student. She recalled arriving at U of T in 1991 with an interest in science and gradually discovering the power of a research-intensive institution that fosters curiosity, inclusivity and dialogue.

As she looked towards U of T’s future, Woodin invited the community to reflect on what can be learned from its past. She briefly recounted the university’s long history of scholarship, discovery and innovation, which has had a deep impact on Canada and the world. 

She also pointed to U of T’s track record of navigating major recent challenges, citing the recent COVID-19 pandemic as an example of the university’s resilience and contributions to society in the face of a “fiercely complex, urgent problem.” 

Speaking on behalf of the university’s past presidents, Meric Gertler congratulated Woodin for taking on what he described as “the best job in Canadian higher education.”

“She will be an absolutely superb president,” he said.

Woodin now leads an institution, which, in addition to being a centre of learning, is a “cornerstone of Ontario’s prosperity and global reputation,” said Nolan Quinn, Ontario’s minister of colleges, universities, research excellence and security.

“The students of today are the future leaders, innovators and problem-solvers of tomorrow, and the education they receive at places like the U of T will shape the future of Ontario and Canada,” Quinn said. “Under Dr. Woodin’s leadership, I have no doubt that the U of T will continue to shape a positive future for our province.”

Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow, who studied religion and philosophy at U of T, highlighted the university’s track record of enabling upward mobility among members of underrepresented communities by providing access to a quality education.

“I just remember the joy that my parents had when I got into the U of T in 1975 at Victoria College,” said Chow, adding U of T students and faculty “reflect the remarkable diversity and energy of Toronto and the values we share together.”

Claire Sault, chief of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, praised Woodin for her deep knowledge of, and respect for, First Nations communities. 

“I want you to know my Nation is so happy with your arrival … we are here to support you and to provide a foundation and anchor when you need us, from an Indigenous lens,” said Sault.

Woodin, for her part, highlighted the university’s solemn commitment to addressing the “terrible legacy” of Canada’s treatment of Indigenous Peoples. She noted that U of T is taking a wide range of actions to do so “throughout our teaching and research activities as well as our communal life.” However, she added, “We have a great deal more to do, as we continue answering the call of truth and reconciliation.”

Vivek Goel (MSc 1988, PGMT 1990), president of the University of Waterloo and former U of T vice-president of research and innovation, and strategic initiatives, spoke on behalf of Canada’s post-secondary leaders. U of T speakers included Trevor Young (MSc 1989, DPhil 1995, PGMT 1998) vice-president and provost; Shannon Simpson, senior director of Indigenous initiatives; Candice Jay (BA Hons 2007), president of the U of T Alumni Association; and Firdaus Sadid, undergraduate economics and biochemistry student and former member of U of T’s Governing Council.

Sadid lauded Woodin as the ideal leader to advance U of T’s twin academic missions of educating students and facilitating world-class research. “Throughout my interactions with President Woodin as an Arts & Science student, it’s clear to me that such objectives are paramount to her vision for our university,” said Sadid, who served on the Governing Council’s presidential search committee. 

The event was also attended by past U of T Chancellors Vivienne Poy (MA 1997), Rose Patten (LLD Hons 2009) and David Peterson (LLB 1967, Hon. LLD 1994), as well as past Presidents David Naylor (MD 1978, Hon. LLD 2019) Professor and Dean Emeritus the Honourable Frank Iacobucci (Hon. LLD 1989) and J. Robert S. Prichard (LLB 1975, Hon. LLD 2002), and past Governing Council Chairs Claire Kennedy (BASc 1989, Hon. LLD 2023) and Wendy Cecil (BA 1971, Hon. LLD 2005), among others.

With family members in the audience, Woodin said U of T is ready to help find solutions to global health and socio-economic challenges thanks to a “rare combination of multidisciplinary expertise and a rich culture of collaboration.”

She also emphasized the university’s role in shaping civil discourse, reaffirming its commitment to fostering open and respectful dialogue on complex issues. “It goes to the heart of our mission, and our responsibility to society as an academic institution,” she said, linking that goal to Canada’s role as a global defender of pluralism and democracy.

Looking ahead to U of T’s bicentennial in 2027, Woodin invited the U of T community to help “define what it means to be this great, good place in the generations to come,” referencing a phrase coined by Claude Bissell, U of T’s eighth president.

“Let us draw inspiration from our past – our record of achievement, and even more, our history of learning and growth,” she said. “As we look to our future, let us allow our ambitions to match our talents, and our hopes to rise to our highest ideals.”

Woodin closed by encouraging all members of the U of T community to apply their talent and passion towards the betterment of society, to “meet the moment, whatever it requires, for the communities around us, for Canadians and for all humanity.”

“As president, I dedicate myself to supporting you in every way that I can, as we embark on that great adventure. And I am so excited to see what we will accomplish together, at the dawn of our third century.”

Originally published by U of T News