Rhonda’s Corner: End-of-Year Message

As we come to the end of another remarkable year, the halfway point on the academic calendar, I want to express my heartfelt thanks to every member of our community. Whether you support learning, student life, research, operations or the daily rhythms that make this place welcoming, your work has shaped an extraordinary year. Our achievements belong to all of you, and together we have strengthened the experience of our students and enriched our shared community.

Below are just some of the highlights from across Victoria University and Emmanuel College that reflect your dedication and care:

2025 Highlights

Student Success and Support

• Two Rhodes Scholars for 2025, a finalist for 2026 and other major scholarship recipients.
• New wellness bursaries and automatic bursaries for U of T bursary recipients, strengthening student financial support.
• Launch of the STAR program for suspended students, providing a supportive path forward.
• Outstanding student experience survey results, with 93 per cent of Victoria College students and up to 98 per cent of Emmanuel students recommending their programs.
• Continued growth in the Vic and Emmanuel counselling internship collaboration.

Academic Life and Enrichment

• New partnership with the Toronto International Festival of Authors to grow the Centre for Creativity.
• Distinguished guest speakers including Anne Applebaum and Jennifer Doudna.
• Celebration of Professor Matt Kavaler’s 10 years of leadership at the Centre for Renaissance and Reformation Studies.
• Emmanuel College’s $1.4 million Lilly Foundation grant to expand experiential learning for MDiv students and build a new continuing education centre, and participation in two additional Lilly collaborative grants supporting administrative structures, recruitment and lifelong learning.
• Emmanuel appointment of the Very Rev. Dr. Carmen Lansdowne, a nationally recognized Indigenous leader and theologian.
• Significant enrolment growth in Emmanuel professional programs, including a 300 per cent increase in MPS enrolment over 10 years and 100 per cent placement rates for both MDiv and PhD graduates.
• Pratt Library’s Truth and Reconciliation exhibition, highlighting how collections-based research supports reconciliation.

Student Life and Community Supports

• 24/7 study and lounge access for students.
• Full counselling services for Emmanuel College students.
• Completion of the Okanagan Charter plan.
• The largest civil discourse student consultation at the University of Toronto.
• Residence occupancy of nearly 99 per cent.

Alumni and Donor Impact

• A transformative $5 million bequest to the Libraries.
• The Defy Gravity campaign surpassing its halfway mark with strong contributions.
• Continued growth in alumni mentorship and engagement opportunities.

Campus Renewal and Community Well-Being

• Creation of the Indigenous Healing Garden, collaboratively developed with Indigenous leaders.
• Renovations to Birge-Carnegie, Old Vic, the Chapel and Alumni Hall.
• Launch of the campus master planning process.
• Expanded mental health first aid training for employees, enhanced recognition programs and increased staff engagement initiatives.
• New Alumni Hall art installation by Library Services featuring work by and about alumni.

There are many more accomplishments that could be listed, but everything we did this year speaks to the strength of our shared commitment to students and to one another. None of this would be possible without your talent, generosity and care.

As we look ahead to 2026, we will begin shaping a new strategic plan to be launched next summer. This work will help us build on our momentum and ensure that Victoria University continues to grow from strength to strength.

I wish you a restful holiday season and a wonderful start to the New Year. Thank you for everything you bring to our community.

With appreciation,
Rhonda N. McEwen
President and Vice-Chancellor