On a warm, grey afternoon at the Hart House Quad, U of T President Melanie Woodin (third from left) kicked off the school year early by sharing ice cream – and conversation – with student leaders from across the three campuses.
The casual gathering brought together representatives from a range of student groups for an easygoing afternoon of community-building and frozen treats.
Woodin even stepped behind the counter to serve scoops, handing Amir Moghadam, president of the tri-campus Graduate Students’ Union, a bowl of his favourite coffee ice cream. (Her own pick: coconut.)
“It’s important for me to get to know student leaders, what motivates them, what they hope to accomplish this school year and how we can help,” says Woodin.
Representatives from the Engineering Society, the U of T Mississauga Residence Council and the Scarborough Campus Students’ Union, among others, welcomed the chance to connect with one another – and to speak directly with the president. The promise of a sweet snack was also clearly part of the draw.
“No one else said it, but I’m here for the ice cream,” joked Ethan Mao, of the Engineering Society. “And it’s nice to put a face to the head of the institution.”
Moghadam agreed: “It’s a good way to start building a relationship with the president’s office.”
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No Responses to “ Chilling with the President ”
As someone who works at U of T, I was fortunate to be able to attend this event with Professor Sandy Welsh, Vice-Provost, Students. It was a wonderful turnout with so many bright students in attendance, sharing their enthusiasm for their respective programs of study and the future. It was great to see Professor Woodin, Dave Kim, Warden of Hart House, as well as Professor Welsh, having the opportunity to chat with students while sharing some sweet treats. There were great conversations happening all around the quad and it was a very light, fun, and festive environment.