What defines a university president’s legacy? As Meric Gertler concludes his time at the helm of U of T, we examine the milestones, challenges and lasting influence of his leadership. Sprinkled among the stories below are reflections and tributes from colleagues around the world on President Gertler’s vision and impact.

A University Transformed

As a young urban geographer in the early 1990s, Meric Gertler found himself pondering an intriguing riddle: Why do certain city-regions excel economically? The special sauce, he and other geographers suggested, lay in tight clusters of social connections among companies, universities, investors and government officials.

At the time, the idea that a dense weave of knowledge and capital could drive innovation and prosperity was cutting edge. Now, it’s widely accepted. So, when Gertler, formerly U of T’s dean of arts and science, became president in 2013, he was keen to apply this idea to a large university. How, he wondered, could U of T do more to bolster the social and economic life of the Toronto region, and how could a diverse university community draw on those same lessons? Read the full article

Tribute from REETA ROY (LLD Hon. 2017)
CEO, Mastercard Foundation

“It has been a joy to work with Meric in establishing the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at U of T. His leadership created a welcoming space where bright young minds from Africa can thrive. His bold vision and commitment to collaboration have strengthened U of T’s ties with African universities, fostering innovation, entrepreneurship and leadership for generations to come.”

CHAD GAFFIELD (PhD 1978)
CEO, U15 Canada

“Deep thinking and strategic, Meric embodies how brilliant scholarship can drive both inspired leadership at U of T and global collaboration among top research universities. He carries the qualities of a great Canadian: a humble yet confident presence, open and resilient, ambition grounded in unshakeable values. And he has a remarkably warm and generous spirit.”

The Secret of Our Success

It is hard to overstate how much the world has changed since 2013, the year I was given the immense privilege of serving as president of the University of Toronto. Twelve years ago, Stephen Harper was our prime minister, and Justin Trudeau was elected leader of the Liberal Party of Canada. The president of the United States, Barack Obama, was leading negotiations on the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a free-trade agreement covering 40 per cent of the global economy, while Donald Trump was best known as a reality TV star. World powers reached an interim deal with Iran that raised hopes for stability in the Middle East, while war in Europe was almost unthinkable. The word “coronavirus” was a scientific term best known to us from the SARS outbreak a decade earlier.

U of T has changed too during this tumultuous time – though I am proud to say that we have only grown stronger, building on the brilliant legacy of past leaders and generations of faculty, librarians, staff, students, alumni and friends. Read the full article

JANICE STEIN
Founding director, Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy

“I have known Meric since he was a “young” geographer, interested in economic innovation. Meric reached out to the Munk School, seeking conversations with scholars who could expand his perspective. Before long, he was leading multidisciplinary discussions about innovation and its consequences for an equitable society. His openness, curiosity and drive to push beyond traditional boundaries were evident from the start.”

KOHEI ITOH
President and chairman of the board of trustees, Keio University, Tokyo

“I first met Meric at the 2022 Presidential Summit of the U7+ Alliance of World Universities in Nice. A thoughtful leader with an engaging presence, he quickly became a friend. The following year, at the summit in Tokyo, he and I had the privilege of visiting Japan’s prime minister to deliver the alliance’s statement to G7 leaders. As university presidents, we found that, despite being in different countries, we shared many of the same challenges – a bond that deepened our connection.”

Landmarks in Learning

U of T has undergone a sweeping transformation, with a massive investment in physical spaces across the three campuses. Since 2015, projects worth $3.6 billion have been completed or are in progress. These state-of-the-art spaces for students, faculty, staff and librarians (a selection of which are pictured here) have earned awards for sustainability and architectural excellence. This new construction would not have been possible without the help of U of T’s donors and supporters. Read the full article

PATRICK AWUAH (LLD Hon. 2024),
Founder and president, Ashesi University, Ghana

“Meric’s time as president marks an era of exceptional leadership at U of T. His warm partnership with Ashesi University and his steady guidance have left a lasting impact here. Those who had the privilege to work with him will long remember and celebrate his dedication and impact. Congratulations on a remarkable tenure!”

Legacy, Leadership and Lessons Learned

As his 12-year tenure as U of T president ends, Meric Gertler reflects on leading Canada’s largest university through unprecedented growth, challenges and change. Read the full article

GILES GHERSON
President and CEO, Toronto Region Board of Trade

“For Toronto’s business community, Meric has been a transformative force. As leader of one of the city’s most important institutions, he set a bold vision and delivered with drive and inspiration. His impact is undeniable: from the Schwartz Reisman Innovation Campus to a groundbreaking decarbonization project, he leaves a global top-25 university primed for the future. A trusted partner of the Toronto Region Board of Trade and its Business Council of Toronto, Meric has provided invaluable guidance. We extend our deepest gratitude.”

U of T’s Defy Gravity Campaign Passes Major Milestones

Launched in 2021, U of T’s Defy Gravity campaign – designed to fuel innovation and collaboration on urgent global challenges – is the largest fundraising and alumni engagement initiative in Canadian history.

Inspired by the University of Toronto’s vision for inclusive excellence, the campaign set two significant goals. Its target for alumni engagement, a first for the university, is to motivate 225,000 alumni to get involved as volunteers, mentors, donors and leaders – and encourage them to contribute collectively to the university one million times. Read the full article

CORWIN CAMBRAY (MScPl 1999)
President, U of T Alumni Association

“Through my involvement in events with Meric, I’ve seen firsthand how he weaves U of T’s successes into a compelling narrative about why the university matters. His engaged leadership has strengthened the bond between our global alumni community and U of T’s ongoing story of excellence and opportunity. And throughout his presidency, his passion and commitment have extended an open invitation for alumni to actively participate in the life of their university.”