Janice Fukakusa with President Mohamed Lachemi and Board of Governors chair Tony Staffieri after the president bestowed her with the title Chancellor Emerita at a celebratory farewell on Sept. 25.
On Sept. 25, the TMU community gathered to honour Chancellor Janice Fukakusa, as her term comes to a close after six years. Fukakusa had joined the Board of Governors in 2002, and eventually served as chair before becoming the university's first female chancellor.
"When Janice agreed to serve on our Board of Governors more than 20 years ago, she came as one of the most powerful business leaders on Bay Street," President Mohamed Lachemi said to the gathering. "Janice has been an incredible role model for our students - especially our female students. As chancellor since 2018, she has continued to challenge, lead and inspire our community."
For her part, the outgoing chancellor noted she will treasure the past six years. "To share my passion for education and lifelong learning in this way has been incredibly fulfilling," Fukakusa said. "In my time as chancellor, I have had many opportunities to engage with our wonderful students," she said. "A particularly memorable one for me was helping the Dean of Science develop, staff and execute on the faculty's first Mentorship Program. It was an amazing experience."
During her two terms, Chancellor Fukakusa has made remarkable contributions to the TMU community, championing the university's priorities and serving as one of its most distinguished ambassadors.
Click here to take alook back at some celebratory moments during Chancellor Fukakusa's time at TMU.
