Transcript

Installation of Professor Melanie A. Woodin as the 17th President of the University of Toronto

From University of Toronto · Episode page · Watch on YouTube

· 1 h 28 min · 6,915 words · 77 timestamped sections

This is the full, timestamped transcript of "Installation of Professor Melanie A. Woodin as the 17th President of the University of Toronto", an episode of University of Toronto published October 17, 2025 (1 h 28 min, about 6,915 words). It mentions 12 people, works and ideas, including Melanie Woodin, Anna Kennedy, Wes Hall, Missagas of the Credit First Nation, Merritt Girtler.

What this episode is about

The installation ceremony of Professor Melanie A. Woodin marks her assumption of the role as the 17th President of the University of Toronto. The event highlights the university's acknowledgment of its Indigenous history and features notable figures from the academic community, emphasizing the significance of this leadership milestone.

Key takeaways

  • Melanie Wooden's presidency marks a historic first—because why not shatter a glass ceiling at her alma mater?
  • The U of T just leveled up: a female neuroscientist president with grant-grabbing superpowers—watch out, academia!
  • Indigenous land acknowledgment is a beautiful act of respect; let’s hope it translates to more than just words.
  • An installation ceremony like this is a mix of tradition and ambition—it's like an academic wedding without the cake.
  • The U of T is a global powerhouse, but the real test? Crafting leaders who leave an impact beyond the classroom.

Who speaks in this episode?

What is discussed, and when

  1. – 20:00: Anna Kennedy
  2. – 30:00: Anna Kennedy, Wes Hall, Merritt Girtler, David Naylor
  3. – 40:00: Missagas of the Credit First Nation, Merritt Girtler, Olivia Chow
  4. – 50:00: Missagas of the Credit First Nation
  5. – 1:00:00: Frank Yakabuchi, Canadian Association for Neuroscience, Vector Institute, David Naylor
  6. – 1:10:00: Merritt Girtler, David Naylor, Frank Yakabuchi
  7. – 1:20:00: Merritt Girtler

Notable quotes from "Installation of Professor Melanie A. Woodin as the 17th President of the University of Toronto"

  • My name is Anna Kennedy and it is my privilege to serve the University of Toronto as the chair of the governing council. It is my pleasure too to begin this ceremony today. Chancellor, would.
    about Anna Kennedy · at
  • For thousands of years, it has been the traditional land of the Hanwendat, the Senica, and the Missagas of the Credit.
    about Missagas of the Credit First Nation · at
  • I am very pleased to acknowledge the participation of current vice presidents of the University of Toronto.
    about Wes Hall · at
  • Installation of Dr. Melanie Wooden as the president of this historic and globally respected university. Dr.
    about Melanie Woodin · at
  • If the past has anything to go by, the future is in very, very good hands with you at the helm. Thank you, Melanie.
    about Frank Yakabuchi · at
  • This task is the special responsibility of every president of U of I know from having worked closely with her when she was dean of arts and science that Melanie is up to the task.
    about David Naylor · at
  • Professor Wooden's contributions extend beyond the university. She has served as the president of the Canadian Association for Neuroscience and is a director of the Vector Institute. Her research has been supported by leading.
    about Canadian Association for Neuroscience · at
  • Under Merritt Girtler's leadership, we transformed our three campuses into a massive living lab in response to the global climate emergency.
    about Merritt Girtler · at

Who and what is mentioned in this episode?

People

  • Melanie Woodin — Person · Main speaker / installed president · 6 mentions
    Central figure of the ceremony; installed as the University of Toronto’s 17th president and delivers the keynote address outlining priorities (research, democracy, reconciliation, climate, access).
  • Anna Kennedy — Person · Ceremony chair / oath administrator · 3 mentions · first at
    As Chair of the Governing Council, she opens the ceremony and formally administers the oath installing Wooden as president.
  • Wes Hall — Person · Host / presiding official (Chancellor) · 1 mention · first at
    As Chancellor, he welcomes attendees, introduces dignitaries and speakers, and frames the significance of the installation.
  • Merritt Girtler — Person · Referenced former president / dignitary speaker (President Emeritus) · 4 mentions · first at
    Cited as a past president and later as President Emeritus; referenced for leadership on climate commitments and as part of Wooden’s predecessor set.
  • Frank Yakabuchi — Person · Referenced interim president / dignitary · 4 mentions · first at
    Introduced as a past interim president and repeatedly acknowledged by speakers (including Wooden) as part of the leadership lineage supporting the new president.
  • David Naylor — Person · Referenced former president / dignitary · 3 mentions · first at
    Named among past presidents and thanked by Wooden as an immediate predecessor whose example and support she acknowledges.
  • Olivia Chow — Person · Guest speaker (Mayor of Toronto) · 1 mention · first at
    Delivers greetings on behalf of the City of Toronto, emphasizing the university’s civic role, access, diversity, and AI leadership.
    Inspire innovate and lead both at home and around the world. On behalf of the city of Toronto congratulations University of Toronto and President Wooden. I look forward to walking this path with you. Thank you so much.
  • Vivian Po — Person · Referenced former chancellor / dignitary · 1 mention · first at
    Introduced among former chancellors present, representing ceremonial and governance continuity at the university.
    Ceremony. Anna Kennedy, chair of the governing council of the University of Toronto, as well as former chancellors of the University of Toronto, Dr. Rose Patton, the honorable David Peterson and the honorable Vivian Po.

Companies & orgs

  • Missagas of the Credit First Nation — Company · Referenced expert · 4 mentions · first at
    Indigenous group acknowledged for their traditional land where the University of Toronto operates.
  • Canadian Association for Neuroscience — Company · Business focus · 1 mention · first at
    An association where Professor Melanie Wooden has served as president, highlighting her leadership in neuroscience.
  • Vector Institute — Company · Business focus · 1 mention · first at
    An institute where Professor Melanie Wooden serves as a director, mentioned in the context of her professional affiliations.
    Professor Wooden's contributions extend beyond the university. She has served as the president of the Canadian Association for Neuroscience and is a director of the Vector Institute. Her research has been supported by leading.

Places & events

  • Turtle Island — Place · Setting · 1 mention · first at
    A term used to refer to North America, mentioned in the context of indigenous peoples' traditional lands.
    Today, this meeting place is still the home to many indigenous people from across Turtle Island, and we're grateful to have the opportunity to work on this land.

Full transcript with timestamps

Heat. Heat. Good afternoon. May we have your attention, please? The installation ceremony is about to begin. If you have a mobile device with you, please turn it off or silence it during the ceremony. If able, please rise.

Please be seated. My name is Anna Kennedy and it is my privilege to serve the University of Toronto as the chair of the governing council. It is my pleasure too to begin this ceremony today. Chancellor, would you, the Beetle, and the presidential escorts please escort Professor Melanie Wooden into this hall?

It's a good one. If able, please rise for the arrival of the 17th president of the University of Toronto. Single halo. Good job you guys. Well done. I wish to acknowledge this land in which the University of Toronto operates. For thousands of years, it has been the traditional land of the Hanwendat, the Senica, and the Missagas of the Credit. Today, this meeting place is still the home to many indigenous people from across Turtle Island, and we're grateful to have the opportunity to work on this land. At this time, I would like to extend our appreciation to the Manitoquant Singers for leading President Wooden into the hall for this afternoon ceremony.

All guests, please be seated. Good afternoon everyone. My name is Wes Hall and in my role as chancellor of this great University of Toronto, I am delighted to welcome you to this historic convocation hall for the installation of President President Melanie Wooden as our 17th president. Come on, folks. That

That's more like it. At this time, I'd like to also introduce some of her distinguished guests this afternoon that's here uh at this ceremony. Anna Kennedy, chair of the governing council of the University of Toronto, as well as former chancellors of the University of Toronto, Dr. Rose Patton, the honorable David Peterson and the honorable Vivian Po. We're also honored to have with us a past chairs of governance council doctors Wendy Cecil, and Dr. Claire Kennedy. And by past presidents, President Merritt Girtler Professor David Naylor Dr. Robert Pritchard, and past interimm president, the Honorable Frank Yakabuchi.

I am very pleased to acknowledge the participation of current vice presidents of the University of Toronto. Also among the participants in today's ceremony are representatives of the various estates of the University of Toronto governors heads of the federated universities principles, deans, student leaders faculty, including those in the academic procession, staff and alumni. I wish to acknowledge in our audience the presence of pre uh President Wooden's family, distinguished representative the feder federal and provincial government, some of her remarkable benefactors, heads of her partner institutions and friends of postsecary education.

I would like to say how greatly honored we are to be joined by representatives from our sister institutions from the university and college system in Ontario across Canada and around the world. Esteemed guest, would you please join me in a round of applause to thank those who have traveled to be here to represent you in this occasion. Thank you.

So, the moment we've all been waiting for and we'll introduce uh Clare Kennedy um and uh Professor Wooden to please come forward and chair Kennedy rather. I said Claire, didn't I? Okay. So, Anna, please come forward. to administer the oath of office.

I,, Melanie, Wooden,, pledge, myself, to perform the duties of the president of the University of Toronto.

I,, Melanie, Wooden,, pledge, myself, to perform the duties of the president of the University of Toronto

as, prescribed, by, law, and, by, the, statutes of the university. As, prescribed, by, law, and, by, the, statutes of the university. And I promise to defend the rights

And, I, promise, to, defend, the, rights and, to, pro promote, the, welfare, of, the university and the members thereof.

and and, to, promote, the, welfare, of, the university and the members thereof.

In, the, name, of, the, University, of Toronto, I now install you, Melanie Wooden, in the office of the president of the university, and I invest you with the authority and charge you with the responsibility pertaining to that office.

Now, can I call on the robers to perform the official robing? Thank you. I now call on speakers to come to the podium to bring greetings in or in the orders indicated. ated in their program. Starting with the honorable Nolan Quinn Minister of Colleges, Universities Research Excellence, and Security. We will then hear from her worship, Olivia Chow, Mayor of the City of Toronto. Chief Claire Salt, Missagas of the Credit First Nation. Dr. Vivet Ghoul President and Vice Chancellor University of Wateroo. Professor Trevor Young, Vice President and Provost.

Candace J. President, University of Toronto Alumni Association. Ferduce Saded, former student member of the Government Council. Shannon Simpson senior director, Indigenous Initiatives and Professor Merrick Girtler, President Demeritis. Please join me in welcoming Minister Quinn. Good afternoon everyone. It's an honor to be here today to celebrate the installation of Dr. Melanie Wooden as the president of this historic and globally respected university. Dr. Wooden, you're not only the first female president in the university's nearly 200y year history

but also a distinguished neuroscientist educator, and administrator with deep roots in the U of community. From your time as the dean of the university's faculty of arts and science and securing the largest federal research grant ever awarded to a Canadian university to creating new centers for African and Caribbean studies and expanding internship programs. Your leadership has already left a lasting mark. Given how worldrenowned U of is for its research excellence, it's fitting that a researcher like yourself is at the helm.

Your work has unraveled the mechanisms behind neurological disorder disorders like autism spectrum spectrum disorder Huntington's disease, and ALS. You embody the kind of leadership our students need right now. A mentor, a builder, a connector, someone who understands the power of education and research to drive change and create opportunity. The University of Toronto is more than a place of learning. It is a cornerstone of Ontario's prosperity and global reputation. It consistently ranks among the top universities in the world. Known for its excellence in research innovation, and academic rigor. UFT attracts students and faculty from around the world, creating a dynamic academic environment where our best and brightest prepare to take their future careers and our key industries by storm.

The University of Toronto is where insulin was first discovered, where the first successful lung transplant happened, and where research in neuro networks launched the modern AI revolution. UFT continues to push boundaries and deliver solutions that matter not just to Ontario or Canada but to the whole world. Which is why earlier this year, our government was proud to invest over $23 million to support groundbreaking research here at U of including studies into brain and immune system interactions as well as infection disease treatment and prevention.

As Ontario faces new challenges, from economic uncertainties brought about by global trade disruptions to the rapid pace of digital innovations, our government will continue to work with the epicenters of innovation like the University of Toronto to protect our province's future. I've said it before and I'll say it again because I know Dr. Wooden would agree. 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 will shape the future of Ontario and Canada. Under Dr.

Wooden's leadership, I have no doubt that the U of will continue to shape a positive future for our province building on its legacy as one of Canada's leading universities and driving the future of education research, and innovation in Ontario and beyond. Dr. Wooden, congratulations on this well-deserved appointment and we look forward to the incredible journey ahead. Thank you.

Chancellor, members of the university community, distinguished guests and friends, it is a great honor to join you on this special joyous day as we welcome Professor Melanie Wooden as the 17th president of the University of Toronto. Today is a moment of celebration for this institution and for our city for everyone who believes in the power of education to transform lives. Nearly a quarter of students being the first in their families to attend university. And because of the $ 1.6 6 billion dollar of financial support that are often needed for some of these families. There's no better example for the transformational uh institution like the University of Toronto.

So often when I am in communities like Flemington Park, where I was just there earlier, an hour ago, I hear firsthand from proud firstg generation immigrant parents. They speak of their children who through the education they receive here at University of Toronto now live and pursue careers that once seems unimaginable. And I just remember the joy that my parents had when I got into the uft in 1975 at Victoria College. That was a long time ago.

This university is deeply woven into the fabric of our city as students, faculty and researchers reflect the remarkable diversity, the energy of Toronto and the values we share together. University of Toronto as you know have excellence in almost every field and a global leader in AI and it's going to once again lead our city as we become home to one of the largest concentration of AI industry in North America. Today we look forward to the next chapter under professor Wooden's leadership and looking at her CV one thing that stood out other than the innovation and all the excellence the uh the intelligence is multidisciplinary approach the collaboration the belief that we are stronger together and with her vision and dedication I have no doubt the university will continue to inspire innovate and lead both at home and around the world. On behalf of the city of Toronto congratulations University of Toronto and President

Wooden. I look forward to walking this path with you. Thank you so much. Aniquas of the credit first nation Mrs. Saga India. Good afternoon honorable guests, respected faculty staff and students. I am the Oamquay Chief Clare Salt of the Missagas of the Credit First Nation. I'm honored to join you today to celebrate the installation of our new president of the University of Toronto, Profess Professor Melanie Wooden. And I too would like to emphasize first woman made me so proud at a girl. Our new president has the responsibility to bring bring us into a new era.

I want you to know my nation is so happy with your arrival. As the treaty holder of treaty 13, we are here to support you and to provide a foundation and anchor when you need us from an indigenous lens. As a nishnabi, we try to live in accordance to our traditional values and the seven sacred teachings of love respect courage honesty wisdom humility, and truth. The creator Gichi Manitu is at the center of our foundation and uses these principles to teach us how to check in with ourselves on the motivation of our hearts and to and to live and move forward together in a good way.

My nation's council has kept in perspective the lessons learned from the past, applying them to today's decisions and to look forward on these sustainable long-term effects for the generations coming behind us. Before the search, I asked if I could provide my First Nations perspective for the role of the incoming president. I emphasize the importance of understanding treaties with First Nations and the land that have has been historically defined through treaty negotiations with the crown. And I was so glad to hear how well-versed Melanie is about this important history and what it still means to us today.

I'm so thrilled that the governing council picked the right person for the job who can inspire others and navigate change for this great institution and and I take and sorry and take it to new heights. On behalf of the Missagas of the Credit First Nation, we congratulate and welcome our new president, Professor Melanie Wooden. And as always, I extend our warmest welcome to our treaty homeland, Chimigwitch. Mr. Chancellor, it is a privilege to bring greetings on behalf of leaders of Ontario's and Canada's universities and colleges.

While I may be here as the University of Wateroo's president, vice chancellor it's a particular thrill for me as someone who has a deep and long attachment to this institution to return to this stage. Canada's post-secondary institutions are admired around the world for their excellence in teaching, research, and service. Society entrusts higher education with the duty to nurture the next generation of leaders and to advance freedom prosperity health sustainability and democracy. That responsibility is realized most fully through mutual respect and collaboration.

The collective strength of postsecary education lies in the connections between campuses where partnerships and the movement of people and ideas drive discovery dynamism and interdisciplinary problem solving for society. All Canadian universities benefit tremendously from the leadership and strength of the University of Toronto. We appreciate the role that the university's presidents past lined up behind me and present have played not only as leaders of this institution but also as leaders for postsecary education across the country.

Today we mark a moment of progress continuity, and renewal for the University of Toronto. In welcoming Professor Wooden to the presidency, we do so at a moment when the responsibilities of leadership in higher education are expanding in an era of uncertainty and disruption. Universities are shaped by the same forces disrupting our society. Yet they also carry the responsibility to develop the solutions that will guide us forward. Meeting that responsibility requires leaders with clarity of vision, deep academic grounding, and a spirit of collaboration.

Professor Wooden brings these qualities and her guidance will strengthen not only the University of Toronto but the entire postsecondary sector. On behalf of colleagues across Ontario Canada and the globe, I extend warm congratulations and best wishes as she begins this important chapter. Thank you. Chancellor, it is a wonderful honor to bring greetings on behalf of the faculty members of the University of Toronto on today's historic installation of our 17th president. I have known Professor Melanie Wooden since we both served as deans and later in my position as provost as the trusted, capable, and some may say fearless voice of the university's largest faculty.

Her leadership has always been characterized by her intense and positive energy, her incisive intellect and her deep and genuine concern for our students. She's been a stalwart partner in our shared commitment to student health and well-being. and has many times inspired me and many others with her perspective on student, faculty members, staff and self-development at uft. At the dean as dean of the art faculty of arts and science, she uh was an incredible colleague and motivating force bringing meaningful change to the culture and landscape of our downtown campus.

With her hallmark wisdom and decisiveness, she's been a source of thoughtful advice and strategic sensibility for many, gaining the confidence of students, faculty members staff, and alumni through her straightforward and principal-driven approach to challenges both big and small. An accomplished neuroscientist Professor Wooden brings to the president's office an unique perspective on information processing and neural communication. I can think of no uh better scholarly expertise for the president of the country's largest, most productive, and arguably the most complex research university uh we have.

As a representative of UFT's faculty members, I wish to express our gratitude to Professor Melanie Wooden for taking on this immense responsibility of serving as the university's 17th president. President Wooden, you have our support and our pride as you lead this great institution into its third century of excellence in teaching, research, and innovation. If the past has anything to go by, the future is in very, very good hands with you at the helm. Thank you, Melanie. Your honor, Mr. Chancellor on behalf of the University of Toronto Alumni Association and UFT's worldwide alumni community, I am pleased to bring greetings and congratulations to our new president.

The installation of a president is a momentous occasion, a day that heralds both new directions and renewed commitments. Building on the remarkable accomplishments of those who have led before. And as you assume this great trust President Wooden, we recognize your superb qualifications for the role, your deep ties to the university, and your distinguished record of research and academic achievements your reputation as an innovative and inspirational leader. You are also a proud twotime alumni of the University of Toronto. And for alumni, this speaks volumes.

It tells us you don't only bleed blue but the darkest blue. We know you will lead with profound understanding of who we are as a university community along with a bold vision of our immense capabilities and limitless potential. The UTAA looks forward to working with you as we continue to strengthen the bond between uft and its alumni. With a community as vast, enthusiastic and accomplished as ours, this is a tremendous strength. Alumni are the great are the university's greatest ambassadors amplifying its reputation through their achievements and advocacy and they are integral in the functioning of the university itself. They volunteer their time, their energy and their expertise in vast numbers and energizing our community.

As a part of this, I should give you a heads up that there are more than 700,000 alumni around the world who are excited to get to know you. They want to hear about the future of this institution that we all dearly love. Once again, on behalf of the alumni association and our fellow graduates, we extend our most enthusiastic congratulations and best wishes on this momentous day. Thank you.

Chancellor Hall, President Wooden President Girteler, President Naylor the Honorable Frank Yakabuchi, President Pritchard, Vice President and Provost Young, Chair Kennedy, Vice Chair Hannington, eminent government officials, distinguished professors, my fellow students, and all other esteemed guests. It brings me immense joy to see the university community gathered today on this particularly auspicious occasion. My name is Fredo Sadid and during my time as an undergraduate student I have had the privilege of serving on uft's governing council as well as several other boards, committees and organizations including the presidential search committee. At this rate uft should probably grant me a minor in university governance.

The University of Toronto as part of its mandate strives to provide an exceptional experience to both students providing a rigorous education to prepare the next generation of leaders and workers and faculty facilitating the opportunity for worldclass research and instruction to thrive within our campuses. Throughout my interactions with President Wooden as an arts and science student, it is clear to me that such objectives are paramount to her vision of our university. Her passion and her commitment towards such goals are palpable.

As we step foot into the next chapter of the University of Toronto, it is with much excitement that I look ahead to a period of time which I'm certain will be characterized by innovation, cutting edge research, collaboration, investment in student experience, and a continuous effort to define and improve the educational landscape as an exemplary institution. On that note, I convey my warm welcome to everyone joining us today and thank you for taking part in this very special and historical event.

Chancellor, it's my pleasure to bring greetings on behalf of the staff of the university. As not only a staff member but as an Anesnab Quay and a member of Alderville First Nation, I am honored to welcome Dr. Melanie Wooden as the 17th president of the University of Toronto. And I know it's been mentioned several times already today, but I think it's worth noting the first woman to hold this esteemed role.

Today we welcome a leader who embodies relationship building, collaboration and inclusion. Her appointment sends a powerful message that our collective collective success depends on working together, supporting each other, and creating spaces where everyone can thrive. I have witnessed Dr. Wooden's thoughtful approach and her deep understanding of the importance of building strong partnerships with the indigenous communities both within the university and with our neighboring regions. During her time as the dean of the faculty of arts and science, she lifted up indigenous voices, created opportunities for consultation and advisory and supported the growth of many departments including the expansion of the center for indigenous studies.

Her commitment to acknowledging painful parts past while nurturing environments of resiliency will enable us all to move forward together in incredible ways. Dr. Wooden, it is my honor to welcome you as the president of the University of Toronto. Through your leadership, I look forward to strengthening our relationships with indigenous communities within and beyond the institution as you guide us forward in a good way with wisdom, inclusion, and collaboration into our third century. Chimi, thank you. Chancellor, I'm honored to bring remarks on behalf of the president Sammerity of the University of Toronto, all of whom are here today for this auspicious occasion. On their behalf and mine, I offer our warmest congratulations and most enthusiastic support to President Melanie Wooden, the 17th president of U of As you will soon hear from the chair of our governing council, Professor Wooden is eminently qualified to take on this

huge role and the important responsibilities that come with it. The University of Toronto is not just Canada's, but one of the world's leading institutions of higher education and research. As a very large public university that is also home to worldleading scholarship in every field and profession, it occupies a truly unique position in higher education. As our new president is already fond of saying, uft does excellence at scale and does it better than any other university on the planet. We open doors for academically talented students, of, every, background,, no matter their financial means. UFT's role as an opportunity creating machine and driver of innovation is crucial to our collective prosperity.

And yet ensuring access for all qualified students and sustaining research excellence of global caliber are becoming ever more challenging to uphold. This task is the special responsibility of every president of U of I know from having worked closely with her when she was dean of arts and science that Melanie is up to the task. She will be an absolutely superb president.

But Melanie, if you ever need any assistance, you know you can count on me, David, Frank, and Rob. Above all, enjoy the ride. This is the best job in Canadian higher education. Congratulations. I don't know about you guys, but it seems like people like Melanie. Well, would you like to hear from her?

Chair, Kennedy,, could, you, please introduce our new president to us? Thank you, Chancellor Hall. It is my distinct honor to introduce Professor Melanie Wooden, the 17th president of the University of Toronto. Professor Wooden is a highly respected scholar, an accomplished academic leader. She has a career defined by excellence integrity, and a deep commitment to the transformative power of higher education. A professor in the department of cell and systems biology. She has authored or co-authored more than 50 academic papers and book chapters with research focused on the mechanisms of learning and memory through the study of neural circuits.

Professor Wooden is a double alumni of the University of Toronto. Since she returned to uft in 2004, she has held a series of increasingly senior leadership roles, including her appointment as dean of the faculty of arts and science in 2019. Canada's largest and most comprehensive faculty. Her tenure as dean was marked by strategic vision, inclusive leadership a steadfast dedication to enhancing the student experience. Professor Wooden brings to the presidency a profound understanding of the university's complexity and its extended ecosystem.

She is known for her ability to build trusted relationships both within and external to the university, leading high functioning teams and navigating challenges with principled decisiveness and sound judgment. Her leadership is characterized by authenticity, empathy and an infectious optimism for the future of the university. She is a passionate advocate for inclusive excellence. Has worked closely with indigenous and non-indigenous faculty, staff, and students to strengthen research and teaching capacity in the indigenous studies. Her commitment to academic freedom research, innovation, and the public trust in higher education is equally unwavering.

Professor Wooden's contributions extend beyond the university. She has served as the president of the Canadian Association for Neuroscience and is a director of the Vector Institute. Her research has been supported by leading national and international agencies and in 2019 she was recognized with a new ideas award for her pioneering work in gene therapy for neurodeenerative disease. With her extensive experience strategic insight, and bold vision Professor Wooden is exceptionally well positioned to lead the University of Toronto into its third century. Her presidency promises to be one of continued excellence, innovation, and transformative impact. Please join me in welcoming to the podium Professor Melody Wooden, 17th president of the University of Alaska.

Woo! You're Thank you. You may want to take a seat. It's not as brief as the other remarks. Thank you, Chair Kennedy Chancellor Hall, distinguished guests members of the University of Toronto community. Good afternoon. Let me extend a special warm welcome to Minister Quinn, Mayor Chow, and Chief Salt, and to the representatives of our sister institutions from across Canada and beyond. We are delighted that you've joined us to celebrate this milestone. As I passed through the doors of Convocation Hall today, I felt the weight of history.

I thought of the 16 former presidents of this great good place to use Claude Bissell's term wonderful description of the University of Toronto and I am honored to follow in their footsteps and I am proud to be doing so wearing pumps instead of wing tips. I would like to offer special thanks to my immediate predecessors, Professor Merritt Girtler, Professor David Naylor the Honorable Frank Yakabuchi, and Professor Ammeritis Rob Pritchard. I am inspired by your example, and I am grateful for your support. Thank you for being here today.

It was just over 34 years ago that I first walked through the doors of Convocation Hall as an undergraduate student here for my very first university lecture. I'd come because I wanted to be a scientist. My interest had been sparked by my mother's love of the natural world and the many happy times our family spent together on Georgian Bay. But to be honest, I didn't really know what being a scientist is all about. My impressions came from the movies and science fairs. Think eccentric personalities and the mixing of colorful frothing solutions.

But on that day in 1991 as I sat right up there in the middle of that first balcony I had my first glimpse into the amazing world of science. The great Spencer Barrett was our professor and he explained that tropical ecosystems contain a store of unexploited chemical compounds and that researchers were testing some of those compounds as possible treatments for cancer. The part that really hit me was that those researchers were from U of my own university. They were the ones out in the field breaking that new ground.

And that's when I began to understand for the first time the power of a research intensive university such as ours. It's an experience that unfolds right here in this hall and across our three campuses every day as uft professors transform the way our students understand and engage with the world. The University of Toronto is a place where great minds have the freedom to go where our curiosity takes us. It's a place where we can think freely together about what it means to be human, what it means to live in society, and about the wonders that nature has to reveal.

It's also a place where we can talk openly and respectfully about how to build a better world. That conversation is especially urgent because at this time in history, we need to build a better world. We are witnessing a dangerous erosion of the rules-based international order widening inequality, and deepening polarization. and almost daily reminders of the fragility of democracy. Universities are no longer fully trusted as authoritative sources of knowledge or as bastions of free inquiry. Scholars are facing new threats to academic freedom, including censorship and intimidation.

Scholarly expertise and even the very notion that public debates must be informed by facts and reason is viewed with increasing suspicion. While Canada is not immune from these disturbing trends, our commitment to the principles of liberal democracy remain strong. This springs from our tradition of dialogue over discord, inclusion over isolation, and evidence over ideology. People everywhere are looking to our country to be a beacon of light in this time of gathering darkness because Canada has something special to offer the world.

And so as Canada's flagship university we must rise to meet this moment. We must bring the full power of our enterprise to bear in service to society as we have done so often before. In just over a year, the U of community will celebrate our bicesentennial. Today, I invite you to join me in reflecting on our first two centuries and in looking ahead to our third. Together, we can help chart the way to a brighter future for our city, region our province, our country, and our world. We started small in 1827 but the University of Toronto began to grow in due course from strength to strength.

Under a succession of pivotal leaders we recruited outstanding scholars and teachers in the humanities and natural sciences and in the emerging social sciences too. We added graduate programs and professional schools while joining forces with other leading institutions to become the federated university we are today. And by the start of our second century we had made our debut on the world stage alongside our partners at Toronto General Hospital with the Nobel Prizewinning discovery of insulin. In successive eras of epic loss and change, two world wars, a devastating depression, and a nuclear arms race, the U of community rallied to the cause of protecting society, defending democracy and keeping the peace. We welcome generations of newcomers, helping to shape Canada's modern multicultural identity.

We expanded east and west and uft scarboro and uft Missaga flourished as distinctive and innovative communities from the start. Our students and faculty became increasingly prominent nationally and internationally in every field. and our alumni emerged as leaders in every country on the planet as heads of states and prime ministers, captains of industry and community activists, Oscar winners and Olympic champions. As a result, U of's impact is all around us. From electron microscopy to the evidence for black holes, from the discovery of stem cells to labs on a chip, from late night sketch comedy to some of the greatest works of modern literature.

Before I continue, I want to highlight one more development, a breakthrough of singular importance. It was only very recently that we along with the rest of Canadian society began to reckon with our treatment of the indigenous peoples of this land. The University of Toronto has made a solemn commitment to address that terrible legacy. And our gathering today began with a beautiful sign of that commitment in the procession led by our colleague Professor Susan Hill, director of the Center for Indigenous Studies. She bore the university's eagle feather which was established in 2022 as a standard element in every convocation and ceremony such as this.

We are taking a wide range of actions throughout our teaching and research activities and in our communal life. And we have a great deal more to do as we continue answering the call of truth and reconciliation. But change for the better is happening and it is a powerful source of hope for all of us in our capacity to learn change, and grow together. These are just a few of the many milestones in U of's first 200 years. Reflecting on them, key question came to mind. At the turning points in our history, how did we rise to meet the moment?

The answer came to me during the chapter we wrote together just a few years ago. It was early in my deenship when CO 19 descended on the world. My children Meline and Peter, who are here with us today, remember well their mother getting up before the crack of dawn to work on a seemingly neverending set of contingency plans for teaching or learning and to recording video messages to her students to encourage them through to the end of term. And I remember well the extraordinary work of U of colleagues, what they were doing across our university.

We simply had to ensure that our teaching and research would continue. Our mission is too important. In fact was literally vital to our society as we saw so clearly during the pandemic. In so many ways, it was an unprecedented experience. But in one crucial way, it followed a pattern that's been unmistakable throughout our history. In the face of a fear, fiercely complex urgent problem, the U of community stepped up to meet the moment with all the breadth of talent and depth of expertise. And driven by our resilience creativity, and dedication to the greater good, we played an outsized role in addressing one of the most daunting challenges of our time. Here's another especially daunting challenge that we're addressing with everything we've got.

Under Merritt Girtler's leadership, we transformed our three campuses into a massive living lab in response to the global climate emergency. He inspired us to create a plan and make a commitment that UFT would go beyond net zero to become climate positive by 2050. Then he put out a call to the community to bring forward their best ideas on how we could achieve that goal even sooner. And wow, did you come through. As a result, we're giving the world a new reason to hope that a sustainable future is possible. And we're showing the world that U of really does defy gravity.

Let me mention one more reason why that's true. In 1998 under Rob Pritchard's leadership, we enshrined a landmark policy that no domestic student offered admission to U of should be unable to enter or complete their program due to a lack of financial means. This defining act still distinguishes us from our global peer institutions, and it remains a cornerstone of our commitment to inclusive excellence. One of our most prominent alumni told me recently that what he loves most about his alma mater is this. Whether you had all the breaks in life or absolutely none, uft is here for you. So well said.

As we have seen, in every generation since our founding, the U of community has rallied to meet the moment. But what will that mean for this generation? How will the University of Toronto help Canada to meet this moment? And let's be honest, this isn't just a moment we're in. It's a time of profound disruption on so many levels, social economic geopolitical. It's been hard, and it may well become much harder before it's over. But I know in my heart that this university is one of the few institutions anywhere that can do the heavy lifting required.

UF matters and we have the potential to matter even more as this tumultuous time unfolds. In the face of these many challenges Canadians are responding with a renewed sense of national purpose, and we are determined to defend and strengthen our sovereignty. As a partner in that effort, U of will be an indispensable source of resilience and strength for the Toronto region, for Ontario, and for Canada. Our faculty and students are growing a vast ecosystem of innovation and entrepreneurship. Our graduates form a critical mass of top talent in every sector. And the U of community is an enduring source of creativity that can help propel the world towards greater long-term prosperity.

UFT can also play a key role in tackling the many global health challenges before us. We bring to the table a combination of multiddisciplinary expertise and a rich culture of collaboration across the health sciences, public health engineering, economics, and beyond. Our faculty and students are doing incredibly promising work at the intersection of genetics, regenerative medicine, and artificial intelligence. and they're leading the way towards a cure for diabetes, the development of rapid response vaccine platforms, and the treatment of devastating degenerative diseases.

Together, the U of community can help save and improve the lives of countless people at home and abroad. For now, I'll mention just one more area in which U of can lead a major breakthrough in this extremely divisive time. in politics, in our culture as a whole, and even in our personal relationships. We need to relearn the habits of civil discourse. UFT faculty and students have launched a grassroot effort to restore our culture of thinking out loud together. In doing so, we have the potential to make U of a national and global leader in this crucial cause. Our bench strength is immense in global affairs, public policy and law, history, philosophy and the languages, digital rights, privacy and cyber security.

With humility, courage and goodwill, we can help to heal the divisions in our society. And we can help Canada to project its voice in defense of pluralism and democracy. Fostering open, reasoned and respectful dialogue isn't just something we can do. It goes to the heart of our mission and our responsibility to society as an academic institution. Our world is facing big problems, but U of can make a big difference in finding solutions. I know that you will have many other ideas to share about how we can help meet the moment for Canadians and for people everywhere. And I look forward to hearing from you and engaging you in conversation in the months ahead.

Together, we'll envision how we can write the next chapters in U of's history. how we can define what it means to be this great good place in generations to come. I began my remarks today recounting the first lecture I attended here in Convocation Hall, recalling Professor Barrett's reference to ecosystems. I think of trees and I think of one particular tree, one that symbolizes an ecosystem of vital importance to the future well-being of our country. and indeed our world. Belute Arbor Ivo as it says in the code of arms above me. May it grow as a tree through the ages.

Our motto has proved more apt than anyone could have known at the time it was adopted. The University of Toronto has grown strong and tall with many branches more magnificent than our founders could have imagined. Let us draw inspiration from our past our record of achievement, and even more our history of learning and growth. As we look to our future, let us allow let us allow our ambitions to match our talents and our hopes to rise to our highest ideals. And as we go through the doors of Convocation Hall today, let us resolve that our ultimate priority will be this.

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 this great adventure and I am so excited to see what we will accomplish together at the dawn of our third century. Thank you.

Wow. Everyone, first of all, thank you for your very kind words uh here this evening. And Melanie, amazing. We're certainly looking forward to uh working with you. Everyone in convocation hall I'd like to thank you for being here with us and again thank uh Melanie for the work that she'll do to lead this institution into the next uh part of history. Thank you also for joining us on this uh splendid occasion. We only do this once every 11 years. So um you know see you in 11 years. Thank you everyone for coming and uh thank you for your support of higher education as well.

If able, please stand for the singing of the national anthem. That's it. with heart. God glory. Praise God. Nice job. How are you? Nice to see you. Congratulations on amazing. I'm coming. Heat. Heat.

Questions about this episode

Who speaks in "Installation of Professor Melanie A. Woodin as the 17th President of the University of Toronto"?

Anna Kennedy (Host), Wes Hall (Host), Melanie A. Wooden (Guest), Nolan Quinn (Guest), Olivia Chow (Guest), Chief Clare Salt (Guest), Vivian Po (Guest), David Peterson (Guest).

What is "Installation of Professor Melanie A. Woodin as the 17th President of the University of Toronto" about?

The installation ceremony of Professor Melanie A. Woodin marks her assumption of the role as the 17th President of the University of Toronto. The event highlights the university's acknowledgment of its Indigenous history and features notable figures from the academic community, emphasizing the significance of this leadership milestone.

What is mentioned in this University of Toronto episode?

12 people, works and ideas are mentioned, including Melanie Woodin, Anna Kennedy, Wes Hall, Missagas of the Credit First Nation, Merritt Girtler, Canadian Association for Neuroscience. Each one on this page links to its own page with every episode that mentions it.

How long is "Installation of Professor Melanie A. Woodin as the 17th President of the University of Toronto"?

The episode runs 1 h 28 min; the transcript is about 6,915 words in 77 timestamped sections.

More from University of Toronto

About this transcript: the episode's spoken words as captioned on YouTube, split into timestamped sections. Reclip.Me locates every person, work and idea in the text, keeps the time it is first named, and quotes the words around it verbatim. Last updated January 24, 2026.