A fond farewell to Chancellor Janice Fukakusa
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.
Below is a look back at some celebratory moments during Chancellor Fukakusa’s time at TMU.
In 2018, Janice Fukakusa, financial services expert, innovation champion, and diversity leader, was formally installed as TMU’s chancellor. Her appointment on October 10, 2018, made her the university’s fifth and first female chancellor.
Janice Fukakusa was present at the Harry Rosen ceremony, honouring the lasting legacy of the esteemed businessman and long-time friend of the university. Throughout her tenure, she has attended numerous events, fostering community engagement and celebrating notable achievements.
Janice Fukakusa was an integral figure at the Chang Outstanding Volunteer Awards ceremony, honoring the remarkable contributions of dedicated volunteers within the TMU community.
Deeply committed to student engagement and empowerment, Chancellor Fukakusa beams with pride as she congratulates graduates at TRSM’s 2023 convocation.
Janice Fukakusa attended the Remember George Vari event, recognizing him as a champion of education. The Honourable George W. Vari (1923 - 2010) and his wife Helen Vari (1931 - 2023), generous donors to TMU, held the belief that students are essential to a nation's future success and prosperity.
Chancellor Fukakusa with Sarabjit “Sabi” Marwah, known for his distinguished career as a Canadian banking executive, his leadership of non-profit organizations, and his championship of social inclusion.
Chancellor Fukakusa attended convocation ceremonies throughout her term at TMU. Here she delivers remarks to a Faculty of Science (FOS) graduating class.
The university took great pride in honouring Janice’s tenure as chancellor at her Emerita dinner. We are grateful for her exceptional service and contributions to TMU.