![]() |
I'd like to welcome you to Victoria University in the University of Toronto.
Victoria's history in the education of Canadians is long and distinguished.
Beethoven had been dead only nine years and Dickens was just starting to publish
his novels, when in 1836 Victoria's original foundation, Upper Canada Academy in
Cobourg, was officially granted its charter. In 1890 Victoria University entered
into federation with the University of Toronto and began to establish its campus
on the northeast side of Queen's Park.
The campus itself is remarkable
for its harmonious blend of architectural styles. 'Old Vic', the 19th century
Victoria College Building, is an outstanding example of Romanesque Revival
architecture, while the new 21st century Isabel Bader Theatre is an
awarding-winning Modernist building on one of the finest streets in the City of
Toronto. I have spent most of my life in various parts of the University of
Toronto, and count myself privileged now to live and work in such a gracious and
inspiring setting here at Victoria.
In October 2001 the newly renovated
E.J. Pratt Library opened its doors, providing access not only to thousands of
volumes for undergraduates and to specialized collections for researchers in
areas such as literature, history and biography, but also to vast electronic
resources. The Library is bright and spacious, with reading rooms, group study
space, and individual carrels as well as pleasant more casual areas. As Vic's
new President, I have enjoyed taking visitors through the Pratt; they always
find it vibrant, full of students working on projects together or reading
quietly by themselves.
About four thousand students and one hundred
Fellows in two Colleges form the academic heart of Victoria University, and they
are supported by a dedicated and accomplished staff. Victoria College, a vital
part of the Faculty of Arts and Science at the University of Toronto, is home to
undergraduates in all arts and science disciplines and to an increasing number
of graduate students. Its twenty-five thousand alumni are found around the
world, with many in the greater Toronto area returning year after year for
events on campus. I have been continually impressed by their loyalty. Vic grads
have made especially strong contributions to Canadian culture, arts and letters,
and public life. They will do so in the future: for Vic will continue to attract
young people who want their education to prepare them to make a difference in
the world.
Emmanuel College is Victoria University's theological
college. Recognized by the United Church of Canada as one of its theological
institutions, it is the current manifestation of our Methodist heritage, and
brings an important perspective to the academy in its concerns for social
justice, spirituality, and ecumenism. Emmanuel is part of the Toronto School of
Theology, which is federated with the University of Toronto and is North
America's largest theological consortium.
If Victoria is new to you, I
invite you to spend some time with our web site so that you develop a sense of
our identity and the possibilities that Vic can offer you. Better still, come to
explore the campus. And I would be delighted to hear from you: present or
prospective student, alumnus or alumna, parent, neighbour or friend. Please
contact me at vic.president@utoronto.ca
Sincerely,
Paul W. Gooch |
![]() |
