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'A profound sense of responsibility': Wes Hall installed as U of T's 35th chancellor

“As the 35th – and the first Black – chancellor in U of T’s almost 200-year history, I feel both pride and humility in donning these robes”
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Wes Hall, centre, is officially installed as U of T’s 35th chancellor in a ceremony attended by two of his predecessors in the role, Rose Patten, far left, and Vivienne Poy, not pictured, as well as Governing Council Chair Anna Kennedy, second from left, and οPresident Meric Gertler, at right (photo by Johnny Guatto)

He’s a giant of corporate Canada, a successful investor, respected philanthropist and popular TV personality, but Wes Hall describes serving as chancellor of the University of Toronto as “the privilege of my life.”

Hall was officially installed as U of T’s 35th chancellor on Oct. 28 ahead of . 

As organ music filled the air, Hall was escorted into Convocation Hall by οPresident Meric Gertler and a bedel carrying U of T’s ceremonial mace. 

He expressed a “profound sense of responsibility” in taking on the role. 

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Hall, wearing his honorary degree robes in advance of his official installation as οchancellor, is escorted into Convocation Hall by οPresident Meric Gertler and a bedel carrying U of T’s ceremonial mace (photo by Johnny Guatto)

“As the 35th – and the first Black – chancellor in U of T’s almost 200-year history, I feel both pride and humility in donning these robes,” Hall said. “My presence here is a testament to the progress we’ve made at οand in society as a whole, but it’s also a reminder of the work yet ahead of us.”

President Gertler described Hall as a “legendary figure on Bay Street” and a “dedicated philanthropist and community leader,” and welcomed him and his family members – Hall’s wife, children, father and step-mother were in attendance – to the οcommunity.

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Friedemann Krannich, a PhD student in mathematics, assists Hall during the robing ceremony (photo by Johnny Guatto)

“This is a very special morning for the University of Toronto, one that occurs only rarely in our academic cycle – we simultaneously welcome our 35th chancellor and award degrees to graduates,” President Gertler said. “Members of this morning’s graduating class will therefore especially appreciate the importance of today’s installation for each of them and for all of us at the University of Toronto.”

After donning the chancellor’s robes, assisted by his predecessor, Rose Patten, Hall embarked on his first official act in the venerable venue: proclaiming, in Latin, the conferring of degrees to graduating students.

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Hall said he felt both pride and humility in donning the chancellor’s robes (photo by Johnny Guatto)

Later in the day, Hall and οannounced the creation of the . The scholarship will provide entrance awards to students starting at the university and, Hall said, advance U of T’s position as “a beacon of excellence, progression, and limitless possibilities.”

Hall’s track record as a business leader and philanthropist has exemplified progress, perseverance and a persistent social conscience. From humble beginnings in rural Jamaica, he rose to become one of Canada’s most influential business leaders as the founder of  and ; a highly recognizable TV personality as ; and an ardent philanthropist and anti-racism advocate as founder of the  non-profit.

In 2021, he partnered with the Rotman School of Management to introduce the first Black entrepreneurship and leadership course in Canada, and he received an honorary doctorate from οin 2023. The author of the memoir , Hall also serves on the board of directors of the SickKids Foundation.

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Hall poses for a photo with a graduate (photo by Johnny Guatto)

Monday’s installation included dignitaries from the university and beyond. Donette Chin-Loy Chang, chancellor of Toronto Metropolitan University and board member at BlackNorth, said Hall “has broken barriers and subsequently worked to remove barriers for others who follow in his footsteps.” She was followed by Corwin Cambray, president of the οAlumni Association, who said Hall’s life is a testament to his “perseverance, visionary leadership and a profound commitment” to the upliftment of others.

οVice-President and Provost Trevor Young, speaking on behalf of faculty, highlighted Hall’s tireless efforts to expand access to opportunity for people from under-represented communities. “As the chancellor, you will now bring your many talents to champion higher education – perhaps one of the greatest opportunities that exists,” Young said.

Sydelle Mago speaks at a lecture in Convocation Hall as Wes Hall looks on
 Sydelle Mago, an undergraduate student, speaks to graduating students and other attendees while Hall looks on (photo by Johnny Guatto)

Jodie Glean, U of T’s executive director, equity, diversity and inclusion, described Hall as “a vocal champion” of people from marginalized backgrounds who “has demonstrated the impact EDI can have both within post-secondary institutions and across our local and global communities.”

For Sydelle Mago, an undergraduate student, Hall’s journey is a source of personal inspiration. “Chancellor Hall came to Canada from Jamaica and is a living testament to what hard work and perseverance can achieve,” Mago said. “His story motivates students like me to pursue our ambitions.”

Wes Hall leaves Convocation Hall wearing his chancellor's robes
Hall makes his way out of Convocation Hall following his official installation as U of T’s 35th chancellor (photo by Johnny Guatto)

At a reception to celebrate his installation at Hart House, Hall said he had been asked by some well-wishers if he was too busy to add the role of οchancellor to an already long list of responsibilities. He responded by sharing the example set by his grandmother Julia Vassel, who raised him – along with nine other grandchildren and an adult daughter with special needs – in a tin shack on a plantation worker’s wage.

“One of those kids that she worked so hard to raise is asked in the future to be the chancellor of the top university in Canada – and one of the top in the world – and that kid says, ‘I’m too busy.’ Could you imagine?” Hall said.

“I’m never too busy to put my hand up and say, ‘I want to be a part of change.’”

 

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