6 minute read
In remembrance
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Remembrances and re ections
Frank Cunningham
Frank was a teacher who inspired and engaged countless students, a scholar and social justice activist who was enduringly optimistic about the future of democracy, and a skilled administrator guided by a principled, good-humoured approach. Beyond his tenure as principal of Innis College between 2000 and 2005, he served as chair of U of T’s Department of Philosophy (1982-88), and also contributed to the establishment of the University’s Bioethics Program and Cities Centre.
“It seems oxymoronic to write about Frank Cunningham as a university administrator, but he was. Frank Cunningham and personal power do not fi t well together but neither do Innis College and personal power. Innis College principals do not ‘run’ the College. The principal’s job is to know whom to encourage on the staff and among the students, and to perform diplomatic services for the College to the governing powers of the University. Frank was well suited for the job. His optimism, good nature, and sense of humour enabled him to be a very successful principal.”
—Peter H. Russell, second principal of Innis College
“My memories of Frank feature his warm smile, jaunty bowtie, and encouraging presence. Frank was the mentor we had read about in books but never met inperson before. A leading intellectual light, and a non-discriminating friend to many, Frank will be sorely missed.”
—Stephanie Silverman (HBA ‘05 Innis)
Innis’s past principal Peter H. Russell (left) and then principal Frank Cuningham at the 2001 Convocation
Frank Cunningham (front row, right) marches in a 1980s Toronto peace protest (photo courtesy of Maryka Omatsu).
NEW SOCIAL JUSTICE AWARD ESTABLISHED IN FRANK CUNNINGHAM’S NAME
Established by Justice Maryka Omatsu, wife of the late Frank Cunningham, the Cunningham Social Justice Award at Innis College is to be given annually to two incoming Innis College undergraduate students enrolled in the Faculty of Arts & Science. The recipients will exemplify Frank Cunningham’s work on socialism and democracy while embodying his values of equality and diversity. Preference will be given to an Indigenous student and/or a student with fi nancial need.
To make a secure online donation, please visit
https://engage.utoronto.ca/
cunningham. For more info, please email andrea. blackler@utoronto.ca or phone 416-978-4492.
Douglas MacDonald, Environmental Studies Program director and Innis professor, 1988-2005 (1947-2022)
“Outstanding scholar, devoted teacher, loyal colleague, and committed environmental activist—Doug was a model of engaged scholarship and teaching, living the connections between deep understanding of environmental issues and determined activism, using his expertise to push for solutions to environmental degradation in the unique Canadian context. His award-winning book, Business and Environmental Politics in Canada, and recent Carbon Province, Hydro Province represent his outstanding scholarship.
“Doug was a sincere, generous, modest, and always curious man. Innis was very fortunate to benefi t from his many contributions to the College and its environmental programs. Doug set a very high bar for those continuing this work, and we will sorely miss his wisdom and persistence.” —Beth
Savan, environmental studies professor
Arthur Tamaki
(BCom ’69 Innis), (1946-2022)
“Art was an Innis rarity at the time, in an honours commerce and fi nance program, but still a regular in the Common Room and involved in so many Innis activities and sports teams. Art’s enthusiasm, sense of humour, warm smile, and intellect made him a popular early Innisian. After graduation, a CA designation, global CFO for the Bata Shoe Company, and then early retirement, Art continued to be a lifelong supporter of Innis College and its alumni.”
—Joe Uyede (BSc ’69 Innis)
Photo courtesy of Thelma Tamaki
Gino Matteo, founding
“Although a graduate of St. Michael’s College (1959), and a long-time professor there, Gino’s name is also indelibly associated with Innis. In 1973-74, he was appointed by the then dean of Arts & Science to persuade a disparate group of instructors from all corners of the campus to organize their various fi lm courses into a coherent program. This he did, smoothly ushering the proposed program through some oftentimes reluctant faculty committees. Like the program, Gino found himself housed (part-time) at Innis for the following decade of his leadership. The present institute owes him much.”
—Cam Tolton, professor emeritus of cinema studies and French
Catherine Pampe
(née Smith) (BA ’67 Innis), (1944-2022)
“I fi rst met Cathy in September 1964. She was one of the six students who were elected by fellow students to form, along with Professor Peter Russell and assistant registrar Mary-Pat McMahon, an interim student government to draft the Innis College Student Society constitution. Cathy was a fi ne-arts student, who later volunteered her time for many years at the Art Gallery of Ontario. Throughout her time at the College, she brought much warmth, enthusiasm, and energy to anyone near her. She will be remembered for her kindness, wonderful laugh, grace, and poise, and her special way of lighting up a room.” —Robert Patrick
(BA ’67 Innis)
Je rey Hutchings
(BSc ’80 Innis), (1958-2022)
“Jeff was an exceptional scientist who fearlessly challenged governments, including the Canadian government, to use evidence-based decision making in their management of fi sheries and wildlife conservation. Early in his career, Jeff became heavily engaged in science, policy, and controversies related to the collapse of the Newfoundland cod fi shery. He pushed this decisionmaking principle throughout his career, including as the chair of the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada.
Photo courtesy of Dalhousie University
Jeff was internationally renowned for his contributions to fi sheries research, publishing over 250 scientifi c papers and books. He was a great mentor of students and a valued colleague to many.”
—Don Jackson, ecology and evolutionary biology professor at U of T
Bottom: Patricia Petersen (front left) with Councillor Anne Johnston and members of the Urban Studies Program. Inset: Patricia Petersen with her husband, Hans (photo courtesy of Alexandra Petersen)
Patricia Petersen
Urban Studies Program director and professor at Innis, 19842005 (1940-2022)
“Pat Petersen was the director of the Urban Studies Program when I was an undergrad student in the late 1980s; she remained in that role until her retirement in 2005. She was unusually approachable for a professor, eager to both talk and listen, and someone who genuinely cared about students, and cities. She was a strong proponent of experiential learning long before it was popular, teaching an internship course that became a model for other departments many years later. Pat and I kept in touch over the years, and I’ll always remember her as a trailblazer in urban studies, and as an unfailingly generous and encouraging mentor.”
—Shauna Brail, former Urban Studies Program director
