Faculty bids farewell to Faculty registrar Barbara McCann (Photo: Mark
Balson);.
May 29, 2014
After serving the University of Toronto for 40 years – all of them spent with U of T Engineering and 29 as Faculty registrar – Barbara McCann retires on May 30.
McCann joined the Faculty in 1974 after emigrating from Belfast. Working with associate dean and chair of first year, Peter Boulton, she provided necessary support to first-year students. By 1977 she was the executive assistant of then-dean, Ben Etkin. Eight short years later, she assumed the role of Faculty registrar. As someone who has formally and informally mentored countless staff around the Faculty and University, McCann is praised as a consummate professional and leader.
“Barbara deals with situations with the utmost tact, and those of us who have worked with her over the years know we can always turn to her for advice and guidance on any matter,” said Pierina Filippone, assistant registrar, scholarships and financial aid.
Throughout her career, McCann contributed to a number of large-scale projects that occurred at both the Faculty and University levels. In 1999, she spearheaded the creation of Engineering’s very own admissions office and the introduction of ROSI – a huge challenge.
Over her decades in Engineering, McCann worked tirelessly to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for all U of T Engineering students. Always a strong supporter of women in engineering, McCann helped establish the Undergraduate Student Women in Engineering Association (now Women in Science & Engineering, or WISE);, and under deans Michael Charles and Tas Venetsanopoulos, participated on several task forces to ensure U of T Engineering provided a welcoming environment for female undergraduate students.
She has also championed the rights of other minority students, including working closely with LGBTOUT and the Committee on Community Affairs and Gender Issues, and providing a voice within the Faculty for students with invisible disabilities.
Dean Cristina Amon noted that as the Faculty grew over four decades, so did McCann’s responsibilities and impact.
“Barbara’s tremendous leadership during her years as registrar was crucial to our growing Faculty’s pursuit of excellence,” said Dean Amon. “Her work to promote women and under-represented groups in engineering is just one example of her dedication to our students. On behalf of the Faculty, I thank Barbara for her exemplary service and wish her a most enjoyable retirement.”
To commemorate McCann’s retirement, U of T Engineering has created the Barbara McCann Tribute Scholarship. This scholarship will be awarded annually to a student (preferably female); entering first year based on academic merit and demonstrated leadership.