Strengthening our Faculty
Our vibrant global network of more than 60,000 alumni enhance our global impact and student experience. Together with donors, supporters and partners, they keep us at the leading edge of engineering innovation.
Whether through scholarships, research chairs, physical infrastructure or mentorship, our community is fostering the next generation of engineering leaders, now and in the future.
Paul Cadario on 40 years of engineering and philanthopy
For more than 40 years, distinguished alumnus and donor Paul Cadario (CivE 7T3, Hon LLD 1T3) has had a significant impact on the lives of thousands of students.
His transformational gifts include establishing the Paul Cadario Chair in Global Engineering, Experiential Learning Student Awards In Engineering, Social Impact Internships in Engineering, and the Paul Cadario Civil Engineering Award.
On U of T Giving Day, Cadario reflected on his journey from civil engineering to the World Bank, the impact of scholarships on his education, and the importance of giving back.
How his brain cancer diagnosis inspired one alumnus to give back to Skule
In 2023, alumnus Jimmy Lu (CivMin 1T0, MASc 1T3) was diagnosed with glioblastoma, a form of brain cancer.
“There was about a week between my diagnosis and the surgery to remove the tumour,” he says.
“During that week, all I thought about was my favourite memories, and they were all from U of T Engineering. They involved the friends I made there and experiences I had. It felt like I had lived a very rich life.”
The care and strength he received moved him to lead to the creation of what is now called the Jimmy Lu Jump Up and Down for Skule™ Award. The endowed award will benefit students in perpetuity and will be presented annually to recognize the work of EngSoc vice-presidents who embody the spirit of the Faculty.
“I owe my education to the generosity of others [...] giving back is my way of paying it forward and ensuring that talented students can attend U of T regardless of their financial situation.”
– Paul Cadario (CivE 7T3, Hon LLD 1T3)
Sedra/Smith: A legacy of learning
A new permanent exhibit unveiled this year on the fourth floor of the Myhal Centre marks the ongoing legacy of a seminal textbook written by two former U of T Engineering professors.
Microelectronic Circuits is better known to generations of engineering students as Sedra/Smith after its co-authors: Professor Emeritus Adel Sedra and his former PhD supervisor, the late Professor Emeritus K.C. Smith. Since the first edition in 1982, the book has sold more than a million copies and been translated into nearly a dozen different languages.
“Many years ago, one of my professors at Cairo University gave me some great advice: ‘If you want to understand a subject, teach it,” said Sedra at the event.
“Today, I want to extend that a little further: if you want to understand a subject deeply, write about it.”
Keysight Electronics Laboratory empowers future innovators
A new facility in The Edward S. Rogers Sr. Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) offers cutting-edge equipment that will foster collaboration between undergraduates and researchers on long-term projects that explore advanced topics.
The new Keysight Electronics Laboratory was unveiled in a ceremony held Tuesday, April 29. The hands-on educational lab was made possible through a generous in-kind donation of advanced equipment from Keysight Technologies, which serves as the global innovation partner for high-growth industries.
Fresh solutions for sustainable urban farming
Lyrata is a startup founded by Adnan Sharif (ChemE MEng student) that produces edible crops for caterers and high-end restaurants across the Greater Toronto Area.
Through the Hatchery’s Nest process, the team got connected with business mentors, including alumnus Xavier Tang (IndE 0T9 +PEY), a consultant and venture capitalist who still advises the company today.
The U of T Engineering Advancement office also connected them with alumnus Nick Di Donato (IndE 8T0), CEO of Liberty Entertainment Group, which owns Casa Loma and several restaurants in the city.
Supporting sustainable engineering
Professor Emma Master (ChemE) has been named the inaugural Robin Korthals Chair in Sustainability.
The new chair was made possible by the generous donation from the estate of alumnus Robert “Robin” Korthals (ChemE 5T5). It will support Master’s research into biomanufacturing processes that mimic nature and convert underused renewable resources into materials that reduce our reliance on fossil fuels.
Philanthropic support
In celebration of Giving Day on March 25, U of T Engineering asked alumni from around the world to reflect on why they have supported the Faculty. Here is some of what they said:
Adrian Li (MechE 1T1) — “My undergraduate years were remarkable and formative, and giving back deepened my connection with this community.”
Melanie Duhamel (ChemE 0T0, PhD 0T5) — “It is so heartwarming to see how your donation helps others."
Tobi Edun (ChemE 1T7 + PEY, MEng 1T9) — “Canada and the world need bold, confident engineering leaders to tackle the challenges ahead. By giving back, we continue a cycle of generosity, innovation and excellence. We were lifted by those before us — now, it’s our turn to pave the way for future engineers.”
U of T Engineering isn’t just a school—it’s a community of innovators, problem-solvers and changemakers. Your support means more bright minds will have the opportunity to be part of this transformative journey.
Join our community of changemakers and help empower the next generation.
Advancement results & gift designations
U of T Engineering raised more than $55 million in philanthropic support from a variety of sources in 2024–2025. Below this figure is broken down by source and designation:
Advancement results, May 1, 2024 to April 30, 2025
Gift designations, May 1, 2024 to April 30, 2025
LinkedIn Newsletter
This year we launched Skulematters, a new monthly newsletter on LinkedIn.
Keep up with the latest news from across U of T Engineering!
Coffee with Chris Podcast
Join Dean Chris Yip as he grabs coffee with notable alumni and other members of our diverse and dynamic global community.
Through their conversations, you’ll hear what places them at the heart of bold solutions for a better world.
