Annual Report 2026
Proud History, Positive Impact
Chapter 5
Strengthening our Faculty
One of the key factors driving success at U of T Engineering is our unique, vibrant, global community of more than 60,000 alumni, donors, supporters and partners.
The support of this network — whether through scholarships, research chairs, physical infrastructure or simply guidance, mentorship and advice — keeps us at the leading edge of innovation and empowers the next generation to take their place as leaders of positive change.
Looking for more data? View our By the Numbers reports:
RBC gift fosters careers in tech
Students from across the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering and the Faculty of Arts & Science are acquiring industry-ready skills and making meaningful industry connections, thanks to a $1.38 million gift from the Royal Bank of Canada.
The visionary support will enable students to delve deeper into topics the tech industry is confronting today with the Tech@RBCInsider Series, which features 12 learning sessions over the next three years.
The gift will also create two powerful scholarships: the RBC Tech Scholars in AI Engineering and RBC Tech Scholars in Computer Science.
A family legacy of giving
Engineering talent tends to run in families — and for the Ying family, the engineering spirit also lies at the heart of a gift that will long outlast themselves.
Yvonne Ying (EngSci 9T6), Irene Ying (ChemE 0T4) and Ivan Ying (ChemE 0T5) all graduated from U of T Engineering before going on to complete medical degrees.
Recently, the siblings came together to create two new annual student awards in honour of their parents: the Pamela & Wei Ming Ying Engineering Award and the Pamela & Wei Ming Ying MD Award. In creating them, they are honouring not only their father’s legacy as a professor of mechanical engineering, but also their mother’s beliefs about the importance of giving back.
“Our parents have always emphasized the importance of education and of being grateful for the opportunities we’ve had,” says Yvonne.
A community strengthened by inclusive excellence
Connect with us to create your own transformative bursaries, scholarships and fellowships to help uphold U of T’s promise that every admitted student has the financial means to complete their studies.
“Winning a scholarship helped me afford my first year of university, and that generosity stayed with me. When I graduated, I wanted to do the same for someone else.”
Paul Acchione (MechE 7T1, MEng 7T6)
Paul Acchione on his life and legacy in engineering
A respected leader in Ontario’s energy sector, Paul Acchione (MechE 7T1, MEng 7T6) helped shape the province’s nuclear power infrastructure. His commitment, along with that of his wife Anna, to supporting future engineers has been equally inspiring.
From his first gift to U of T Engineering’s Annual Fund 45 years ago to the creation of the Paul & Anna Acchione First Year Engineering Award in 2025, he has consistently and generously paid forward the support he himself once received.
In early 2026, Acchione reflected on his journey, the power of engineering and why investing in future students is one of the most meaningful legacies we can create.
Eva and Allen Lau Commercialization Catalyst Prize
A $2-million gift from entrepreneurs Eva Lau (IndE 9T2) and Allen Lau (ElecE 9T1, ECE MASc 9T2) to the University of Toronto will enable full-time graduate students, postdoctoral researchers and faculty members to transform their early-stage ideas into real-world solutions.
The recipients of Stage 1, announced in the spring of 2026, include MIE researchers working on continuum robotics, as well as a U of T Engineering spinoff that aims to turn waste heat into low-cost electricity.
Reimagining the Pit
Renovations are officially underway in the basement of the Sandford Fleming Building, with the promise of breathing new life into the Pit, one of U of T Engineering’s most iconic spaces.
Faculty, staff, students, alumni and friends have stepped up to support this exciting transformation project, including a generous $1 million gift from the Engineering Society (EngSoc). In a Q and A published December 2025, EngSoc President Ken Hilton (Year 4 CompE) describes the campaign and what the Pit means to the student body.
Still paying it forward, 70 years after graduation
Paul Walters (MinE 5T6) and Ross Lawrence (GeoE 5T6, MCom 5T9) are co-founders of the Engineering Class of 5T6 Award of Merit.
Granted to a student who successfully completes first year in any engineering undergraduate program, it's just one of the ways that the class of 5T6 is still giving back to their alma mater, 70 years after they graduated.
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:
Malgosia Ip (ChemE PhD 1T6) — “Engineers are essential. While brilliant ideas matter, change doesn’t happen until someone figures out how to translate theory into real solutions. That’s the engineer’s craft — turning imagination into impact.”
Ernesto Díaz Lozano Patiño (CivMin 1T5 + PEY, MASc 1T8) — “If you’re thinking of giving — do it! We’ve seen firsthand the impact that class scholarships can have. There is power in coming together to make a difference for our students.”
XiaoChuan Guo (EngSci, 2T6) — “I hope my donation helps students feel supported and inspired. Whether through better learning spaces, stronger student clubs, or opportunities that bring people together, I hope this support helps students feel confident and at home."
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 $24 million in philanthropic support from a variety of sources in 2025–2026. Below this figure is broken down by source and designation:
Advancement results, May 1, 2025 to April 30, 2026
Gift designations, May 1, 2025 to April 30, 2026
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.