Hazel McCallion named special advisor at UTM

She may have left political life behind but Hazel McCallion isn’t quite ready to rest on her laurels.

The former Mississauga mayor has been named special advisor to Professor Deep Saini, vice-president, U of T, and principal of U of T Mississauga.

McCallion, who started her year-long appointment Feb. 9, will be advising Saini on matters relating to the strategic development of the university.

“Hazel McCallion has long been a champion of higher education and its role in building a globally competitive local economy,” Saini said. “She is a close friend of, and an ardent advocate for the university and has played a pivotal role in helping transform UTM into the mid-size comprehensive university campus that it is today.

“We are pleased to have this opportunity to work together again. Her considerable experience will be a true asset as we chart the future of this campus.”

McCallion will also lend her expertise to creating new courses, working with UTM’s Institute for Management and Innovation to develop a new master’s degree in urban innovation and development, and contributing to a new non-credit training course for those aspiring to enter public service. McCallion will also appear as a guest lecturer from time to time. (Read the Globe and Mail's coverage of the appointment.)

“I believe strongly in the importance of both education and innovation for the future of Mississauga,” McCallion said. “I have always felt so welcomed when I am at the university, and I am honoured to continue our long relationship and to contribute to education in Mississauga.”

McCallion, who served as mayor of Mississauga for 36 years, retired in November after nearly five decades in municipal and regional politics. Upon her retirement, UTM celebrated her legacy with a musical play, She Shoots! She Scores!, based on her life and times.