Donors create lasting legacy at U of T with engraved granite pavers in King’s College Circle

Aug 28, 2025

When Vikram Sainadh Chadalawada first heard you could support U of T’s Landmark Project by having a granite paver in King’s College Circle engraved, he wasted no time in getting one dedicated to his parents: Durvas Sainadh Chadalawada and Subhashini Sainadh Manda. It was 2021, and with his parents’ 50th anniversary and his dad’s 75th birthday coming up, the timing felt perfect.

Chadalawada – who works at U of T as director of IT strategy, innovations and digital transformation in student life and is also administrative staff governor for U of T’s Office of the Governing Council – is incredibly proud to be part of the U of T community. “It sounds clichéd, but I live and breathe this institution,” he says. And his parents, living in India, were perhaps even prouder of their son’s job and workplace.

Overjoyed to hear about their engraved paver, his parents had every intention of travelling to Toronto to see it in person – but pandemic restrictions kept the journey out of reach, so Chadalawada had to settle for sending them photographs of the stone. “My father’s face lit up with pure joy when he saw the photos, and he couldn’t wait to share those pictures with friends and family around the world,” he says.

Man and his mother stand under an umbrella in front of the pavers at King's College Circle

Tragically, his father passed away in May 2024 before he ever had the chance to visit the paver in person. But when his mother was finally able to come to Toronto later that year, Chadalawada took her to King’s College Circle to see it. She was incredibly moved by the moment. “She told me that seeing it felt like my father was present with her, and in that instant, the paver became more than a tribute; it became a bridge connecting memory, love and legacy,” says Chadalawada.

“Now, every time I walk past that paver in front of Simcoe Hall, I think about my connection with my family, and my connection with my father, a remarkable leader. I am extremely humbled, grateful and privileged to have been given this opportunity to honour my parents’ legacy while supporting this incredible institution.”

Limited time opportunity that united the community

The pavers campaign was created in 2021 to support the Landmark Project, which has transformed the St. George campus core into a welcoming, pedestrian-first space complete with vibrant plazas, accessible pathways and beautiful green spaces. It was a great success, as donors jumped at the chance to create an enduring legacy for themselves or loved ones while supporting a vitally important university priority.

In 2025, the paver campaign returned for a limited time. Thank you to everyone who participated. To learn more about the recent Landmark Project campaign, please visit the Landmark Project Frequently Asked Questions. If you have any questions or would like to learn more about other giving opportunities at the University of Toronto, please contact annual.fund@utoronto.ca. A member of the team would be glad to assist you.