Wendy Cecil, chair of the Presidents’ Circle, on the importance of student aid and why she’s a lifelong volunteer

Feb 14, 2024

Wendy Cecil (BA VIC 1971, Hon LLD 2005), chair of the University of Toronto Presidents’ Circle and the Victoria University Defy Gravity campaign, has participated in four fundraising campaigns at U of T and held more than 40 volunteer and mentorship roles. The former chair of U of T’s Governing Council answered questions about her motivations for volunteering and giving, her advice for incoming students and why the Defy Gravity campaign is vital to U of T’s future.

As the chair of the Presidents’ Circle (comprising University of Toronto donors who give at least $1,827 annually), how do you describe its importance to U of T’s mission?

The Presidents’ Circle is a donor recognition group, so we host lectures and interesting social gatherings throughout the year. Many of these events are held on campus, so they trigger memories of the donors’ years at U of T, which in turn cause them to reflect on their personal journeys since they were students and how their U of T experience helped shape their success in life.

The large, generous membership of the Presidents’ Circle demonstrates to government that U of T is valued and supported by its alumni. Many of our members are faculty and staff, which also demonstrates that our community believes in and gives financial support to the university’s mission.

The Presidents’ Circle now has more than 4,200 members, with some having been members since its founding in 1978. What do you value about it as its leader?

When I was an undergraduate at Victoria College, I lived at home in the Bathurst and Steeles area of Willowdale. In 1967, coming to U of T’s St. George campus on the TTC took nearly two hours and involved several buses because the subway only went to Eglinton. Not many people from my high school class came here. But U of T was my first choice because my Latin teacher, Marion Farr, and my history teacher, Jack Gillette, both alumni, said I must attend U of T. I admired them so much that I took their (excellent) advice!

My time at U of T gave me the power and ability to take part in society in a way that would otherwise not have been accessible to me.

I was the first in my family to attend university and my parents regarded higher education with suspicion. And, they didn’t have the financial resources to assist with expenses. Luckily, I earned a $500 Ontario Scholarship which helped with first year tuition — $552 in 1967. But that scholarship was for one year only so, despite part-time jobs and working throughout the summers, by second year I couldn’t afford to pay the second tuition instalment. I went to the bursar at Vic to withdraw, but he said he thought he could help — and he did! A bursary got me through second year. I then took a year off to work and save. By the end of that year, I was married and, at that time, married student loans were easier to obtain, so I returned to school and graduated with a BA.

My time at U of T gave me the power and ability to take part in society in a way that would otherwise not have been accessible to me.

Thus, anything that involves student aid is very important to me — because I know that graduating from U of T gave me the potential for a very different and exciting future and I want others to have that opportunity. With every year, I could see that my time at U of T provided me with the ability and power to play an active, constructive role in society that would have otherwise been inaccessible to me.

What do you see as the biggest changes at U of T since you were an undergrad?

First: The size. U of T’s population is a lot bigger now than it was in 1967! The St. George campus has grown substantially, while Scarborough and Mississauga were still brand-new campuses when I was a student.

Second: The incredible diversity of our community of students, faculty and staff is utterly fantastic! This diversity enriches the experience of everyone.

Third: U of T’s commitment to student aid. I served on the committee that helped frame the policy which made it possible for any student accepted to U of T to find a way to afford it — whether through scholarships, bursaries or loans. If you have the wherewithal to be admitted, it is within your reach to attend. That is so meaningful to someone like me who really needed that help — and I know it is important to others as well.

Fourth is the campus itself. A recent example is the Landmark Project. This will be one of President Meric Gertler’s major legacies. But, even before that, there were changes to St. George and the general beautification of campus. The building program that went on from the late ‘90s has been remarkable. I know they say that the St. George campus is really an architectural laboratory because we have a little bit of everything. If you go to some other universities, there’s such a semi-uniform look whereas, with our buildings, each one is unique, and I think that’s exciting.

U of T is much more connected to the community than it ever used to be.

A final difference is that U of T is much more connected to the community than it ever used to be. I had lived in Toronto all my life but didn’t know where it was until the first day I went to campus. I don’t think that’s the case now. I think U of T is more integrated with the broader community than ever before. And that’s really important.

U of T is much more connected to the community than it ever used to be.

Defy Gravity is the fourth U of T campaign since you were chair of the university’s Governing Council in the 1990s. What is it about this campaign that gives you hope for the future?

In the last 20 or so years, U of T has really shot up in the university rankings and is now a truly international university, understood to be a global player in post-secondary education and research — as well as the global leader in sustainability. Defy Gravity is critical if we are to stay on that path.

As Honorary Chair of Vic’s Defy Gravity campaign, it is hard not be inspired by the ambition and vision for U of T. The goals are very bold. And it is exciting that we know we have the capacity and support to raise $4 billion. Even more exciting, however, is the impact of what the campaign will enable us to do!

What advice would you give students applying to U of T for admission in 2024?

First, don’t be afraid of the size. When I hear student concerns about U of T being too big and they fear being lost in the numbers, I tell them they will find a home in their college or faculty. They must make friends beyond their natural friend group — which is especially important for international students. And they mustn’t limit themselves! As an undergraduate, this is your opportunity to stretch your wings as well as your intellect!

I often joke that my real university education came when I returned as a volunteer! I am referring to the friendships I’ve made, the experiences I’ve enjoyed and the things I’ve learned — all of which were far beyond my expectations.

Say “yes” when you have a chance to do something different or challenging. This is difficult though for students who have part time jobs eating up their hours like I did. They may not have time to form strong friendships or join clubs. I had barely enough time to attend classes and do assignments. I often joke that my real university education came when I returned as a volunteer! I am referring to the friendships I’ve made, the experiences I’ve enjoyed and the things I’ve learned — all of which were far beyond my expectations.

I often joke that my real university education came when I returned as a volunteer! I am referring to the friendships I’ve made, the experiences I’ve enjoyed and the things I’ve learned — all of which were far beyond my expectations.

I remind students not to overlook the bursaries and scholarships available, because some go unclaimed every year. If they have financial struggles, they must seek help through the university.

I also advise getting to know some professors. Students can be shy about approaching professors, and if you are in a class of hundreds, it can be difficult. But, if you are in a smaller class or seminar, visit their office or talk to them after class and try to get to know them. They will enjoy it and you will get some good advice. You might even make a friend.

You volunteer with many organizations across Toronto. Why is U of T among the primary areas where you devote your time and energy?

The people. When you talk to volunteers, it almost always comes down to the people they work with. The cause is what motivates people to start volunteering, but people are the reason they continue to stay involved. At U of T, you meet the most interesting people — people who are not afraid to commit themselves to something bigger than they are. They believe in what they are doing and that it will improve the world in some small or even a very big way.

Why is volunteering so important for our university and city, and why should people volunteer at the University of Toronto?

Communication and connection and change. Most of our volunteers are alumni and they say, “I’m willing to give my time and resources to U of T.” Well, what a gift! Time is a non-renewable resource, and they are eager to give it to U of T. Volunteers also provide informal outreach to other communities. They bring back information that is important to the university. They constitute a dedicated army of people across all the colleges and faculties who want to help U of T become even better. What’s not to like? And if volunteers know they have impact and are appreciated, they will keep volunteering and giving of themselves. We all benefit from that!