Math alumna and mental health advocate champions future science students

In 2010, Samantha Mercanti began spending all her savings to fund her move from Hamilton to Toronto to pursue an honours bachelor of science degree at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) — but her parents were “petrified,” she said. They were worried about the health and well-being of their daughter who, about five years earlier while in her early twenties, was diagnosed with schizophrenia and anxiety.

Once enrolled as an applied mathematics student in the Faculty of Science, Mercanti said she found the support and flexibility to earn an honours degree in 2013. Now, she’s established a bequest — a gift in her estate — to provide financial support and encouragement to future students pursuing their dreams to study science. 

“After I was diagnosed with schizophrenia, I struggled for a long time. When I went to TMU, I was very scared because I wasn’t fully recovered. And everyone ended up just being so nice to me, helpful and understanding. I had all good experiences,” said Mercanti, who today is President of Mercanti Management Inc., her family’s private asset management company. “I had the most amazing time at TMU, and Toronto was where I found my recovery — Toronto will always hold a special place in my heart.”

While at TMU, “I paid for my rent. I paid for all my tuition. But I ran out of money at the end, so my parents helped me out. If I didn’t have that money, I wouldn’t have had that experience and education; it changed me. It made me see the world very differently,” said Mercanti about why she was inspired to establish a gift through her will. “I was lucky that my parents were able to help me with rent, but not everybody has that. Education is important to me, and I want students to be able to afford it. I want everyone to have the same opportunities as I did.” 

“I am truly grateful to Samantha Mercanti for championing future students here in the Faculty of Science. Science offers practical solutions to real-world problems, and financial support for students helps us keep science education inclusive and accessible. We’re here not only to teach; we’re here to inspire students to lead with empathy and collaboration, ensuring that when they walk across the stage at graduations, they’re fully prepared to make their mark on the world. And Samantha continues to make hers,” said Andy McWilliams, the faculty’s interim dean. “We’re proud to call Samantha an alumna, and we thank her and the Mercanti family for their years of support.” 

The Sam & Roma Mercanti Foundation, of which Mercanti is a director, established an award in 2022 to provide financial support for undergraduate students in the Department of Mathematics. The foundation was founded by Mercanti’s parents, who eventually saw the wisdom in their daughter’s move to TMU, which was not only good for her academic goals, but also for her health.

In her first year at TMU, Mercanti lived a 40-minute walk to and from campus. In the winters, the walks were longer, as she rerouted through the downtown’s underground pedestrian tunnels and pathways.

“I was struggling with the side effects of medication, and with the walking, I started to feel great,” said Mercanti. “Then my mom said to me, ‘you should start running. I’ve heard it’s really good for your mental health.’” 

Mercanti ran with that advice. To date, she has completed multiple half marathons, 10 km and 5 km races, and three marathons, with her most recent being the Honolulu Marathon in December 2025. Mercanti has roughly over 100 medals, and she’ll be running her fourth marathon in Sydney, Australia in 2026.

A sought after speaker and advocate for mental health, Mercanti is also the author of Embracing Schizophrenia: My Story of Struggle, Strength, Resilience and Hope. She speaks and advocates for the Institute for Advancements in Mental Health, and is invited regularly by government ministries, school boards, hospitals, run clubs, the media and others to share her insights and perspectives. Mercanti would also go on to graduate with an MBA from McMaster University in 2024. 

Mercanti has advice for students as they face the challenges of life and school. “Take care of your mental health,” she said. “Life is hard, but no matter what, keep going. When I was struggling at age 20, I didn’t know what was happening, but something in me knew to just keep going. Resilience — getting back up after being kicked down — is actually a trait of people who become very successful. What you learn during tough times can help you in life, in the future.”