A lasting legacy: Remembering Dr. Carla Cassidy
October 4, 2022
Dr. Carla Cassidy left an indelible mark on the Faculty of Arts at Toronto Metropolitan University. Today, as we mourn her loss, we also celebrate her remarkable legacy, which continues to impact students and faculty today.
Over an impressive 33 years at TMU, Dr. Cassidy’s journey spanned a range of leadership roles and included many significant contributions. During her tenure, she served as Interim Vice President of Research and Innovation, Dean of the Faculty of Arts, and Chair of the Department of Politics and Public Administration. During her tenure as Dean, she ushered in nine undergraduate programs in the Faculty of Arts, as well as many of our current graduate programs.
Championing academic excellence
“She was always open, forthright and committed to the importance of liberal education in a wider world that often devalued those goals,” noted Dr. Colin Mooers, Professor Emeritus.
Dr. Cassidy was dedicated to academic excellence in teaching and in program and curriculum development. She dedicated herself to helping ensure the best experiences for faculty and students through ongoing innovation. Among her many initiatives was the introduction of a program that allowed graduate students to provide marking support to faculty and offer tutorials to undergraduate students, benefiting all three groups.
“As Chair, she spent a lot of time teaching faculty - especially new faculty - about the mechanics of running programs and a Department. She believed that “teaching” wasn’t just about what one did in the classroom, but the whole package of curriculum and course development, as well as course delivery. She was very engaged with contract lecturers, and involved them in a lot of the discussions,” said Professor Emeritus Dr. Neil Thomlinson.
Sharing an expansive and inclusive vision
Professor Emerita and Adjunct Professor in the Department of Politics and Public Administration Gerda Kaegi commented that, “as Dean, she encouraged faculty to expand their thinking about teaching, programming and reaching out to meet the needs of different communities, populations and people who missed the opportunity to have a post-secondary education.”
While Chair of the Department of Politics and Public Administration, Dr. Cassidy led the establishment of a partnership with the First Nations Technical Institute, and remained involved in its operation and development throughout her time as Dean of Arts and as Vice President of Research and Innovation until her retirement. This partnership helped bring undergraduate degree studies to often remote Indigenous communities throughout the province. The partnership delivered - and continues to deliver, more than 20 years later - the BA in Public Administration and Governance to First Nations.
Dr. Cassidy also established, in the Faculty of Arts, the university's first interdisciplinary Bachelor’s degree: Arts and Contemporary Studies.
Supporting students
Following her retirement, donors created the Carla Cassidy Award in 2017 for Faculty of Arts students with the highest cumulative grade point average in honour of Dr. Cassidy’s exemplary achievements and contributions as a faculty member.
Inaugural winner of the award, Abduallah Barez found receiving the award a powerful experience. “Beyond being able to pay off my student financial debts, this award gave me the confidence and motivation to continue applying myself as a professional and student,” said Abdullah. Today, Abdullah works for the Ontario Ministry of Health and is in the process of applying to a Master’s program.
In 2021, Erika French, a geographic analysis graduate received the same honour. For Erika, receiving the award really helped alleviate some of the stress she was experiencing as a result of work and school. “Dr. Cassidy’s award has allowed me to focus more on my studies. I am really grateful for Dr. Cassidy’s contributions to our Faculty,” she said.
Putting people first
“Carla was keenly interested in people and their lives. She took the trouble to ask questions, absorb information, and remember it. She genuinely cared about what was going on in people’s lives,” said Dr. Thomlinson. “Perhaps most importantly, Carla liked to have fun, and encouraged others to do so as well. The end of each semester was celebrated with a party beginning at precisely 4:01 p.m. on the day the grades were due.”
Dr. Mooers agrees. “Carla knew how to laugh about the inevitable pitfalls and sometimes, pratfalls, of academic life. I recall, in the early days of Carla’s term as departmental chair, a number of faculty, probably ill-advisedly, decided to take a yoga class together at the university’s new athletic centre. I still have a cherished photo of Carla and I, in all our glory, demonstrating back-to-back warrior poses at a faculty social event.”
“I know that there were many examples, over many years, of people who faced personal challenges and were supported and encouraged by Carla. She had a way of being helpful without being intrusive,” said Dr. Thomlinson.
Dr. Cassidy’s leadership and legacy lives on throughout the Faculty of Arts and the TMU community. “We are all proud of knowing and working with Carla. Her contribution to the university – its growth and development – was nothing short of outstanding,” said Professor Kaegi.
“We are grateful for Dr. Carla Cassidy’s outstanding work during her tenure with the Faculty of Arts. Her legacy was a critical part of the Faculty’s foundation, on which we continue to build,” said Dr. Pamela Sugiman, current Dean of Arts, who was hired by Dr. Cassidy.
In lieu of flowers, Dr. Cassidy’s family has asked for contributions to the Carla Cassidy Award. If you wish to make a donation, more information may be found here. Please remember to designate your gift for the Carla Cassidy Award.