OISE takes in cityscape as new community lounge opens
November 28, 2011
By Sabrina Persaud, SPECIAL TO OISE
On November 24, the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) of the University of Toronto welcomed faculty, staff and students to the official opening of the new Community Lounge on the 12th floor. The stylish reception allowed people to take in the great view of the University of Toronto campus and reflect on the boundless possibilities of the new space.
The concept for the lounge was commissioned by the Dean’s Office and carried out by a volunteer project team of ten people who oversaw the design, layout, construction and maintenance of the space. All ten helped to cut the ribbon and officially open the lounge. "This attractive multipurpose space is well suited to faculty, staff, students, and our University of Toronto colleagues and will be a great place to bring visitors from abroad," exclaimed Dean Julia O'Sullivan. "Elizabeth Broccoli's special commitment to this undertaking and commitment to seeing it through to completion deserves the community's thanks," she added.
Jeff Meyers, President of the GSA, said "The creation of this space was a clear commitment to Julia’s vision of really fostering an environment that is more student-friendly." She gave up her own office for students and faculty to come together and share this space, so that is a really wonderful thing. I think all of us are going to benefit from it,” he added.
“The view reminds you about the diversity of Toronto and of OISE, allowing this to be that diverse place where we can all work together,” added Stanley Koh, Media Coordinator of the Student Teachers Union.
A contest to name the new lounge will be announced to the community in the coming weeks.
Acknowledgements: University of Toronto Capital Projects, Education Commons, BECK Construction, OISE Operations and Services.
Photo above: Patrick Chambers of BECC Construction Group Ltd. with OISE building manager Elizabeth Broccoli