Full house at grand opening of the Daphne Cockwell Health Sciences Complex
President Mohamed Lachemi and FCAD Dean Charles Falzon lead Minister of Colleges and Universities Ross Romano through a tour of the DCC. Photo by Alyssa Katherine Faoro.
On November 25, Ryerson University celebrated the official opening of the Daphne Cockwell Health Sciences Complex (DCC) located at 288 Church Street. The new building adds nearly 175,000 square-feet of new academic, classroom and study space to campus as well as a residence tower with beds for 332 students.
“Now more than ever, it’s critical that our universities provide students with the learning environment and opportunities to be ready for the jobs of today and tomorrow,” said Ross Romano, Ontario’s minister of colleges and universities. “The Daphne Cockwell Health Sciences Complex is purpose-built to foster collaboration and innovation in health sciences education and research.”
Romano congratulates the Ryerson community on the grand opening and thanks President Lachemi for his leadership. Photo by Alyssa Katherine Faoro.
Bustling with students after four years of construction, the DCC reflects Ryerson’s commitment to creating connections for a healthy city. It brings together under one roof academic programs including the Daphne Cockwell School of Nursing, School of Occupational and Public Health, School of Nutrition and Midwifery Education Program.
Deborah Brown, vice-president of administration and operations, welcomed the crowd in her introductory remarks and invited special guests to the podium. Featured speakers included the Honourable Ross Romano, Mohamed Lachemi, president and vice-chancellor, and Michael Benarroch, provost and vice-president, academic.
At the ribbon cutting, from left: Deborah Brown, VP, administration and operations; Jen McMillen, vice-provost, students; Michael Benarroch, provost and VP, academic; Charles Falzon, dean of the Faculty of Communication and Design; Ross Romano, Minister of Colleges and Universities; Mohamed Lachemi, president and vice-chancellor; Steven Liss, VP, research and innovation; Lisa Barnoff, dean of the Faculty of Community Services; Bryan Arnold, president and CEO, Eastern Construction; Andrew Frontini, design director, Perkins and Will. Photo by Alyssa Katherine Faoro.
Several senior university officials joined in the ribbon cutting ceremony, along with representatives from architectural firm Perkins and Will and builders Eastern Construction Company. After a reception that brought together students, faculty, staff and supporters, guided tours gave people the chance to learn about some of the building’s new teaching spaces.
"From the Creative Technology Lab to the state-of-the-art nursing suites, the Daphne Cockwell Health Sciences Complex is an outstanding addition to our campus. It provides much needed learning and research space for our students and faculty to make a sustainable, positive impact on our community," said Mohamed Lachemi, president and vice-chancellor. "We are extremely grateful to Minister Romano, the Government of Ontario, and Jack Cockwell for their leadership and generous support that helped make this building a reality."
Students provided tours of the DCC’s key sites, including simulated hospital wards. Photo by Alyssa Katherine Faoro.
The Creative Technology Lab, another of the DCC’s highlights, features the latest fabrication technology for rapid prototyping. Photo by Alyssa Katherine Faoro.
Student guides also took participants through tours of shiny new demonstration kitchens used by nutrition students. Photo by Alyssa Katherine Faoro.
A few days after the official opening, on Thursday, Nov. 28, the Ryerson community welcomed Jack Cockwell to the unveiling of the plaque dedicated to his mother Daphne. From left: Tony Staffieri, vice-chair of Ryerson's board of governors; Nancy Walton, director of the Daphne Cockwell School of Nursing; Jack Cockwell; Mohamed Lachemi, president of Ryerson University and Lisa Barnoff, dean of the Faculty of Community Services. Photo by Gary Beechey.