From: Sandy Welsh, Vice-Provost, Students
Date: October 2, 2020
Re: Reappointment of John F. Monahan as Warden of Hart House (PDAD&C #15)

I am delighted to announce that the University Affairs Board of Governing Council has approved the reappointment of Mr. John F. Monahan for a second term as the Warden of Hart House, effective October 1, 2020 to September 30, 2025.

Over the last five years as Warden, Mr. Monahan has overseen many exciting initiatives which have enhanced the Hart House and University communities. He introduced a 5-year plan, “Delight in Discovery,” that set ambitious goals for achieving experiential, operational and reputational excellence across all areas of Hart House. He has strengthened relationships with student groups across the University and supported the success of Hart House student committees. His focus on Hart House’s tri-campus mandate led to an increase in programming at the Mississauga and Scarborough campuses, as well as Hart House staff being “embedded” part-time at both campuses.

Mr. Monahan has worked to make improvements to the physical space at Hart House, including the ongoing renovation of the Arbor Room. The recommendations of the 2016 Accessibility Task Force that he created have led to the completion of several accessibility-related projects at both 7 Hart House Circle and the Hart House Farm in Caledon. To aid in this important work, he has fostered relationships with alumni and community to support stewardship of Hart House’s unique physical spaces. In 2020, Hart House received the largest individual gift, in the amount of $2.4 million, since the House was gifted to U of T in 1919. He has successfully introduced new revenue streams for the House, such as off-site catering, Kosher catering and grant development.

In recent years, Mr. Monahan has overseen enhancements to Hart House’s programming, reflecting the diverse needs of the student community (e.g. Hip Hop Education, Global Commons, Black Futures, Youth Access). In addition, he has continued efforts to repair, build and strengthen relationships with Indigenous students, staff and faculty, expanding programming partnerships (e.g. with Waakebiness-Bryce Institute for Indigenous Health) and innovating new projects in partnership with Indigenous communities (e.g. Hart House’s recent Centennial Art Commission, Waabidiziiyan doopwining [To see oneself at the table]).

Mr. Monahan has shown exceptional leadership skills and has fostered strong connections in his role as Warden. His approachability and his commitment to inclusivity is widely recognized across the university. Please join me in congratulating Mr. Monahan on his reappointment.