Employee Appreciation Day is celebrated annually on the first Friday of March. It is an opportunity to recognize the indispensable contributions of our faculty, librarians, and staff across our three campuses. I want to personally thank you for choosing the University of Toronto.

U of T is one of the world’s best universities. Our stellar achievements are attributable to the work of our staff, faculty, and librarians. The past year has emphasized the importance of each of your roles in achieving our mission and our capacity to work together to address complex challenges.

Over the past year, our community has demonstrated tremendous resilience, collaboration and compassion. Each of you plays a vital role in fostering an inclusive environment where learning and scholarship flourish, whether on campus or from our homes.

Today is an opportunity to show your appreciation for your colleagues by thanking them on the True Blue platform. The platform is our central hub for sending informal recognitions and submitting formal staff award nominations. When you send a True-Blue recognition, you nominate your colleague for the True Blue Monthly Award Program. These gestures are meaningful and impactful. Recognition can occur throughout the year.