The crowd gathered was an impressive sample of the broader uOttawa community, past and present: staff and students, along with representatives of the worlds of academia, politics, diplomacy and philanthropy, and of affiliated research institutes and hospitals. The ambiance was a reminder that the University is, at once, a place of connection, collaboration and community transformation.
From the start, Jennifer Adams, chair of the Board of Governors and ceremony MC, set the stage for an intimate gathering, one of joy and pride in belonging to a community that’s innovating together for a sustainable, open and inclusive future.
In her Indigenous greeting and blessing, Chancellor Claudette Commanda reminded everyone of women’s central place in the Anishinaabeg tradition, of their power and leadership. Her call to “lift up our sisters” made a deep impression on this historic day.
Turning ideas into action: Sylvestre’s strength
Sylvestre’s term begins under trying circumstances: social and economic pressure, persistent inequality, the rise of artificial intelligence, growing expectations regarding research, mental health issues, academic freedom and a rapidly changing society. These challenges were addressed with clarity by all speakers.
Ontario lieutenant-governor Édith Dumont, Supreme Court chief justice Richard Wagner, Ottawa mayor Mark Sutcliffe, Ontario premier Doug Ford, Ontario minister Nolin Quinn and Professor Colin Montpetit, APUO president, each highlighted in their own way the importance of a strong, bilingual university rooted in the community, especially in a time of major change. They had one common message: The University of Ottawa must play a decisive role in the development of society and Sylvestre has the ability to bring people together to meet this challenge. Her keen understanding of issues, impressive career path, community achievements and way of turning ideas into action were hailed by all.
The students brought an additional, enlightening perspective. Jack Coen, president of the undergraduate University of Ottawa Students Union (UOSU), Javier Porras Gil, president of the Graduate Students’ Association (GSAÉD), and Bianca Morin, an Indigenous student representative, spoke about housing, inclusion, wellness, the Indigenous experience and their desire for a meaningful future. Their words, honest and hopeful, reminded all of what’s at stake: student life today and society tomorrow.
When the speakers were done, a common thread emerged: the expectation of leadership that can rally, innovate and act. This was just what Sylvestre chose to address in her speech, going over once again what unites the University of Ottawa community and the way she will guide uOttawa in the years to come.
The University’s superpower
Sylvestre’s address was as much a return to her roots as a look towards the future. With emotion, she talked about the values conveyed by her parents — particularly her father — which taught her to view the university as a place of knowledge, discussion and discovery, a transformational space that promised social mobility, a place where dreams came true and the future of nations was forged. “My parents’ social ideals continue to guide each of my decisions,” she said.
She then spoke of what she considers the University of Ottawa’s superpower: its ability to build bridges, to be a meeting point for diverse expertise, voices and imaginations that otherwise might never meet. Researcher, students, public partners, teams of professionals... such expertise and experience that, when combined, enables us to act on today’s challenges.
“Together, we will continue to transform our university, our city, our country and our world,” she said in closing.
At this call, the room burst into applause, a clear sign that the community will be at her side in the coming years.
To close the ceremony, Professor Timothy Chooi, on violin, and Chris Ka Long Au, on piano, performed Béla Bartók’s Romanian Folk Dances. Chooi chose this work specifically to create a space of shared connection.
Read the president’s installation address, discover the highlights and see the recording of the installation.
