When the announcement was made that Ron Daniels would be stepping down after a decade as Dean of the U of T, Faculty of Law, the response from faculty and staff at the Law School was overwhelming. In April 2005, Daniels was named the 28th Provost of the University of Pennsylvania. He officially took up his post in July 2005.
(L-R): Drew, Ron, Ally, Ryan, Robbie and Joanne |
One of the many young and exceptionally talented scholars hired by Ron in the last ten years, Professor Ed Iacobucci, does not mince words when it comes to his admiration for Ron. "He has made an indelible mark on the law school and its programs, and we wanted to do something that would reflect his contributions and values." Colleagues and staff at the Faculty were quick to agree. Indeed, upon hearing the news of Daniels' departure, a large part of the faculty and staff gave an immediate and unequivocal "yes" when asked to contribute to a bursary honouring him and his partner, Joanne Rosen, also a graduate of the law school. "The response was unprecedented," says close friend and colleague Professor Michael Trebilcock. "Ron captured people's imaginations and helped many of us achieve our own dreams and aspirations. He made anything seem possible."
A remarkable $300,000 with University matching was raised from faculty and staff to establish the Ron Daniels and Joanne Rosen Bursary in support of student financial aid. The announcement of the special bursary came at a farewell dinner held at the law school this past June. On Saturday June 18th, friends and colleagues joined in a celebration of community spirit. "There was a tremendous outpouring of support and affection," said staff member Aladdin Mohaghegh. "There was also a lot of fun and laughter."
A former lawyer with the Ontario Human Rights Commission, Joanne was an important influence and presence at the Faculty, volunteering her time whenever needed, and often juggling the needs of their four young children with the hectic pace and demands of the school. Even the children, Robbi, Ally, Drew and Ryan, came to be considered honorary members of the law school, participating in everything from faculty dinners and annual student BBQ's, to almost weekly special events hosted at the Daniels/Rosen home. Their absence at the Faculty will be sorely felt.
