Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) announced a landmark $25 million investment dedicated to expanding student scholarships across the Faculty of Engineering and Architectural Science (FEAS). Representing the largest contribution to scholarships in TMU's history, the gift was made in honour of outgoing President and Vice-Chancellor Mohamed Lachemi - a professor of civil engineering - celebrating his visionary leadership and distinguished career.
Designed to eliminate financial barriers and fuel academic excellence, the funding provides multi-generational support for both undergraduate and graduate students across all FEAS disciplines:
- $10 Million for Undergraduate Success: Dedicated to entrance awards and upper-year performance scholarships, attracting top talent and rewarding academic excellence across engineering, architecture, and building science programs.
- $15 Million Perpetual Fund for Graduate Excellence: Committing renewable support for graduate research students each year in perpetuity, accelerating advanced research in sustainable design, resilient infrastructure, emerging technologies, and urban innovation.
By directly supporting students at every stage of their academic journey, this investment strengthens TMU's ability to recruit, retain, and graduate creative problem-solvers equipped to address complex global challenges from modernizing critical infrastructure to designing sustainable built environments.
"This visionary investment transforms what is possible for our students," said Mohamed Lachemi, President and Vice-Chancellor of TMU. "The strength of this scholarship fund significantly enhances TMU's ability to attract, reward, and support talented individuals who have the drive to become leaders and changemakers in engineering and architectural science. I am deeply honoured by this gift and confident in the profound impact it will have on our students for generations to come."
The historic gift comes from long-time TMU champion Jack Cockwell, Group Chairman of Brookfield Asset Management and honorary member of the TMU Board of Governors, whose continued advocacy for higher education focuses on empowering students to transform big ideas into practical, real-world solutions.
"This landmark gift is a powerful vote of confidence in our students and the future of our faculty," said Sri Krishnan, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Architectural Science. "Jack Cockwell's investment honours President Lachemi in the most meaningful way possible: by directly empowering the next generation of engineers, architects, and innovators. We are profoundly grateful for his support."
"I have always believed that our future rests on the ingenuity, ambition, and resilience of the next generation," said Jack Cockwell. "The students in TMU's Faculty of Engineering and Architectural Science are equipped to build better communities, solve complex challenges, and shape a brighter world. Investing in their potential is the most meaningful contribution we can make to our collective future."
