It began as a modest affair in the depths of the Great Depression. For the graduates of the Class of 3T5, their monthly lunches were an opportunity to share ideas and each other’s company. About 10 years ago, with the leadership of the Class of 5T3, the reins were passed to 5T3 in order to carry on the tradition.
Now known as the Skule™ Lunch and Learn, the monthly luncheons are an opportunity to discover more about U of T Engineering and the broader world.
“The topics are intentionally broad,” explains Dave Fenwick (EngBus 5T3), one of the alumni organizing the series, and who for the past ten years has been involved in booking speakers for the lunch. “We want to make sure that the topics are accessible and of general interest,” he adds.
Previous speakers have addressed topics ranging from activities of entrepreneurial businesses, space exploration, construction, military history, as well as examples of the cutting-edge research conducted within U of T Engineering.
“The objective is to be informative without being too heavy on the technical details,” Fenwick says. “We’re not teaching calculus here.”
The lunch attracts many retired alumni, who welcome the chance to connect with classmates and expand their horizons. Graduates from the late-1930s to the late 1960s regularly attend, with grads from the 1970s attending with increasing frequency. Alumni are also encouraged to bring their spouses or guests.
The annual March lunch is dedicated to the presentation of the 3T5 Second Mile Award, which is awarded to a fourth-year student, and the Class of 5T3 Engineering Award, which is given to a student in third year. Both awards recognize students for her or his high academic achievement and leadership as demonstrated through involvement in extra-curricular activities both within the University and the community at large.
“The lunch is an opportunity for us to come together, enjoy good comradeship as well as exchange memories and experiences, and learn a bit along the way,” says Fenwick.
Guests also enjoy a two- or three- course lunch with bar service available.
The gathering of Skule™ alumni occurs on the second Wednesday of each month from October to May at the Toronto Plaza Hotel near highways 400 and 401. If you’re interested in learning more about the Skule™ Lunch and Learn series, contact Sonia De Buglio, Director of Alumni Relations sonia@ecf.utoronto.ca and we will send you monthly announcements of dates, times and speakers for the series starting this fall.
