It wasn't quite the send-off normally befitting a retiring university president, but Franco Vaccarino still got plenty of love Wednesday in a virtual goodbye on the University of Guelph website.
Vaccarino is stepping down at the end of this week after six years as president. U of G vice-president and provost Charlotte Yates takes over on a two-year interim basis.
The 25-minute prepared video featured well-wishes from friends, colleagues, students and politicians, highlighted the top 10 "Vaccarinoisms" and some departing words from the man himself.
Vaccarino spoke of words he spoke when he arrived on campus from the University of Toronto six years ago to be the school's eighth president, replacing Alastair Summerlee.
The world, he said in his inauguration speech, needs more of the University of Guelph and what it stands for: it's authentic, real, compassionate and caring values.
"At the University of Guelph, there's this incredible sense of community, that sense of shared purpose and a commitment to excellence, values that, quite frankly, drew me to this university," Vaccarino said in Wednesday's goodbye.
He added how proud he was of the way the school has handled the pandemic.
"Honestly, I could never have imagined this particular exit ramp to my presidency, but in a strange sort of way it's actually allowed us all to witness the power of our community in full action. I have been so very moved to see how our community has reached out to support one another in so many powerful and innovative ways," Vaccarino said in thanking everyone.
"Being the president of our university has been the greatest honour and privilege of my career and I have to say I've absolutely loved the journey."
Board of Governors chair Shauneen Bruder said Vaccarino led the school with determination, integrity and passion.
"His support for students, faculty and staff has encouraged us to excel and his conviction has connected us to our community and to the world," Bruder said.
Mayor Cam Guthrie, MPP Mike Schreiner and MP Lloyd Longfield all shared kind words for the outgoing president.
Minister of Colleges and Universities Ross Romano also offered best wishes in the video.
Longtime U of G volunteer, philanthropist and friend of Vaccarino Marilyn Murray said "Franco didn't try to remake the image of the university, instead he took our strengths and he built on them. He created new alliances. He enhanced our reputation worldwide and was able to raise significant financial support for many of our existing programs and many new initiatives."
As per his contract, Vaccarino will receive a year of his $423,648 salary upon departure as an "administrative leave" and has the option of retaining a tenured position as a professor in the school's Department of Psychology.
