More than 48,000 students attend Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University), which offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in more than 125 disciplines. Founded in 1948 in response to a need for skilled labour after the Second World War, TMU has a long history of offering degrees that lead to jobs. These days, the university’s innovative incubator zones help students create them. The school boasts 10 zones, covering industries from biomedical engineering to social innovation and clean tech, and there are more than 350 active start-ups on campus at any one time. Since 2010, the incubators have helped develop more than 4,700 start-ups, created over 4,400 jobs and raised $2.7 billion in funding.

TMU’s downtown location draws many commuter students, but the Student Learning Centre, the Mattamy Athletic Centre and countless cafés entice students to stay after class. Respite from the city bustle can be found in the quiet greenspace of Kerr Hall Quad; at Lake Devo, a man-made pond that serves as an ice rink in winter; or on Gould Street, which has been closed to cars since 2010. Two rooftop farms grow 3,000 kilograms of food per year, distributed to the students and the community at large, while serving as an educational tool for students.

“We are redefining the learning experience by exploring bold ideas and transforming them into opportunities,” says president Mohamed Lachemi. “TMU students get real-world experience and create the impact they want to see in the world.”

Campus Buzz

TMU’s Mattamy Athletic Centre (the former Maple Leaf Gardens), is the home for the Toronto franchise of the new Professional Women’s Hockey League.