“I commit to everyone that I will work with this great community to grow McMaster’s capacity for education and research, accelerate its contribution to our society, improve its resources and honour its traditions, including the traditions of bold creativity, innovation and impact.”
— Susan Tighe, President and Vice-Chancellor, McMaster University 

President Susan Tighe shared her vision for McMaster University this week, in an uplifting and inspiring installation address.

While Tighe began her term as president on July 1, Tuesday’s ceremony marked an official milestone in the university’s history — a celebration of McMaster’s future under Tighe’s leadership, and an opportunity to pay tribute to the leaders and changemakers who came before her.

Standing on the shoulders of giants

In her address, Tighe paid tribute to the scholars, thinkers and leaders whose innovation and foresight helped shape McMaster into the world-class institution it is today.

She cited the work of former university president Harry Thode, noting that his emphasis on nuclear technology was integral in establishing McMaster as a research institution.

“Before becoming president, he advocated for building a research reactor right here on campus, something that had never happened in Canada and which has never been duplicated on such a scale in this country,” said Tighe.

“Sixty-six years later, our reactor is tangible proof of what in his presidential installation address of 1961 Thode had called ‘targeted excellence’: strategically investing in the most promising areas of research to achieve maximum return.”

Welcoming our president 

In addition to Tighe’s address, the ceremony included traditions steeped in decades of history, along with performances by Indigenous student-led drum group, Kindred Spirits, the McMaster University Choir, and bagpiper Bruce Archibald, who led the installation procession to the stage.

Stephen Elop, chair of McMaster’s Board of Governors, acted as Master of Ceremonies, formally appointing Tighe to the functions and the office of the President and Vice-Chancellor.

Visiting academic delegates from U15, the Council of Ontario Universities, as well as presidents and other senior leaders from higher education institutions across the province were in attendance to offer their greetings and best wishes.

These included the dean of Engineering at the University of Waterloo, “still grieving over their loss and our gain,” Elop quipped, referring to Tighe’s previous role, before she joined McMaster as Provost in 2020.

A committee of representatives from McMaster student, alumni and retiree associations joined Tighe on stage to present her with her presidential regalia.

Tighe was also presented with a copy of the university’s charter by Chancellor Santee Smith, who delivered the thanksgiving address at the beginning of the event.

“I’m grateful to be here,” said Smith. “I’m grateful to extend my [time as] Chancellor so I am able to welcome President Tighe and join her in this important celebration and with all of you.”

Hamilton Mayor Andrea Horwath and provincial ministers Nolan Quinn and Neil Lumsden joined Tighe on stage as part of the formal ceremony.

Premier Doug Ford also extended his congratulations for Tighe and the university via video recording — noting McMaster’s bright future under her leadership.

“Dr. Tighe brings a strong background in engineering, a proven track record of leadership, and a deep commitment to innovation,” said Ford in his message.

“McMaster is in great hands. I am confident that under her leadership, the university will continue to build a world-class learning environment, one that prepares students for the jobs of tomorrow and supports cutting-edge research.”

Fostering McMaster’s spirit of innovation 

Tighe’s address further highlighted the importance of building on McMaster’s history of innovation and excellence through commercialization and entrepreneurship, citing the university’s research partnerships with external agencies that have put McMaster in the top spot in Canada for corporate research income over the past three years.

“I want McMaster to be the first place that industries, governments donors, academics, students and graduates think of when they have problems to solve or goals to reach,” said Tighe.

“I want them to see McMaster as a partner they can count on.”

Five years out from McMaster’s centennial year in Hamilton, Horwath said the university is “deeply woven into the economic, cultural, and civic fabric of the city of Hamilton” and that Tighe is the right leader for this moment in time – when universities are called upon to do more than just educate and conduct research.

Tighe also spoke to the symbiotic relationship between the city and the university, saying the two form “a living lab”, from the ecological research in the McMaster Forest on the Ancaster border to the participation of Hamiltonians in clinical trials and research studies that seek to help everyone live better lives.

“We have something special and unique here at McMaster,” said Tighe. “This opportunity to serve as your President and Vice-Chancellor fills me with joy, energy and enthusiasm. Whether we are driving, flying, riding or walking, we always need a reliable route to lead us to our destination.

“Finding the best way has always motivated my research, teaching and leadership. We will find the best way, together.”

In case you missed the livestream, below is a recording of the event, with President Tighe’s remarks beginning at 45:57.