91ֱ��

Working alongside the Institute’s leaders 

After joining the Dean’s Office in 2000, Denise became an integral part of the Dean’s Office team and a confidante and trusted advisor to several deans and associate deans whom she supported. 

Professor Glen A. Jones, a former OISE Dean, recalls Denise’s exceptional capacity for building relationships across the Institute. 

“Throughout my term as Dean, Denise was almost omnipresent in terms of attending every meeting, social event, and community initiative in the building. She has sustained positive relationships with faculty, staff and students throughout the Institute, and has become a regular source of professional advice to other staff, and not infrequently to faculty. 

“As Executive Assistant, she provided tremendous support to my leadership and was also at times a thoughtful advisor who, given her plethora of relationships in the building, often made me aware of emergent concerns or unanticipated tensions.” 

Professor Normand Labrie, who has worked with Denise for twenty years in his various roles – as Associate Dean, Research and Graduate Studies (2004–2012), Interim Dean (2021–2022), and Associate Dean, Programs (2017, 2019–2021, and 2023). Reflecting on his work with Denise, he said: 

“Among her many strengths, Denise not only had an acute insight into OISE’s values and academic goals, but also a strong capacity to anticipate what needs to be prioritized and to identify potential risks and how to mitigate them. She was an indispensable collaborator in the Dean’s Office always doing everything in her capacity to set the conditions for the senior leadership to make informed decisions for the benefit of OISE.” 

Acting Dean and Vice-Dean, Academic Operations, Creso Sá, adds: 

“Over the years, I’ve worked with Denise in several different capacities, and I’ve always valued the perspective she brings, grounded in her deep knowledge of OISE and its community. During my time as Acting Dean this year, I came to rely on that perspective and her practical advice. Those qualities have been central to the many roles she has played across the Institute.”

Professor Erica N. Walker, Dean of OISE, says: 

“Denise is a treasure! Not only has she been an outstanding EA, but she is also an all-around terrific person. Her thoughtfulness, care, and support have meant a lot to me and my family, especially as I transitioned from NYC to Toronto and settled into my new role at OISE. Being Dean is a multifaceted, multi-directional job, and I have benefitted immensely from Denise’s dedication, acumen, and knowledge of institutional history both at OISE and U of T. 

It is hard to imagine not seeing Denise every day beaming her welcoming and joyful smile in the Dean’s Office, and I will miss her and our work together immensely – but I know Denise can never really leave OISE. One of the people who are the beating hearts of the OISE community, she’ll always be a part of us, even as she takes on the new role of retiree. All best wishes to our Denise!”  

Reflecting on her work with OISE leadership, Denise highlighted: 

“Having worked with countless academic administrators, I have been so fortunate to work with some of the best. Those who had an immense capacity to continuously embrace a growth mindset and be open to learning leadership were by far the most brilliant, compassionate, and effective. Learning has always been important, and at OISE, I was embedded in the most vibrant and diverse learning environment in the world.” 

As former Dean Jones noted, during her time at OISE, Denise sustained positive relationships with many faculty, staff and students, and became a trusted source of professional advice to many colleagues. She served as a leader and role model to many in the community. 

In addition to serving as a dedicated mentor in the University’s Rose Patten Mentorship program for staff, Denise also often took the time out of her busy schedule to mentor many administrative staff informally. She had a great track record of being an excellent hiring manager and hired some of the best staff who continue to make strides within OISE and the University of Toronto today.

“I have had the time of my life working at OISE UofT and am so grateful for such incredible colleagues who became close friends. I will sustain these relationships and look forward to making new connections as an alumna and retiree,” said Denise.

Ai-Ri Brown, Academic and Administrative Process Analyst, who has worked with Denise for over 30 years, noted: 

“Ever since I started working with Denise, she has had a unique ability to make everyone feel like they belonged. Her kindness, compassion, and genuine care for others helped shape the welcoming community that so many of us value at OISE today. Her impact goes far beyond her professional contributions; she has been my mentor, my confidante, and one of my dearest friends. I am grateful for the countless ways she has enriched my life over the years.”