FAMILY IN RESIDENCE

Dad and daughter on work and life in Innis Residence

Garry Spencer Dad, and former dean of Innis Residence

Q: Garry, you were Innis College’s dean of residence until your retirement in 2009, involved in planning, building, and managing the current Innis Residence, as well as establishing awards and scholarships for students in residence. What made the residence such a special place for you—and for students?

A: When I was hired at Innis from Scarborough College in 1983 ... it was abundantly clear more residence space for Innis was a priority, if we were to compete with other colleges to attract the “brightest and best” students. “Build it and they will come” became the watchword of the day. My experience was that if you gave the students a say in what style of residence they wished to live in, it would be a success. Hence, the Innis Residence Committee requested an apartment-style residence with community living in each unit. This planning turned into the wonderful success story Innis Residence has enjoyed since opening some 30 years ago. Once the bills were paid, it was time to focus on expanding financial assistance to its residents in the form of scholarships—an endeavour that continues to this day.

Q: When your daughter, Amy, chose Innis as her college—and residence— what were your thoughts—especially since you were both her dad and dean while she was living there?

A: I supported my daughter not as dean, but as her dad. I worried if living with her parents in residence was the best thing for her, but she was onboard with the idea, and I was happy to see her every day and be a part of her university experience. One of my proudest memories is when I had the honour of hooding my daughter at her graduation.

Amy Daye

Garry’s daughter and Innis grad (HBA ’04)

Q: Your dad worked at Innis while you were completing your degree in visual studies there. Now your husband, Jason, works at the College. What has it been like having Innis as part of your life for so long?

A: I’ve had Innis as a part of my life since I can remember. I have fond memories of visiting my dad at work on campus when I was little. It evokes a lovely nostalgia. I am fortunate to have had the experience.

Obtaining my degree at Innis was just as much about family connection as it was about education for me. It wasn’t just my dad but also many past and present Innis employees who’ve made an impact on my life that I am thankful for.

My husband working there only extends that strong connection. I can see that connection continuing with our son, James, who attended daycare on campus, and has his name on a chair in Innis Town Hall.

Q: What was it like having your dad as dean of residence while you were living there?

A: As an Innis student, the staff aided me throughout my studies as they would any student, but I thought of Innis Residence as home and its students and staff as my neighbours. I never considered myself to be in “student residence.” I usually participated in extra-curricular student life outside of the College. That separation worked well for me and, fortunately, U of T is very big and offers plenty of experiences. I thought of myself as a commuter student who was lucky to have a very short commute. Sure, I sometimes wonder what it would have been like to live in residence in the typical sense, but I’m grateful I had the unique experience that I did.