TMU's Centre for Student Wellbeing named in honour of Nadir Mohamed
Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) has announced that its new Centre for Student Wellbeing will be named in honour of the late Nadir Mohamed, a respected Canadian business leader and longtime friend of the university
The Nadir Mohamed Centre for Student Wellbeing recognizes the legacy of Mohamed, former CEO of Rogers Communications (2009–2014), whose leadership and guidance helped shape TMU’s vision and trajectory as an innovative urban university.
Mohamed also served as an honorary member of TMU’s Board of Governors and as Chair of DMZ Ventures, mentoring students and supporting startups as they developed their ideas and careers.
The naming of the centre is made possible through a generous gift from his wife, Shabin Mohamed, matched by a close friend of the couple and long-time supporter of TMU.
The project reflects the couple’s shared commitment to education, health care, arts, culture and community development across Canada, causes they championed together over many years.
A shared commitment to student wellbeing
Shabin Mohamed, a founding member of The Image Centre’s advisory board at TMU, noted that the vision for the Centre for Student Wellbeing deeply resonated with her and would have meant a great deal to her late husband.
She emphasized that Nadir cherished his time at TMU, particularly his work helping students navigate their futures and supporting startups as they built their businesses.
TMU President and Vice-Chancellor Mohamed Lachemi praised Nadir and Shabin as longstanding friends and supporters of the university, highlighting their belief in education, innovation and leadership.
He described the new centre as a cornerstone for the campus community and a way to carry forward Nadir’s thoughtful, impactful leadership for future generations of students.
A new hub for health and support
The Nadir Mohamed Centre for Student Wellbeing will bring together under one roof a range of services currently spread across campus, creating a comprehensive hub for student health and wellness.
The building will house a medical clinic, counselling and academic support, as well as health promotion initiatives designed to strengthen student success and wellbeing.
Planned as an eight-storey tower, the centre will be built on a heritage property at the corner of Gould and Bond Streets on the TMU campus.
The project is led by Hariri Pontarini Architects, with Indigenous design support from Two-Row Architect and construction managed by Pomerleau, and the centre is scheduled to open in 2027.
Philanthropy and student leadership
Several lead donors are helping to bring the new centre to life, including gifts from Donette Chin-Loy Chang, Ed Clark, Jack Cockwell and Richard Rooney to support construction.
The RBC Foundation is providing key funding to expand programs for students with disabilities, strengthening accessibility and inclusive supports within the new facility.
TMU students themselves have been central to the project’s realization, having voted in 2022 to support a special fee that enables the centre’s development.
This combination of student leadership and community philanthropy underpins a project that aims to foster a lasting “spirit of caring” for the entire TMU community in honour of Nadir Mohamed’s legacy.
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