On May 20, 2010, the John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and
Design at the University of Toronto honoured Komala Prabhakar,
Registrar and Assistant Dean (Administration) for her 42 years of dedicated
service at a reception held at the Great Hall, Hart House. The retirement
celebration included remarks from six former deans, current dean Richard M.
Sommer, administrative staff, and students. University of Toronto President Dr.
David Naylor also graced the occasion.

Komala was presented with certificates from the Ontario Association of
Architects, the Ontario Association of Landscape Architects, and the Toronto
Society of Architects in honor of her contributions to the professions.

Komala also received acknowledgement from Ms. Bonnie Crombie, Liberal MP for
Mississauga-Streetsville, where Komala resides, for her ongoing community
service and involvement as an integral member of the Indian community. 

Since 1968, Komala has provided unfailing support to the Daniels Faculty and
its students. Dean Sommer commenced the proceedings by relating that when he
began his term as dean in July 2009 he was informed that “one good thing is that
you have Komala, but the bad part is that she is retiring this year.” Former
Dean Anthony Eardley spoke about Komala’s humanitarian efforts: “[She] was the
one person on whom I could call for unfailing, unbiased and selfless support.”
Former Dean Blanche van Ginkel spoke of Komala’s role as a senior administrative
officer during the many changes the Faculty has undergone: “There must be very
few administrative employees at U of T who have had so demanding an experience,
requiring knowledge, resourcefulness and wit, and above all, dedication.” All of
the former deans recalled Komala’s countless hours and dedication to the
Faculty, her ability to always find a creative solution to any problem, and her
commitment to the Faculty particularly throughout its more challenging
times.

The administrative staff thanked Komala for her unwavering guidance, her
uplifting attitude, and her encouragement to believe in themselves and to
achieve their personal goals.

Over the years Komala has provided support and counselling to countless
students, even extending personal financial resources in exceptional
circumstances. She has gone out of her way to assist international students
adapt to the culture and environment, providing food and collecting winter
clothing for those who were in need. She has always made herself available to
all students, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Professor Brigitte Shim stated, “Komala Prabhakar is a citizen of many
communities. Our school community, our University of Toronto community as well
as the larger multicultural community of Toronto have been the beneficiaries of
her exemplary leadership. Her long-standing commitment to and belief in the
importance of leading by example and her tireless investment in community
building has earned her the admiration and respect of decades of University of
Toronto students, staff, faculty, senior administrators, alumni and colleagues
alike."

In recognition of Komala Prabhakar’s considerable service and commitment to
the Daniels Faculty and the positive impact she has had on Daniels students,
alumni and successive generations of architects and designers in the community,
the Faculty has established The Komala Prabhakar Scholarship. The scholarship,
when fully funded and endowed, will serve as a continuing tribute to Komala’s
service to the University of Toronto and in particular, to the student-centred
approach she has created within the Daniels Faculty.

For information about the Komala Prabhakar Scholarship please visit:  /news/faculty_notices/2010/04/5559