The University of Guelph community gathered virtually for an online farewell for president Franco Vaccarino, whose six-year term as president ends this summer.

The farewell was held in a 30-minute video livestream, emceed by Malcolm Campbell, vice-president (research). It can be watched on YouTube, below.

The event included personal stories and remarks about Vaccarino from local politicians, alumni and colleagues, and Vaccarino himself offered a farewell message to the community.

U of G community members are  invited to post personalized messages, videos or photos through an online Kudoboard guestbook, which will be accessible until Aug. 20.

Vaccarino is the University’s eighth president. In honour of his contributions, U of G’s student wellness centre will be renamed as the Vaccarino Centre for Student Wellness and a newly established Franco J. Vaccarino President’s Scholarship will be awarded each year to a top international student.

An internationally recognized neuroscientist, Vaccarino will return to his research and scholarly interests, including continuing to serve as a faculty member in U of G’s Department of Psychology.