The Avie Bennett Chair in Canadian Literature ensures that U of T will always have a distinguished and dynamic scholar able to teach students about Canadian identity and experience through the lens of the country’s greatest works of fiction
Avie Bennett's philanthropic contributions extended well beyond the establishment of the chair. His support for U of T Libraries, including a key contribution to the creation of U of T Mississauga’s Hazel McCallion Academic Learning Centre in 2006, underscored his dedication to advancing education and providing state-of-the-art resources for academic excellence.
Current Chair:
Smaro Kamboureli, Professor and inaugural Avie Bennett Chair in Canadian Literature since 2013, brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the Department of English at the University of Toronto. As the current occupant, Professor Kamboureli continues the legacy of the chair by contributing to the exploration of Canadian literature and its significance in shaping our understanding of culture and identity.
Literature Matters:
Explore the depth and impact of Canadian literature through the The Avie Bennett Chair in Canadian Literature's annual lecture series, "Literature Matters." This platform invites esteemed Canadian authors to share their insights on the value of literature and provide a glimpse into their creative process. Join us each year for thought-provoking discussions that illuminate the significance of literature in our cultural landscape.
The 2024 Avie Bennett Literature Matters Lecture: Eden Robinson & Joshua Whitehead: March 14.