Lori Wells officially retired from her longstanding role as Financial Administrator at the Centre for Criminology and Sociolegal Studies on September 30, 2024, after decades of service.
She started working at U of T in 1986 at the U of T Press / Bookstores, and joined CrimSL 25 years ago.
Lori was an essential part of the centre, ensuring that financial operations ran smoothly and effectively. Her meticulous attention to detail and her expertise in financial processing played a vital role in supporting our programs, research initiatives, and daily functions. Lori’s commitment extended beyond her technical skills; she was a trusted member of our team who regularly offered guidance and support to her peers.
During the pandemic lockdown period, Lori was instrumental in navigating our financial processes during pivotal moments that propelled our centre’s expansion. Her efforts ensured the continued success and growth of our Centre, and her impact will be felt for years to come.
Lori will be greatly missed, both professionally and personally. We thank her for her many years of service and wish her all the best as she embarks on this exciting new chapter of her life. Please join me in congratulating Lori and wishing her a happy and fulfilling retirement!
- Professor Kamari Clarke, CrimSL Director
Touching the lives of many others at CrimSL
Through the years, Lori worked with many directors, librarians and administrative staff at CrimSL.
Past CrimSL directors
- Professor Emerita Rosemary Gartner said, "There are many things I remember about working with Lori. She created a positive and welcoming environment at the Centre, for students, faculty, staff, and guests. She maintained a cheerful demeanour even when faced with strange requests, frantic people, and rapidly approaching deadlines. When asked for assistance, Lori had a “can do” attitude towards all requests: from operating the copier or fixing the temperature in the offices to figuring out the budget for a grant proposal. She was a pleasure to work with!"
- Professor Emeritus Tony Doob (2 terms) said, "Thank you, Lori, for all that you did to make the centre a great place to work. We will miss you."
- Professor Jim Phillips said, "Very happy much-deserved retirement Lori. In all my time at the centre, including my two years as Director, you will always stand out as unfailingly efficient and good natured, the best kind of person to work with. With very best wishes."
- Professor Richard Ericson (now deceased)
- Professor Emerita Mariana Valverde said, "I knew Lori Wells as one of the pillars of the centre from the time I started teaching a single graduate course in the late 1980s. I valued Lori especially for her friendliness, genuine interest in people, and welcoming personality. She handled event coordination on top of her financial duties and was strongly committed to collective action. Lori, I hope you enjoy your retirement."
- Professor Kelly Hannah-Moffat, Vice-President, People Strategy, Equity and Culture, University of Toronto, said, "Thank you Lori for all the support and kindness over the years. I wish you a restful and fulfilling next phase of life."
- Professor Audrey Macklin
CrimSL librarians and administrative staff, past and current
- Tom Finlay, Head Librarian
- Andrea Shier, Head Librarian
- Danielle Van Wagner, Librarian
- Rita Donelan, Business Officer & Assistant to the Director
- Wilhelmina Peter, Business Officer & Assistant to the Director
- Zora Anaya, Business Officer & Assistant to the Director
- Monica Bristol, Graduate Administrator
- Jessica Chlebowski, Graduate Administrator (current)
- Silvia Cocola, Undergraduate Administrator, Woodsworth College
- Tanya Patel, Undergraduate Administrator, Woodsworth College
- Beatrix Doma, Undergraduate Administrator (current)
- Eunillyne Lazado, Administrative & Events Coordinator
- Pat Doherty, Communications & Events Coordinator (current)
Living life to the fullest and working hard
Lori's energy and drive have been a cornerstone of her personality since childhood, when she was a competitive figure skater and took part in divisional skating tournaments and skating shows.
Lori started working full-time at 19 years of age.
1981-1986
Her career started in 1981 with the Hudson Bay Company (HBC) at Yonge and Bloor. She was the Cash Office and Customer Service Supervisor. Lori supervised 15 staff. She and her staff oversaw/reconciled 150 cash registers daily and handled all customer service matters, as well as the Bay’s internal credit card customer payments.
1986-1992
Lori left the HBC in summer 1986 to join the University of Toronto, U of T Press / Bookstores at 214 College Street. Alfred Cheng, the comptroller who hired her, told Lori that she was the youngest manager ever hired there. She was 24 years old. She worked there for six years as the Cash Office, Cashiers, and Customer Service Manager. Her staff ranged from 20 to 50 people.
1992-1999
Lori left the university in April 1992, ten months after giving birth to her son, Brandon.
1999-2007
Lori returned to the university in February 1999 to take on a 60% FTE position as Financial Administrator at CrimSL. To ramp up to 100% employment, she also filled in for other university business officers who were on leave, mostly at Museum Studies and OISE. At one point, Lori juggled three jobs each day: CrimSL, OISE, and the LCBO in the evening.
She says of that time, "Boy! I was a busy bee back then. A day in the life of a single parent!"
2007-2024
In July 2007 Lori's position at CrimSL was increased from 60% to 100% staff appointed.
2024 and beyond: retirement
When asked about her plans, Lori says, "Getting back to nature will play a big part in my retirement plans. Sitting on a beach watching the waves hit the shoreline while viewing stunning sunsets will be a regular part of my retirement."
Reflecting on her years at CrimSL
I will always remember and cherish the lifelong friendships I made and the opportunities I had to grow in my career and be a part of the CrimSL team.
It's been a privilege to work with the CrimSL administrators, faculty and students, and I'm forever grateful for all the support and guidance provided me over the years.
As I prepare to embark on a new journey, I want to express my deepest gratitude to my fantastic colleagues at the Centre for Criminology & Sociolegal Studies and my numerous contacts throughout the university community. Your guidance, encouragement, and friendship have meant the world to me.
- Lori Wells