Hall of Fame
Jennifer Welsh
by Helen Hatton
Jennifer Welsh, Professional Home Economist, Registered Dietitian, Professor, Dean, prolific author, feminist, presenter and speaker, and businesswoman, is one fascinating woman! Clearly, Jennifer’s story would make a page-turning, best seller!
Jennifer was born in Montreal in 1947 but came to Toronto with her family at age 6. She attended the University of Toronto and obtained her B.Sc. in Nutrition and Textiles in 1969, followed by her M.Sc. in Nutrition in 1971. From 1986-1992 she did extensive research on her doctorate. Classmates said that Jennifer was a good student and knew in first year that she wanted to teach.
From 1971 to 2005 at Ryerson, Jennifer held increasingly responsible positions, beginning as Professor, School of Nutrition; then proceeding through Co-Chair of Home Economists Department; Chair, Department of Food, Nutrition, Consumer and Family Studies; Dean, Faculty of Community Services; Co-ordinator, Centre for Studies in Food Security; Director, School of Nutrition; to become the Adjunct Professor & Professor Emeritus, School of Nutrition. She said, "One of the best things I did was to go back to school in the '80s. I never did complete my doctorate, although I did do the coursework, archival research and interviews for a dissertation on the closure of the Faculty of Food Sciences, U of T. I think the university was justified in its decision, partly because the Faculty of Food Sciences became too narrowly focussed on the natural sciences, and did not attempt to keep the interdisciplinary strengths of the home economics or human ecology."
What changes has she seen in students? Jennifer said, "Lives are so different than even 20 years ago. Students are more mature; most are working or commuting, and 60% are doing other post secondary studies."
Since her undergraduate years, it was world and community nutrition that interested her. We now use the term "food security" and this has become the focus of her career - embracing issues of social justice, environmental sustainability, and an appreciation of food and eating as an expression of culture and belonging.
In 1990, she became the first Citizen Chair of the Toronto Food Policy Council, a mechanism to bring together representatives of various sectors and jurisdictions to address food security issues.
Jennifer has been an invited speaker many times on such subjects as world food problems and policies, world hunger, the future of the family and the future of Home Economics. As well, she has planned and participated in many important conferences and workshops and published dozens of papers.
That was the professional side: Jennifer's community service has included many volunteer positions utilizing her background.
And awards? Of course! They include the Mary A. Clarke Award from CHEA; the Professional Recognition Award, School of Nutrition, Consumer and Family Studies; and the OHEA Founder's Honour Award.
What about the personal Jennifer? Her title for this section is: Marriages and Other Life Transitions.
Jennifer put it this way:
"In 1966, I married George Welsh after first year of university. He was 25, I was 18, and we had dated since I was 15. Although we separated in 1972, we remain good friends.
"From 1972-77 was the building era of my life with Bob van der Linde, putting additions on our houses and cottages. In 1975, I had a tubal ligation, as I was certain I did not want to have children. The decision was right for me, but as I grow older, I feel loss about both the childhoodlessness (having married so early) and childlessness of my life.
"And…1977-1978: This was a sabbatical - from both Ryerson and marriages! I travelled extensively in Japan, SE Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and Tahiti, reasoning that I could be most effective in making any contribution to the world through working in countries I knew. I travelled alone, which was lonely, but I wrote long journals every day for reflection and "conversation with myself." This trip and two others in my 30s shaped my life enormously.
"There's more! 1978-85: I lived with and married Phil Rawkins. His daughter remains the daughter in my life with Rob Albritton, my current spouse. As a child, it was she who taught me about childhood and to love children, and I hope that someday I will be a grandmother.
"And now: 1985 - present: In 1985 I started to live with Rob Albritton whom I had met in 1973, but it took till 1985 for both Rob and me to be un-partnered at the same time. We married in 1987. I brought a dog and a daughter into Rob's life, and Rob has seen me through my time as Director and Dean at Ryerson, as well as my doctoral work and supporting me during my mother’s cancer illness and death. Rob cooked for 18 years, and now it's my turn… and it is not bringing me the joy that I hoped it would! That could be a book in its own right."
What next for Jennifer? In 2003 she started a business called Hestia Projects named after the goddess of the hearth. The name embraces the range of work that she wishes to undertake: writing, working on food security initiatives, and artistry in wood and textiles. She feels blessed with enough good health, retirement, and friends and family, to enjoy this next life stage.
Jennifer, for you there will always be a next life stage, and we all hope you will write that book, too! It will be a best seller, just like your life up to now.
Condensed from Original