SVP Awards honour the Hazardous Construction Materials Group Manager, Irfan Miraj

A leader in his field, Miraj has been recognized for his expertise, communication skills, reliability and more.

Hazardous Construction Materials Group Manager Irfan Miraj has been awarded a 2025 Simcoe Hall  Vice-Presidential Staff award. Given annually since 2013, the SVP Staff Award recognizes staff in service of the President’s Office, the Division of the Vice-President & Provost, a Vice-Presidential Division, or the Office of the Governing Council who have made outstanding contributions to their division or the broader university.  

Miraj was “really, really proud and humbled” when he found out he had received the award, and quick to give kudos to his teammates Douglas Colby and Faiq Amir, saying “nothing is possible without their help.”  

The team is responsible for the safe, responsible and ministry compliant removal of hazardous materials from buildings on campus, which can include asbestos.  

Every year, Miraj and his team support more than 200 capital projects. His expertise, attention to detail and proactive approach are essential to project teams navigating strict schedules, budgets and complex health and safety requirements. 

“Irfan navigates high-pressure, high-profile and often emotionally charged situations with a sense of clarity and calm, inspiring his team to conduct themselves with similar professionalism, confidence and care,” says Chief Operating Officer, Property Services & Sustainability Ron Saporta. 

This care is felt by the myriad of groups Miraj works with across Facilities & Services, such as property management, trades and campus safety, to ensure safety protocols are followed and the environment is secure and safe for all building occupants. These groups know they can turn to Miraj for any questions and receive timely advice from an industry professional who sets the gold standard for operations.  

“We make sure that someone is available [to answer questions] every day and anytime,” says Miraj. “We welcome anyone anytime they need information or advice. That’s what we’re here for.”  

Miraj is a consummate record-keeper who developed and implemented the use of a digital database system shortly after he began at U of T in 2006. These room-by-room records, which include building asbestos surveys, help to facilitate the informed and thorough work his team does.  Armed with both current and historic data, the team ensures everything from minor maintenance to major construction is done safely. 

Congratulations to Miraj on this recognition. Saporta notes that “[his] contributions, and the lasting impression he leaves on his colleagues, speak to his unwavering commitment to excellence and community well-being.”