Ontario public servant receives a York award

York alumnus Rocco Fasano (BA Spec. Hons. ’02) is the recipient of the 2010 Alumni Recognition Award from York’s School of Public Policy & Administration. The award recognizes Fasano for his role as a mentor to students and new professionals.

Left: Rocco Fasano

As the award recipient, Fasano will be officially honoured during the graduation dinner for the Master of Public Policy, Administration & Law Program in October. He will also deliver a short speech to the graduating class at that time.

An alumnus of the undergraduate Public Policy & Administration (PPA) Program, Fasano has remained committed to furthering the interests of students. He has facilitated networking opportunities and acted as a resource and mentor for students and young professionals in the Ontario public service. His connection to York remains strong and he returns to the University regularly to deliver lectures for students. He is the co-founder of the Organization of Public Policy & Administration Alumni, the PPA Program’s alumni group. He is currently serving as the group’s vice-president.

Immediately after completing his education at York University, Fasano was offered a job at the Ministry of Education. After a two-year stay he moved to the Ministry of Health & Long-Term Care, in a position he obtained through a professional contact he made during the PPA Program’s summer internship. Since then, Fasano has held roles of increasing responsibility within the ministry and is currently a senior investment consultant in the Investment Planning & Management Branch.