The Schulich School of Business community has always taken pride in the world-class facilities in the Seymour Schulich Building and the school’s renowned faculty, but as Dean Dezsö J. Horváth explained at SchulichPalooza, there is much more. “Many know we have some of the brightest students and award-winning faculty, but not many know we also have outstanding performers,” he said while addressing the crowd at the charity talent show SchulichPalooza.
Some of the best Schulich had to offer showcased their talent in the McEwan Auditorium on Nov. 25 for the first ever SchulichPalooza in partnership with the York Cares United Way Campaign. All proceeds from the event went directly to United Way Toronto and York Region, which supports social services and provides community members the opportunities they need to improve their lives and build for a better future.
SchulichPalooza served as the wrap-up event for the active part of the York Cares Campaign. President and Vice-Chancellor, Mamdouh Shoukri spoke to the importance of community and the long-standing partnership between York University and the United Way.
“As civic institutions, we recognize the importance of working together to improve the lives of community members,” he said. “The York Cares Campaign is one example of how the York community steps up on behalf of the United Way.”
York Cares Leadership Chairs Osgoode Hall Law School Dean Lorne Sossin and VP Advancement Jeff O’Hagan were also present to share in the celebration. Sossin provided an overview of the three-week campaign and reported that York has raised $130,000 so far on behalf of the United Way. He encouraged all present to consider making a pledge donation to help us reach our goal of raising $220,000 to support the more than 200 organizations and initiatives that United Way makes possible.
The lunch event highlighted talent of faculty, staff and students. Professors Joe Fayt and Steven Freidman played three tunes, student group 196 Express performed One Love by Bob Marley and Happy by Pharrell Williams. Schulich’s Database and Information Assistant Tom Elmer performed with his five-piece Celtic band ScIrish. MBA Michael Martyn played two original songs from his albums.
Another big hit on the day was the raffle draw. More than $2,000 in prizes – such as a photography gift card, limo service, hotel accommodation and ski lift pass and restaurant certificates were awarded. The big winner of the day was York Laboratory Technologist Nick Balaskas. He won both the photography certificate and limo voucher. In the true spirit of the United Way, he plans to give back by taking his students on a field trip while videotaping the experience.
This year’s event generated a promise to continue building the inaugural United Way event for years to come. “It was an opportunity to bring together faculty, staff and students,” SchulichPalooza Co-host Susan Kimberley said, while “showcasing exceptional talent in recognition of a great cause.”
It is not too late to get your online pledge donation in. For more information on the York Cares United Way Campaign, visit http://alumniandfriends.yorku.ca/2015-united-way-campaign/ or email yucares@yorku.ca.