The Arts, Media & Entertainment Management program at York University’s Schulich School of Business recently celebrated its 50th anniversary with a gala reception dinner that included tours and toasts, tributes to the founders, reunions and other celebrations.
Dean Dezsö Horváth, who was lauded for his continuing support for the program, noted in his remarks that “Schulich’s very first MBA specialization remains unique, drawing students from around the world who come to Schulich solely because of the program’s world-renowned status.”
Program Director Joyce Zemans received a standing ovation in tribute to her leadership over 25 years. In her remarks, she reflected on the program’s evolution.
“It is especially momentous that we have so many people here tonight who were instrumental in the founding of the program,” she said.
These guests included Don Rickerd, Jim Fleck and Paul Schafer, who would become the program’s second director, establishing its core curriculum including the policy course that remains a central element in the program.
Founding Director Brian Dixon was represented by a video interview with alumna Tricia Baldwin (MBA ’86). Zemans also paid tribute to the late Joe Green, who played a key role in founding the program and, as its director (1981-94), expanded the program to formally include the media industries.
Zemans observed that, for the past 50 years, the program’s alumni have assumed leadership roles across Canada and internationally, in the U.S., the U.K., Australia, France, Switzerland, the United Arab Emirates, China and Latin America.
Master of ceremonies Frank Paul (MBA ’17), communications and strategy manager of the Toronto Entertainment District, welcomed guests. Speakers at the event included Bill Poole (MBA ’73), recently retired after an illustrious career in arts management and education, and Kim Gaynor (MBA ’89), general director of the Vancouver Opera.
More than 150 alumni, past and present faculty, advisers and students celebrated the pioneering program and its achievements. The evening was generously sponsored by Bell Media, 9 Story Media Group and Invesco Canada.