York University’s Markham Centre Campus (MCC) will benefit from the support of Ernst & Young LLP (EY Canada) through a $50,000 gift that will support the Markham Capital Campaign and construction of the new, state-of-the-art facility.
The donation highlights EY’s support of higher education and aligns with its four pillars of corporate responsibility: equity, education, entrepreneurship and environment. EY is committed to helping young people gain better access to education so they can develop the transferable skills – like communication, critical thinking and complex problem-solving – needed to find and sustain meaningful work in a transformative age.
A joint contribution from EY Canada and one of its partners Tony Pampena, EY central market managing partner and York University alum, the donation also highlights the corporation’s investment in research and innovation.
“EY’s purpose is to build a better working world, and to do so we must look ahead to see what the future of work will look like,” says Jad Shimaly, EY Canada Chair and CEO, as well as the firm’s chief inclusiveness officer. “But we must also consider what it should look like, and how people, inclusive design, technology, innovation and education can help get us there.”
Galvanized by notable philanthropist and longtime York University supporter Chris Bratty and his enterprising leadership, commitment to the community and belief in the power of education, EY and Pampena were inspired to take even bolder steps to advance these causes.
“With pillars of the community like Chris leading the way, EY is proud to support the future of education and innovation at York University. We continue to use our experience, services and influence to help solve some of the world’s toughest challenges – and we want to share these skills and learnings with the next generation,” adds Pampena. “Although the next generation will face unprecedented challenges, there will also be opportunities that don’t exist yet. Now is the time for the people and organizations that support our next generation to think ahead and think differently.”
The new Markham Centre Campus, opening in 2023, will be the first public university campus in York Region and home to a community of changemakers. It will help fulfill future labour market demands and provide civic leadership by teaching future students the skills required for economic competitiveness and community development in Markham, York Region and across Ontario.