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Women with York affiliations earn recognition as trailblazers

Group of women professionals posed boldly in office setting, stock image

Thirteen women with affiliations to York University are recognized as key figures in how the city of Toronto is shaped as part of the Myseum of Toronto’s latest project, The 52: Stories of Women Who Transformed Toronto.

The multi-year project celebrates the contributions of women to the city of Toronto in art, culture, politics, sports, technology, business and more, and debuted Sept. 23 during Nuit Blanche.

The work premiered as a participatory performance where the stories of the 52 women were brought to life through original monologues written by 24 playwrights. Participants had the opportunity to step into the shoes of one of the 52 women by reading excerpts from the monologues.

Among those honoured were six York alum, one former faculty member and six honorary degree recipients.

York University alum

Jill Andrew
Jill Andrew

Jillian Andrew (BA ‘01, ‘02, BEd ‘03, PhD ‘18) – MPP, Toronto-St. Paul’s
Jillian Andrew is the first Black and queer person elected to the Ontario legislature. She was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario as an Ontario New Democratic Party member of provincial parliament in 2018. Since elected to office, Andrew has hosted several initiatives in support of arts and culture, housing, education, health care, gender equity, environment and more.

Cheri DiNovo
Cheri DiNovo

Cheri DiNovo (BA ‘94) – United Church of Canada minister, activist and politician
Cheri DiNovo is an ordained United Church minister who performed Canada’s first legalized same-sex marriage. DiNovo is a member of the Order of Canada, recognized for her contributions to politics in Ontario and for her dedication to championing social justice. As the former member of provincial parliament for Parkdale–High Park in Ontario, DiNovo passed into law more pro-LGBTQ2+ legislation than anyone in Canadian history, including Toby’s Act, which added transgender rights to Ontario’s Human Rights Code.

Saadia Muzaffar
Saadia Muzaffar (image by Saadia Muzaffar)

Saadia Muzaffar (BA ‘01) – tech entrepreneur and author
Saadia Muzaffar is the founder of TechGirls Canada, a leading platform for women in science, technology, engineering and math in Canada. Additionally, she co-founded Tech Reset Canada, a collective of business leaders, technologists and other residents advocating for innovation that benefits the public good.

Rosemary Sadlier close-up portrait
Rosemary Sadlier

Rosemary Sadlier (BA ‘75) – social justice advocate, researcher and author
Rosemary Sadlier served as president of the Ontario Black History Society for 22 years. She played a key role in the national declaration of February as Black History Month. She also successfully secured Emancipation Day (now, Emancipation Month) commemorations municipally in 1994, provincially in 2008 and nationally in 2021. Sadlier is also known for her contributions to the development of the African-Canadian curriculum and books on African-Canadian history.

Judith Snow (MA ‘76) – independent living advocate, community organizer and disability justice activist
The late Judith Snow was the first Canadian to receive government-mandated individualized care funding for personal assistance. Her activism enabled an additional 600-plus people in Ontario to receive funding. In the 1970s, Snow founded the Centre for Special Services for Handicapped Students at York University – Canada’s first post-secondary learning support program.

Kathleen Taylor
Kathleen Taylor

Kathleen Taylor (JD ‘84, MBA ‘84, LLD ‘14) – Chair of the Board of Directors of Royal Bank of Canada/ business executive, York University’s 14th chancellor
Kathleen Taylor is a Canadian business leader who became Chair of Royal Bank’s Board of Directors in 2014, making her the first woman to lead a major Canadian bank. She was appointed as a director of the board in 2001 and as Chair from 2014 to 2023, helping to oversee a period of significant growth and international expansion for the bank. Prior to this role, Taylor was the president and chief executive officer of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, where she was instrumental in building Four Seasons’ global portfolio and international brand over almost 24 years with the company. 

Former faculty

Menaka Thakkar (DLitt ‘93) – dancer and choreographer
The late Menaka Thakkar was instrumental in Canada’s appreciation for Indian classical dance with her establishment of Canada’s first professional Indian dance company, Nrtyakala: The Canadian Academy of Indian Dance. An accomplished choreographer and dancer, she later founded the Menaka Thakkar Dance Company in Toronto, where she continued to train new generations of dancers. Thakkar taught in cities across Canada, in York University’s Department of Dance and at the National Ballet of Canada.

Honorary degree recipients

Roberta Bondar
Roberta Bondar

Roberta L. Bondar (DSc ‘92) – Canadian astronaut and neurologist
Roberta L. Bondar is Canada’s first female astronaut and neurologist in space. Following her space mission, she led an international space medicine research team, working with the National Aeronautics & Space Administration (NASA) for over a decade. In recognition of her contributions, she earned the NASA Space Flight Medal as well as induction into the International Women’s Forum Hall of Fame and the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame.

Adrienne Clarkson

Adrienne Clarkson (LLD ‘03) – governor general, journalist and author
Adrienne Clarkson, the Right Honourable 26th Governor General of Canada (1999-2005), was the first racialized person, the first individual of Asian heritage, and the first without a political or military background to be appointed to the vice-regal position. Prior to her appointment, Clarkson had an award-winning career in broadcast and print journalism as host and reporter of CBC’s “The Fifth Estate.”

Cathy Crowe
Cathy Crowe

Cathy Crowe (LLD ‘10) – nurse and health-care activist
Cathy Crowe is one of Canada’s first street nurses who dedicated her career to social justice with a focus on addressing homelessness. In 1998, she co-founded the Toronto Disaster Relief Committee, which declared homelessness a national disaster. In 2018, Crowe was honoured with the Order of Canada.

Karen Kain (LLD ‘79) – ballet dancer and artistic director
Karen Kain joined the National Ballet of Canada in 1969 at the age of 18 as a member of the Corps de Ballet and became one of its most celebrated principal dancers. Her talent was recognized internationally and earned her a reputation as one of the best classical dancers of her time. In 2005 she was appointed artistic director of the National Ballet, which she served as until 2021, making her the longest-serving artistic director since the National Ballet’s founder, Celia Franca.

Rosalie Silberman Abella
Rosalie Silberman Abella

Rosalie Silberman Abella (LLD ‘91) – Canadian Supreme Court justice
Rosalie Silberman Abella became Canada’s youngest judge with her appointment to the Ontario Family Court at the age of 29. In 2004 she made history again by becoming the first Jewish woman appointed to the Supreme Court of Canada. She is best known for her significant contributions to Canadian law such as developing the concept of “employment equity” and shaping the first decision made under the 1989 Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Min Sook Lee (MES ‘14) – filmmaker and activist
Min Sook Lee is an industry-recognized filmmaker and an associate professor at OCAD University who is an advocate for social justice through art and social change. She has directed numerous critically acclaimed works, including: Tiger Spirit; Hot Docs’ Best Canadian Feature winner, Hogtown; El Contrato; and the Canadian Screen Award-winning The Real Inglorious Bastards. As an academic, Lee’s area of research and practice focuses on the critical intersections of art and social change in labour, border politics, migration and social justice movements.

EUC Climate Seminar examines populist environmentalism

image shows a forest and stream

The next instalment of York University’s Faculty of Environmental & Urban Change (EUC) 2023-24 Climate Seminar, taking place on Oct. 19 from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. in 140 Health, Nursing & Environmental Studies Building, features geographer Kai Bosworth speaking about the role of populist environmentalism in contemporary struggles for climate justice.

Kai Bosworth
Kai Bosworth

Bosworth, an assistant professor of international studies at Virginia Commonwealth University, will present a talk titled “Pipeline Populism and the Climate Cycle of Struggles: 2010-2020,” which will describe the rise and demise of left-populist environmentalism as one tendency within the “cycle of struggles” over climate in the 2010s. This tendency, he says, can be found in Upper Midwest pipeline opposition movements, in moves towards mass mobilization such as the People’s Climate March, and in student and youth movements advocating for a Green New Deal.

Bosworth’s book, Pipeline Populism: Grassroots Environmentalism in the 21st Century (University of Minnesota Press, 2022), examines pipeline opposition movements in the central U.S. and the ways they have transformed the politics of climate justice. It argues that while a form of environmental populism challenges the climate movement’s history of elitism, it also remakes hierarchies of race, class and nation to compose its political subjects.

York University’s Faculty of Environmental & Urban Change is bringing climate crisis scholars and activists to the University on a regular basis through its Climate Seminar. All are welcome to attend, either in person or virtually via livestream. Those interested in attending can register at tinyurl.com/4zshzzw5.

Message to the community on the war in the Middle East

La version française suit la version anglaise. 

This past Sunday, the University sent out a tweet unequivocally denouncing the attacks against civilians in Israel. We are heartbroken by the loss of life and the escalation of violence in the region and our thoughts are with all those who are suffering in Israel and Palestine.

We have reached out to our students and student organizations that support Jewish and Palestinian students to offer assistance and we join the international community in its calls for a peaceful resolution.

We continue to closely follow the news of the escalating conflict in the region and the unfolding humanitarian crisis and are reaching out today to share information about available supports. We know that many members of our community have ties to the Middle East including family and friends living in the region. Your well-being is important to us and we encourage you to reach out for help using the links to resources below should you need them.  

Canada is home to large diaspora communities and we have seen how events surrounding armed international conflict can lead to division and inflammatory language. The University stands firmly behind the principles established in the President’s Initiative on Open and Respectful Dialogue. These principles underscore our commitment to free expression and to free association. But these freedoms are not absolute. Collectively, we are responsible for creating an inclusive and respectful environment where community members feel safe and welcomed without fear of intimidation or harassment. 

Well-being supports for students, faculty and staff: YorkU.ca/Well-being/Resources/.

Rhonda Lenton
President and Vice-Chancellor

Lisa Philipps
Provost & Vice-President Academic

Alice Pitt
Interim Vice-President, Equity, People & Culture

Message à la communauté au sujet de la guerre au Moyen-Orient

Dimanche dernier, l’Université a envoyé un gazouillis qui dénonçait sans équivoque les attaques contre des civils en Israël. Nous sommes bouleversés par les pertes humaines et l’escalade de la violence dans cette région et nos pensées vont à toutes les personnes qui souffrent en Israël et en Palestine.

Nous avons contacté la communauté étudiante et les organisations étudiantes qui appuient la population étudiante juive et palestinienne pour leur offrir notre assistance et nous nous associons à la communauté internationale pour appeler à une résolution pacifique.

Nous continuons à suivre de près l’évolution du conflit et la crise humanitaire qui en résulte et nous tenons aujourd’hui à vous faire part des ressources à votre disposition. Nous savons que de nombreux membres de notre communauté ont des liens avec le Moyen-Orient, y compris de la famille et des amis vivant dans la région. Votre bien-être est précieux et nous vous encourageons à demander de l’aide en utilisant les liens ci-dessous en cas de besoin.  

Le Canada héberge de grandes communautés de la diaspora et nous avons vu comment les événements accompagnant un conflit international armé peuvent entraîner des divisions et des propos virulents. L’Université adhère résolument aux principes établis dans L’initiative de la présidente pour un dialogue ouvert et respectueux. Ces principes appuient notre engagement envers la liberté d’expression et d’association. Toutefois, ces libertés ne sont pas absolues. Collectivement, nous sommes responsables de la création d’un environnement inclusif et respectueux où les membres de la communauté se sentent en sécurité et accueillis sans crainte d’intimidation ou de harcèlement. 

Ressources de bien-être pour les membres de la population étudiante, du corps professoral et du personnel : yorku.ca/well-being/resources.

Rhonda Lenton
Présidente et vice-chancelière

Lisa Philipps
Rectrice et vice-présidente aux affaires académiques

Alice Pitt
Vice-présidente intérimaire de l’équité, des personnes et de la culture

Spirit Day – sun, fun and a celebration of York pride

Students and Yeo in front of the York U letters in Vari Hall

York University students, staff, faculty members and course instructors were invited to partake in a day of celebration and festivities dedicated to York University’s community excellence during Spirit Day on Oct. 4. The event was held at both the Keele and Glendon campuses.

Participants were encouraged to exhibit their York U pride by wearing the University’s colours – red, white or blue. The day featured various activities, treats, and giveaways to commemorate and acknowledge the contributions of York community members who have consistently worked towards positive change.

Community members participated in a giant flag drone photo and community tree planting at both campuses, as well as bubble soccer, food pop-up shops, club fairs, photo booths, a community art mural, yoga sessions, pop-up games and more.

For information about Spirit Day, visit yorku.ca/events/spiritday. To view a video capturing the day’s events, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DNqnjn7cRzM.

View a gallery of photos from the celebration below.

YU Spirit Day (Oct 2023)-76

Greek Canadian Archives grows, goes digital

Greek Canadian Studies York U
Reg Towers, “Ethnic Groups : Greeks” (image: York University Libraries, Clara Thomas Archives & Special Collections, Toronto Telegram fonds, ASC08803

The Hellenic Heritage Foundation Greek Canadian Archives at York University (HHF GCA) is celebrating a series of significant milestones as part of its ongoing mission to preserve and promote the rich history of Greek Canada.

Thanks to the commitment of donors, partners and the community, the HHF GCA physical collection has seen significant growth over the past year. Hundreds of donated Greek books have been catalogued into the Hellenic Heritage and Michael Vitopoulos Collections within Omni, York Libraries’ search tool. Louise Curtis and Katrina Cohen-Palacios have also worked together to complete the arrangement and description of the George Papadatos fonds, begun by Anna St.Onge, which offers critical insight into the history of Toronto’s Greek community from the late 1960s through to the early 1980s. In addition, The HHF GCA’s new archivist, Maria Paraschos, has begun processing a donation from John Sotos, which features materials describing the activities of several Greek Canadian and Canadian ethnocultural organizations active from the 1980s to the present. The accessioning of these materials by the Clara Thomas Archives & Special Collections ensures that the memories and artifacts remain safeguarded for future generations.

In response to the increasing need for accessibility, the HHF GCA has also amplified its digitization efforts, digitizing dozens of recordings by George Thaniel, the Chair of the University of Toronto’s Modern Greek Program from 1971 to 1991. These cassettes contain discussions, lectures and performances from prominent 20th-century Greek voices. They cover a range of topics, from poetry to prose and theatre. The archives team is also digitizing a significant photo collection created by Dimitrios Mantalas at his Danforth Avenue photo studio, and a loan of photographs and textual records from former member of Parliament John Cannis, documenting his early life and political career. In the coming year, the team will begin digitizing footage from over 1,000 U-matic video cassettes filmed by Basil Avramis, documenting decades of community events in Toronto, and a collection of mini DV tapes and DVDs of community events and interviews donated by Trifon Haitas. These initiatives will make more of the HHF GCA’s rich historical resources available to a global audience of students and researchers.

Another notable change is the new HHF GCA digital portal, which provides access to a treasure trove of oral history interviews from three research projects: “Greeks in Canada: A Digital Public History,” “Childhood Narratives of Greek Canadians from the 1940s” and “Film as Mediator: Cultivating a Cypriot Canadian Community Audiovisual Media Archive.” In the coming years, the archives team will add to the repository of interviews, complementing them with digitized records, photographs, newspapers and recordings, and making it easier than ever to research Greek Canadian history.

With the help of the Hellenic Heritage Foundation, York University and many donors, the HHF GCA is rewriting the narrative of Greek-Canadian history by telling more nuanced stories of the community’s past and highlighting the many triumphs, blemishes and contradictions within it.

To watch the HHF GCA’s Fall 2023 update video, visit youtube.com/watch?v=ABw9ifkaNtE.

For more information about the Hellenic Heritage Foundation Greek Canadian Archives at York University, follow along on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn or X. To donate materials or explore the archive first-hand, contact Vasilis (Bill) Molos, director and research lead at the HHF GCA, at vmolos@yorku.ca.

Nominate a candidate for honorary degree at York

Dr. Denis Mukwege with York University President Rhonda Lenton and Chancellor Kathleen Taylor

The Senate Sub-Committee on Honorary Degrees and Ceremonials encourages members of the York University community to submit nominations for honorary degrees.

The awarding of honorary degrees is an important feature of Convocation at York University. By recognizing individuals whose achievements represent the values York cherishes, whose benefactions have strengthened the community and the institution, and whose public lives are deemed worthy of emulation, the act of awarding honorary degrees enriches Convocation for our graduands and guests.

A candidate for an honorary degree must meet one or more of the following general criteria:

  1. has eminence in their field;
  2. has demonstrated service to humankind, Canada, Ontario, York University or a particular community in a significant manner;
  3. has provided a significant benefaction to the University; and/or
  4. is someone whose public contributions to society are worthy of emulation.

To nominate a candidate, complete a nomination form and submit it along with two letters of support. The material is treated as confidential and should not be disclosed to the nominee.

Detailed guidelines on nomination requirements, process and answers to frequently asked questions can be found on the website. Questions about the requirements or process should be directed to Pamela Persaud at ppersaud@yorku.ca or Elaine MacRae at emacrae@yorku.ca. For reference, a list of honorary degree recipients is available on the website.

Completed nomination packages may be submitted electronically to ppersaud@yorku.ca or emacrae@yorku.ca.

Make a difference – join York’s DEDI Council

DEDI three diverse adults in conversations

York University is seeking members of the University community with an interest in decolonizing, equity, diversity and inclusion (DEDI) work. The DEDI Council is looking for those with diverse perspectives, experiences and talents.

This council provides advice for advancing York University’s DEDI initiatives, projects and practices, as well as oversight of the required actions from approved recommendations. The council enables and supports York students, faculty, instructors and staff to participate meaningfully in the planning and implementation of York’s DEDI Strategy, initiatives, projects and practices, with the goal of cultivating a diverse campus culture that is equitable and inclusive. The council will be guided by the principles set out in the DEDI Strategy. 

The application period for at-large representative positions is now open. The application period will close at noon on Friday, Oct. 20. Find the application here.

Key objectives of the council 

The council will:  

  • Receive annual updates on the progress of implementation of the DEDI Strategy and provide input and advice on the implementation.  
  • Monitor the external environment for emerging issues and promising practices on DEDI to provide advice to the University. 
  • Provide a forum in which members discuss DEDI challenges and identify opportunities to foster an integrated and collaborative approach to DEDI initiatives across the University. 
  • Receive advice and direction from the sub-committees of the council, which include RISE, Sex-Gen and Enable York.  
  • From time to time, connect with emerging communities of practice, such as gatherings of DEDI practitioners, affinity groups etc. 
Council membership composition 

The membership shall consist of no more than 25 members at any given time and will include no fewer than six faculty or instructors, six non-academic staff and four students, and will aim for representation from all campuses in the combined categories below.

Appointed members: members appointed by the vice-president equity, people and culture and/or the president, consisting of no more than 10 individuals, which may include, but is not limited to, appointments from any of the following: SexGen, RISE, Enable York, Indigenous Council, Black Inclusion Advisory Council, President’s Sustainability Council, appointments from the community at-large.

At-large representatives: through an open call for expressions of interest, at-large representatives will be selected by the vice-president equity, people and culture and a group of advisors, ensuring the selected representatives will be broad-based, and include members of the student body (both graduate and undergraduate), staff, instructors and faculty. A minimum of 12 and maximum of 14 members will be selected.  

Chair: ex-officio (vice-president equity, people and culture). 

Technical support: administrative and technical support for the council will be provided by the Office of the Vice-President Equity, People and Culture. 

Committee member competencies: 

The council is seeking members who can demonstrate some or all of the following competencies: 

Knowledge of decolonizing, equity, diversity and inclusion in the post-secondary sector, which includes the knowledge, skills and dispositions needed to create learning environments that foster equitable participation of all groups and that seek to address issues of accessibility, equity and inclusion, oppression, privilege and power. Individuals with this competency have a sense of their own agency and social responsibility that includes others, their community and the larger global context.  

Lived/living experience, including personal knowledge about the world gained through direct, first-hand involvement in everyday events as an individual who identifies as a member of at least one equity-deserving group as a part of their identity. 

Ability to cultivate a common vision, including the ability to engage with students, faculty, staff and administrators to understand their unique and complex needs and commit to working collaboratively with all levels of leadership to build policies and programs that advance DEDI and equity-mindedness. 

Institutional and political acumen, including an understanding of the University’s unique organizational and governance structures as well as its intersections with government, community and industry at all levels, which include law, policy and history; and an ability to respond effectively to sensitive situations, reconcile competing interests and build consensus around a policy and plan of action. 

Results-orientation, including the ability to demonstrate strong commitment to the development of practical and effective strategies, actions etc., and an ability to develop and articulate goals that unite people in the pursuit of objectives worthy of their best efforts.

Time commitment and tenure: 

Meetings are expected to be two hours in duration a minimum of two times per year, with an understanding that in the early years of the establishment of the council, the meeting frequency will likely be more. 

Ex-officio members shall hold their position for the duration of their appointment in that role. 

Students appointed to the council will serve either a one-year or two-year term, depending on their ability to make such a commitment. 

Employees appointed to the council will require acknowledgement and permission to serve on the council by their supervisor and will serve a two-year term. Two-year terms will be scheduled on a staggered basis to ensure overlap of council membership. The first year of the council’s existence will require some appointments to be either a one- or two-year term to support this staggered approach to membership. 

The website Terms of Reference for the Council can be found here. For more on York’s work in DEDI, visit yorku.ca/vpepc and yorku.ca/dedi-strategy.

Earn certificate in human rights, equity, diversity and inclusion

Equity, diversity, inclusion

The Centre for Human Rights, Equity & Inclusion (CHREI) at York University has announced its Fall 2023 workshop sessions on Rights, Equity, Diversity, Decolonization & Inclusion (REDDI), covering topics including accessibility, positive space and microaggressions.

Running from October to early December, the sessions are designed to further the goals of the York University Academic Plan (UAP) and the Decolonizing, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy by ensuring University community members are prepared to address systemic inequities within a positive learning environment, where everyone can learn from each other and leave the REDDI sessions with tools and strategies that can be applied in workplaces, classrooms and everyday life.

All sessions are open to current students, staff and faculty members. They will run for approximately 90 minutes and be offered virtually, to facilitate the attendance of participants on and off campus. Participants can partake in one or all of the core series workshops. Those who complete three sessions will receive a REDDI certificate.

The Fall 2023 REDDI schedule is:

October

Promoting Accessibilty and Responding to Accommodations
Oct. 16, 10 to 11:30 a.m.

Understanding and Accessing Family Status Accommodations
Oct. 18, 1 to 2:30 p.m.

Challenging Bias in Decision-Making and Approaches to Difference
Oct. 24, 10 to 11:30 a.m.

Employment Equity Principles Towards Inclusion
Oct. 30, 1 to 2:30 p.m.

November:

Demanteler le capacitisme : Briser les barrières a l’acces et l’inclusion (FR)
Nov. 1, 1 to 2:30 p.m.

Advancing Organization Change to Foster a Culture of Belonging
Nov. 6, 1 to 2:30 p.m.

Addressing and Responding to Sexual Harassment and Discrimination
Nov. 9, 10 to 11:30 a.m.

Creer et maintenir des espaces positifs (FR)
Nov. 28, 10 to 11:30 a.m.

Issues of Misogynoir
Nov. 30, 1 to 2:30 p.m.

December:

Challenging Notions of Ableism: Breaking Barriers to Social Inclusion
Dec. 4, 10 to 11:30 a.m.

Do the Work: Intervening on Sex and Gender Harassment and Discrimination
Dec. 5, 10 to 11:30 a.m.

Registration for the workshops is required and can be accessed through the YU Learn Learning Opportunities website.

York community expands learnings on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Indigenous

Members of the York University community gathered to recognize National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (Sept. 30), and attended events held at the Keele and Glendon campuses that encouraged reflection, learnings and unlearnings on the legacy of residential schools and the lasting impacts on Indigenous community members.

This year’s theme, “Engaging in a Reconciliation Journey: Learning Through Various Forms of Media,” was supported by a variety of events, including the screening of Indigenous films (which are still available to view online), guest speakers and Orange Shirt Day.

Many community members attended a hybrid speaker reflection event, where participants were offered a tobacco tie upon entering and were invited to offer it to the ceremonial fire afterwards at Skennen’kó:wa Gamig.

To learn more, including how to access resources, films, stories, Zoom backgrounds and event information, visit York’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation website. To see photos from the events, view the gallery below.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation at York University

Facility renaming honours long-serving Schulich dean

Dezsö J. Horváth Executive Learning Centre

On Sept. 28, York University’s Schulich School of Business hosted a milestone event celebrating the renaming of the school’s Executive Learning Centre in honour of Dean Emeritus Dezsö J. Horváth.

Dezsö J. Horváth
Dezsö J. Horváth

Horváth led the school for 32 years, making him the longest-serving dean of any major business school in the world. As dean, Horváth helped Schulich attain international prominence and renown. He transformed Schulich into a global business school and expanded its reach and influence around the world. He also spearheaded the development of innovative degrees and pioneering programs and helped make Schulich a world leader in the field of responsible business, among others.

The renaming of the Executive Learning Centre as the Dezsö J. Horváth Executive Learning Centre is the latest of many honours for the former dean. Other awards and recognitions he has received over the course of his career include being named International Dean of the Year in 2004 by the Academy of International Business in recognition of his “outstanding leadership in various aspects of internationalization” and being appointed to the Order of Canada in 2008 for his academic leadership and sustained commitment to business education.

“Serving as dean of the Schulich School of Business was the greatest accomplishment of my career – and also the most satisfying and enriching,” said Horváth in his keynote address. “Throughout my career, I was fortunate to be surrounded by incredibly talented and capable people. I had a strong faculty, tremendous advisory boards, a loyal and successful alumni network and, most of all, a dedicated and highly professional team of staff members.”

He concluded his remarks by addressing the members of the Schulich global community: “You cared about our school. You believed in what we were trying to achieve. And you made us successful. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

Current Schulich Dean Detlev Zwick presented Horváth with a plaque in recognition of the honorific naming, describing it as “a proclamation of the high esteem in which you are held by the Schulich and York communities and as a sign of the sincere gratitude we share for all that you have done.”

Schulich Dean Detlev Zwick presents Dean Emeritus Dezsö J. Horváth with a replica plaque in recognition of the honorific naming.

A number of leading members of the Schulich community attended the event and paid tribute to Horváth, including: Seymour Schulich, OC (Hon. LLD ’03), the school’s chief benefactor and one of Canada’s greatest entrepreneurs; Robert Krembil, CM (MBA ’71, Hon. LLD ’00), an individual synonymous with health-care research and philanthropy in Canada; Rob McEwen, CM (MBA ’78, Hon. LLD ‘05) and Cheryl McEwen (Hon. LLD ’19), benefactors of the school’s Rob and Cheryl McEwen Graduate Study & Research Building; Leslie Dan, CM, O Ont (Hon. LLD ’10), one of Canada’s leading entrepreneurs in the field of health and medicine; Bill Graham (MBA ’86), former president of Schulich’s Global Alumni Network; and Paul Tsaparis (MBA ’84), Chair of York University’s Board of Governors. Other prominent members of the Schulich community who attended the event include Rick Waugh, OC (MBA ’74, Hon. LLD ’07), former deputy Chair, president and chief executive officer of Scotiabank.

York University President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda L. Lenton, who was on business overseas, provided a special videotaped message, as did a number of other individuals who worked closely with Horváth, including: John Hunkin (MBA ’69, Hon. LLD ’04), former Chair of the Schulich Dean’s Advisory Council; G.M. Rao (Hon. LLD ’11), Chair of the School’s India Advisory Council; and, representing Schulich students from over the years, former Graduate Business Council President Kiki Oyerinde (IMBA ’20). Lisa Philipps, York University provost and vice-president, academic, gave a toast at a special private luncheon following the naming celebration.

One of the highlights of the naming ceremony was the announcement of the prestigious Dezsö J. Horváth Visionary Leadership Award, to be awarded annually to an entering Schulich MBA or Tech MBA student who demonstrates academic excellence, leadership and potential. The inaugural recipient of the award, Asma Afrin Hassan, a student in Schulich’s new Tech MBA program, was announced during the ceremony.

The building renaming was made possible thanks to the generous support provided by Seymour Schulich and the Schulich Foundation, Robert Krembil and the Krembil Foundation, Rob and Cheryl McEwen, and Leslie Dan, among others. Zwick and Tsaparis co-chaired the event. Marcia Annisette, professor of accounting at Schulich and York’s newly named vice-provost academic, served as the master of ceremonies.

The newly renamed Dezsö J. Horváth Executive Learning Centre first opened in 2003 and includes an 11-storey hotel, lecture halls, breakout rooms, a fireside lounge, a penthouse boardroom and an 80-seat private dining room.