In all, close to 30 gifts of $1M or more launched the campaign with the support of thousands of donors. 

Avie Bennett, Chancellor Emeritus, recognizing the many unique talents of York students, made a leadership gift for undergraduate and graduate awards and scholarships to exist in perpetuity for the benefit of more than 30 students each year.

The dedicated, high-profile leaders who participated included campaign co-chairs William Hatanaka, Chairman and CEO of TD Waterhouse, and Timothy Price, Chair of Brookfield Asset Management.  A growing group of York alumni dubbed the ‘50 to the Power of 50’ team also were introduced as ambassadors for the campaign in the community.  Each team member uniquely demonstrates how York graduates are making a difference in the world around us.

Among the other gifts, the Honey and Barry Sherman family very generously made a $5 million commitment last night to be designated for the renovation and refurbishment of a building which will provide much-needed research space and create a state-of-the-art facility.

“The Sherman Family gift is very important. Enhancing our research facilities is vital, as research is the number one priority for York University,” said Dr. Stan Shapson, vice-president of research and innovation.

Professor John Tsotsos, Director of the world-renowned Centre for Vision Research, added: “This will allow York to retain and attract world-class researchers in the continuance of their leading-edge work.”

‘York to the Power of 50’ kicked off with a gala event at the BMW Toronto Centre last night with York Alumna and CTV news anchor, Sandie Rinaldo, hosting the evening’s festivities, which featured a variety of other York alumni.

Those performing included Juno-nominated crooner Matt Dusk, and Line 1 – choreographed by Emmy-winner Debra Brown of Cirque du Soleil fame – who combined a unique mix of music, dance and circus artistry into an amazing spectacle. 

York University is the leading interdisciplinary research and teaching university in Canada. York offers a modern, academic experience at the undergraduate and graduate level in Toronto, Canada’s most international city. The third largest university in the country, York is host to a dynamic academic community of 50,000 students and 7,000 faculty and staff, as well as 190,000 alumni worldwide. York’s 11 faculties and 23 research centres conduct ambitious, groundbreaking research that is interdisciplinary, cutting across traditional academic boundaries. This distinctive and collaborative approach is preparing students for the future and bringing fresh insights and solutions to real-world challenges. York University is an autonomous, not-for-profit corporation.

York University Foundation is dedicated to supporting York University’s academic and research mission. In 2002, the Foundation was established as an innovative model for educational fundraising in Canada.

Contact:

Alex Bilyk

Director, Media Relations

(416) 736-2100 ext. 55603

’50* to the Power of 50’ Team

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