50 to the Power of 50 group begins countdown to University’s anniversary
TORONTO, March 26, 2008 -- Fifty of York University's most accomplished alumni kicked off a year-long countdown to the university's 50th anniversary today with a unique speed-mentoring event for current York students.
“As we look toward our 50th anniversary, York has a proud legacy that is best represented in those who have studied and graduated from our university,” said Mamdouh Shoukri, York University president and vice-chancellor. “Today’s event allows current students to benefit from the experience of those who have gone before them.”
The 50 ambassadors for the University’s York to the Power of 50 fundraising and anniversary campaigns were named today. The 50 to the Power of 50* group members are all York Alumni and leaders in their chosen professions, including: actor Rachel McAdams; Scotiabank President and CEO Rick Waugh; former Ontario Lieutenant Governor Lincoln Alexander; astronaut Steve MacLean; author and Rhodes Scholar Irvin Studin; singer Matt Dusk; radio co-host Barbara Budd; and Sandra Levy, a two-time Olympic team member.
"I am delighted and honoured to chair York’s 50 to the Power of 50 group,” said Ivan Fecan, president and CEO, CTVglobemedia and CEO of CTV Inc. “This is a group of highly-successful, innovative role models who exemplify diversity in personal experience and the outstanding achievements that are possible with a York University education.”
As part of the festivities, various York students will be given a unique and valuable opportunity to participate in a series of five-minute mentoring sessions with select members of the 50 to the Power of 50 group to seek academic, career and professional advice.
York to the Power of 50 is the largest fundraising campaign in York University's history, with a goal of raising $200 million to support York's vision of becoming a leading international centre for interdisciplinary research and teaching.
“The support for York to the Power of 50 has been outstanding,” said Paul Marcus, president and CEO of York University Foundation. “I am pleased to announce that as of today a total of $150 million, three-quarters of the way toward our campaign goal, has been pledged. With the encouragement of the 50 to the Power of 50 group, I am confident that we will reach our goal.”
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 200,000 alumni worldwide. York’s 11 faculties and 24 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.
- 30 -
Contact:
Keith Marnoch
Media Relations, York University
(416) 736-2100 ext 22091
