When it was time for Carol Cowan-Levine C.M. (BA ’67) to choose where to study, enrolling at Glendon College felt natural. Drawn to the smaller campus and sense of security, it was this supportive environment that became the foundation for a dedicated career in giving back and creating meaningful change.   

“I think what made Glendon quite distinct for me was not only how it lent gradual exposure to new ways of thinking and seeing the bigger world but that in my selection of the study of French and French literature speaking an additional language allowed me to work and be employed in Africa,” says Carol. 

Thanks to her knowledge of French, Carol was hired to travel to Tanzania to provide support in the formation of a Francophone community by teaching French at a high school in Dar es Salaam – an experience that would deepen her appreciation for new cultures and strengthen her commitment to serving diverse communities.  

 â€œThe additional language was a phenomenal bridge that allowed me to appreciate other countries, other communities and other cultures, to give back and contribute to making a difference,” she says. 

But it would be Carol’s transformative leadership and contributions in social work, psychotherapy, and healthcare advocacy that would leave a lasting impact on healthcare institutions and the non-profit sector in Ontario.  

That impact is reflected in her role in the establishment of the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) where she also served as the College’s president, supporting its mandate to protect the public interest, guide professional ethics and accountability and uphold standards of practice.   

“I always believed in professional accountability,” says Carol. “I think one of my skills was to be able to bring people together and just create conversation. We had representation from various communities including Indigenous Peoples.”  

As a Registered Psychotherapist, social worker and volunteer, Carol has also supported children, women and families through her private practice and as a volunteer for numerous healthcare boards and advisory committees.    

“That curiosity about mental health and how our minds are part of our health and welfare began when I worked at The Hospital for Sick Children,” says Carol. “That shaped giving back to the various boards of directors I’ve been asked to serve on. We can all contribute in a myriad of different ways, and it is our duty to contribute to the greater good.” 

Among Carol’s contributions included her work at the Child Development Institute where she helped the agency transform from a daycare to a treatment centre for children, youth and families. She was also instrumental in the development of the Women’s College Hospital Foundation and helped re-establish the hospital as a separate entity following its attempted merger with Sunnybrook.  

Carol attributes her empathy and understanding towards the communities she supports  to the experiences and challenges she’s encountered in her personal life. 

“The other things that have shaped my career are really the tragedies within my own life that have helped me appreciate those circumstances when others also go through them,” says Carol. “The loss of a child after surgery and parents who died three months apart when I was young, I think that although difficult at times to share, they’ve been profoundly influential in my acceptance of others’ limitations.” 

While Carol’s contributions and impact have been recognized with her appointment to the Order of Canada in 2024, she considers her greatest accomplishments the smaller ones. 

“If there would be one Tanzanian who would remember my contribution, I would feel that was equally as big an accomplishment,” says Carol. 

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Charmaine retired in September of 2014 and set herself up to do some independent consulting and advising for people looking for the appropriate schools internationally, and she continued to do that for another year.

Charmaine has served on the żìČ„ÊÓÆ” Retiree's Association (YURA) Executive Committee for seven years, six of which she was the Co-President, Non-Academic. She says it has been a great pleasure to serve on the Executive Committee and she will continue as to do so as the Immediate Past President, ex-officio. Charmaine has been a regular volunteer in the YURA office, has coordinated YURA membership processing, and has been the impetus for endowing YURA's three graduate student awards.

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Growing up, Asha James (BFA ’18) always had a deep interest in the arts, but it wasn’t until she joined musicals in high school that she would discover that the stage was where she felt most at home. As Asha entered the acting industry, she was determined to find stories and cast members that reflected her community. It was this desire that would lead her to land a role in Obsidian Theatre’s FLEX, a project that would shape her career. 

“I did a general audition for Obsidian before FLEX and they asked me what I was interested in, and I said I really want to work with Black people on a Black show,” says Asha. “Being able to book that and work on a Black show with an all-Black cast of amazing human beings was just such a great experience for me.” 

Taking on this role would mark a pivotal moment in Asha’s career as it would lead to winning her first Dora award, Canada’s most prestigious celebration of excellence on Toronto stages. 

“I had a summer gig when I was at York as a waterfront singing ambassador and we were invited to sing outside of the Doras,” says Asha. “So, to go from that to now being inside the Doras and winning an award for FLEX, which meant so much to me, was definitely the height of my career,” says Asha. 

However, it was Asha’s role as a swing for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at Mirvish Theatre where she truly gained insight into the theatre world.   

“You don’t just go up on stage and do something. There are so many different elements and pieces involved. Getting to experience that has been great,” says Asha. “I know a bit more on what is going on in theatre in terms of politics, management and a sense of everything the theatre includes.” 

Asha credits her time at York for building the foundation and providing the tools to prepare her for a career in the performing arts. 

“York really helped put down a good foundation for me,” says Asha. â€œIt helped me learn how to break down a script, giving me tools for that and tips for the actual acting element.”  

She also recognizes the female instructors she worked with at the School of the Arts, Media, Performance and Design for helping her hone her craft and refine her skills as an actor.  

“I have a deep appreciation for the female instructors that I had, specifically Erika Batdorf [Associate Professor, Theatre],” says Asha. â€œI did her workshop, which really helped me as an actor, just finding another layer of depth in my performances and being able to tap into different states.” 

Reflecting on her purpose as an actor, Asha explains what she hopes the audience takes away from her work. 

“I want people that see my work to feel connected to my character in some way,” says Asha. â€œI want to leave them walking away feeling something and feeling like that was real, I could connect with that, or I see someone in that.” 

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“Coming from Zimbabwe, a lot of things were fast-paced and changing for me,” says Dr. Chimbganda. “I wasn’t sure where to start, there weren’t many resources for support, or a community to help me. I did a lot on my own, made lots of mistakes, and there was a lot of social isolation and rejection which took a mental toll.” 

Dr. Chimbganda sought to help open doors for Black youth who were often disadvantaged when it came to pathways that were available to them. In 2019, she founded Future Black Female (FBF), an organization with a focus on Black girls and young women aged 16-22. Future Black Female’s main pillars of support are financial literacy, economic security, mental health, education, and career pathways.  

“There were so many barriers as a Black woman and as an immigrant with an accent, it was hard,” says Dr. Chimbganda. “Hearing similar stories from a lot of people, I decided to start this organization to fill in the gaps that girls and women face.” 

Dr. Chimbganda’s goal is that FBF provides a resource that young girls and women can rely on for support at a time in their lives when they need support the most. 

“Our organization works to lay firm foundations for young people so that 10 years from now their trajectory is more successful and grounded,” says Dr. Chimbganda. “We chose to support girls and young women because your teenage years and early adulthood are such an important time for people because they are approaching big milestones in their education, social lives and careers.” 

FBF programming covers many key topics for young Black females, including gender-based violence, financial literacy, and networking opportunities. 

 â€œWe recruit youth of all genders that get trained to be peer facilitators helping identify gender-based violence and how to access care and support,” says Dr. Chimganda. “The work we do for financial literacy is based in the Niagara region, supporting all youth, covering topics such as budgeting, credit scores, and planning for retirement.” 

An important upcoming campaign for FBF is their Brick-by-Brick Capital Campaign, fundraising for a community space in the Niagara region where youth can learn important skills for their future, gain access to resources, and create pathways for employment and entrepreneurship. 

“Our youth have been talking about an after-school space for themselves,” says Dr. Chimbganda. “I have encountered Black youth with no laptops, internet, and other crucial resources for their schooling. It’s small details like that that many people don’t think about. This campaign helps cover some of those digital equity gaps. Food security is also a key need for Black youth locally, so this space is also very important for addressing this need.” 

With the growth that FBF has made in only a few years, Dr. Chimbganda can feel the positive change she has driven in the community and has received an important piece of feedback that hits close to home. 

“Whenever I encounter other Black women who have become successful in life, they always say ‘I wish there was a Future Black Female when I was a younger,’” says Dr. Chimganda. â€œThat puts into perspective the importance of the work we are doing.” 

To learn more about Future Black Female, visit:  

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DesaraĂ© Dee (BFA ’12) is a Canadian fusion artist, pianist, composer, producer, and educator whose work centres on instrumental and genre-blending music that explores emotion, spirituality, and storytelling. Like many alumni, Desaraé’s career path was not a straightforward one, and she credits żìČ„ÊÓÆ” as a key influence in becoming the successful, award-winning instrumentalist she is today.

“York felt expansive. It was full of people coming from different backgrounds and perspectives,” says DesaraĂ©. “I was constantly learning, not just in the classroom, but through conversations, performances, and community. It was a time of growth where I was figuring out who I was as both a musician and a person.”

DesaraĂ© was always drawn to the world of music. During her high school years, she spent countless hours in the music room while others gathered to listen to her. It was when she attended Professor Karen Burke’s class at York that she opened the door to the world of gospel music at an academic level, and found a space of belonging.

When reflecting on her journey, DesaraĂ© notes that she was often the only Black girl in ensembles, and music became both her refuge and voice. One of the most important lessons she learned at York was to trust her own voice. Being surrounded by so many different approaches to art taught her that there isn’t just one “right” way to be an artist.

“York encouraged exploration and that helped me understand that my individuality wasn’t something to minimize, it was something to lean into, and to understand music not just as performance, but as culture and communication. Those skills became essential later when I began navigating the industry on my own and building systems outside traditional pathways.”

In 2022, Desaraé created #4ChordWorship, a worship series that blends gospel, jazz and fusion harmonies in a 4-chord progression format. The series went viral on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube, amassing over 4.5 million views worldwide.

“Since 2023, I have been touring with a jazz and hip-hop collective called Super Duty Tough Work. I received the SiriusXM Black Canadian Music Award in 2022 from the SOCAN Foundation, became a GRAMMY Recording Academy voting member in 2024 and in 2025 I became a GRAMMY-considered artist with my 10-year anniversary debut instrumental fusion album, Adventure: The Album, marking a major milestone in my journey.”

Desaraé currently serves as a music director and music accompanist for the University of Toronto Faculty of Music Gospel Choir and is an occasional teacher with the Toronto District School Board. She also acts as a mentor with Women in Music Canada and the Marigold Music Program, as well as a GRAMMY U mentor for the 2025-2026 year, where she cultivates the careers of rising music industry professionals.

Desaraé’s music lives outside mainstream categories, making traditional industry access challenging and compelling her to build her own lane through digital platforms and direct audience engagement.

“The most challenging part has been navigating systems that weren’t designed with artists like me in mind. But those challenges have become one of my greatest strengths”, she explains.

As she continues building her career, Desaraé’s goal is not just personal success but systemic change, creating pathways and infrastructure for future artists.

“Owning the responsibility that comes with being a changemaker is meaningful because it reflects both where I’ve been and where I’m going. Trust your voice, be consistent and don’t rush your process,” says DesaraĂ©. “You don’t have to fit into someone else’s definition of success. Stay curious and create your own opportunities if the door doesn’t open right away.”

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As you embark on a new year filled with possibilities, consider prioritizing resolutions that ensure lasting financial security and peace of mind for you and your loved ones. Take these proactive steps in wealth and estate planning to safeguard your legacy and make certain that your wishes are honoured: 

Make a Will or Update your Current Will 

Assets: Provide a comprehensive inventory of your assets, including real estate, investments, and personal property. 

Beneficiaries: Clearly outline who will inherit your assets, as well as the proportionate share of your overall Estate. If you have family heirlooms or items of sentimental nature, consider whether to write these into your will, or have a separate letter of wishes for personal effects. 

Children, Pets & Guardians: The birth of a child, in particular a first child or grandchild, likely warrants a new will.  For parents of minor children, and pet owners, appoint guardians who will provide care and support in your absence. Also consider setting up a trust to hold any interest in the Estate for such child or children until they reach an appropriate age. 

Marital status change: Marriage, separation and divorce, as well as beginning or ending a common law relationship, are also important reasons to revisit your will. 

Executor: Choose a reliable and appropriate executor and name an alternate executor to oversee the distribution of your assets in accordance with your wishes. Make sure your executor knows where to find your will and assets. 

Charitable Donations: If philanthropy is close to your heart, include provisions for charitable donations in your will.

Powers of Attorney

POA for Personal Care: Appoint an individual responsible for making determinations regarding your healthcare, nutrition, living arrangements, clothing, hygiene, and safety in the event you lack the capacity to make these decisions independently. 

POA for Property: Appoint an individual to manage your financial affairs, covering everything from bill payments and managing debt to handling investments and property transactions in the event you lack the capacity to make these decisions independently.  

Managing Assets Outside of your Will (Not Included in your Estate)

Life Insurance: Review and update life insurance policies to align with your current financial situation and protect your loved ones. Designate beneficiaries to ensure the life insurance proceeds can be distributed without the need for Probate. 

TFSA and RRSPs: Strategically manage Tax-Free Savings Accounts (TFSAs) and Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSPs) to maximize tax advantages and review the designated beneficiaries.  

Joint Accounts: With a joint bank account comes the right of survivorship. This means that when one of the account owners passes away, the surviving owner will take full ownership of the account. In theory, the bank account will not form part of the deceased’s estate since the surviving owner has full legal title to the account through the right of survivorship.  

Joint Tenancy: A joint tenancy creates a right of survivorship, which means that if one party dies, their interest is automatically transferred to the surviving tenant(s). 

If you have more than one adult child, and only name one of them jointly on your accounts or other assets like properties, be mindful of how this may impact the distribution of your estate and its potential consequences on family dynamics. If you are a business owner, own multiple properties, or if you are in a second marriage with children from previous marriages, speak to a Wills & Estates Law professional who will help guide you with your specific needs. By taking these proactive steps and deliberate measures, you can be confident that your loved ones will be well-provided for in the future. 

Kelli Preston graduated from Osgoode Hall with an L.L.B. in 2002. Kelli is currently a partner at Devry Smith Frank LLP (DSF) and manages the Whitby and Haliburton offices. Kelli’s litigation practice areas include, real estate and mortgage, estate litigation, bankruptcy, securities litigation, professional negligence, and general corporate/commercial litigation. She also assists her clients with residential and commercial real estate, mortgage refinancing, wills and estate planning, franchising, and corporate matters.

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When asked what inspired him to leave a future legacy gift for żìČ„ÊÓÆ”, Tyler Ward (BA ’10, MA ’19) explains, “It’s not about leaving a legacy, it’s about enriching future generations. For me, it’s not just something to do, but it’s a personal mission.”

That mission was shaped early in life through his exposure to the realities of inequity in under‑resourced communities and among populations facing systemic barriers. Tyler’s father was a high school teacher, and his mother was a public health nurse. For as long as he can remember, dinner table conversations centered on social justice, poverty, and inequity.

Tyler’s first foray into social justice advocacy came in high school. At 16, he began working in tobacco control with an emphasis on educating youth on the practices the tobacco industry uses to addict young people.

With a fire in his belly for systems change, Tyler began his post-secondary career. He initially enrolled at the University of Toronto but soon transferred to żìČ„ÊÓÆ”. For Tyler, it was love at first sight. York’s deep connection to social justice, in both its culture and curriculum, and its intersectional approach to health equity resonated deeply with him, and he immersed himself into the social determinants of health and health policy. It was also York’s diverse student and faculty community that drew him in.

During his undergrad, Tyler studied under Prof. Dennis Raphael, a professor of Health Policy and Management who he credits with introducing him to courses such as Social Determinants of Health and Poverty and Inequality. Tyler returned to York for a master’s degree under Prof. Raphael’s supervision and the two developed a long-lasting working relationship that spanned over a decade.

After completing his time at York, Tyler pursued a law degree. Throughout his career, he has dedicated himself to professional roles that inform public health policy, sustainability and community engagement. Today, Tyler and his wife support dozens of charities in their wills and life insurance, including Daily Bread, Sunnybrook Hospital, Indspire, and, of course, żìČ„ÊÓÆ”. He emphasizes that philanthropy is not just for the wealthy, and hopes his gift inspires others, especially millennials, to leave a legacy gift as well.

With a mission and core values strongly aligned to his own, Tyler is leaving a legacy gift for York. He believes that it is important to increase access for equity-deserving groups who face barriers to higher education, especially at institutions like York, which empower students to think critically about the issues of today and make change. After all, Tyler shares the common worldview that “Education is one of the fundamental bedrocks for a flourishing democracy.”

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Nine members of the żìČ„ÊÓÆ” community have been honoured with the Order of Canada. The announcement was made on December 31, 2025 by Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of  Canada.

Recognized as one of the country’s highest honours, the Order of Canada acknowledges Canadians whose contributions, service and dedication has made a meaningful difference to the nation.

Order of Canada appointees  

COMPANIONS &ČÔČúČő±è;

The Honourable Rosalie Silberman Abella (LL.D â€™91), honorary degree recipient 

Rosalie Silberman Abella is best known for becoming Canada’s youngest judge at the age of 29 with her appointment to the Ontario Family Court and the first Jewish woman to be appointed to the Supreme Court of Canada. During her tenure, she’s made significant contributions to Canadian law, including developing the concept of “employment equity” and shaping the first decision made under the 1989 Charter of Rights and Freedoms. 

OFFICERS 

Roseann Runte, former faculty member 

Roseann Runte is an author, former university professor and former president and vice-chancellor. She was the first woman to be named president of the Canadian Commission for UNESCO. Roseann is recognized for her leadership in strengthening Canada’s research capacity as Head of the Canada Foundation for Innovation. She also served as Glendon College’s principal from 1989 – 1994 where she led the implementation of several progressive programs.  

MEMBERS 

Kim Ruth Brooks (LL.M â€™00), alumni 

Kim Ruth Brooks is a tax lawyer, professor, human rights advocate and president of Dalhousie University. She’s recognized for advancing equity, accessibility and freedom of gender expression in higher education. As a leading voice for inclusive leadership, transformative education and research, Kim is inspiring change across the country. 

Rosanna Caira (BA ’80), alumni 

Rosanna Caira is a journalist, podcast host and mentor who has played pivotal role in empowering women to take on leadership roles in male-dominated sectors. As editor and publisher of Foodservice and Hospitality and Hotelier magazines, Rosanna directs the editorial and graphic content and is responsible for the editorial vision of the magazines, its five websites and varied tertiary products. A trailblazer in the hospitality and culinary industry, Rosanna also co-founded the Women in Tourism & Hospitality Summit to address the gender leadership gap and support women through networking, mentoring, training, education and financing.  

Jane Laurine Darville (BAS ’89), alumni 

Jane Laurine Darville is a health care administrator and community health specialist who has dedicated her career to supporting vulnerable populations through compassionate leadership. She was the founding board member and executive director of Toronto’s Casey House HIV/AIDS hospital, Canada’s only stand-alone HIV/AIDS specialty hospital with outpatient programming.  Jane also served as the executive director of Vancouver’s Canuk Place Children’s Hospice, one of the world’s leading pediatric palliative care organizations.  

Reesa Greenberg, former adjunct professor 

Reesa Greenberg is an independent scholar and art historian recognized for her innovations in art history and museology. Her research focuses on exhibitions and display, and her work focuses on national, gendered, and ethnic identities; the contemporary artworld and war; and the production of historical consciousness in current museum practices. Reesa has also been central to advancing digital documentation of Canadian art and restoring Canada’s Pavilion in Venice.  

James C. Hathaway (LL.B â€™79), alumni, former faculty member  

James C. Hathway is an internationally recognized scholar, author and former professor with a focus on international human rights law, international queer rights and international refugee law. Through his research, teaching and advocacy, he has helped transform global refugee protection and has had a lasting impact on refugee law. He is also a professor emeritus at the University of Michigan Law School and a former professor of law at Osgoode Hall Law School. 

Charles A. Hopkins, UNESCO Chair in Reorienting Education Towards Sustainability 

Charles A. Hopkins is an internationally recognized leader in Education for Sustainable Development. His work has contributed significantly to placing sustainability as a core principle of education. In 1999, Charles assumed the role of United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Chair at York where he collaborated with UNESCO, United Nations University, higher education institutions, various ministries of education in Asia, Europe and the Americas in the fields of education and sustainability. As Chair, Charles has also led efforts to integrate sustainable practices into both the curricula and operations of żìČ„ÊÓÆ”. 

John Mark Willinsky (LL.D â€™89), honorary degree recipient 

John Mark Willinsky is an educator, researcher and activist who transformed equitable access to research. While he was a professor, he founded the Public Knowledge Project to increase access to scholarly research. The initiative is now the world’s most widely deployed scholarly publishing platform to publish freely accessible research. In 1989, John received an honorary degree from York for his contributions as a critical education scholar, for public engagement in educational and social issues, for original scholarship and for his passion for the intellectual life.   

For more information about the Order of Canada program and to view the full list of appointments, visit .  &ČÔČúČő±è;

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La version française suit la version anglaise.

A tranquil space on the grounds of York’s Glendon Campus now bears the name of a former chancellor dedicated to giving back to the University he attended in the 1970s and 80s.  

The area commonly referred to as the quad, directly across from Glendon Manor, will now be known as Place Greg Sorbara/Greg Sorbara Green in honour of Sorbara (LLD ’13, LLB ’81, BA ’78), who served as York chancellor from 2014-2023. 

“You have helped guide the University, you are one of those people who have shaped the University, and that’s part of the legacy that you leave, Gregory. The different influences that you’ve had on our University are many, and it really has been transformational,” said żìČ„ÊÓÆ” President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda Lenton at a Nov. 7 ceremony to unveil the sign erected in honour of the naming. 

President Lenton reflected on the impact Sorbara made at York as a trusted advisor, mentor, and friend to many, and noted that the Greg Sorbara Green will provide an opportunity for people to learn about him and his legacy for years to come. 

“You have always led with a real sense of purpose and conviction, but also with compassion, all of the things that define great leadership,” added President Lenton. “Whether you were championing access to education, supporting student success directly, or just strengthening the relationship that York has had with multiple partners across the region, you have always done so with humility, genuine care, and a steadfast belief in the importance of higher education.” 

Sorbara earned his BA from Glendon in 1978 and an LLB from York’s Osgoode Hall Law School in 1981. In 2013, he received an honorary doctor of laws (LLD) from York. In 2014, he was appointed York’s 13th chancellor, the titular head of York’s governance structure, and a member of the Board of Governors. Formerly a long serving and distinguished member of provincial Parliament, Sorbara held senior cabinet roles in the governments of Ontario Premier David Peterson and Premier Dalton McGuinty. 

Sorbara called the unveiling event “a very happy day” for himself and his family, noting that żìČ„ÊÓÆ” transformed his life. 

“The fact that this recognition is at Glendon College means so much to me. My years as chancellor have been so important to me. I accepted the invitation to become chancellor for two reasons: first of all, David Peterson was a chancellor so I thought if he could do it, I could do it too,” he joked. “But more importantly, I just needed a way to give back to żìČ„ÊÓÆ” because, had they not accepted me, had Osgoode Hall said ‘No, no, sorry, we don’t think you can handle a legal education’, my life would have been very, very different. It’s what York instilled in me that allowed me to do the things that gave some context, value, and joy in my life.”  

During his time as chancellor, Sorbara greeted tens of thousands of York graduates as they crossed the stage during convocation. 

“Every one of those students with whom I shook hands, I really was wishing for them to take from York what I had got from York years and years before.” 

Un espace vert de Glendon est dĂ©diĂ© Ă  l’ancien chancelier Greg Sorbara

Un espace paisible du campus Glendon de l’UniversitĂ© York porte dĂ©sormais le nom d’un ancien chancelier ayant frĂ©quentĂ© l'UniversitĂ© dans les annĂ©es 1970 et 1980 et Ă©tant dĂ©sireux de redonner Ă  l’établissement ce qu’il lui avait apportĂ©.

L’espace communĂ©ment appelĂ© « quadrilatĂšre Est », situĂ© directement en face du manoir Glendon, s’appellera dĂ©sormais « Place Greg Sorbara/Greg Sorbara Green », en l’honneur de M. Sorbara (LL.D. 2013, LL. B. 1981, B.A. 1978), chancelier de York de 2014 Ă  2023.

« Gregory, vous avez guidĂ© l’UniversitĂ©, vous avez façonnĂ© l’UniversitĂ©, et cela fait partie de l’hĂ©ritage que vous nous laissez. Les diffĂ©rentes influences que vous avez exercĂ©es sur notre UniversitĂ© sont nombreuses et ont vĂ©ritablement contribuĂ© Ă  sa transformation », a dĂ©clarĂ© Rhonda Lenton, prĂ©sidente et vice-chanceliĂšre de l’UniversitĂ© York, lors de la cĂ©rĂ©monie d’inauguration organisĂ©e le 7 novembre.

La prĂ©sidente Lenton a rappelĂ© l’incidence de Greg Sorbara Ă  York en tant que conseiller de confiance, mentor et ami de nombreuses personnes, et a soulignĂ© que la Place Greg Sorbara donnera aux gens l’occasion d’en savoir plus Ă  son sujet et perpĂ©tuera son hĂ©ritage dans les annĂ©es Ă  venir.

« Vous avez dirigĂ© non seulement avec un sens aigu du devoir et une grande conviction, mais aussi avec compassion, des qualitĂ©s qui dĂ©finissent un leadership exceptionnel, a ajoutĂ© la prĂ©sidente Lenton. Qu'il s'agisse de dĂ©fendre l’accĂšs Ă  l’éducation, appuyer directement la rĂ©ussite Ă©tudiante ou renforcer les relations que York entretient avec ses partenaires rĂ©gionaux, vous avez agi en faisant preuve d’humilitĂ© et en dĂ©montrant une attention sincĂšre et une conviction inĂ©branlable envers l’importance de l’enseignement supĂ©rieur. »

M. Sorbara a obtenu un baccalaurĂ©at Ăšs arts Ă  Glendon en 1978, puis un LL. B. Ă  l’École de droit Osgoode Hall de York en 1981. En 2013, il a reçu un doctorat honorifique en droit (LL.D.) de York. En 2014, il a Ă©tĂ© nommĂ© 13e chancelier de York, chef titulaire de la structure de gouvernance de York et membre du conseil d’administration. Ancien membre Ă©minent et de longue date du Parlement provincial, M. Sorbara a occupĂ© des fonctions ministĂ©rielles de premier plan dans les gouvernements des premiers ministres ontariens David Peterson et Dalton McGuinty.

M. Sorbara a qualifiĂ© l’inauguration de « journĂ©e trĂšs heureuse » pour lui et pour sa famille et a rĂ©itĂ©rĂ© que l’UniversitĂ© York a transformĂ© sa vie.

« Le fait que cette reconnaissance ait lieu au CollĂšge Glendon revĂȘt une signification particuliĂšre. Les annĂ©es que j’ai passĂ©es en tant que chancelier ont Ă©tĂ© trĂšs importantes pour moi. J’ai acceptĂ© de devenir chancelier pour deux raisons : tout d’abord, comme David Peterson avait Ă©tĂ© chancelier, je me suis dit que s’il pouvait le faire, je pouvais le faire moi aussi, a-t-il plaisantĂ©. Mais surtout, j’avais besoin de redonner Ă  l’UniversitĂ© York. En effet, si elle ne m’avait pas acceptĂ©, si Osgoode Hall m’avait dit “Non, non, dĂ©solĂ©, nous ne pensons pas que vous pouvez suivre une formation juridique”, ma vie aurait Ă©tĂ© trĂšs diffĂ©rente. C’est ce que York m’a inculquĂ© qui m’a permis de faire les choses qui ont apportĂ© un sens, de la valeur et de la joie Ă  ma vie ».

Durant son mandat, M. Sorbara a serrĂ© la main Ă  des dizaines de milliers de diplĂŽmĂ©s de l’UniversitĂ© York qui franchissaient la scĂšne lors de la cĂ©rĂ©monie de remise des diplĂŽmes.

« Chaque fois, j’ai vraiment souhaitĂ© qu’ils et elles quittent York avec tout ce que j’avais trouvĂ© Ă  York bien des annĂ©es auparavant. »

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A new entrance award established in honour of dedicated York alumnus and former Chair of the Board of Governors Paul Tsaparis (MBA ’84) will enable deserving students to pursue leadership opportunities in the technology sector. President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda Lenton recently announced the Paul Tsaparis Tech MBA Entrance Award in recognition of Tsaparis’ distinguished service to żìČ„ÊÓÆ”.  

The award will enable students to pursue the MBA in Technology Leadership – an MBA program designed for the tech leaders of the future at the Schulich School of Business.  

“As I reflect on my service to żìČ„ÊÓÆ” I am filled with gratitude,” says Tsaparis. “My history started back in 1983 as an MBA student at the Faculty of Administrative Studies (now the Schulich School of Business), where I met fellow students that have become lifelong friends and was inspired by exceptional faculty.” 

Tsaparis has contributed more than two decades of service to the University, starting in 1998 with his role on the Dean’s Advisory Board at the Schulich School of Business, where he was actively involved as an executive-in-residence, guest lecturer, and mentor.  

“The rewards of this volunteer service have been priceless,” says Tsaparis. “My passion for service is deeply rooted in my belief in the power of education to transform lives.” 

Tsaparis also served on the Board of Governors beginning in 2010, and was its Chair from 2018 until his tenure concluded in June of this year. As a member of the Board, he served on multiple committees including the search committees for York’s current chancellor and president.  

“Under Paul’s stewardship, the Board has navigated complex challenges and made bold decisions that have positively shaped York’s future, from approving the Markham Campus business plan and advancing the School of Global Health, to championing sustainability and equity initiatives, to playing a pivotal role in securing the home for York’s new School of Medicine,” says President Lenton. 

Professionally, Tsaparis has spent 30 years in the global tech sector, including 12 years during which he served as President and CEO of Hewlett-Packard Canada.  

In recognition of his dedication to the University, a room in Kaneff Tower, a building Tsaparis spent many hours in as Chair of the Board, will be named the Paul Tsaparis Conference Centre. 

“I wanted to thank the York community for the naming of the conference centre in my honour,” says Tsaparis. “I also wanted to thank York, the Schulich School of Business and Dean Zwick for the creation of the Paul Tsaparis Tech MBA Entrance Award. I am so grateful to know that future Tech MBA students will be helped by this award.”  

In addition to his previous donations to Schulich and żìČ„ÊÓÆ”, Tsaparis has committed to matching the donations made to the Paul Tsaparis Tech MBA Entrance Award up to $100,000.  

Contributions to the Award can be made . 

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