Global, innovative and diverse, the Schulich School of Business is one of the world’s leading business schools with a vision to develop responsible leaders and groundbreaking ideas. Supported by alumni, donors and friends like you, we attract the best and brightest, solve big problems, reinvent business leadership and advance the public good. And we’re only just getting started.
Join us in celebrating the many impacts you made possible over the past year
“ We made significant headway in the past year in creating intellectually-challenging and transformative learning experiences, developing innovative programs, producing research with impact and building strategic partnerships that will give our students the skills and networks they require to succeed. We could never have done this without your dedication and outstanding contributions. Thank you.”
Detlev Zwick, PhD, Dean, Schulich School of Business
Professor Jim Clayton addressing students at Developers’ Den.
Together, we are achieving remarkable impacts
Dear Alumni and Friends,
It’s been an impactful year for Advancement and Alumni Engagement at the Schulich School of Business.
Thanks to your generosity, we raised over $6.5 million in 2024-2025 — a 25% increase from the previous year — and engaged a significant number of Schulich alumni through innovative programs, services, and opportunities for leadership, mentorship, and volunteerism.
The impact of your generosity and engagement is felt in every facet of our School, from new programs, scholarships, labs and chairs (virtual and literal — our newly outfitted classrooms are worth a visit!) to the Schulich Women Network, Schulich Global Alumni Network website and e-newsletter, and Schulich Alumni Donor Wall.
None of this would have been possible without you by our side. And none matters more than at this moment, as we celebrate Schulich’s 60th anniversary in 2025-2026.
To our alumni, donors, corporate partners and volunteers, thank you for a year of remarkable impact in support of the Schulich School of Business and our students — and to my amazing colleagues on the Advancement and Alumni Engagement team, whose dedication and support contributed greatly to this remarkable year.
If this is what we can accomplish, together, in a single year, just imagine what the next 60 will bring.
Best wishes,
Christina Niederwanger, MA, CFRE Executive Director, Advancement and Alumni Engagement
Our roadmap for donor and alumni success
As the Schulich School of Business celebrates its 60th anniversary in 2025-2026, we are focused on advancing the four pillars of our Strategic Plan: a world-class student experience; program innovation; impactful research; and strategic partnerships and outreach. Schulich’s alumni, donors and friends have an important role to play in the achievement of each strategy.
Thanks to you and with you, we are:
Accelerating fundraising for strategic priorities
See page 6
Engaging and supporting students
See page 10
These strategic objectives provided a roadmap for Schulich’s Advancement and Alumni Engagement team throughout 2024-2025.
Deepening alumni connections
See page 14
THANKS TO YOU, we accelerated fundraising for strategic priorities
Philanthropy was the catalyst for advancing many of Schulich’s strategic priorities in 2024-2025. Leadership, annual and planned gifts from alumni, friends, corporations and foundations helped jumpstart new programs, establish chairs, attract and support students, seed research and modernize Schulich’s learning spaces.
$6.5M raised 25% more than in 2023-2024
4 seven-figure gifts the most ever
$548,000 for Schulich’s Annual Fund
$1M over five years of Schulich Giving Days
Dean’s Society donor Marco Renda (BBA ’23) posing in front of the newly revitalized Schulich Alumni Donor Wall.
Training the next generation of financial leaders
Experiential learning is the name-of-the-game in the BMO Future Leaders Finance Lab , unveiled in April 2025 with a $1.5 million gift from BMO. The 55-seat lab offers in-person and remote access to advanced technology and digital finance tools, including data analysis software, cloud resources and industry subscriptions. Undergraduate and graduate finance students benefit from hands-on learning experiences through trading simulations, case studies and research projects that reflect real-world financial markets.
This gift, the largest BMO contribution in Schulich’s history, “is a testament to our commitment to fostering innovation and empowering the next generation to spark bold ideas and redefine what is possible,” says Mike Bonner, head of Canadian Personal and Business Banking Distribution at BMO.
Schulich Dean Detlev Zwick (centre left) and Mike Bonner, head of Canadian Personal and Business Banking Distribution at BMO, celebrated the official opening of the BMO Future Leaders Finance Lab with the Schulich, York University and BMO communities.
New certificate for a digital-first world
Schulich’s new Certificate in Digital Transformation is equipping Canadian business professionals to lead in a digital-first world.
Supported by a $1 million gift from RBC Foundation, the 12-week, in-person program will equip up to 75 participants over the next five years with the skills and strategies they need to lead digital transformation across their organizations. With expert faculty, immersive case studies, and peer collaboration, participants will gain the strategic vision and practical insights to drive AI adoption and organizational change.
“ We are proud to partner with RBC in this critical initiative, which will help close the digital leadership gap in Canada, support SME innovation, and provide new career pathways at the intersection of technology, strategy and sustainability,” says Dean Detlev Zwick.
A $1 million gift from The Schulich Foundation is helping to address Canada’s declining entrepreneurship rate and advance Schulich’s entrepreneurial mission.
The Jay Smith and Laura Rapp Chair in Innovation and Entrepreneurship was launched in June 2025 to support Schulich’s startup ecosystem, which backs more than 100 ventures a year, and drive thought leadership and applied research in venture creation, capital raising, and entrepreneurship leadership.
Chris Carder, a veteran entrepreneur and executive director of Schulich’s Office of Innovation & Entrepreneurship, was named the inaugural chairholder.
“ This role is about much more than supporting new ventures; it’s about developing future-ready leaders and building the conditions for innovation to thrive,” Chris Carder says, adding that “it’s an incredible honour to benefit from this generous gift from a long-time Schulich benefactor.”
Learn why Chris Carder calls the Jay Smith and Laura Rapp Chair “a community win.”
From left to right: Dr. Jay Smith, Senior Portfolio Manager, CIBC Wood Gundy; Judy Schulich, Vice-President, The Schulich Foundation; Chris Carder, Executive Director, Office of Innovation & Entrepreneurship, Schulich School of Business; and Dean Detlev Zwick.
Schulich annual fund delivers immediate impact
Nearly 900 Schulich alumni, faculty, staff and friends contributed $548,000 in 2024-2025 to ensure students have the support they need to reach their full potential. The Schulich Annual Fund supports two areas of need: student financial need and the Highest Priorities Fund, which fuels the design and implementation of new programs, technologies, learning spaces and activities that enhance career readiness.
Among many impacts over the past year, Annual Fund donors eased the financial burden for students,
contributed to the launch of Schulich’s Tech MBA Program and equipped undergraduate classrooms with state-of-the-art learning technologies.
Schulich also established a new donor-supported fund to celebrate the School’s 60th anniversary in 2025. The Schulich Student Access Fund enables high-potential students, including entrepreneurial changemakers and innovators, to embrace the full Schulich experience, including global case competitions, international study tours and leadership conferences.
Schulich Giving Day program tops $1M
Alumni donors from all decades and over 10 countries contributed $376,000 to Schulich Giving Day in November 2024, bringing the total raised over five years to more than $1 million. In addition to the Highest Priorities Fund, Schulich Giving Day supports students on their educational journey, helping to deliver exceptional business education, financial aid and career-readiness programs.
“ Your generosity is more than financial; it’s an investment in our dreams, in the future leaders, problem-solvers and change-makers. It enables students to grow beyond academics and learn to think critically, lead with integrity, and envision impactful careers,” says Polina Povorozniuk, a Schulich student mentor in the Schulich Business Excellence Academy, which was supported by Giving Day.
Schulich alumni donors were honoured as Dean’s Society members at a special reception that included the unveiling of the new Schulich Alumni Donor Wall. This prestigious community of more than 100 global leaders and philanthropists supports the Schulich Annual Fund with annual contributions of $1,000 or more ($500 for graduates of the last five years).
Seven Schulich classrooms were outfitted with new seating thanks to a generous legacy gift from the Estate of Professor William A. Jordan (pictured above), who taught economics at the School from 1967 to 1990.
Polina Povorozniuk (BBA Candidate ’27)
HONOURING GENEROUS ALUMNI
THANKS
TO YOU, we engaged and supported students
At Schulich, we know that students, especially those who are from equity-deserving communities and the first in their families to attend university, have a greater capacity to succeed when they have resources, opportunities, mentorship and confidence. Together with our partners, we opened doors and engaged students in novel ways to help jumpstart Schulich studies and careers.
$433,500 in donor-supported student aid
18 new scholarships and awards
85 signature events engaging students and alumni
Igniting a passion for sustainability
A new scholarship from Claude LeBlanc (MBA ’91) is supporting the next generation of responsible business leaders. The president and CEO of Ambac Financial Group, Inc. created the Claude LeBlanc Scholarship in Sustainability and Entrepreneurship to help students like Eva Liu (MBA ’25), co-founder of the Electric Vehicle Alliance, realize her passion for sustainability and combatting climate change.
“Receiving the Claude LeBlanc Scholarship at this pivotal early stage of our venture is incredibly encouraging. It not only validates our ideas and passion; it also adds credibility as we work to address real-world challenges in EV infrastructure,” says Eva Liu (MBA ’25).
Read how Eva Liu (MBA ’25) credits Schulich and the Claude LeBlanc Scholarship with her “fearless confidence.”
HP award encourages excellence, innovation and diversity
The inaugural recipient of one of Schulich’s newest and most prestigious entrance awards says it is “a beacon of encouragement” that sustained and inspired her throughout her studies.
Sreyoshi Bhattacharya (Tech MBA ’25) was awarded the HP Canada Excellence Award in 2024. The information technology giant created the award at Schulich to recognize exceptional students in the MBA in Technology Leadership program and promote diversity, equity and inclusion within the tech field.
“Ultimately, we envision this award as a stepping stone that will empower recipients to reach new heights, having a lasting impact on their career and the broader community,” says Michelle Biase, HP’s president and managing director.
Claude LeBlanc (MBA ’91)
Sreyoshi Bhattacharya (Tech MBA ’25)
Engaging and supporting students
Preparing next-generation business leaders
“ In partnership with Scotiabank’s ScotiaRISE initiative, Schulich welcomed 54 Ontario high school students from equity-deserving groups to the Schulich Business Excellence Academy (SBEA) in 2024 and provided them with the knowledge, experiences and resources to become tomorrow’s leaders.”
The three-week, virtual program featured guest speakers and interactive activities led by Schulich undergraduate students, culminating in a virtual case competition presented in collaboration with the Toronto Caribbean Carnival.
“The program really improved my business skills,” said one student. “I learned about finance, marketing and teamwork through hands-on projects. Networking with professionals boosted my confidence and gave me real insights into the industry.”
87%
of SBEA students said the program motivated them to actively participate in post-secondary education.
SBEA Graduation Celebration
Creating global leaders for a global world
Schulich graduate Sumeet Duggal (MBA ’25) is crediting a donor-supported study tour in Latin America with teaching him how to embrace the unknown and support the triple bottom line.
Sumeet and Ashwin Srivastava (MBA Candidate ’26) were the inaugural recipients of the Pace Family Foundation Mobility Bursary , established by Pace Family Foundation co-founders Al Pace (MBA/LLB ’82) and Kristin Morch, to help students gain global perspectives and practical experience. The 2025 study abroad included visits to one of Peru’s major banks and a circular economy solutions provider in Chile.
“I’m grateful to have been on this tour that has, without a doubt, been one of the best experiences of my MBA journey,” says Sumeet. “Your kind support will help future business leaders like me add value to our businesses and fuel our economy with innovative and creative solutions.”
The Alumni2Student Mentorship Program
“The Alumni2Student Mentorship Program has been truly inspiring. My mentors offered not only strategic career guidance but also lifelong wisdom that helped me grow as a person. I am deeply grateful for the encouragement and clarity they brought to my journey.”
Quanju (William) Li was one of 426 Schulich students matched with an industry mentor in 2024-2025.
Schulich’s Alumni2Student Mentorship Program includes guidance on job search strategies, career exploration, time management, communication skills and navigating work and life decisions.
Sumeet Duggal (MBA ’25)
Schulich MBA International Study Tour to Chile and Peru
Quanju (William) Li (MBA Candidate ’26)
Alumni2Student Speed Networking Event
THANKS TO YOU, we deepened alumni connections
“ As volunteers, donors, mentors and ambassadors of our mission to reinvent business leadership, Schulich’s 37,000 alumni from around the world had a positive impact on our students, programs and campus, while also growing a vibrant, informed and collaborative alumni community.”
Pamela Laycock (MBA ’89) President, Schulich Global Alumni Network; Executive-in-Residence
8,000+ active members
4,500+ alumni engaged
770+ volunteers
5 new alumni chapters
Refreshed look, expanded reach
Schulich rebranded, redesigned and unveiled even more opportunities for alumni to stay connected and grow their network.
The new Global Alumni Network website, launched in February 2025, features a spotlight on alumni achievements called “Alumni on the Move” and the Schulich Alumni Hub, an online platform with exclusive resources for career navigation and networking.
Schulich Pulse, the School’s brand-new alumni newsletter, is distributed monthly to close to 20,000 alumni with the latest news, events and opportunities to connect with fellow alumni.
Schulich’s LinkedIn page topped 100,000 followers and the School’s private alumni group reached more than 11,000 — one-third of Schulich’s Global Alumni Network.
Check out the Schulich Global Alumni Network LinkedIn page
Class giving award recipient pays it forward
It took 35 Schulich graduates just 10 days to raise $16,000 that inspired another student to pay it forward.
The alumni, all members of the Kellogg-Schulich Class of 2022, came together to support the Kellogg-Schulich Alumni Association Diversity and Inclusion Award, presented annually to an Executive MBA student who has shown commitment to advancing underrepresented groups, including Black, Indigenous, People of Colour, women, disabled and 2SLGBTQ+ communities.
The gift showcased the power of class giving when inaugural recipient Liz Choi (EMBA ’24) chose to pay the generosity forward with a contribution to her own class fund. “Giving back was my way of keeping that momentum alive and helping create a future where inclusion is the norm, not the exception,” she says.
Liz Choi (EMBA ’24) The Kellogg-Schulich Class of 2022
New Schulich network supports and empowers women
Schulich and an advisory council of influential alumni and industry leaders launched a new initiative to help support, connect and empower women in business.
“The Schulich Women Network [SWN] is a powerful community that fosters leadership, mentorship, and lifelong connections for students and alumni at every career stage,” explains Honorary Chair Stacey Mowbray (MBA ’88), former president of North America at Weight Watchers International.
SWN’s inaugural First Toast event attracted the interest of hundreds and sold out within minutes!
Bill Graham (MBA ’86) honoured with named study lounge
A long-time Schulich ambassador and Schulich Global Alumni Network president was honoured with the naming of the Bill Graham (MBA ’86) Global Alumni Network Graduate Study Lounge
The space on the second floor of the Rob and Cheryl McEwen Graduate Study & Research Building serves as a lasting tribute to Graham’s exceptional leadership and service to the Schulich community. Graham helped shape Schulich’s global reputation for excellence as president of the Schulich Global Alumni Network from 2001 to 2021 and as an executive-in-residence and member of the Dean’s Advisory Council.
Schulich alumni reunite!
“ More than 300 alumni from the BBA Class of 2015; BBA/IBBA Class of 2010; MBA Classes of 2000, 2010 and 2020; and all class years for the IMBA program attended six separate Schulich class reunions across Toronto in May 2025.”
Karina Butzek-Morris Director, Alumni Engagement
SWN’s inaugural First Toast event
Bill Graham (MBA ’86) naming ceremony
SCHULICH CAMPUS, CANADA TORONTO, CANADA
SHANGHAI, CHINA
Schulich
A2S Mentorship Program Speed Networking
Dean’s Leadership Dialogues with Rick Waugh
SCAN: Career Panel CIBC Open House
Handover
Montreal Schulich on the Road
A DIAMOND LEGACY OF INNOVATION AND IMPACT
Schulich has spent 60 years climbing the ranks of the global business school leaders. Today, we are ranked among the top business schools in Canada and around the world. As we look ahead to our next 60 years, the philanthropy and leadership of our alumni, donors and friends will be both our key differentiating factor and our catalyst for achieving excellence, innovation and sustainability on the world stage. Your gifts of time, talent, and treasure are more than an investment in our students; they are an investment in the future of our School and our capacity to compete. This is how we are reinventing business leadership, today and for the next 60 years. Thank you for your ongoing support and engagement.
GIVE TODAY. SHAPE TOMORROW. Scan the QR code or visit us at alumni.schulich.yorku.ca to make a gift, sign up for our alumni newsletter, volunteer, learn about upcoming events, and more.
Questions? Email us at: advancement@schulich.yorku.ca
