Invest in Tomorrow’s Leaders Through Legacy Giving YOU
Shape the Future. Transform Lives.
At Schulich, we shape futures, transform lives, and embrace global innovation and diversity. As one of the world’s premier business schools, our commitment to excellence is only matched by the generosity of our visionary supporters.
Leaving a legacy gift to Schulich is more than a gesture: it is a significant investment in the leaders and innovators of tomorrow. By entrusting Schulich with your legacy, you empower Schulich to address the evolving needs of our students and allocate resources to areas where we can create the most impact.
THE FOUR PILLARS OF OUR STRATEGIC PLAN
By including Schulich in your legacy, you help shape the future and transform lives by fuelling the four pillars of our Strategic Plan. Your support strengthens the roadmap for Schulich’s continued growth and success in the years ahead.
1 2 3 4
World-Class Student Experience
Creating a top-tier student experience that prepares students for career success is the heart of our Strategic Plan.
Program Innovation
Program innovation supports the diverse career aspirations of our students by responding to the ever-changing needs of industry and an evolving job market.
Research Impact
One of our key goals at Schulich is to become a global leader in management research.
Strategic Partnerships and Outreach
Strategic relationships and outreach to alumni, industries, and diverse communities shape our global reputation and enrich our academic environment.
Shelley Zhang (JD/MBA ’25), Dana O’Flynn (JD/MBA ’27), Kibati Femi-Johnson (JD/MBA ’27), and Abilash Sathyakumar (JD/MBA ’25) secured first place at the 2025 Net Impact Case Competition hosted by Simon Fraser University.
Warmest Welcome and Thanks
“Schulich donors have played a significant role in the evolution and continued success of our School.”
DEAN DETLEV ZWICK, P h D
It is a privilege to lead a world-class business school that inspires purpose-driven changemakers to redefine business leadership in an era of unprecedented transformation.
Since 1965, the Schulich School of Business has been at the forefront of business education, equipping our students with the knowledge, skills, and values they need to rise to challenges and drive meaningful change. With a rich history that spans over six decades, Schulich continues to build on its legacy of excellence and innovation in business education.
This is only possible due to the commitment and support of our alumni, partners, and generous donors.
Giving back is a long-standing Schulich tradition, a legacy that endures because of the generosity of supporters who care deeply about our students, our School and our community. Over the years, Schulich has benefitted enormously from their contributions. From pioneering programs and real-world learning experiences to world-class facilities and industry-leading centres of excellence, Schulich donors have played a significant role in the evolution and continued success of the School and our students.
Yet, there is still more we want to achieve — and we cannot do it alone.
Legacy gifts are crucial to securing Schulich’s competitive edge and ensuring a sustainable future. These gifts enable us to remain adaptable by responding to emerging needs and challenges as they arise, while continuing to foster the next generation of leaders and changemakers.
Thank you for considering Schulich as part of your legacy.
Detlev Zwick, PhD Dean and Tanna H. Schulich Chair in Digital Marketing Strategy
Why a Legacy Gift Becomes Part of Your Life Story
Invest in Schulich’s future by empowering Schulich with an unrestricted gift, ensuring that resources remain sustainable and are responsibly utilized to best support our students. Help advance vital initiatives across critical areas such as student support and faculty research, and student experience and facilities. When you leave a gift to Schulich through your estate, your life story will live on in every student whose life you helped transform. By making an unrestricted legacy gift, you will leave an enduring legacy that will help Schulich fulfill its mission and fuel its efforts to secure a sustainable future for our students. You will leave a lasting footprint that inspires others to follow.
IT’S YOUR STORY. IT’S YOUR LEGACY.
A Legacy that Lives On
The Jack Leitch Award in Entrepreneurial Thinking Empowering the Next Generation of Innovators
Jean Vander Ploeg
(Daughter of the late Jack Leitch)
“For my sister Mary and I, a planned gift such as one which my father has provided keeps his memory alive in a very meaningful way. Our father was a true entrepreneur in many ways throughout his life. Not only did he create his own entrepreneurial endeavours, but he also truly enjoyed encouraging and helping others to achieve their goals. For our family, the Jack Leitch Award in Entrepreneurial Thinking is a wonderful way to continue his legacy. Not only would our father be pleased to be able to provide some encouragement to the recipients of his Award, but our family is happy that our father’s legacy is carrying on in a way that is truly meaningful to him.”
The Brokers Trust Insurance Group Award Championing Future Female Leaders
Lovepreet Singh (MMgt ’22, MBA ’25)
“It is a pleasure to be associated with the Brokers Trust Insurance Group Award in memory of Gena Giansante, which honours hardworking, diligent, and outstanding alumni. This Award has allowed me to pursue my education with less of a financial burden, for which I am eternally grateful.”
Established in 2020, the Jack Leitch Award in Entrepreneurial Thinking celebrates Jack Leitch’s legacy and the indelible mark that he left on the Schulich and York communities. Through a generous bequest of $250,000 from the Estate of John Daniel Leitch, the Award recognizes and empowers incoming MBA students who embody Jack’s entrepreneurial spirit and acumen, while also demonstrating experience in innovation, product design, leadership, and entrepreneurship.
Established in 2009 in memory of Gena Giansante, a former BBA and MBA student at the Schulich School of Business, the Brokers Trust Insurance Group Award is given annually to incoming female MBA students majoring in accounting or finance. It aims to empower Schulich’s next generation of female business leaders to excel in their studies and elevate their career trajectory after graduation. The Award carries forward an enduring legacy that champions the values of empowerment, resilience, and leadership that Gena Giansante embodied.
Alan Middleton (MBA ’77,
PhD ’97)
Schulich Professor Emeritus, Administrator, Alumnus, Mentor, Donor
“ In this world, we need an educated population, and we need an education on a broad base of subjects so that we can get better at things. We must not let a lack of financial resources hinder people’s progress in improving their lives through education.”
ALAN MIDDLETON (MBA ’77, PhD ’97)
L to R: Alan speaking at a 2020 Deloitte-Schulich Open House ; Alan at a CONNECT ’17 fireside chat with Stacey Mowbray (MBA ’88); Alan with faculty and donors Rob and Cheryl McEwen at the McEwen Building groundbreaking event; Alan with Dean Zwick and Christina Niederwanger during a recent campus visit.
A Legacy Comes Full Circle
Alan Middleton (MBA ’77, PhD ’97) began his Schulich journey as a part-time MBA student while managing his marketing consultancy. Schulich, which was known at the time as the Faculty of Administrative Studies, stood apart from traditional business schools, blending academic excellence with real-world application, exemplified by its celebrated “601” Strategy Field Study. Alan knew he had found the right place.
From Student to Mentor to Leader
Throughout his decades-long time at Schulich, Alan embodied the School’s vision and values in every role he held: student, mentor, educator, leader, and donor.
• As an Adjunct Marketing Professor, he taught over 10,000 executives and managers, leaving a lasting impact on future industry leaders.
• As Executive Director of the Schulich Executive Education Centre, he drove innovation and growth, creating groundbreaking learning experiences.
• As a dedicated philanthropist, he has supported Schulich since 1987, ensuring that financial barriers never stand in the way of deserving students.
A Commitment to the Future
Alan’s passion for Schulich goes beyond the present. He is committed to ensuring that the next generation has access to the same world-class opportunities he had.
“I want to support Schulich’s efforts in bolstering student scholarships and building new programs,” Alan said. “Smart students who don’t have the same financial advantages as others should still have the chance to advance in their lives and careers by upgrading their education. Schulich’s strength is its willingness to innovate and invest in relationships that solidify its reputation as a global leader in management education. I want my final gift to make a difference.”
Your Legacy, Your Impact
Alan’s journey came full circle with a bequest to Schulich, ensuring that his legacy will endure for the next wave of innovators and changemakers who will shape the future.
Like Alan, you have the power to shape the future of Schulich and its students. A legacy gift is more than a donation: it has a lasting impact on generations to come. Imagine the difference you can make by providing students with the opportunity to receive a world-class education.
Consider leaving a legacy gift that changes lives.
“ What I have always valued and admired about Alan is that everything he did—teaching, running Schulich ExecEd, and his media commentary —he did to benefit and support Schulich, his students, and his colleagues. He is the epitome of a team player.”
DEAN DETLEV ZWICK, P h D
A DISTINGUISHED ALUMNUS: ALAN AT A GLANCE
2x
Schulich Alum
Two Decades of Teaching Excellence
Adjunct Professor in Marketing, educating over 10,000 executives and managers
Honoured Industry Leader
• Inducted into the American Marketing Association Canadian Marketing Hall of Legends (2005)
• Recipient of the Association of Canadian Advertisers Gold Medal and Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Award (2012)
• Named International Association of Business Communicators
Toronto Communicator of the Year (2015)
Estate Gift Spotlight: Carol Anne Letheren Women’s MBA Award
The legacy gift from Carol Anne Letheren (MBA ’77) has been championing Schulich’s female MBA students for more than two decades.
Left: Carol Anne with Mickey Cohen, O.C. (LLB ’60, LLM ’63, Hon LLD ’86) at a campus event.
Carrying on an Empowering Legacy
Established in 2001, the Women’s MBA Award honours the memory of Carol Anne Letheren (MBA ’77), a distinguished Schulich alumna who was instrumental in the formation of the School’s first international alumni chapter. Ms. Letheren was a distinguished pioneer and leader of the Canadian Olympic Association. She was the first female Chef de Mission at the 1988 Olympics and Secretary General until her passing in 2001.
Carol Anne Letheren Women’s MBA Award
An Inspiring Legacy that Celebrates Women in Leadership
14
female students form an impressive list of recipients since the establishment of the Award in 2001.
Carrie Chai (MBA ’11)
Senior Executive, Finance Sector
“Receiving the Carol Anne Letheren Women’s MBA Award was a tremendous honour that had a profound impact on my career journey. Her legacy of leadership excellence, diversity and inclusion have become my own core values that I truly embrace every day. She inspired me to continuously push beyond my comfort zone to pursue ambitious goals, face challenges with the courage to break barriers, lead with integrity as a female executive, advocate for DEI in the workplace, and champion innovation to drive change and success.”
$44,000+
has been disbursed from the endowment over the last two decades and counting.
Melissa Paglialunga (MBA/JD ’23)
Corporate Lawyer, Legal Sector
“The Carol Anne Letheren Women’s MBA Award not only provided crucial financial support for me, but also serves as a lasting testament to the invaluable contributions of women in business. Beyond easing the financial burden of my studies, the Award has continued to inspire and empower me. It highlights the diverse and meaningful ways women drive the business world forward, and I’m grateful to be part of its legacy.”
Rebecca Schoenhardt (MBA ’12)
Schulich Alumna, Mentor, Legacy Gift Beneficiary
“Carrying forward Ms. Letheren’s legacy is humbling, and an honour.”
REBECCA SCHOENHARDT (MBA ’12)
L to R: Rebecca with her Schulich MBA cohort in class; Rebecca on Pele competing at the Grand Prix the summer before she joined Schulich; Rebecca with clients; Rebecca with her Schulich MBA cohort at her family farm.
Harnessing the Power of Philanthropy
“ I wouldn’t be where I am without the MBA at Schulich. I was a horseback rider looking to become a business student. I wasn’t only admitted to a program, I was shown a world of new life and career skills. To top it all off, I received the best endorsement I could ever hope for in my final year of studies: the Carol Anne Letheren Women’s MBA Award. Carrying forward Ms. Letheren’s legacy is humbling, and an honour.”
REBECCA SCHOENHARDT (MBA
’12)
Schulich Alumna, Mentor and Legacy Gift Beneficiary Senior Executive, Finance and Banking Sectors
Before she started her Schulich journey, Rebecca Schoenhardt (MBA ’12) was training and taking part in equestrian competitions, coaching and judging riders, running her own business, and attending sport-organization board meetings. Schulich came at a crucial juncture in Rebecca’s life—when she was retiring her equestrian boots to suit up for a career on Bay Street. Fast forward to today, and Rebecca is an accomplished executive and inspirational leader who has broken glass ceilings in her decade-long career in the finance and banking sectors.
Awarded the prestigious Carol Anne Letheren Women’s MBA Award by Schulich, Rebecca is one of many exceptional women who carry forward a legacy of purpose-driven leadership and excellence.
The Award honours the life and service of Carol Anne Letheren (MBA ’77), a revered Schulich alumna whose trailblazing leadership and accomplishments continue to inspire the Schulich community. Through a generous bequest left in Ms. Letheren’s will, the Award has been empowering Schulich’s female MBA students for more than two decades.
“I am deeply grateful for receiving this Award. Its impact continues to empower me as a woman and as a business leader. I believe that true success in business is not driven by one person at the helm, but by a team, a community of leaders working toward a common goal. I encourage the next generation of business leaders to be ambitious: dare to defy conventions and dream big.”
How Does Making a Gift in Your Will Benefit You?
Aligning your gift with your values, ensuring a lasting impact that continues to shape lives for generations to come.
Leveraging tax benefits to reduce the tax burden on your estate.
Suggested Wording for Your Will
Maintaining control of your assets during your lifetime, providing financial stability.
Ensuring your estate is organized, with your philanthropic priorities honoured and your heirs supported.
Undesignated: “My trustees shall deliver, pay or transfer a specific amount or a portion of the residue of my estate to Schulich School of Business, York University.”
Designated: “My trustees shall deliver, pay or transfer a specific amount or a portion of the residue of my estate to Schulich School of Business, York University, to be used for an area of interest. In the event that circumstances make the specific use of this gift no longer practical or desirable, the University is hereby authorized to make changes in its use consonant with the spirit and general intent of the gift.”
If you wish to designate your gift to a specific area within the School, please contact us for detailed will language.
Leaving a Legacy that Transforms Lives
Parmeet Singh Bhatia (MBA ’25)
“I wholeheartedly thank you for the Dean’s Entrance Award —this means a lot to me. I will strive to put my best foot forward, work as hard and smart as I can, and give back to Schulich and the larger community.”
In recognition of top talent, the Schulich School of Business established the Dean’s Entrance Award for incoming full-time Masters-level students. Recipients are selected based on academic excellence and financial need.
Dua Qadir (BBA ’25)
“Receiving the KPMG Undergraduate Accounting Scholarship is a pivotal moment in my academic journey, symbolizing both a recognition of my past efforts and an inspiring vote of confidence in my potential as a future accountant. Thank you once again for this incredible honour. I am excited about the possibilities this scholarship opens for me, and determined to make the most of this opportunity.”
The KPMG Undergraduate Accounting Scholarship was established to empower undergraduate students looking to embark on a career in accounting. A long-standing supporter of the Schulich School of Business, KPMG and the KPMG Foundation aim to enable students to reach their full potential through the various scholarships that they have created at the School over the years.
Special Recognition in the Dean’s Society
The Dean’s Society is a prestigious community of global leaders and philanthropists who share a passion for investing in the vision and future of the Schulich School of Business. Your commitment to support Schulich through your legacy gift recognizes you in the Dean’s Society as a White Rose Donor.
To learn more about the Dean’s Society, scan the QR code or visit: alumni.schulich.yorku.ca/the-deans-society
Priti Sesha (MBA ’96)
Schulich Alumna, Donor
“ What matters to me most is leaving a lasting gift that will be impactful. I feel grateful to know I will help give someone the opportunity to pursue a university education and change the trajectory of their life.”
PRITI SESHA (MBA ’96)
Education as a Transformative Force
Priti Sesha (MBA ’96) knows firsthand the transformative power of education. Her decision to pursue an MBA from Schulich marked a turning point in her life, providing her with invaluable experiences and opportunities.
Living on campus allowed Priti to immerse herself in the vibrant Schulich community. She learned the importance of collaboration, embracing diverse perspectives, and building lasting relationships. Her Schulich MBA opened doors to professional opportunities and left her with cherished memories and lifelong friendships.
“Earning my Schulich MBA was a turning point—it opened doors that launched my business career and shaped who I am today. The friendships I built, lessons I learned, and experiences I shared left a lasting impact. Schulich didn’t just prepare me for the business world, it transformed my perspective, ambitions, and future. I’m deeply grateful and aspire for others to experience the same. When you step through Schulich’s doors, you don’t just gain a degree—you gain a world of possibility.”
It wasn’t until years after she got her degree that Priti truly understood the power of financial aid in education. During a professional development course, she met a young man who, due to conflict in his country, was forced to leave his family and was displaced to a refugee camp. Despite his hardships, he never gave up on his dream of attending university. A full-ride scholarship changed his life.
His story was a turning point. She realized that financial aid isn’t just about covering tuition—it’s about unlocking potential, and ensuring that bright, determined students aren’t held back by financial barriers.
Priti’s gratitude for her Schulich experience drives her commitment to giving back. By leaving a bequest to Schulich, she is helping bridge the financial gap for future students, empowering the next generation of leaders to reach their full potential.
Schulich Student Access Fund
SCHOLARSHIP STATS AT A GLANCE
Despite Schulich’s commitment to accessibility, financial barriers remain a challenge:
40%
of applicants receive bursary funding, leaving 60% without needed aid.
80% of total financial need remains unmet each term.
Entrance funding covers only 50% of costs for domestic students and 40% for international students.
Living costs average $27,696 per academic year. Domestic tuition has increased by 10% over the past decade; international tuition by 40%.
Tuition fees can be up to $136,000 for international students.
We are proud to establish the Schulich Student Access Fund—a bold new initiative designed to support domestic and international students across all programs. This Fund will provide sustainable, flexible resources to help students fully participate in high-impact academic and co-curricular experiences.
The Schulich Student Access Fund empowers students to:
• Access critical bursaries that reduce the burden of tuition and living costs.
• Participate in global mobility programs that broaden perspectives and open doors worldwide.
• Compete in prestigious case competitions that sharpen real-world business skills and confidence.
• Overcome financial and systemic barriers to fully engage in everything Schulich has to offer.
Estate Gift Spotlight:
The Professor Wesley Cragg Memorial Award
Family and friends have established this Award to honour and celebrate the achievements of the late Wesley Cragg, the inaugural George R. Gardiner Professor in Business Ethics.
Leading by Example
Professor Cragg joined Schulich in 1992 and was instrumental in shaping the business ethics component of the undergraduate and MBA programs. The ProfessorWesleyCraggMemorial Award is awarded to a continuing MBA student with academic excellence who demonstrates financial need and submits a statement of interest in business ethics and responsibility. Preference is given to students of Indigenous heritage.
Mona Karimi (JD/MBA
’23)
“Receiving the prestigious Professor Wesley Cragg Memorial Award is a dream come true for me. It not only provides financial support but also validates my hard work and dedication. I am determined to make the most of this opportunity and use the knowledge and skills I acquire to create a positive impact on society. Your belief in my potential has instilled in me a strong sense of responsibility, and I am committed to giving back to the community and making a difference in the lives of others.”
Kyle Hatton (JD/MBA ’23)
“This Award will go a long way towards helping me achieve my goals at Schulich. It has made a difference in my life, and I am very grateful. I will do my best to honour Professor Cragg’s legacy and live up to the merits that his Award embodies.”
You Have the Power to Shape Futures and Transform Lives
Let’s keep building on this legacy for our next generation of purpose-driven business leaders. Create your lasting legacy today.
Building on more than six decades of excellence, the Schulich School of Business has earned a global reputation for innovation and leadership in business education. Since its founding in 1965, the Schulich School of Business has graduated thousands of leaders who have made a mark in the world of business—a legacy that continues to grow, strengthened by a vibrant philanthropic community.
Connect with our Advancement Team now to get things started
Invest in Schulich’s future by speaking to us about your philanthropic plans. Whether you are interested in designating your gift to an area of greatest need or exploring recognition opportunities, we are here to help you every step of the way.
Contact us today at advancement@schulich.yorku.ca to start the journey toward creating a legacy that transforms lives.
Leave a Legacy that Fuels Future Leaders
Zeel Shah (MREI ’25)
“As someone who is deeply passionate about real estate, a field that has traditionally been male-dominated, I’m inspired by and thankful for BGO’s commitment to fostering diversity within the industry and creating opportunities for underrepresented individuals through the Gary Whitelaw Strength in Diversity Award. This generous support will significantly enhance my ability to grow both academically and professionally.”
Since 2021, the Gary Whitelaw Strength in Diversity Award has been creating pathways for Schulich’s Black, Indigenous, and female students looking to further their career in commercial real estate. The Award reaffirms BGO’s commitment to expanding access to education, mentorship, and professional development for the next generation of industry leaders.
Colleen Tran (Academic
Year 2023–2024)
“Receiving the Citi Canada Community Award is an incredible honour, and I am truly humbled by the generosity and support you have shown me. Your investment in my education and career has alleviated the financial burden and allowed me to focus more on my studies and personal growth. Thank you for believing in my potential and for being a crucial part of my educational journey.”
The Citi Canada Community Award recognizes a second year BBA student in the Fall term who has achieved academic excellence and demonstrated an interest in finance, and extraordinary community involvement and engagement. Presented by Citi Canada, the Award underscores the firm’s commitment to diversity and its support of women, aboriginal people, and persons with disabilities.
Schulich at a Glance
Canada’s Global Business School
Schulich is more than a school. It’s a community built on support and giving back for future generations of business leaders.
With 16 programs and eight diplomas, including Canada’s first MBA in Technology Leadership and Master of Management in Artificial Intelligence programs, we offer the broadest range of Masters specializations in North America.
Schulich’s faculty has received 240 academic honours since 2010, and published 2,252 journal articles since 2009, with one-quarter of our 2023 publications appearing in the Financial Times 50 Journals.
Our scholars hold 27 privately funded chairs in the fields of finance, entrepreneurship, marketing, supply chain management, family business, and more.
More than 55% of our 3,000+ students hold multiple passports, making our student body one of the most diverse on the continent, and two-thirds of our faculty are international.
Schulich is home to nine world-leading centres of excellence, including:
• the Krembil Centre for Health Management and Leadership
• the George Weston Ltd. Centre for Sustainable Supply Chains
• the OMERS & Oxford Real Assets Leadership Institute
• the BMO Future Leaders Lab
• the CPA Ontario Centre in Digital Financial Information
Office of Advancement and Alumni Engagement, Schulich School of Business
Email: advancement@schulich.yorku.ca alumni.schulich.yorku.ca/give
Our 37,000+ alumni live and work in more than 90 countries and include leaders in every sector, from finance and technology to manufacturing and health care.
Our 300+ corporate and internship partners include HP Canada, CN Rail, Loblaws, Google, Shopify, Amazon, Labatt, Apple, and more. SCHULICH IS
Schulich