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Annual Impact Report 2025-2026 - Advancement and Alumni Engagement

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ANNUAL IMPACT REPORT 2025-2026

Advancement and Alumni Engagement JULY 1, 2025 – JUNE 30, 2026

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“ Schulich has spent six decades reinventing business leadership. Our hard work and the support of alumni, donors and friends like you have brought us to this pivotal moment—a year-long celebration of Schulich’s diamond legacy of innovation and impact. Your philanthropy and engagement will ensure we continue to deliver on the exceptional promise of our next 60 years. Thank you for being a part of Schulich’s past, present and future.”

Detlev Zwick, PhD, Dean & Tanna H. Schulich Chair in Digital Marketing Strategy, Schulich School of Business


A milestone year in more ways than one

In just 60 years, Schulich has earned a place among the world’s top business schools. This, and the people who helped to get us here, were the focus of our diamond anniversary celebrations throughout 2025-26. This wasn’t the only milestone we celebrated this year. 2025 also marked 30 years since Seymour Schulich’s historic $15 million donation, resulting in endowed chairs, student scholarships and our renamed Schulich School of Business. Mr. Schulich’s gift—then the largest of its kind to a Canadian university—has been the catalyst for three incredible decades of growth in research, teaching excellence and innovation, and it set a high bar for alumni and donor engagement in our School. Many donors since have followed in Mr. Schulich’s footsteps, investing to help Schulich attract the best and the brightest, solve big problems, reinvent business leadership and advance the public good. In fact, those philanthropic investments reached more than $13.5 million in 2025-26. This incredible achievement included another landmark gift in its own right— a transformational $10 million gift from the Krembil Foundation (our first eight-figure commitment

Dean Dezsö J. Horváth CM, Seymour Schulich OC (Hon. LLD ’03) and colleagues at the sod-turning for the Schulich School of Business Keele Campus complex in 2001.

since 1995!) to endow student scholarships, expand health management education and strengthen Schulich’s role as a global leader in healthcare leadership and innovation. To say 2025-26 was a milestone year is an understatement. This was the year we exceeded our fundraising goals, advanced donor and corporate partnerships, engaged and supported our students, and deepened alumni connections. And thanks to you, the momentum continues.

Christina Niederwanger, CFRE Executive Director, Advancement and Alumni Engagement, Schulich School of Business

Robert Krembil CM (MBA ’71, Hon. LLD ’00) delivering remarks during the Krembil Foundation’s $10 million gift announcement, November 2025.

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Our 2025-26 strategic objectives Boosting fundraising for strategic priorities and key programs

Advancing donor and corporate partnerships

See page 8

See page 12

We proudly celebrate more than 700 alumni volunteers whose dedication, leadership and generosity of time enrich the Schulich community through mentorship, student engagement, advisory initiatives, events and countless other contributions.

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Engaging and supporting students

Deepening alumni connections

See page 16

See page 18

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Celebrating a diamond legacy of innovation and impact What started six decades ago as a bold vision for a new kind of business school has grown into a global hub for ideas, talent, learning and leadership. In 2025-26, we celebrated 60 years of the Schulich School of Business with our students, alumni, faculty, donors and friends, on campus and around the world.

60th Anniversary Schulich Student Access Fund Schulich received more than $5 million in donations to the Schulich Student Access Fund, launched to celebrate the School’s 60th anniversary and empower exceptional students by removing financial barriers and unlocking life-changing opportunities. The endowed fund delivers sustainable support across all of Schulich’s programs, providing scholarships and enabling students to participate in transformative

learning opportunities such as global case competitions, international study tours and leadership conferences. Among many defining learning experiences, the fund enabled Schulich students to build a new venture with entrepreneurs in Costa Rica, solve real-world business challenges in Greece and showcase their skills before 200 industry leaders at Developers’ Den, Schulich’s case competition. Developers’ Den 2026

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An anniversary weekend to remember More than 900 alumni, faculty, staff and industry leaders came together to celebrate Schulich’s 60th anniversary over three unforgettable days in early May 2026. CONNECT ’26 featured interactive panels, industry workshops, coaching sessions, a diamond anniversary brunch and a grand gala at Toronto’s Four Seasons Hotel.

View additional photos from the weekend on pages 6-7.

“I came back to Schulich and realized the real career advantage was never just the degree; it was learning how ambitious people think.” Amanda Bassin (BBA ’04), President of Persuit, celebrated Schulich’s 60th anniversary at CONNECT ’26. Scan the QR code below to spend a day at CONNECT ’26 with Amanda.

THANK YOU TO OUR EVENT SPONSORS Diamond Sponsors

Executive Sponsors

Impact Sponsor

Session Sponsors

Back to campus to network and celebrate Schulich alumni from across all six decades of graduating classes returned to campus for four 60th Anniversary Tours throughout 2025-26. Featuring inspiring alumni

stories and interactive sessions on topics including: “Re-Imagining Capitalism for a New World Order,” “Canada at a Strategic Inflection Point” and “Winning in the Age of

Intelligent Enterprise,” each event provided a special opportunity for alumni to connect, reflect and celebrate Schulich’s 60 years of excellence in business education.

Schulich alumni reconnecting with the Dean and members of the Schulich community on campus.

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Celebrating a diamond legacy of innovation and impact

“A heartfelt thank you to our guests who made the weekend possible, including our alumni, faculty and staff, speakers, volunteers, sponsors, reunion ambassadors and the teams working behind the scenes. As we celebrate 60 years of Schulich, we are reminded that our greatest legacy is our community.” Christina Niederwanger, CFRE, Executive Director, Advancement and Alumni Engagement

FRIDAY, MAY 1 — REUNIONS

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Scan the QR code to view the CONNECT ’26 anniversary photo album and relive the weekend!

SATURDAY, MAY 2 — CONNECT CONFERENCE

SUNDAY, MAY 3 — DIAMOND ANNIVERSARY BRUNCH

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YOUR IMPACT

Boosting fundraising for strategic priorities and key programs Schulich alumni, friends, corporations and foundations rallied together to contribute more than $13 million in 2025-26. Philanthropy is helping to attract the best and brightest, expand programs, seed research and help students experience all that Schulich has to offer.

$13.5M raised

2nd largest donation in Schulich’s history

$1,450 average gift

13 countries represented 8


Transformational $10M gift to healthcare leadership and innovation The Schulich School of Business received one of the largest donations in its history in November 2025. The $10 million investment from the Krembil Foundation is empowering students, strengthening health management education and advancing Schulich’s leadership in shaping the future of health care. The investment is underpinning the expansion of the Krembil Centre for Health Management & Leadership and renewal of the Krembil Chair in Health Management & Leadership. It is also helping grow the Krembil Public Healthcare Internship Program, giving more students

hands-on experience alongside senior healthcare leaders in Canada and abroad. The Krembil Foundation is also creating lasting impact for students by endowing the Robert Krembil Scholarship of Merit and launching the Robert Krembil Scholars of Excellence Program combining financial aid, mentorship and global learning. The landmark gift, which brings the Foundation’s total giving to more than $21 million over 25 years of partnership, also served as the lead gift in the 60th Anniversary Schulich Student Access Fund (see page 4).

“The challenges facing health care today demand innovative and value-driven leadership. Through this commitment, our hope is that talented students will be given the opportunity to learn, to lead and to make a meaningful difference in Canada and around the world.” Robert Krembil CM (MBA ’71, Hon. LLD ’00), Founder, Krembil Foundation

EMPOWERING EXCEPTIONAL STUDENTS

Hear how the Robert Krembil Scholars of Excellence Program is opening the doors to personalized mentorship, global learning opportunities and a powerful alumni network.

“I’m grateful to the Krembil Foundation and Schulich for their remarkable commitment to supporting future leaders in health care. It was inspiring to celebrate this milestone with so many dedicated scholars and mentors.” 2025 Krembil Public Health Internship Award recipient Dua’a AINusairat, who completed a health management internship with Sinai Health.

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Boosting fundraising for strategic priorities and key programs

Record-breaking Giving Day 2025 Schulich Giving Day 2025 exceeded this year’s goal by a remarkable 128 per cent, raising more than $511,000 from 433 donors across Canada and around the world and bringing the total raised to $1.5 million over five years. Campaign gifts are helping enhance student career readiness, support global learning and enrich the student experience through internships, study abroad and case competitions. Special thanks to generous matching donors Marti Morfitt (MBA ’86), Peter MacKenzie (MBA ’86) and Kate Zeidler, Dennis Starritt (MBA ’73), Vince Commisso (MBA ’92), Eric Rawlinson (MBA ’84), North Horizon, EllisDon, TD Insurance and the Svec Estate, whose support doubled the impact of every gift.

2025 HIGHLIGHTS

$511,358 raised

433

donors from all decades and around the world

122

new donors

“This year’s Giving Day reflected the energy, passion and commitment of the Schulich community.” Giving Day Co-Chair Tristan Cammaert (MBA ’03), Global Client Partner at EY and Ambassador of the company’s Schulich Alumni Chapter.

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350

matched gifts


SCHULICH GIVING DAY CAMPAIGN GIFTS 2020-2025 2025

$200,000

2024

$150,000

2023

$226,151

$100K

2022 2021

$311,358

$75K

“Alumni, faculty, staff, and partners came together to make a lasting impact for the next generation of leaders.”

$114,007

$50K

2020

$191,607

$53,691 $40,411

$0

$100K

Matching Support

$200K

$300K

$400K

$500K

Giving Day Co-Chair Wissam Ayoub (MBA ’05), Senior Vice President of EllisDon’s Middle East operations and President of the Schulich UAE Alumni Chapter.

Individual Contributions

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YOUR IMPACT

Advancing donor and corporate partnerships Schulich reimagined donor and corporate partnerships in 2025-26 with mutually-beneficial collaborations that go beyond philanthropy and include innovative ways of supporting students and advancing our shared values and goals.

$6.4 M+ new awards (16 awards)

$1.3 M+ renewed support (16 awards)

6 corporate scholarships, totalling over $250k in support 12


New certificate explores how IT organizations operate Fall 2026 applications are now being received for a new Schulich certificate program designed to prepare the next generation of enterprise technology professionals. Backed by a $1 million investment from the Montrealbased IT consulting and software development company, the CGI Certificate in Enterprise Systems Development will equip learners—including those without prior coding experience—with practical, job-ready skills and industry insights ranging from programming and AI-enabled systems to DevOps and cybersecurity.

“This partnership reflects our commitment to helping build the skills and experience that organizations need to harness AI and emerging technologies to drive responsible and impactful business outcomes.” Steve Starace Chief Human Resources Officer, CGI

Fostering high-tech business leaders Beginning in September 2026, five Schulich students studying at the intersection of business and technology will receive CI Financial Leadership Scholarships. Funded by a $150,000 commitment from CI Financial, the scholarships are part of a larger partnership with the Canadian investment management company that includes experiential learning and networking opportunities with CI Financial leaders.

“The partnership will help support talented students, expand access to opportunity and create meaningful pathways between academic learning and real-world experience.” Kambiz Vatan-Abadi SVP and President, CI Directing Investing

Minerva Cerena, Director of Schulich’s Centre for Career Design; Dean Detlev Zwick; and Christina Niederwanger, Executive Director, Advancement and Alumni Engagement congratulate Kamiz Vatan-Abadi (second from right), SVP and President of CI Direct Investing.

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Advancing donor and corporate partnerships

Partnership to supercharge innovation programming A new collaboration between Schulich and North Horizon “reflects our belief in empowering entrepreneurs and supporting institutions that prepare the next generation of business leaders,” says Xiaobo Wang (MBA ’08), Executive Vice President of Corporate Development at the Canadian investment firm. The partnership, which includes a five-year, $250,000 gift, created the North Horizon Entrepreneur in Residence; the North Horizon Mentorship Match Award for students interning with Schulich startup companies and venture capital firms; and the North Horizon Roots & Impact Award supporting 10 incoming BBA, MBA or Tech MBA students committed to creating positive, lasting change in Canada.

“North Horizon’s investment will accelerate our ability to empower founders, investors and changemakers who will strengthen Canada’s business ecosystem.” Chris Carder, Executive Director of Schulich’s Office of Innovation & Entrepreneurship and The Jay Smith and Laura Rapp Chair in Innovation & Entrepreneurship, which was established in 2025 with a generous gift from The Schulich Foundation.

North Horizon, a Canadian investment firm with a focus on responsible investing, innovation and community impact, shared the commitment on October 14th at Schulich’s Desjardins VIP Series.

Schulich’s leadership team joined with Robert Guo (MBA ’06), EVP, North Horizon Holdings Inc. and President & CEO, Sixty Degree Capital (second from left), Allen Lau, Wattpad co-founder (fourth from right), Xiaobo Wang (MBA ’08), Executive Vice President of Corporate Development, North Horizon Holdings Inc. and Annie Liu (EMBA ’19), Director, Corporate Affairs, North Horizon Holdings Inc. (far right) to announce the Canadian investment firm’s partnership at Schulich’s Desjardins VIP Series in October 2025.

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Advancing sustainable supply chains Schulich renewed its groundbreaking five-year partnership with George Weston Limited to help address future challenges in Canadian supply chain management. Initiated in 2020 with the creation of the George Weston Ltd. Centre for Sustainable Supply Chains, the new five-year collaboration is advancing inclusion through scholarships and the Women in Supply Chain Mentorship Program; supporting experiential learning and case competitions; and strengthening digital transformation and AI leadership with Schulich’s Tech MBA program.

“ We are delighted to renew and expand our partnership with the Schulich School of Business to develop sustainable supply chains that contribute to a stronger, more resilient Canada.” Mark Bednis, Vice President, Supply Chain Analytics, Loblaw Companies Limited, announced the partnership renewal at the October 2025 Schulich Supply Chain Networking Event.

2025 Supply Chain Networking Event

Partners for 30 years In 1995, Seymour Schulich made a groundbreaking $15 million gift to name the Schulich School of Business. Hear how one extraordinary act of generosity became the foundation for decades of impact.

300+ undergraduate and graduate finance students utilized the high-tech experiential learning resources of Schulich’s BMO Future Leaders Financial Lab, established in 2025 with a $1.5 million gift from BMO. Dean Emeritus Dezsö J. Horváth CM with Seymour Schulich OC (Hon. LLD ’03).

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YOUR IMPACT

Engaging and supporting students “To help Schulich compete for top talent on a global stage, donors invested generously in financial support for students, increasing the availability of scholarships and bursaries that help attract and empower the next generation of leaders.” Anthony Tomizza, Interim Director, Advancement

$8.4 M+ donor-supported student aid

32 new and renewed scholarships and awards

43 events involving students and alumni 16


Transforming lives with scholarships and awards Thirty-two scholarships and awards were established or renewed at the Schulich School of Business in 2025-26. Gifts had a direct impact on students in every program, helping to remove financial barriers, create new learning opportunities, open doors, instil confidence and inspire a future generation of alumni committed to paying it forward.

“It gave me the time to focus on my studies and my family. I feel empowered, seen and capable of reaching my goals.” Yetunde Oyekunle (MBA ’26) says the Andrighetti Community Award honouring an MBA student who identifies as a woman gave her the support and confidence to study sustainable business after 10 years as an engineer with Shell Nigeria.

“This scholarship makes navigating my own path possible in a real way. I hope to do the same one day for someone sitting where I am now.” Leon Lo (MBA ’26) is the inaugural recipient of the Ron Mock (MBA ’79, Hon. LLD ’17) Student Opportunity Scholarship awarded to an entering or continuing domestic student on the basis of academic achievement and financial need.

East Asian alumni rally in support of students Members of the Schulich Hong Kong Alumni Chapter and the Schulich Chinese Alumni Network are rallying in support of future students. More than 21 Hong Kong alumni contributed $39,000 and counting to create the Schulich East Asia Scholars Access and Impact Award. The award “removes financial barriers for incoming international students, pairing annual financial support with mentorship and networks to help equip globally connected leaders to drive responsible growth,” say Chapter Co-leads Adrian Chau (MBA ’00) and Henry Chau (BBA ’02).

“Being recognized as a changemaker means a lot to me.” BBA candidate Wayne Dhale Bautista is honoured to join the recipients of the Nick Carradino Changemaker Award working to have a positive impact on the 2SLGBTQ+ community.

“The support of BMO, an organization committed to breaking down these barriers and advancing women in leadership, is both empowering and motivating.” BBA candidate Zakiya Koya was one of four inaugural recipients of the BMO Diversity in Finance Award established to enhance access and eliminate barriers to finance career for high-achieving, equity-deserving students.

Chapter Co-leads Henry Chau (BBA ’02) and Adrian Chau (MBA ’00)

New campaign launch The Schulich Chinese Alumni Network launched a new campaign to support two incoming Schulich students a year. S.C.A.N. President Eric Hua (MBA ’05) and Dolly Shao (IMBA ’12) are leading creation of the S.C.A.N. Community Impact Award.

“What you have made possible is not only recognition of what has been done, but encouragement at a stage where encouragement matters most.” MBA candidate Samer Juha was awarded the Jack Leitch Entrepreneurial Award, established with a generous bequest from the Estate of Jack Leitch, a long-time Schulich champion and member of York University’s Board of Governors.

S.C.A.N. President Eric Hua (MBA ’05) and Dolly Shao (IMBA ’12)

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YOUR IMPACT

Deepening alumni connections “Schulich’s 38,000 alumni from around the world remain our greatest strength. We are committed to strengthening engagement, building bridges between alumni and students, and fostering connections across every graduating class to contribute to the School’s growth, reputation and sustainability.” Karina Butzek-Morris, Director, Alumni Engagement

5,400+ alumni at 90+ events

115+ alumni chapter ambassadors

11,700+ strong Global Alumni Network LinkedIn group

500+ Alumni2Student Mentorship Program matches 18

MMKG speed networking event, 2026


CONNECT Online in 2025 Schulich expanded the reach of its highly successful CONNECT alumni forum in 2025, launching CONNECT Online with close to 550 registrants over three virtual events. Tackling topics such as “The Next Wave of Technological Change,” “What’s Keeping Executives Up at Night” and “Real Estate & Private Credit in Asia,” the series provided meaningful discussion, thought leadership and professional development, while connecting alumni from close to 25 countries. THE FUTURE OF SCHULICH

Moderator Pam Laycock (MBA ’89), President of the Schulich Global Alumni Network, and nearly 100 alumni from around the world were inspired by Dean Detlev Zwick’s vision of the next wave of technological change at Schulich.

Thank you, alumni volunteers and leaders The Schulich community came together on June 9, 2026 to celebrate alumni volunteers and the recipients of the 2026 Schulich Alumni Recognition Awards for Outstanding Contributions to the Schulich School of Business. Deb Voorheis (EMBA ’13) was honoured in the Alumni Leadership category for her commitment to mentorship, career development and alumni engagement through the Kellogg-Schulich Women Alumni Group and the Schulich Women Network. In the Strategic Leadership category, Schulich recognized Nick Corradino (iBBA ’15), who established Schulich’s first award for students who have had a positive impact on the 2SLGBTQ+ community.

Deb Voorheis (EMBA ’13), Partner, Bigwin Group Strategy, recipient of the Outstanding Contribution to the Schulich School of Business — Alumni Leadership

Nick Corradino (iBBA ’15), Senior Manager, Solution Consulting, Tipalti, recipient of the Outstanding Contribution to the Schulich School of Business — Strategic Leadership

2026 Dean’s Society Annual Reception At the 2026 Dean’s Society Reception on June 24, more than 150 alumni and friends who contribute between $1,000 and $25,000 annually heard how their gifts are expanding opportunities for students and shaping Schulich’s future. In addition to the remarks by Dean Detlev Zwick, the event featured the unveiling of Schulich’s updated Alumni Donor Wall and an engaging discussion with Professors Grant Packard and Adam Diamant on human-AI interaction.

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Deepening alumni connections

Over the past year, we’ve connected with alumni through socials, mixers, lectures and networking opportunities in Toronto and around the world.

3,200+

alumni in Toronto, and

2,185+

around the globe in

7

global chapters

1 Canada

3

2

5

GTA

Europe

USA

6 4

Africa/ Middle East

Latin America/ Caribbean

Featured events SCHULICH CAMPUS, CANADA

Certificate in Digital Transformation Celebration with RBC, 2025

National Bank Open, 2025

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Fall Convocation, 2025

Experience Schulich, 2025

7 Asia Pacific


SCHULICH CAMPUS, CANADA

Dean’s Society Celebration, 2025

Krembil Foundation Gift Announcement, 2025

Black History Month Speed Networking, 2026

International Women’s Day, 2026

BMO Speakers Series with Andrew Matheou, 2025

Alumni Recognition Awards, 2025

Spring Convocation, 2026

SCAN Lunar New Year, 2026

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Deepening alumni connections

GTA

Women in Business, 2026

CIBC Open House, 2026

SRPAA Golf Classic, 2026

KS Alumni Summer Social, 2025

YUSIF 10th Anniversary, 2026

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GTA Alumni Dinner, 2026


CANADA

Calgary Alumni Panel, 2026

Vancouver Alumni Panel, 2026

Montreal Alumni Social Gathering, 2026

USA

Holiday Networking Event, Dallas, 2025

San Francisco Canada Day, 2025

Florida Virtual Fireside Chat, 2026

EUROPE & ASIA PACIFIC

Alumni Gathering with Professor Melanie Cao, Shenzhen, 2026

Schulich on the Road, London, 2025

Alumni Dinner with Professor Matthias Kipping, Tokyo, 2026

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Deepening alumni connections

New Global Technology Alumni Chapter Schulich celebrated its leadership in technology, innovation and entrepreneurship with the launch of a new Global Technology Alumni Chapter led by the ambassadors listed below. Building on initiatives such as the MBA in Technology Leadership (Tech MBA) and the growing Schulich Startups ecosystem, the chapter is connecting alumni founders, investors and technology leaders through events focused on collaboration, mentorship and lifelong learning.

Congratulations to our Global Tech Chapter Ambassadors and volunteers

Veronique Lafargue (MBA ’98) Fractional CMO, CEO & Founder, Pinnacle and Maison Lafargue

Mikayla Wronko (MBAN ’25) Investor, Two Small Fish Ventures

Anferny Chen (MBA ’12) CEO, DotsLive

Matthew Bryant (BBA ’20) Associate, Venture and Growth Finance, CIBC Innovation Banking

Rebecca Li (iBBA ’11) Executive President, Yunnan Association for International Science and Technology Cooperation

Sharon Joseph (MBA ’06) CEO & Founder, CREWASIS.AI

Katherine Lui (MBA ’92) Founder & CEO, CanCan Group

Eileen Hu (BBA ’23) Trader, BlackRock

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“Gimme a Crisis” “Schulich taught me to think globally and act with integrity, values that guided every decision I made,” Rick Waugh (MBA ’74), Scotiabank’s former CEO, told Schulich students, alumni and faculty at a special fireside chat in November 2025. The event celebrated the launch of “Gimme a Crisis: In the Room with Global Banker Rick Waugh,” written by veteran business journalist Howard Green. The book highlighted Waugh’s 43-year career, from steering one of Canada’s largest financial institutions through the 2008 global financial crisis to helping bring the Toronto Raptors to Canada.


Schulich has spent 60 years climbing the ranks of the world’s leading business schools, Our extraordinary graduates, innovative programs and diverse perspectives have earned us top rankings— and we’re only just getting started. As we look ahead to our next 60 years, alumni and donor leadership and engagement will be our key differentiating factor and our catalyst for achieving excellence, innovation and sustainability on the global stage. This is how Schulich is reinventing business leadership, today and for the next 60 years.

JOIN US! 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


Alumni Engagement Email: alumni@schulich.yorku.ca Phone: +1 437-388-3816 Giving Email: advancement@schulich.yorku.ca Phone: +1 437-388-3816 Office Location Office of Advancement and Alumni Engagement W362N, Seymour Schulich Building York University 4700 Keele Street Toronto, ON, M3J 1P3 Canada

alumni.schulich.yorku.ca

Toronto, Ontario, Canada | yorku.ca


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