John Hunkin Scholarship in Leadership and Sustainability

John Hunkin, CM (MBA ’69, Hon LLD ’04), one of our School’s earliest and most accomplished graduates and long-serving Chair of the Dean’s Advisory Council, passed away on January 6 at the age of 79.

John was a pillar of the Schulich community. A recipient of the Schulich Alumni Recognition Award for Outstanding Executive Leadership in 1995, he co-chaired the School’s 50th Anniversary and Building Campaign, the most successful fundraising initiative in Schulich’s history.

John was awarded the Order of Canada in 2019 for his “commitment to governance and philanthropy” and was lauded for “his ability to inspire others.” Together with his wife, Susan Crocker, former CEO of the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan, John supported numerous healthcare and educational causes.

For over 20 years, John served as Chair of the Dean’s Advisory Council, earning the admiration of his peers for his sharp intellect, dry wit, and unwavering dedication. When he stepped down as Chair, Dean Emeritus Dezsö J. Horváth said, “With John, there was always an expectation of excellence and a belief that we could be the best. No school could ask for a more loyal alumnus or a more generous friend.”

Alan Middleton (MBA ’77, PhD ’97), former Executive Director of the Schulich Executive Education Centre, called John a “passionate and loyal supporter who was always there when we needed him”, while Bill Graham (MBA ’86), former President of Schulich’s Global Alumni Network, highlighted John’s “enormous contributions and commitment”, describing his passing a great loss. Rob Hines, former Executive Director of Schulich’s Centre for Career Design and fellow advisory council member who worked with John at CIBC, praised him as “a brilliant leader and strategist” who took a “genuine interest in the people on his team and his co-workers.”

In 2021, to honour his extraordinary contributions, Schulich established the John Hunkin Scholarship in Leadership and Sustainability. It is awarded annually to a full-time MBA student who demonstrates academic excellence, combined with outstanding leadership, commitment, and passion for sustainability, as evidenced by their engagement and contributions both within the School and the broader community.

To pay tribute to John’s enduring contributions to Schulich with a gift to support this scholarship, please click here or contact Payal Arora, Coordinator, Advancement, Schulich School of Business at payal7@schulich.yorku.ca, or by calling 416-262-3020.