News – Schulich School of Business

Nick’s changemakers: As Schulich celebrates Pride Month, Schulich graduate Nick Corradino is inspiring a growing community of 2SLGBTQ+ champions with his newly endowed award

Surrounded by the first four recipients of the Nick Corradino Changemaker Award at a meeting at Schulich’s downtown campus, Nick Corradino (iBBA ’15) felt inspired by what the small but mighty group was making possible across the 2SLGBTQ+ community.

As he looked around the boardroom, it was the empty chairs at the table that affirmed his hopes and vision.

“I became excited at the idea of this same meeting in 20 years. The only difference, every chair would be filled with changemakers, individuals who are not only passionate about the 2SLGBTQ+ community, but actively working to improve the lives of those around them,” Corradino says.

He knew the only way that could become a reality was to endow the annual award he had established in 2021.

The Nick Corradino Changemaker Award is presented annually to a BBA student who demonstrates leadership skills, academic achievement and a positive impact on the 2SLGBTQ+ community.

In 2026, thanks to the overwhelming generosity of family, friends and colleagues, it grew from a $1,000 annually-funded award to a $25,000 endowment supporting Schulich students in perpetuity. Corradino was recognized for his fundraising success with the 2026 Alumni Recognition Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Schulich School of Business.

From left to right: Dean Detlev Zwick, Nick Corradino (iBBA '15) and Pam Laycock (MBA'89), President, Global Alumni Network — From left to right: Dean Detlev Zwick, Nick Corradino (iBBA ’15) and Pam Laycock (MBA’89), President, Global Alumni Network

The most “heartwarming” part, says Corradino, Senior Manager at fintech company Tipalti, is how more than 130 donors stepped forward from every facet of his life – family, friends from grade school to Schulich, and colleagues from across his professional career.

“Each one owns a part in making this a success,” he says.

For the 2025/26 award recipient, Wayne Dhale Bautista, the breadth and depth of generosity matters as much as the unspoken message that comes with each gift.

“Being recognized as a changemaker means a lot to me,” says the 2028 BBA candidate. In addition to volunteering as the Vice President of Finance of the Schulich Pride Alliance, Bautista hopes to leverage the Changemaker Award in his networking activities as the Vice President of Corporate Relations with the Schulich Accounting Society.

He’s keen to be a part of the united and visible community that Corradino envisioned around the boardroom table.

“Each recipient has earned the award in their own way, each with their own journey. All of them are seen, and are actively making the community around them better,” Corradino says.

“May they inspire even more changemakers.”

The Schulich Student Access Fund continues to help more high-potential students experience all Schulich has to offer. To learn more about supporting the Fund and expanding access to transformational learning opportunities, contact Anthony Tomizza, Acting Director, Advancement at advancement@schulich.yorku.ca.

Schulich Marks 60 Years with a Memorable Weekend of Celebration, Connection and Community

More than 900 alumni, students, faculty, staff, donors and friends gathered from May 1–3 to celebrate the Schulich School of Business’s 60th anniversary, marking a milestone weekend filled with connection, reflection and celebration.

The special weekend brought together generations of the Schulich community to honour six decades of excellence, innovation and impact while celebrating the relationships and experiences that continue to define the School today.

The festivities began on Friday evening with a 60th Anniversary Gala at the Four Seasons Hotel Toronto, where guests gathered to reconnect, reflect on Schulich’s remarkable journey and look ahead to the future. The evening featured inspiring remarks, memorable reunions and special performances by alumna Amanda Martinez (IMBA ’99).

On Saturday, alumni returned to campus for CONNECT, Schulich’s flagship alumni event, which featured engaging discussions, networking opportunities and thought-provoking conversations on the future of business and leadership. Throughout the day, attendees connected with classmates, faculty members and industry leaders, demonstrating the enduring strength of the Schulich network and the global reach of the Schulich community.

The weekend concluded with a Diamond Anniversary Brunch on Sunday, providing one final opportunity for guests to celebrate, reconnect and reflect on the School’s journey over the past six decades. During the brunch, attendees also learned more about the Schulich Student Access Fund, an initiative that aims to remove financial barriers and expand opportunities for future generations of talented students.

“Bringing our community together to celebrate this milestone was incredibly meaningful,” said Christina Niederwanger, Executive Director, Advancement & Alumni Engagement. “Throughout the weekend, we saw friendships rekindled, new connections formed and countless stories shared about the impact Schulich has had on people’s lives and careers. Those moments are what made this celebration so special and will continue to inspire us as we look ahead to the next chapter of Schulich’s journey.”

The School also extends its sincere thanks to the organizations whose generous support helped make the 60th Anniversary Celebration Weekend possible: Diamond Sponsors TD Insurance and Cineplex, Executive Sponsor Ferrara Candy Company, Impact Sponsor RBC, and Session Sponsors CareerNPV and Manulife.

More than a celebration of Schulich’s past, the anniversary weekend highlighted the vibrant and engaged community that continues to shape Schulich’s future. Alumni travelled from across Canada and around the world to take part, underscoring the lasting bonds formed through the Schulich experience and the impact graduates continue to make in organizations, industries and communities worldwide.

“Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make the weekend so memorable,” said Dean Detlev Zwick. “It was a celebration not only of where we have been, but of where we are going – together.”

Watch the Highlights

Relive the energy, excitement and unforgettable moments from Schulich’s 60th Anniversary Celebration Weekend in the video below.

Schulich Receives Transformational $10 Million Gift from the Krembil Foundation

From left to right: Susana Gajic-Bruyea (Vice-President, Advancement, York University), Curtis Schultz, Jake Krembil (MMgt ’18), Rhonda Lenton (President and Vice Chancellor, York University), Detlev Zwick (Dean, Schulich School of Business), Linda Krembil, Robert Krembil, CM (MBA ’71, Hon. LLD ’00), Colleen Johnston (BBA ’82, Hon. LLD ’18), Joe Mapa (Director of the Krembil Centre), Stacey Krembil, Mark Krembil (President & CEO, Krembil Foundation), Lisa Philipps (Provost & Vice-President Academic, York University), and Christina Niederwanger (Executive Director, Advancement and Alumni Engagement, Schulich School of Business).

Landmark donation to empower future leaders and advance healthcare innovation

The Schulich School of Business has received one of the largest donations in its history — a transformational $10 million gift from the Krembil Foundation that will empower students, strengthen health management education, and advance Schulich’s leadership in shaping the future of healthcare.

“This extraordinary gift will have a transformational impact on our students and on the future of healthcare leadership in Canada and beyond,” said Detlev Zwick, Dean of the Schulich School of Business. “We’re deeply grateful to the Krembil Foundation for its vision and generosity. Their support will help us attract the world’s most talented students and ensure that Robert Krembil’s legacy as a champion of education and healthcare continues to thrive.”

The Krembil Foundation’s investment will create lasting impact across several areas of the School. The gift will endow the Robert Krembil Scholarship of Merit in perpetuity and launch the Robert Krembil Scholars of Excellence Program, an ambitious initiative combining financial aid, mentorship, and global learning to cultivate future leaders.

It will also expand the Krembil Centre for Health Management & Leadership, renew the Krembil Chair in Health Management & Leadership, and grow the Krembil Public Healthcare Internship Program, giving more students hands-on experience alongside senior healthcare leaders in Canada and abroad.

“The challenges facing healthcare today demand innovative and value-driven leadership,” said Robert Krembil. “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.”

This landmark gift — the second-largest single donation in Schulich’s history — brings the Krembil Foundation’s total giving to more than $21 million and serves as the lead gift for the Schulich Student Access Fund, launched during the School’s 60th anniversary year and marking the 25th anniversary of the partnership between Schulich and the Krembil Foundation.

Learn more: https://schulich.yorku.ca/robert-krembil-scholars-of-excellence-program/

Matching values: BMO Diversity in Finance Award recipient Zakiya Koya is empowered by the bank’s commitment to creating equal opportunities for all

When Zakiya Koya (BBA’27 candidate) received an email last fall telling her she had been awarded the BMO Diversity in Finance Award as one of its inaugural recipients, her first reaction was disbelief.

Then she decided that it was meant to be.

“Receiving this award told me that BMO recognizes the importance of inclusion in finance and is prepared to do something meaningful about it,” she says, adding, “Their core values match mine.”

Koya was “ecstatic” to align herself with a company that cares about representation, inclusion and “helping women feel seen and heard.”

The bank established the BMO Diversity in Finance Award as part of a $1.5 million gift, the largest BMO contribution in Schulich’s history, which also established the BMO Future Leaders Finance Lab. Valued at $5,000, the award is designed to support access to finance‑related careers and broaden participation in the Canadian finance sector by helping remove barriers for high‑achieving students who face systemic challenges. The four annual BMO Diversity in Finance Awards are distributed equally between third-year BBA and Master of Finance students with consideration given to candidates from communities historically underrepresented in the field.

“We know that cost, access to networks and representation continue to shape who sees a future for themselves in the industry,” says Helen Seibel, BMO’s Head, Employee and Community Giving. “By providing direct financial support at critical stages of students’ academic journeys, this award allows recipients to focus on their studies, skill development and career aspirations. More importantly, it signals that they belong in finance, and that their perspectives and lived experiences are valued.”

Koya set a finance career goal while still a student in high school but admits to finding the journey a struggle. “I often find myself in spaces where the voices of women and people of colour are not fully represented,” she says.

Receiving the BMO Diversity in Finance Award assured her she was on the right track.

“The support of BMO, an organization committed to breaking down these barriers and advancing women in leadership, is both empowering and motivating. This award not only affirms my own journey but also gives me the confidence to continue pushing for more inclusive leadership in finance,” Koya says.

Since receiving the award, she has joined Junior Achievement Canada as a volunteer, helping to teach high school students about finance and encouraging them to consider careers in the field.

As a mentor, she hopes to do for the next generation what BMO is doing for her.

“I’m excited to be part of a community that is actively working to break down barriers and create equal opportunities for all, she says. “I look forward to the impact we can all make together.”

The Schulich School of Business turns 60 in 2026 and we are celebrating with the Schulich Student Access Fund. To help more high-potential students experience all Schulich has to offer, contact Anthony Tomizza, Acting Director, Advancement at advancement@schulich.yorku.ca.

Schulich Alumni Earn Canadian Screen Award Nominations Across Film and Television

Schulich alumni are once again being recognized for their impact on Canada’s entertainment industry, earning nominations at this year’s Canadian Screen Awards across film, animation and reality television.

Vince Commisso (MBA ’92, BAS ’88, BA ’86) earned nominations in two children’s programming categories. Wild Kratts was nominated for Best Animated Program or Series, while Let’s Go, Bananas! received a nomination for Best Pre-School Program or Series. Commisso has long been a driving force in Canadian animation and children’s entertainment, helping to create educational and engaging content enjoyed by audiences around the world.

Luc Déry (MBA ’92) received a nomination for Lovely Day | Mille secrets mille dangers in the Best Motion Picture category. A celebrated producer in Canadian cinema, Déry is known for supporting compelling and critically acclaimed storytelling that has helped elevate Canadian film on the international stage.

Laura Michalchyshyn (MBA ’93) was also recognized through a nomination for Canada’s Drag Race in the Best Reality/Competition Program or Series category. Throughout her career, Michalchyshyn has helped shape innovative and internationally successful television programming, with a focus on original content and diverse storytelling.

Presented annually by the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television, the Canadian Screen Awards celebrate excellence in Canadian film, television and digital media production. This year’s nominations underscore the breadth of talent within the Schulich alumni community and the influential role graduates continue to play in shaping Canada’s creative and cultural industries.

Schulich Alumni Making an Impact Named to York’s Top 30 Under 30

York University has announced its 2026 Top 30 Alumni Under 30 — and five outstanding graduates from the Schulich School of Business are among this year’s honourees. These accomplished young alumni are making a meaningful impact across industries and communities, both locally and globally. Through their work, they are applying the knowledge, skills, and values gained at Schulich to drive innovation and positive change. Their achievements highlight Schulich’s ongoing commitment to developing principled leaders who make a difference. Meet the five Schulich alumni who are helping to shape a better future:

Sammie Dhillon (MMgt ’22, MBA ’24)	Sammie Dhillon is a manager at KPMG and a part-time instructor at the Schulich School of Business. She has extensive experience in public sector strategy and has led high-impact process improvement engagements that enhanced the efficiency, accessibility, and responsiveness of public services across Ontario. Sammie brings a strong foundation in business, policy, and continuous improvement to consistently deliver results that balance operational excellence with meaningful community outcomes. Sammie is a strong advocate for advancing equity and inclusion and works with community organizations to expand access and create pathways for underrepresented groups. She is also a dedicated mentor who actively supports students and early-career professionals in navigating careers in the public sector and consulting. Sammie is passionate about preparing the next generation of leaders to navigate complex challenges with confidence, resilience, and practical skills to lead with impact.
Adam Garisto (BA ’20, MMgt ’21)	Adam Garisto has crafted the messaging for Canada’s top politicians, including two prime ministers and two ministers of national defence. He has communicated some of the government’s most high-profile policies and decisions. In 2025, Adam held the pen for Prime Minister Mark Carney’s first federal budget. As a speechwriter for Prime Minister Carney, Adam has used the written word to move Canadians to reimagine what is possible when building our country. Previously, Adam served as speechwriter and communications advisor to defence ministers Bill Blair and David McGuinty, where he helped craft and launch Our North, Strong and Free. Adam got his start in politics in 2021 working for member of Parliament Michael Coteau before moving to Ottawa to write for prime minister Justin Trudeau.
Aveen Ghahremani (BHS ’24, MHIA ’25)	Aveen Ghahremani is an emerging leader in healthcare performance improvement and a dedicated advocate for the Iranian-Canadian community. She has been involved in organizing several of the largest socio-political and fundraising events in Canadian history, including welcoming Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi in 2024 and 2025, raising awareness for human rights in Iran and advocating for the fall of the Islamic Republic. Professionally, her career focuses on quality improvement, bridging evidence-based decision-making and analytics in Canada’s not-for-profit healthcare system. Before earning her Master of Health Industry Administration from the Schulich School of Business, Aveen published research in IEEE proceedings exploring the application of artificial intelligence in diagnosing and treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Through her leadership and advocacy, Aveen continues to amplify the voices of Iranian Canadians while advancing performance and equity in Canada’s healthcare landscape.
Heather Hills (BBA ’19)	Heather Hills is currently a pilot at Air Canada and previously flew as a captain on the Q400 with Porter Airlines. She has built a career defined by operational excellence and mentorship in a field where women represent less than ten percent of pilots globally. Alongside her flying career, she contributes to aviation education and workforce development as the commercial flight operations program coordinator at Conestoga College. She is passionate about improving access to aviation training and supporting the next generation of pilots through innovative, human-centered learning. Heather also serves as vice president of Canadian Women in Aviation (CWIA), leading national initiatives to support women entering and advancing within the industry.
Eric Schiabel (BBA ’21)	Eric Schiabel is the founder of FORM, a technology company building the memory infrastructure for luxury resale who previously worked at YSL Beauty. He brings a background in luxury brand strategy to FORM, which connects curated boutique inventory to provenance, historical context, and lifecycle data, enabling garments to move through the market without losing identity or value. Under his leadership, the company has onboarded millions of dollars in archival inventory, built a global community around fashion and resale, and secured venture backing as it develops new infrastructure for how luxury is discovered, understood, and recirculated.

Introduced in 2021, York’s Top 30 Alumni Under 30 program recognizes the diverse achievements of its young alumni community and aims to motivate the next generation to drive positive change both locally and globally.

Schulich Giving Day 2025 — A Record-Breaking Celebration

Schulich Giving Day 2025 set a groundbreaking milestone for the School, raising $511,358 and surpassing the $400,000 goal by 128%. As part of Schulich’s 60^th Anniversary celebrations, the Giving Day campaign focused on enhancing career readiness, supporting transformative global learning, and enriching the student experience.

“This year’s Giving Day reflects the energy, passion, and commitment of the Schulich community,” said Giving Day Co-Chairs Tristan Cammaert (MBA ’03), Global Client Partner, EY & Ambassador, Schulich EY Alumni Chapter, and Wissam Ayoub (MBA ’05), Senior Vice President – MENA, EllisDon & President, Schulich UAE Alumni Chapter. “Alumni, faculty, staff, and partners came together to make a lasting impact for the next generation of leaders.”

Impact in Action:

Students Le Nguyen (BBA ’27) and Peter Hong (MBA ’26) represented Schulich in international competitions under Professor Joe Fayt, gaining leadership, mentorship, and teamwork experience.
Mikayla Wronko (Tech MBA ’24) gained hands-on venture capital experience through an internship with alumna Eva Lau (MBA ’05) at Two Small Fish Ventures.
Ronak Singhvee (MBA ’25) participated in global learning programs in Costa Rica and Greece, building entrepreneurial and cross-cultural skills.

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 Giving Day Highlights:

$511,358 raised, exceeding this year’s goal by 128%
433 donors, including 122 new donors and 311 returning donors
124+ donors enrolled in Schulich’s Dean’s Society
Donors from across Canada, the U.S., U.K., Germany, India, Hong Kong, UAE, and more
41% of gifts designated to Student Experience Funds (SEFs)
Alumni participation across all decades, with the highest engagement from 2000–2009 and 2010–2019
Strong employer matching participation, with almost 350 donors identifying matching programs

“Thank you to every member of the Schulich community who made Giving Day 2025 our most memorable yet,” said Dean Detlev Zwick. “Since launching in 2020, Schulich Giving Day has now raised over $1.5 million to support student success.” Watch the Dean’s full message by clicking here.

If you missed Giving Day, it’s not too late – make your year-end donation by clicking here.

Schulich and North Horizon Partner to Advance Innovation and Student Success

The Schulich School of Business is proud to announce a generous $250,000 gift from North Horizon Foundation, a five-year gift focused on supporting innovation, mentorship and entrepreneurial leadership in Canada.

North Horizon, a Canadian investment firm with a focus on responsible investing, innovation, and community impact, shared the commitment on October 14^th at Schulich’s Desjardins VIP Series. This was a fitting partnership announcement as the event featured keynote Wattpad co-founder Allen Lau on why Canada must urgently rethink how we support, scale and retain world-class companies if we want to compete globally. The donation supports the Office of Innovation & Entrepreneurship also known as Schulich Startups and its Innovation & Entrepreneurship Experience Fund – enabling startup events, competitions, venture panels, and student work placements with Venture Capital firms and startups.

“North Horizon’s support will supercharge our innovation programming,” said Chris Carder, Executive Director of Schulich’s Office of Innovation & Entrepreneurship and The Jay Smith and Laura Rapp Chair in Innovation & Entrepreneurship. “Their investment will accelerate our ability to empower founders, investors, and changemakers who will strengthen Canada’s business ecosystem.”

Schulich also announced the creation of the ‘North Horizon Entrepreneur in Residence’, a position that will be held by Schulich EIR, Instructor and Co-Creator of the Schulich Venture Academy, Cherry Rose Tan. The North Horizon Entrepreneur in Residence will play a key role in mentoring Schulich students and alumni as they continue to transform bold ideas into thriving ventures.

The partnership will launch the North Horizon Mentorship Match Award, creating internships for students eager to gain real-world experience working with Schulich Startups companies and Venture Capital firms.

The partnership will also establish the North Horizon Roots & Impact Award, supporting a total of 10 exceptional incoming BBA and MBA or Tech MBA students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and a desire to take root in Canada and create positive, lasting change in their careers, communities, and the nation they call home.

“At North Horizon, we see education and innovation as the foundation for Canada’s future,” said Xiaobo Wang (MBA ’08), Executive Vice President of Corporate Development. “Our partnership with Schulich reflects our belief in empowering entrepreneurs and supporting institutions that prepare the next generation of business leaders.” This gift marks part of North Horizon Foundation’s commitment to building Canada’s next generation of innovators and community leaders.

“We are deeply grateful to North Horizon Foundation for their generosity and vision, and to our alumni leaders whose advocacy made this partnership possible,” said Detlev Zwick, Dean of the Schulich School of Business. “Together, we are empowering the next generation of Canadian business leaders and fostering innovation that will have a lasting impact on our students, our community, and the country.”

As part of its continued commitment to student success and innovation, North Horizon will join as a matching donor for Schulich Giving Day on November 13, 2025. This initiative will double the impact of contributions made on Giving Day, encouraging the Schulich community to come together in support of entrepreneurship, mentorship, and student opportunity.

Celebrating Changemakers: Nick Corradino’s Legacy of 2SLGBTQI+ Visibility and Community

“I graduated from the iBBA program in 2015, and I only wish the Nick back then could meet the Nick today. Finding authenticity took time—coming out in 2017 at the age of 24—and even after that, it took me a while to find my chosen family and mentors. Now, ten years after graduation, and years into my career, I’m comfortable being my authentic self, 100% of the time,” shares Schulich alumnus and former UBS President Nick Corradino (iBBA ’15), reflecting on his journey of self-acceptance.

Jemin and Nick. Photo by: Josh Merifield from 7O7 Studios

For Corradino, visibility matters. Being someone Schulich students can see thriving motivates him to give back through philanthropy and community-building. “I aim to be the person I needed when I was in their shoes, in the hope to accelerate their own path to confidence.” In 2021, Corradino established the Nick Corradino Changemaker Award—the first and only award of its kind at Schulich—to recognize undergraduate students who demonstrate leadership, academic excellence, and commitment to the 2SLGBTQI+ community. To date, it has honoured four outstanding students. This year’s recipient sees the award as more than financial support and recognition of their achievements. “It’s a spotlight on representation within a field I struggle to see myself in. It shows that people like me can succeed.”

Huy and Nick. Photo by: Josh Merifield from 7O7 Studios

Despite growing awareness and visibility, many 2SLGBTQI+ individuals still don’t feel safe being open about their identities. The recipient adds, “My hope is to continue to build Schulich into a space where students from our community can succeed both as individuals and leaders for accessibility and inclusion. Championing these initiatives benefit us all.” Corradino encourages them to embrace the challenge: “Community is paramount—find people in your corner to celebrate successes and support you through the tough times. Through community, you have a unique opportunity to not only use your own voice but to amplify it with others to be heard, and to make positive impact.” As Schulich celebrates Pride Month, Dean Detlev Zwick reaffirms the School’s commitment to inclusion: “Nick’s story is just one example of the leadership our community members are showing in advancing 2SLGBTQI+ inclusion—not just during Pride Month, but throughout the year.”

Jessica and Nick. Photo by: Josh Merifield from 7O7 Studios

The Schulich Pride Alliance is a student-led group that fosters a supportive network for 2SLGBTQI+ students and allies. On June 7, the Alliance hosted its flagship SPECTRUM Conference, spotlighting Corradino’s new campaign to raise $25,000 to endow the Nick Corradino Changemaker Award in perpetuity—with the first $10,000 matched dollar-for-dollar. On June 13, Corradino hosted all award recipients at the Miles S. Nadal Management Centre. Two current students and two alumni recipients reflected on the support this award gave them and how it sparked further inspiration to create increased change in their communities. A bona fide changemaker who leads by example, Corradino leaves future changemakers with advice passed down from his mother: “Be kind to yourself and love yourself. Then be the light or voice that others need.” To learn more about supporting the next generation of business leaders through establishing an award, contact Catherine Hardman, Director of Philanthropic Engagement, at chardman@schulich.yorku.ca.

Fueling the Future: Celebrating the Dean’s Society Impact

On May 9, Schulich hosted a special event to recognize the generosity and impact of Dean’s Society donors, who invest in the School’s future, with a reception, panel discussion, and unveiling of the newly installed Schulich Alumni Donor Wall.

With over 100 current alumni donors, the Dean’s Society is a distinguished community of global leaders and philanthropists, spanning supporters from the Class of 1967 to 2024. “What makes this community truly inspiring is its diversity and reach—generations of graduates making a lasting impact on the School and our students,” says Christina Niederwanger, Executive Director, Advancement and Alumni Engagement.

Pam Laycock (MBA ‘89), President of the Schulich Global Alumni Network and a Dean’s Society donor since 2016, moderated a panel discussion on philanthropy, underscoring the community’s strong culture of giving back through time, talent, and treasure. The panel featured three compelling voices: Dean’s Society donors Roshni Wijayasinha (MBA ’09) and Marco Renda (BBA ’23) who shared their personal journeys and why they give; and BBA student Polina Povorozniuk who shared her perspective as a current student and a Second Year Representative of the Undergraduate Business Society at Schulich.

For Wijayasinha, receiving a bursary as a student was empowering. Now CEO and Lead Strategist of her own company, Prosh Marketing, she gives back by hiring Schulich alumni and supporting the Schulich Startup Community. “I’m grateful for the support I received and want to pay it forward in any way I can,” she says. And for young alumni donor Renda, he hopes to inspire peers to give back as he does. “I had a unique and transformative Schulich experience, and I want the same for future students.”

Povorozniuk, graduating in two years, expresses gratitude for having a truly enriching student experience at Schulich: “Thanks to donor support, I benefit from advanced classroom technology and special programming that help me grow and stay competitive.” Why does the Dean’s Society matter? “It matters because demand for a Schulich education is growing,” shares Dean Zwick. “Students choose our School for its innovative programs and world-class learning experience—made possible by donor support.” Dean’s Society funding supports Schulich’s Annual Fund, expanding access to education and providing innovative, experiential learning opportunities for the next generation of business leaders. To join this growing community, contact Anthony Tomizza, Advancement Officer, Alumni Giving at atomizza@schulich.yorku.ca.