25 years of Transformational Impact and Confidence
On December 5, 1995, newspapers, radio, and television stations across Canada reported that a $15-million gift to York University was being made by distinguished benefactor Seymour Schulich. Hailed as the largest donation of its kind to a Canadian university, this seminal contribution – one that altered the course of philanthropy in Canada – was bold, exciting, and packed with confidence. Shortly afterward, in 1996, York honoured Mr. Schulich’s tremendous support of business education by renaming its Faculty of Administrative Studies the Schulich School of Business.
In the press release from 1995 announcing his endowment, Seymour Schulich stated:
“Well-educated business leaders and entrepreneurs are crucial to our country’s future if we are to succeed in the global economy. York is a responsive and innovative university that can provide the kind of education today’s business leaders need.”
Succeed in the global economy – a powerful vision, indeed. From that moment, the Schulich Foundation’s benefaction positioned the Schulich School of Business for years of future success, particularly on the global stage. Now, as the School enters its 25th anniversary year of the benefaction, the Schulich Foundation endowment is a cornerstone of stability and vision, and a guiding force for York’s global business school.
The Schulich endowment continues to deeply enrich the “Schulich experience” for all the School’s many stakeholders – students, faculty, alumni, staff, as well as parents, family and friends. It remains a significant catalyst for change within Schulich.
As noted by Schulich’s Interim Dean, Detlev Zwick, “the Schulich endowment provides us with the resources to not only support our current students, but also the Schulich students of tomorrow. The endowment’s magnitude, scope and power are truly amazing. Annually, the endowment provides talented students the freedom to learn without worrying about the financial pressures associated with pursuing their degree. The endowment’s nine prestigious academic chairs have generated world-class scholarship and thought leadership. Congratulations on 25 years of inspiring and enduring impact.”