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.