Honouring Schulich’s Tradition of Giving Back
Schulich alumnus John Belyea (MBA ’89) has always believed in giving back to your community. Over the last three decades, John has been supporting the Schulich Annual Fund as a way of thanking his alma mater for having opened doors that were otherwise closed to him.
A well-regarded leader in the insurance industry for 34 years up until his retirement this summer, John credits the School for helping him with his professional success. “Attending and graduating from Schulich had a tremendous impact on my career. Giving back to Schulich was important for me as a way of thanking the School for the opportunities it helped create, including supporting current and future students who could benefit from the same education and opportunities I received.”
John recalls a pivotal moment in his career when he resigned from his job and enrolled full-time in Schulich’s MBA program in 1987. What followed while nearing graduation were wonderful opportunities, one of which landed him a role in a boutique firm pioneering investing in the insurance brokerage industry—and began an incredibly enjoyable three decade-long career. “While having the MBA degree opened the door, much of what I learned, particularly in finance and accounting, gave me the knowledge and tools I needed to succeed.”
Out of all the many opportunities that John had received from his student days, what he cherishes the most are the many friends he met, notably his 601 team members, who not only provided him with advice and guidance throughout his career but provided him with lifelong friendships that endure to this day.
“The core of our 601 group that first came together for orientation at YMCA’s Camp Wanakita in Haliburton still gathers for dinner and drinks in Toronto every December—a tradition that is now more than 30 years strong!”
To learn more about how you can help create opportunities for Schulich students through the Schulich Annual Fund, click here.