Schulich Announces Transformational $10 Million Gift from the Krembil Foundation
One of the largest donations in the history of the Schulich School of Business to endow elite scholarships and boost School’s health management leadership
Toronto, ON – November 20, 2025 – The Schulich School of Business at York University has announced one of the largest donations in its history – a $10 million gift from the Krembil Foundation that will secure the future of student scholarships, expand health management education, and strengthen Schulich’s role as a global leader in healthcare leadership and innovation.
Key Investments of the $10 Million Gift
The Krembil Foundation’s landmark commitment will:
- Endow the Robert Krembil Scholarship of Merit in perpetuity, supporting two outstanding MBA students each year and upholding Robert Krembil’s remarkable legacy of student support.
- Launch the Robert Krembil Scholars of Excellence Program, a world-class initiative that combines financial aid, mentorship, alumni networking, and global learning opportunities to cultivate the next generation of purpose-driven business leaders.
- Support the continued growth of the Krembil Centre for Health Management & Leadership, a global hub for industry outreach, research and talent development and home to Schulich’s Master of Health Industry Administration degree program. The Centre plays a pivotal role in preparing leaders to navigate disruption in one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing industries.
- Renew the Krembil Chair in Health Management & Leadership for a second five-year term, strengthening Schulich’s capacity as a thought leader in health sector strategy and organizational transformation.
- Expand the Krembil Public Healthcare Internship Program to ten candidates a year, offering students hands-on experience working with senior leaders in the healthcare system here in Canada and around the world.
“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, foster innovation in health management, and ensure that Robert Krembil’s legacy as a champion of education and healthcare continues to thrive.”
Building on a Visionary Legacy
The Robert Krembil Scholarships of Merit, first established in 2001 and named in honour of Schulich graduate Robert Krembil (MBA ’71, Hon LLD ’00), have become a cornerstone of Schulich’s mission to attract exceptional students from around the world, regardless of socio-economic background. More than 50 students have benefitted to date, and the newly endowed Robert Krembil Scholars of Excellence Program will elevate the initiative into one of the premier leadership development programs offered by any business school worldwide.
“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.”
The gift marks the second largest single contribution ever made to the School and brings the Krembil Foundation’s total giving to Schulich to more than $21 million. With this donation, Robert Krembil and the Krembil Foundation join Seymour Schulich and The Schulich Foundation on the Schulich Lifetime Donor Wall at the Visionary Level, the highest level of recognition for philanthropic leadership.
The announcement of the Krembil Foundation’s gift also comes as the Schulich School of Business celebrates its 60th anniversary year in 2025-2026 and as the School recognizes its longstanding partnership with the Krembil Foundation, now in its 25th year. The donation serves as the lead gift to launch the Schulich Student Access Fund, inspiring future philanthropic contributions and marking a defining milestone in Schulich’s history.
The official announcement was made today at Schulich with remarks from York University President Rhonda Lenton, Schulich Dean Detlev Zwick, and Joseph Mapa, the Krembil Chair in Health Management & Leadership, along with past and current Krembil Scholars.
To learn more, visit: https://schulich.yorku.ca/robert-krembil-scholars-of-excellence-program/
