Schulich-Palooza Embodies United Way Spirit
Schulich prides itself on world-class facilities and renowned faculty, but as Dean Dezsö J. Horváth explained at SchulichPalooza, there is much more. “Many know we have some of the brightest students and award winning faculty, but not many know we also have outstanding performers,” Dean Horváth said while addressing the crowd at the charity talent show SchulichPalooza.
Some of the best Schulich had to offer showcased their talent in the McEwan Auditorium on Nov. 25 for the first ever SchulichPalooza in part with the York Cares Campaign. All proceeds from the event went directly to United Way Toronto/York Region, which supports social services and provides community members the opportunities they need to improve their lives and build for a better future.
The lunch event highlighted talent ranging from faculty, staff, and students; including Professors Joe Fayt and Steven Freidman who played three tunes, student group 196 Express who played One Love by Bob Marley and Happy by Pharrell Williams, Schulich’s Database and Information Assistant Tom Elmer performing with his five-piece Celtic band ScIrish, MBA Michael Martyn playing two original songs of his albums, and much more.
Special guests in attendance included: President of York University, Mamdouh Shoukri; Sponsored Employee with United Way, Kwesi Johnson; Vice-President Advancement at York, Jeff O’Hagan; Dean of Osgoode Hall Law School, Lorne Sossin and Dean of Schulich School of Business, Dezsö J. Horváth.
Another big hit on the day was the raffle draw. Prizes won totaled over $2,000 in value – such as a photography gift card, limo service, hotel accommodation and ski lift pass and restaurant certificates to name a few. The big winner of the day was York Laboratory Technologist Nick Balaskas. He won both the photography certificate and limo voucher. In the true spirit of the United Way, he plans to give back, taking his students on a field trip while videotaping the experience.
This year’s event generated a promise to continue building the inaugural United Way event for years to come. “It was an opportunity to bring together faculty, staff and students,” SchulichPalooza Co-host Susan Kimberley said, while “showcasing exceptional talent in recognition of a great cause.”