Toronto, ON -- Twenty-five leading Canadians were honoured Saturday night at the University of Toronto at Scarborough (UTSC). During an awards ceremony that ended a day of celebration marking the campus’s 40th anniversary, the 25 alumni were recognized for their considerable success in the fields of business, medicine, rights advocacy, literature, arts, sports and journalism among others.
40th Anniversary Alumni Award recipients will join the UTSC graduates already recognized through the Great Minds program. Recipients were nominated by alumni and other members of the university community.
U of T at Scarborough is a leader in the U of T tri-campus community offering innovative programs and research opportunities within a closely-knit and dynamic community. Since its opening in 1964, UTSC has seen its more than 25,000 graduates go on to make significant contributions in their chosen career fields and communities. The campus held a series of special events and activities Oct. 14 to 16 to celebrate those great achievements and inspire current students who will become the business, arts, science, and community leaders of tomorrow.
40th anniversary award recipients include:
Dr. Justine Blainey-Broker
(Class of 1995)
In 1981, Justine Blainey-Broker wanted nothing else but to play hockey. She had won a coveted spot to play in the Metro Toronto Hockey League but her dreams were waylaid when an Ontario Human Rights Code specifically denied the participation of women players. Blainey-Broker fought the law and finally had her day in Supreme Court where her appeal was upheld, striking the portion of the Ontario Code that allowed for sexual discrimination in sports. Blainey-Broker’s perseverance despite cruelty, threats and social pressure opened the door for women to compete with men in Ontario. Her determined efforts also helped save the Women’s Hockey Team at the University of Toronto and resulted in equal funding for women’s and men’s intercollegiate sports. Today, despite operating a busy chiropractic practice, Blainey-Brokeris frequently engaged to speak about her experience and inspire others to fight for equality.
Dr. Tony Cruz
(Class of 1974)
Dr. Tony Cruz is a solid example of a modern Renaissance man whose learning in science is matched only by his business acumen. He is a molecular biologist that specializes in cell signaling and drug screening systems, but also has a strong entrepreneurial streak that served to co-found several biotech companies. Currently a senior scientist at Samuel Lunenfeld Research Institute and a professor in the Department of Medicine and Pathobiology at the University of Toronto, Dr. Cruz’s work involves studying the pathways that antagonize or enhance inflammatory responses. He is also the CEO of Transition Therapeutics Inc., a biopharmaceutical company that is concerned with the treatment of multiple sclerosis, diabetes and restenosis. A founding member of the Canadian Arthritis Network, the first National Centre of Excellence to receive a disease-specificgrant, Dr. Cruz’s scientific and business endeavours tell the tale of a truly remarkable career.
Charles Cutts
(Class of 1969)
Charlie Cutts must have a little showbiz in his blood. How else could a Scarborough Campus English Literature graduate with 11 years experience as a chartered accountant become the CEO of The Corporation of Roy Thomson and Massey Hall. concert halls As head of these concert halls, Cutts employs an annual budget of $18 million to stage some 400 concerts a year. For eight of the past 10 years, Cuts has helped the halls earn profits without operating subsidies from any level of government. With experience as CEO of the O’Keefe Centre for the Performing Arts, now known as the Hummingbird Centre, and many years of directorship and volunteer officer positions, Cutts is known and respected throughout the national performing arts community. He is a past chairman of the board of the Family Services Association of Toronto, and is founding director and officer of both the Toronto Entertainment District Association and Canada’s Walk of Fame. Cutts has also proven to be a true friend of UTSC through his good counsel and his support of the arts management program.
Dr. Jon Dellandrea
(Class of 1973)
Jon Dellandrea has had a long association with UTSC. In 1971 he earned a B.A. in English Literature from Scarborough and later a doctoral degree in higher education from the St. George campus. But it was during his undergraduate years, when Dellandrea played on the Varsity Blues football team, that he honed the competitive skills that would serve him well in the intervening years as he advanced the cause of the university. Dellandrea worked in Scarborough’s Athletics Department before becoming Principal Ralph Campbell’s executive assistant. He then moved to the University of Waterloo to become its chief development officer. He eventually returned to Toronto to a post with Mount Sinai Hospital, and in 1994, he was recruited back to U of T where he has played an essential role in the university’s fundraising campaign. So much so, that first co-op UTSC.
Mary the campaign reached its $1 billion milestone one year ahead of schedule. Dellandrea was also instrumental in developing the first co-op program at UTSC.
Mary di Michele
(Class of 1972)
Since graduating from UTSC with B.A. in English, Mary di Michele has become a well-established Canadian writer and is, without a doubt, Scarborough’s most distinguished figure in Canadian letters. A celebrated poet, author and educator, di Michele’s work explores issues of family, heritage, politics and literary tradition. While she published her first book of poetry in 1978, it was in 1981 that she became a major voice among the growing number of Italian-Canadian writers and women poets. di Michele is the author of nine highly praised books of poetry, including “Debriefing the Rose?, a volume of selected poems. Her second novel, “Tenor of Love? is scheduled for international publication by Penguin in January 2005 Teaching creative writing at Concordia, where she and educates also serves as chair of the department, di Michele inspires and educates as much through her teaching as through her writing.
Marilyn Sue Emery
(Class of 1975)
Marilyn Sue Emery never holds back when it comes to educating her students. Teaching children with disabilities at Bloorview School can be a challenge with some students confined to stretcher beds and restricted to breathing through trachea tubes. But Emery understood the value of educating her charges in more than just the Ontario curriculum, so she organized outings to local attractions, craft shows and even pub nights for her older students. Savouring the extra time she spent teaching life skills, Emery could be found at a nearby restaurant feeding her young adult students pizza and treating them to beer through a straw, bringing everyday experiences into the lives of these special individuals. Emery also works tirelessly as president of the Ontario District Physical and Health Disabilities Association. What’s more, Emery does all of this from her own wheelchair from which she has embraced the world since she was a child.
Thomas Enright
(Class of 1976)
As the president and CEO of Canada NewsWire, the country’s number one resource for time-critical information, Thomas Enright knows a thing or two about news. Established in 1960, Canada News Wire is recognized in all major newsrooms and financial institutions as a key element in the dissemination and receipt of timely information. Enright’s posting at the top of this venerable organization is the result of a long history of success. He is the former director of the Toronto Stock Exchange, a former general manager of the Financial Post and the governor of the Canadian Journalism Foundation. Despite his busy schedule, Enright also manages to head UTSC’s Mentorship Program. He has mentored several students over the years, and is always willing to speak to student groups about his professional experiences. Enright also acts as an advisor to UTSC’s principal and is an avid supporter of the Alumni and Friends Golf Tournament.
Sylvie Fortin
(Class of 1986)
To say that Sylvie Fortin has an interest in art is perhaps an understatement. Her recent appointment as editor-in-chief of Atlanta-based Art Papers, one of the world’s top art publications, shows her not only as a highly qualified art historian and critic but also as an enthusiastic visionary. As she takes the helm of this renowned publication, the magazine is also receiving a substantial two-year grant from the Andy Warhol Foundation and the Utne Independent Press Award for Best Arts Coverage. All of which means Fortin’s role will continue to grow. Having to satisfy more than 25,000 readers in 25 countries, Fortin draws on her skills as a contemporary art curator, art historian, critic and writer to examine local and international contemporary art and culture.
George Goldsmith
(Class of 1970)
George Goldsmith graduated more than thirty years ago, but his involvement with Scarborough has done nothing but grow. For one, this president of a successful financial services company has been an important supporter of the renovations that have returned the historic Miller Lash House in the Highland Creek Valley to its former glory. Goldsmith has also proven to be an invaluable part of alumni life at UTSC. He served as a professional advisor to UTSC principal Paul Thompson, showed an unflagging willingness to support the campus in any way he could and has actively participated in the many events surrounding UTSC’s current growth. Earlier this year, Goldsmith worked tirelessly to organize a reunion event for UTSC graduates from the 60s, 70s and early 80s, bringing together almost 100 alumni and friends.
Sue Graham-Nutter
(Class of 1981)
Sue Graham-Nutter puts on a celebration that draws one million people each year. As the executive director, founder and chief organizer of Taste of the Danforth, Graham-Nutter is at the head of one of Canada’s largest festivals. What began as a small gathering of a few thousands people has grown into an event that brings in more than a million attendees and pours millions of dollars into the GTA. In addition, the festival has raised $700,000 for the Toronto East General Hospital. Beyond the tremendous impact of this once-modest festival, Graham-Nutter has distinguished herself as a successful businesswoman, founding her own marketing firm specializing in tourism promotion. Drawing on her valuable experience as executive assistant to the deputy minister of Culture and Communications, and as director of Revenue Development for TVOntario, Graham-Nutterhas proven herself a marketing force to be reckoned with.
Dr. Lorne Greenspan
(Class of 1973)
Dr. Lorne Greenspan believes that medicine must not only cure but also respect and empower the individual. As a senior medical consultant at the Medcan Clinic, a leading Canadian health management company, he has held clinical leadership roles that contribute to a high caliber of medical care using new modalities and innovative risk management strategies. As a member of Medcan's team of health professionals Greenspan is committed to minimizing the incidence and duration of illness and injury. His work is part of an integrated health management approach designed to address escalating health and disability costs for a variety of North America's premier employers, financial and government organizations. Prior to Medcan, Greenspan was deputy clinical director of emergency medicine at the Toronto General Hospital and remains an assistant professor at the University of Toronto. He has also shared his expertise consulting for national and international medical organizations, government and private enterprises.
Gregory Hines
(Class of 1972)
In the world of genetic testing, Gregory Hines is something of a revolutionary. As president and CEO of Tm Bioscience, Hines and his team are advancing the way in which genetic testing for cystic fibrosis and other debilitating genetic disorders is conducted. They are creating advanced proprietary technologies that markedly improve the speed, accuracy, flexibility and cost of DNA-basedgenetic tests. However, being at the head of a biotech company is nothing new for Hines. A former consultant with MDS Capital, Hines also served as president of Spectrum Pharma, a Canadian company that he founded in 1999. He was also president of Leo Pharma, another company he founded in 1981. From 1993 to 1999, Hines was a member of the Board of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association of Canada and served as Chairman in 1997 and 1998. While a student at UTSC, Hines founded the campus sailing school. Today, he continues his involvement with Scarborough Campus as an advisor and friend.
Rodney Hurd
(Class of 1970)
For Rodney Hurd, the world is a marvel that everyone should see. It may come as little surprise that this former student council president at Scarborough has risen to head TravelCuts, one of the best-recognized travel organizations in North America. Specializing in discount airfares and budget travel, Hurd’s company has grown into one of the most respected tour companies in Canada for students and non-students alike. Every year, TravelCuts helps tens of thousands of young travelers realize their dreams of studying, touring and living in countries around the world. As president of this organization, Hurd plays an instrumental role in creating world-class citizens whose exposure to different cultures helps to close the gap between nations, forging an ever-tightening bond between the generations that shape tomorrow’s global reality.
Francis Jeffers
(Class of 1978)
Francis Jeffers knows that scientific innovation comes from one’s community. As founder and president of Visions of Science, Jeffers maintains close ties to the black community in an ongoing effort to promote science and technology to African and Caribbean communities. His organization has had a significant impact on the lives of countless young people, particularly through its annual forum, showing thousands of minority students that science is a viable career for them. Jeffers is president and co-founder of the African Relief Committee in Canada, and he and his wife have recently acquired The International Black Inventions Museum, a mobile museum that teaches about the contributions Africans have made to civilization. Widely recognized as a leader in science and community involvement, Jeffers is a model for the young people he inspires and the colleagues whose accomplishments he helps celebrate.
Ali D. Kanji
(Class of 2001)
When he graduated in 2001, Ali D. Kanji made a life-changing decision to found a non-profit organization to fight the spread of AIDS. Since 60 per cent of the global HIV population falls into the age group of 15-24, Kanji created an organization that would employ students to speak to this high-risk group. Today, as executive director of Aiding Youth for Life, Kanji has enlisted the help of some 700 young people to provide AIDS awareness to youth around the world. His efforts, concentrated mostly in Africa, have established eight chapters worldwide and include plans to open a chapter in India by 2005. Leading this organization with passion and integrity, Kanji has founded partnerships with long established aid organizations in Canada to create a synergistic effort that is fighting this modern plague with a powerful, peer-led approach.
Alek Krstajic
(Class of 1989)
Alek Krstajic found his calling in telecommunications. This economics graduate is currently the chief marketing officer of Consumer Marketing at Bell Canada. In this role, Krstajic oversees the revenue side of all the businesses under the Consumer banner. In effect, he’s responsible for more than $8 billion of business. Prior to joining Bell, Krstajic was a senior executive at Rogers Cable. He is a director on of a number of boards for both public and private companies and has worked tirelessly to identify and connect with UTSC supporters. A testament to his business skills, Krstajic was named one of Canada’s Top 40 Under 40 in 2002 and recognized as one of the most influential young leaders in the country. A high performer in the world of communications, Krstajic is also a world-class sailor and has competed in the Canada’s Cup. A strong UTSC supporter himself, Krstajic has helped Scarborough Campus navigate its current course of success.
Will Kwan
(Class of 2002)
Will Kwan is an artist with a sense of humour. For one of his most popular pieces, Don't Toe the Line, Or Toe Your Own Line, he painted a hopscotch court in the middle of a busy downtown intersection, then stood back and videotaped pedestrians' reactions. A graduate currently lives McAllen'sof the Visual and Performing Arts Program in 2002, Kwan currently lives and works in New York City where he recently completed his MFA at Columbia University. Recognized in 2003 by Maclean’s magazine as one of Canada’s top ten artists “worth keeping an eye on?, Kwan doesn’t disappoint. An outstanding and prolific member of the Toronto art scene, he is fast fostering an international reputation. He was the only Canadian invited to create a work in a four-week artist-in-residence program last year at the 50th Venice Biennale event, and his piece “Pass It On? was recently presented at the Prague Biennale.
David Lucatch
(Class of 1985)
David Lucatch is one of those rare entrepreneurs who mixes his keen sense of business with a penchant for charity. A successful businessman who has started several ventures since graduating in 1985, Lucatch’s endeavours have included printing, web marketing as well as person-to-person marketing. Despite this range of business operations, one thing has remained constant: his dedication to fundraising. In fact, Lucatch has helped raise millions of dollars for charitable organizations in both Canada and the United States. He is equally generous with his time, serving as a UTSC mentor and speaking to student groups on campus. An active member of the Principal’s Advisory Committee, Lucatch has a strong personal interest in supporting the Scarborough campus, now and well into the future.
Kim McLean
(Class of 1985)
Kim McLean isn’t afraid of being first. Like many UTSC, she was the first in her family to go to university. But that was just the start of many firsts to come for this aspiring leader. McLean was part of one of the first classes to graduate from UTSC with a degree in co-op management in 1985. She went on to finish her MBA at the Rotman School of Business and has since held a series of progressively senior roles at the U of T. Working in the Planning Office at the St.George campus, McLean eventually became the director of budget analysis and planning. Today, she is the chief administrative officer and assistant principal at UTSC where she oversees a $50 million budget. McLean sits on Business Board and the Audit Committee for U of T, and represents the campus on a variety of Search Committees including recent competitions for UTSC's principal and the provost of U of T.
Cindy Nicholas
(Class of 1979)
When Cindy Nicholas set out to swim across Lake Ontario, she hadn’t intended to change anyone’s life but her own. Decades later, however, her record-breaking feats continue to inspire generations of swimmers. In 1975, she set the women’s record for the fastest crossing of the English Channel, and two years later she set a record for the fastest two-way crossing of the Channel. A member of the Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame, the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame and a recipient of the Order of Canada, Nicholas provides advice and encouragement to aspiring distance swimmers. Today, Nicholas is a successful lawyer and stands as a shining example of the impact a single person’s determination can make to inspire a legion of others.
David Ossip
(Class of 1988)
David Ossip’s company has it right. Workbrain, a workforce management software company, has designed a solution that enables large companies to ensure that the right people with the right skills do the right jobs at the right time – and all fora low cost. In December 2003, Workbrain became the first technology company in three years to go public through an IPO on the Toronto Stock Exchange. Under Ossip’s leadership Workbrain was selected as a 2003 winner of Canada's 50 Best Managed Companies and recognized by Profit Magazine as the second fastest-growing company in Canada. In April 2004, Ossip himself was selected to Canada's Top 40 Under 40 - a program that honours the country's business and academic elite. He is a member of the Young President's Organization, holds a MBA from Harvard and demonstrates inspiring success in the tempestuous world of high technology.
Kevin Thistle
(Class of 1985)
When Kevin Thistle stands on the first tee block of the Angus Glen Golf Club, he’s at work. As vice-president and general manager of one of Canada’s best public golf courses, Thistle takes his greens seriously -- and it has paid off. Under his direction, Angus Glen brought in $5 million in sales last year, a figure five times the industry average. In 2002, the course was selected to host the Canadian Open, an honour only bestowed upon the best-tended, best-managed courses in the country. Perhaps even more impressive is Thistle’s role as a driving force behind the creation of Angus Glen North, a course that, two years after opening, was awarded the prestigious 2007 Canadian Open. Thistle was selected Markham’s Business Leader of the Year in 2003 and continues to inspire students by working as a UTSC mentor. Whether he is volunteering his time refereeing hockey or organizing UTSC’s Alumni and Friends Golf Tournament, Thistle is a great ambassador for his profession and for the Scarborough campus.
Dr. Paul Thompson
(Class of 1972)
Paul Thompson has seen UTSC as a student, professor, researcher and, for 14 years, as its principal. Not surprisingly, he has seen and affected considerable change at Scarborough. As a professor of philosophy, he introduced a Social Issues course that applied theories and tools of ethics and morality to practical issues like abortion. His class was the first philosophy class at UTSC to have more than 200 students. Thompson later served as chair of humanities, and in 1989 became UTSC principal and dean. His tenure as principal and dean saw a decade of change with the expansion of the co-op program, the new bachelor of business administration degree and the strengthening of environmental science programs at the campus. These renowned programs drove an 86 per cent surge in UTSC enrollment by 2002. Having completed his term at UTSC, Thompson is now the director for the Institute for History and Philosophy of Science and Technology at U of T’s Victoria College.
Chris Waddell
(Class of 1974)
As far as Chris Waddell is concerned, business news is where the real stories can be found. As the first occupant of the Carty Chair in Business and Financial Journalism at Carleton University, Waddell has developed a business and financial journalism curriculum that will provide journalists with a solid grounding in business and economic issues. Teaching newsmakers to understand financial statements, learn how stock markets operate as well as how the economy works is essential to developing accurate and insightful coverage of the business world. With an extensive journalism background that includes work as a CBC parliamentary bureau chief, a senior editor at the Financial Post, a reporter with the Globe and Mail and, currently, a political commentator for CBC’s News Online, Waddell has spent a career telling the stories that shape the world around us.
John Wright
(Class of 1980)
John Wright pays particular attention to numbers. As the senior vice president of Public Affairs for Ipsos-Reid, one of North America’s most prestigious public opinion research companies, he knows a lot about the numbers that affect us every day. Rarely a week goes by without hearing this Scarborough graduate’s enthusiastic voice on national radio or television expressing with fascination the interesting statistics that shape Canadian lives. In fact, his enthusiasm for knowledge and learning trace back to his undergraduate years at UTSC. Wright’s efforts as student union president helped bring about the construction of the desperately needed Bladen Library. Wright continues to contribute to UTSC campus life speaking to student groups and advising UTSC on marketing and communications issues. Even in his current high-profile post, he reminds us all that determination and attention to details can bring about tremendous change.
For more information contact: