Defy Gravity

An accomplished business leader who has made an indelible contribution to the University of Toronto as a volunteer and donor, Blake Goldring has taken to heart a lesson instilled in him at a young age by his father: that society’s most fortunate have a duty to give back.

Today, for his exemplary civic and community service, and for his outstanding commitment to higher education, Goldring will receive a Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, from U of T.

Born in Toronto in 1958, the second of five children, Goldring attended Victoria College at U of T, earning a bachelor’s degree in economics. He got his first taste of volunteering as an undergraduate, serving as the vice-president of AIESEC, an international youth-run non-profit. He went on to study at INSEAD, a top-ranked business school in France, where he completed his MBA in 1982.

Goldring’s career in finance began at Bank of Montreal, where he worked in international and corporate banking. He left in 1987 – not long before the October market crash – for a position at AGF Management, a Canadian investment company co-founded by his father, Warren Goldring (also a U of T alum).

At AGF, the younger Goldring started as an analyst for the company’s Japanese investments, worked his way up through sales and marketing, and within a decade had been named president and chief operating officer. In 2000, he became chief executive officer, and in 2006, added chairman to his title. He stepped away from day-to-day management of the company in 2018, assuming the role of executive chairman.

President of Victoria University, Rhonda McEwen (L) with Blake Goldring (photo by Lisa Sakulensky)

Having started at AGF during a tumultuous time in the stock market, Goldring says he quickly learned to keep calm and take the long view. “So often people get caught up in the heat of the moment,” he told the Globe and Mail in 2008. “It’s a bit like the Rudyard Kipling poem: ‘If you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs...’”

Under Goldring, AGF acquired other wealth management firms and diversified its client base to include more institutional and high-net-worth investors. He also initiated a program to give employees paid time off for volunteering.

The initiative reflected Goldring’s own commitment to community service. Throughout his career, he served on several boards, including the Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and the Canadian Film Centre.

In the 2008 Globe interview, he said that volunteering helped him see a wider set of perspectives and expand his worldview. “There is a short-termism that is endemic to [the investment] industry,” he observed. “It is good to see things in a longer-term way, to see that the world isn’t all about the stock market.”

Goldring has been particularly interested in forging connections between the military and civilians. Inspired by Canadian soldiers who, in the wake of 9/11, joined international forces in Afghanistan to fight the Taliban, Goldring launched Canada Company – an organization that awards scholarships to the children of fallen soldiers to assist with their post-secondary education. The company has also helped veterans find meaningful employment in the civilian workforce. In recognition of his efforts, Goldring was appointed the first-ever honorary colonel of the Canadian Army. “Some of my proudest moments in life have been pinning the medals on returning regiment soldiers,” Goldring told the Globe in 2007.

Goldring is also highly active in the U of T alumni community, and has financially supported numerous programs and facilities, including Soldiers’ Tower, the Norman Jewison stream in the Vic One program at Victora College, as well as those that bear his family’s name – the Goldring Centre for High Performance Sport and the Goldring Student Centre at Victoria College. He currently serves on the steering committee of the university’s Defy Gravity campaign.

The Goldring family’s association with U of T spans four generations – from Blake’s grandfather to his father, Warren, him and his sister, Judy, to his two daughters. Blake says his – and his family’s – support for U of T stems from a deeply held belief that education provides the foundation for a prosperous and inclusive society. “Education, particularly a strong liberal arts foundation, allows people to engage in debate and critical analysis,” he said. “It fosters an environment of research and discovery, and, frankly, I believe that higher education helps to address prejudices.”

In his convocation address to graduates of Victoria College, Goldring encouraged them to be innovators, quoting Albert Szent-Györgyi, a Nobel Prize-winning biochemist who, in 1937, said, “Innovation is seeing what everyone else sees, and thinking what no one else has thought.” So, Goldring continued, “Challenge the status quo, think differently, and act boldly.”

He also urged graduates to lead with empathy and to find a way to give back to society. “Make a living, yes. But also make your mark – with purpose and passion. And let your legacy be defined by the lives you touch and the positive change you create.”

A member of the Order of Canada, Goldring holds two other honorary degrees, and has received numerous honours in recognition of his personal and professional achievements.

Five key things: U of T’s Brand Portal

ksoobria — Tue, 20 Feb 2024 16:41:41 +0000

Five key things: U of T’s Brand Portal ksoobria Tue, 02/20/2024 - 11:41

An organization’s brand is more than a logo, colour or slogan. It encapsulates its vision, mission, character, aspirations and essence. The University of Toronto’s brand expression, Defy Gravity, reflects and conveys the community’s spirit of discovery, drive to overcome obstacles and promise of inclusive excellence.

To help the U of T community bring Defy Gravity to life, the university recently completed a major revamp of its Brand Portal, which brings together resources, guidelines, strategy and assets.

“The Defy Gravity brand is an evolving story, and we wanted to ensure that the brand portal evolved as well,” said Tanya Kreinin, U of T’s assistant vice-president, brand strategy and chief marketing officer. “The new portal is an enterprise solution based on extensive consultation with the U of T community and in-depth analysis of best practices in both public and private sectors.”

Here are five key features of the relaunched Brand Portal:

Understand the brand. Strong brands are built on strategies that authentically capture an institution’s vision, mission, values and character. The Brand section in the portal includes U of T’s brand story and brand themes and explains Defy Gravity’s underlying philosophy.
Telling the brand story. One of the ways by which the brand is defined is its ‘voice.’ That ‘voice’ can be heard in news stories, social media posts or even signage around campus. The portal has information about tone, storytelling principles and a comprehensive editorial style guide for anyone writing on behalf of or about the university.
Visualizing the brand. From logos and typography to image layout and video endplates, visual elements are among the most easily recognizable aspects of a brand. The Brand Portal includes extensive guidance on U of T’s visual identity, including university signatures, typography, brand colours and how to use the Defy Gravity logo.
The story in numbers. The recently added section on reputational materials, stats and rankings is a one-stop-shop for reputational and brand-building content. It includes frequently updated rankings and data, the Impact Presentation and key messaging so that the most current information is always accessible and easy to find.
Brand assets. Whether you’re building a multi-platform campaign, planning an event or just looking to update an email signature, the Brand Portal has assets that faculty and staff can leverage to animate the brand in all university communications. Some of the tools and templates users will find include presentation templates, event signage, branded merchandise, marketing and communications planning templates and ready-to-use video content.

Five key things: U of T’s Brand PortalFive key things: U of T’s Brand Portal

Kevin Soobrian

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Anna Kennedy succeeds Janet Ecker as chair of U of T’s Governing Council

siddiq22 — Thu, 06 Jul 2023 18:00:43 +0000

Anna Kennedy succeeds Janet Ecker as chair of U of T’s Governing Council

siddiq22 Thu, 07/06/2023 - 14:00

Cutline

Real estate executive Anna Kennedy is the new chair of the University of Toronto's Governing Council (photo by Lisa Sakulensky)

Topic

President Meric Gertler

A leader in Toronto’s real estate industry, Anna Kennedy says her four-decade career of organization-building has laid the foundation for her new role as chair of the University of Toronto’s Governing Council.

From 2011 to 2022, Kennedy was chief financial officer and chief operating officer of KingSett Capital, one of Canada’s leading real estate private equity firms. Prior to that, she enjoyed a 25-year tenure at Oxford Properties Group, progressing to the role of executive vice-president and chief financial officer.

She is board director and chair of the audit committee of the C.D. Howe Institute, a board member of Jona Capital and an advisory board member of the KingSett Canadian Real Estate Income Fund. This builds on her previous board experience at organizations such as Tricon Capital Group, REALPAC, Toronto CREW and Women’s Habitat of Etobicoke and her executive leadership at the Canadian Diabetes Association.

Kennedy will draw on this experience as she prepares for her role overseeing governance at the university. “U of T is a huge contributor to the economic growth and development of the City of Toronto," Kennedy says. “It is personally very rewarding for me to be able to contribute to this city building through my work on the Governing Council.”

Appointed to Governing Council in 2019, Kennedy began her term as chair of U of T’s governance body on July 1. She takes over from Janet Ecker, with whom she served as vice-chair during the 2022-2023 academic year.

Sandra Hanington, former president of the Royal Canadian Mint who has previous experience in the financial services sector and co-founded a youth mental health charity, was elected to serve as vice-chair. She was first appointed to Governing Council in 2020.

Janet Ecker (supplied image)

Ecker says it’s been an honour to be part of an institution that “values the old and the new.” She notes that her term coincided with the 50th anniversary of U of T’s unicameral governance model – a model that ensures financial decisions support the university’s academic mission and vice versa.

Ecker says she’s confident that Kennedy and Hanington will continue U of T’s track record of sound financial stewardship as Ontario universities face a challenging economic landscape.

“Despite the fact that U of T is in very strong financial shape, the challenges that are coming at the university sector are going to be significant,” Ecker says.

“I think having Anna's business background and financial acumen – and Sandra’s as well – is going to be very helpful in working … to make sure that U of T can continue to provide the incredible quality of education that is routinely recognized in international rankings.”

Kennedy, for her part, says she’s grateful to have worked alongside and learned from Ecker as she readies herself for serving as Chair of the Governing Council – a role that involves presiding over council and other meetings and providing executive oversight.

“It’s a pleasure to contribute to an institution with such a strong culture of achieving excellence through collegiality and collaboration while focused on broad inclusive excellence, fairness and respect,” she says.

“The university’s success in its equity, diversity and inclusion initiatives is truly inspiring. Diversity of thought and opinions lead to richer discussions, stronger decisions and better outcomes.”

Kennedy adds that she’s impressed by U of T’s “student-focused emphasis” on achieving excellence through innovative course delivery, experiential learning, mental health supports, robust financial aid and the ongoing support provided by the university’s extensive network of alumni around the globe.

She also commends U of T President Meric Gertler’s “exemplary” leadership of a 196-year-old institution – including his work shepherding U of T’s Defy Gravity campaign, which she says will help ensure U of T can continue to invest in the student experience, leading research and other bold initiatives.

“It is an honour and a privilege to contribute to, and lead governance oversight, at the University of Toronto,” she says. “It is a first-rate university focused on excellence in teaching, research, and innovation in partnership with so many leading international institutions, advancing the reputation of Toronto and Canada globally.”

U of T to hold inaugural Giving Day on March 28

lanthierj — Fri, 10 Mar 2023 16:35:06 +0000

U of T to hold inaugural Giving Day on March 28

lanthierj Fri, 03/10/2023 - 11:35

Cutline

U of T’s global community will come together for a special, one-day drive to support the Defy Gravity campaign and celebrate inclusive excellence (photo by Matthew Dochstader/Paradox Images)

Topic

Our Community

David Palmer

Defy Gravity

Waakebiness-Bryce Institute for Indigenous Health

Alumni

Dalla Lana School of Public Health

Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering

St. George

U of T Mississauga

U of T Scarborough

The University of Toronto is inviting its global community of alumni, friends, faculty members and staff to participate in its inaugural “Giving Day” on March 28.

The university will match contributions up to $1,000 dollar-for-dollar while matching funds last. It is also encouraging alumni to share their involvement on social media and to “like” and share U of T’s posts about the remarkable students and researchers who are applying their diverse expertise, experiences and perspectives to solve societal challenges.

Giving Day celebrates U of T’s commitment to inclusive excellence – the driving inspiration for its Defy Gravity campaign, which aims to raise $4 billion and encourage 225,000 alumni to contribute their time and talent to the university one million times collectively.

Claire Kennedy, a co-chair of U of T’s Defy Gravity campaign, says the campaign is deepening the scope and impact of transformative work across the university.

“It’s truly wonderful to see our global community embracing and supporting U of T’s role as an engine for leadership and positive social impact,” she says.

“Giving Day gives us a unique, one-day opportunity to build on this.”

Donations made on Giving Day will support student wellness and success, create scholarships for students from underrepresented and equity-deserving groups and fuel diverse research on a broad range of global issues.

“It’s no small goal to build a more sustainable, prosperous and equitable future for everyone, but we can do it with the help of our incredible community,” says campaign co-chair John Cassaday. “By matching donations on Giving Day, we can multiply the opportunities to help our bright students and faculty members thrive.”

Twenty-four-hour-long giving days provide post-secondary institutions and charities across North America with opportunities to harness the power of collective generosity and build community.

Sana Halwani, president of the University of Toronto Alumni Association and member of the Defy Gravity Campaign Steering Committee, says she and her fellow board members are excited to participate in Giving Day. “Support contributes to a sense of belonging and is key to nurturing our students, staff, faculty members, volunteers and alumni,” she says.

Ultimately, Kennedy and Cassaday say U of T’s Giving Day on March 28 will be about making an impact and strengthening what makes U of T an exceptional place.

“By embracing diverse ideas, perspectives and cultures, U of T is creating a generation of thinkers who are willing to challenge orthodoxy, ask big questions and push boundaries,” Cassady says. “It’s exciting and precisely what the world needs right now.”

As part of Giving Day, the university is amplifying stories about talented U of T students and researchers, including Nya Lazarus Munnick, a master’s student in sustainability management, whose research aims to help vulnerable communities enhance resiliency, social well-being and environmental sustainability; Amy Shawanda, who is conducting post-doctoral research in the Indigenization of public health at the Waakebiness-Bryce Institute for Indigenous Health at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health; and first-year electrical and computer engineering student John David Genus, who is working to ensure more students see future careers in STEM.

“Members of the U of T community worldwide have an unprecedented opportunity to make an impact and come together to help our students and researchers thrive,” says David Palmer, U of T’s vice-president, advancement and interim vice-president, communications. “U of T Giving Day demonstrates our shared Defy Gravity campaign values and underscores our ability to achieve incredible things, including addressing the most urgent issues of our time.

“Simply put, we thrive when we rise together.”

University Advancement, Division of

sgupta — Thu, 07 Jan 2016 20:47:21 +0000

University Advancement, Division of sgupta Thu, 01/07/2016 - 15:47

URL

https://advancement.utoronto.ca

Defy Gravity

Business leader and philanthropist Blake Goldring receives U of T honorary degree

Five key things: U of T’s Brand Portal

Anna Kennedy succeeds Janet Ecker as chair of U of T’s Governing Council

U of T to hold inaugural Giving Day on March 28

University Advancement, Division of

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