News & Events

Business leader and philanthropist G. Raymond Chang celebrated his last convocation ceremony at Ryerson with some 400 enthusiastic Ted Rogers School of Management graduands this morning.

In his speech, Mr.Chang encourages the students to make their own mark as they embark on a new journey. “We are counting on you to draw on the knowledge and skills you have gained at Ryerson – transform them into ideas and actions that bring prosperity, peace and happiness. But whatever you do, or wherever you go, I challenge you [to] make a difference. Ryerson believes in your abilities and stands ready to help you again if further learning is in your plans.”

Since Mr. Chang was installed as Ryerson’s third chancellor in September 2006, he has presided over 95 convocations and personally congratulated nearly 30,000 graduating students with his trademark smile and warm words.

To mark this memorable occasion, a three-piece steel drum band was added to the traditional academic procession. Phyllis Yaffe, Chair of Ryerson’s Board of Governors and Ryerson President and Vice-Chancellor Sheldon paid tribute to Mr. Chang’s tremendous contributions to the university with a citation and speech noting the significant achievements while at Ryerson.

“Our Chancellor Raymond Chang is the first to express his excitement at Ryerson’s momentum, and how we connect with business, industry, and the community – including our growing leadership in entrepreneurial education,” said Sheldon Levy, President of Ryerson University. “His number one principle is seeing the student at the centre of everything.”

A video portraying his years of service to Ryerson was also unveiled to graduands, parents/friends and members of the Ryerson community.

Mr. Chang will step down from his post when a new chancellor is named. A search for a new chancellor is underway by a committee chaired by President Levy and comprising representatives from the university’s Board of Governors and Senate.

ROLE OF THE CHANCELLOR:

The Chancellor, who is the ceremonial head of the university, is appointed for a three-year term.  In addition to acting as an ambassador for Ryerson on the local, national and international levels, the Chancellor also presides at all convocations and confers university degrees. 

RYERSON UNIVERSITY CHANCELLOR TIMELINE:

1994 – 1999 Honourable David Crombie

1999 – 2006 John Craig Eaton

2006 – 2012 G. Raymond Chang

PHOTO GALLERY

Photo credit: Clifton Li Photography

Caption: Academic procession, with Chancellor G. Raymond Chang in foreground, files into Ryerson Theatre for the morning convocation ceremony of 400 Ted Rogers School of Management graduands. Click to download high-resolution image here.

Caption: Sheldon Levy, Ryerson University’s President and Vice-Chancellor, reads a citation to honour Chancellor G. Raymond Chang’s philanthropic work and contributions towards the university. Click to download high-resolution image here.

Caption: Chancellor G. Raymond Chang addresses some 400 enthusiastic Ted Rogers School of Management students and their families and loved ones. Click to download high-resolution image here.

Caption: Chancellor G. Raymond Chang greets a Ted Rogers School of Management graduand on stage with Phyllis Yaffe, Chair of Ryerson University’s Board of Governors, who is stand to his left and smiling. Click to download high-resolution image here.

Caption: Chancellor G. Raymond Chang poses for a photo with Phyllis Yaffe, Chair, Ryerson University’s Board of Governors, before heading towards the Ryerson Theatre for his last convocation ceremony. Click to download high-resolutation here.

Caption: Chancellor G. Raymond Chang poses with his wife Donette M. Chin-Loy Chang. To download a high-resolution version, click here.

For a full biography of Chancellor Chang, visit: ryerson.ca/about/chancellor/index.html

Watch the tribute video at: http://youtu.be/ICyY97tfaBg

Video footage of both ceremonies will be archived at: https://ryecast.ryerson.ca/4/page/Home.aspx

Ryerson University is Canada's leader in innovative, career-oriented education and a university clearly on the move. With a mission to serve societal need, and a long-standing commitment to engaging its community, Ryerson offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate programs. Distinctly urban, culturally diverse and inclusive, the university is home to more than 28,000 students, including 2,300 master's and PhD students, nearly 2,700 faculty and staff, and 140,000 alumni worldwide. Research at Ryerson is on a trajectory of success and growth: externally funded research has doubled in the past five years. The G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education is Canada's leading provider of university-based adult education. For more information, visit www.ryerson.ca

MEDIA CONTACT:

Suelan Toye
Public Affairs| Ryerson University
Office: 416-979-5000 x 7161 | stoye@ryerson.ca
@RyersonNews