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Chancellor G. Raymond Chang is giving his last convocation address today.

After serving two three-year terms as chancellor, Chang is preparing to leave Ryerson and is attending his last convocation this morning, conferring 400 Ted Rogers School of Management students at 9:30 a.m. in the Ryerson Theatre. Chang was appointed chancellor in 2006 and is recognized as an outstanding Jamaican-Canadian business leader and philanthropist. His contributions of personal resources and dedicated attention have advanced the financial, health, education and cultural sectors. He will complete his term in late September.

The chancellor is the ceremonial head of the university and acts as ambassador for Ryerson on the local, national and international level. Chang has presided more than 95 convocation ceremonies and has congratulated nearly 30,000 graduands. He is Ryerson’s third chancellor, succeeding John Craig Eaton. David Crombie, former mayor of Toronto, was Ryerson’s first chancellor. Chang has been a member of Ryerson’s Board of Governors since 2001 and received an honorary doctorate in 2005. The G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education is named in honour of his generous support and deep belief in lifelong learning.

President Sheldon Levy will deliver a citation in honour of the chancellor and Phyllis Yaffe, chair of Ryerson’s Board of Governors, will thank the chancellor for his service and dedication. A video tribute capturing Chang’s service to Ryerson will air and a steel drum band will play before and after the ceremony. Video footage of both ceremonies will be archived at https://ryecast.ryerson.ca/4/page/Home.aspx.

On June 12, Chang addressed Chang School graduands and Yaffe announced that when his term ends, he will be named Chancellor Emeritus.

“The six years I have spent as chancellor have been very fulfilling,” Chang said. “It has given me great pleasure to preside at convocations honouring smart and successful students. Every graduate makes the commitment to invest in talent, energy and ideas. Of course, lifelong learning doesn’t end with convocation. Graduates have a responsibility to share the knowledge they have acquired with the community – at work, at play, as entrepreneurs and as volunteers. I look forward to maintaining my strong connection with Ryerson and The Chang School as Chancellor Emeritus.”

Although Chang is stepping down, he will remain in his post until a new chancellor is installed. A search is currently underway to fill the position beginning October 2012.