Chancellor Gregory Sorbara, Paul Beeston, and President and Vice-Chancellor Mamdouh Shoukri take a photo at convocation.
“Don’t be afraid to make a mistake.”
These words, addressed by sports visionary and philanthropist Paul Beeston, were delivered to graduands from Glendon College and the Faculty of Health during his convocation address on October 19. Paul Beeston, a sports visionary and philanthropic superstar, and Janice Fukakusa, a financial leader, education and health services advocate and champion of Japanese-Canadian culture, were both awarded an honorary doctor of laws degree recognizing their careers and achievements.
Beeston is one of Canada’s most celebrated sports leaders, playing a principal role in shaping baseball in Canada. His first role was in 1976 as the Blue Jays’ first employee, and since he has served senior roles with the organization, serving as president and chief operating officer of Major League Baseball. He was made a member of the Order of Canada in 1998, and among many accomplishments, he was appointed president emeritus in 2016 of the Blue Jays franchise.
When speaking on his personal history, Beeston highlighted his experience moving his young family to Toronto in the mid-1970s to pursue his career as the Blue Jays’ first employee, and later leaving that job after 22 years to try something else.
“I had fun, I enjoyed it, I did the things that were necessary, but more importantly than that, every one of the things I did moved me from the comfort zone that I lived in,” he said. “I took a chance… I would encourage all of you not to shy away from making those decisions… and taking on new challenges.”
This determination was echoed by Janice Fukakusa, who addressed Schulich EMBA grads. Fukakusa, who graduated from the Schulich School of Business with an MBA in 1979, continues to have strong ties to her alma mater and is a member of the Dean’s Advisory Council.
Janice Fukakusa speaks to the audience about her journey that has helped her get to the point in her career now.
“Be resilient and adaptable,” Fukakusa said. “Learn from your experience and you’ll be surprised how often things will work out in the end.”
And she has a laundry list of accolades. Fukakusa was inducted into Canada’s Most Powerful Women Hall of Fame in 2007, was named Canada’s CFO of the year in 2014, and has been named among the world’s 25 Most Powerful Women in Banking four years in a row. Fukakusa also serves on the boards of the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation and the Wellspring Cancer Support Foundation.
Fukakusa credits her curiosity, determination, and resiliency throughout her career, while she worked a cashier at a dry-cleaning business all the way through to her high-profile role with RBC.
“Paul Beeston and Janice Fukakusa have been trailblazers in their respective fields, each possessing a strong sense of community spirit and drive that extends to the remarkable work they do to give back to their communities through volunteer service and philanthropy,” said York University President and Vice-Chancellor Mamdouh Shoukri. “We are delighted to honour these Toronto civic leaders and I know they will be a great inspiration to our graduating students as they set out to make their own impact.”