There was a time when York’s Faculty of Environmental Studies (FES) felt a lot smaller, but no less mighty – and York alumnus Don Biback remembers it like it was yesterday. “When I began as a student at York, FES was the first experiment of its kind in higher education. But despite our modest size, we were constantly finding ways to prove our potential and showcase ourselves as the cutting-edge future of a rising industry.”
Donald Biback
And, as Biback reflects on his own experiences at FES, it appears that some things haven’t changed for the Faculty. “FES was and continues to be the hub of an interdisciplinary community of students, researchers, faculty and alumni that combines a theoretical and practical approach to learning about the environment and the issues facing its survival – a unique quality that you’d be hard pressed to find anywhere else.”
With his strong appreciation for FES and the experience it has created for York students for more than 45 years now, Biback recently made a generous donation to establish the Donald Biback and Family Entrance Award. Biback says that MES helped to jump-start his career and felt it was only fitting to give back to future generations of students in the program he himself graduated from. The gift is an embodiment of Biback’s sentiment “we were all students at some point” – asserting the importance of a proper education in building a successful career, just as he was empowered to do through York.
Biback graduated from the Masters in Environmental Studies (MES) program in 1975 with a degree in urban planning. Prior to perusing graduate studies, Don completed his undergraduate degree in geography at York University. Since graduating, Biback has taken on a number of roles and ownership in real estate and development, at firms such as Cadillac Fairview, Beacon Group Real Estate Services Inc and Slate Properties. He currently serves as president Bibz Investment Inc., a real estate investment company, and Chair of Skyline Retail REIT. He has also served on a number of boards and committees, including as Chair of the KEYREIT Board, and as a member of the International Council of Shopping Centres and the disciplinary committee of OPPI.
Biback recalls that, while he wasn’t sure what the future had in store for him when he started his journey, FES nurtured his growth and is now what he considers to be a primary “building block” in his success – and he hopes to share what he learnt with future students. “Don’t be something you are not. Focus on the fundamentals and conceptualize details to help develop your principals.”
To fellow alumni, Biback encourages them to think back on the days when they were students, and to give back to the future environmental leaders – financially, through mentorship or by employing qualified young graduates.
“With the support of alumni like Don Biback, FES is able to continue its leadership in environmental education,” Noel Sturgeon, FES dean, shares. “His success demonstrates how an FES degree, coupled with passion and dedication, can result in great opportunities. The Faculty of Environmental Studies is grateful for the support and generous contribution from Don Biback, in his founding of the Donald Biback and Family Entrance Award.”