2008

Frank Cianciulli has been described as a serial entrepreneur, and with good reason. He has founded or co-founded numerous companies, earning himself a place on Canada’s 2007 Top 40 Under 40 list. His organization, Enunciate Conferencing, was deemed by Profit Magazine as one of “Hot 50” Canadian companies in 2004 and 2005. It was also named one of the Top 20 Best Small and Medium Employers in Canada.

Cianciulli was a recipient of the Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award in 2006. He has proven himself to be a tireless innovator with a string of remarkable successes early in his career. He currently sits on the Faculty of Arts Dean’s Advisory Board.

Wendy Craig is a researcher and scholar. She has launched a number of initiatives to translate bullying research into knowledge that can help children around the world.

A psychology professor at Queen’s University and an expert on cyber-bullying for the World Health Organization, Craig co-founded PREVNet (Promoting Relationships and Eliminating Violence Network) to stop bullying in Canada. She has drawn international attention to the issue of cyber-bullying by appearing on Canada AM, CTV News, CBC programs, the Oprah Winfrey Show and 20/20.

Paul Axelrod’s involvement with York dates back to when he was an active member of the York student community. He wrote for the Excalibur and served as president of the York Federation of Students.

Since graduating from York, Axelrod has taken on many roles at the University over his 40-year career, including political leader, union head, faculty member, senator and dean of York’s Faculty of Education. Under his leadership, the Faculty opened several off-campus teacher-education sites, forged partnerships in Kenya and created a Centre for Research on Education and the Community. Axelrod’s outstanding research into education has earned him a number of prestigious awards and enhanced York’s reputation internationally.

Bill Hatanaka leads the TD Bank Financial Group integrated wealth management business in North American and the United Kingdom. He is one of York’s most passionate ambassadors and a truly remarkable individual. A former OUA football all-star and CFL Grey Cup champion, he is a mentor to many York students.

Hatanaka joined the York University Foundation’s Board of Directors in 2006. He co-chaired the York to the Power of 50 campaign and played an influential role in TD Bank’s multimillion-dollar support of the University, including the company’s $1-million gift to establish the York University-TD Community Engagement Centre.