Ryerson University

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Archived tour of @RyersonDMZ: Intro (8:21)
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Did you miss our March 12 tour of Ryerson University’s Digital Media Zone? Over the next few weeks we’ll be profiling the companies that we toured. You’ll be able to hear about

But this week we begin with an intro from Valerie Fox, Executive Director of the DMZ.

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CEO reshapes downtown core; recognized for leadership
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by Natasha Radlovic

Ryerson University is going through many changes both internally and externally. The CPRS CEO Award ceremony, held on January 30, honoured Sheldon Levy, the president and Vice Chancellor of Ryerson University, as the man leading all these changes.

Gone are the days when the university was referred to as “Ry High.” With new buildings and programs transforming both the academic and visual appearance of the school, Ryerson is becoming both a cultural and educational hub for downtown Toronto.

Through Levy’s leadership, Ryerson was a key player in revitalizing the Maple Leaf Gardens and further advancing the university’s role as a city builder.

Levy described his three fundamental features for the city-building strategy:

  1. Density
  2. People first and public transportation
  3. Design excellence

CPRS TORONTO 20TH ANNUAL CEO AWARD OF EXCELLENCE

Through a “people first and public transportation” fundamental feature, he described that cars might be sacrificed as second priority. Although some people may not agree with this approach, he demonstrated that he is serious about his plan and that he stands by it.

With 23 million people walking past Ryerson every year, the university has taken on the responsibility for improving the Dundas/Yonge community.

In supporting the design excellence fundamental feature Levy said, “If you build ugly on Ryerson, not only will the university and the students suffer, but so will Toronto.”

Levy explained how his involvement in public relations and knowledge of communications helped to successfully deliver the message and solve issues that have come up in regards to the changes concerning the Ryerson neighborhood.

The CEO Award statue is a silhouette of two people conversing – symbolizing the art of communication.

Through an extremely inspiring and engaging speech, Levy demonstrated that he knows how to keep the audience listening by speaking in a tone that is laid-back but also informative and professional.

“We have built a new cultural street for Toronto, a new cultural street for Canada, and an important new destination,” ended Levy.

This year marked the 20th anniversary of the CPRS Toronto CEO Award of the Year award. 

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Sheldon Levy of Ryerson University receives this year’s CEO Award of Excellence in Public Relations
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Toronto, ON – Sheldon Levy, president and vice chancellor, Ryerson University, is the 2012-13 recipient of the CPRS Toronto CEO Award of Excellence in Public Relations. This year marks the 20th time the award has been presented and the special celebration luncheon took place at Arcadian Court in Toronto.

During his distinguished career, Levy has been recognized for championing an entrepreneurial academic model including the recent international success of Ryerson’s Digital Media Zone and Centre for Urban Energy. He is dedicated to student success, distinctive academic programs and research, and advancing the university role as city-builder. He was awarded a BSc, MA, and Doctor of Laws honoris causa by York University, and lectured in computer science and mathematics.

“The Yonge and Dundas neighbourhood has a renewed sense of vibrancy thanks to Sheldon Levy’s leadership and vision for Ryerson University,” says CEO Award Chair Martin Waxman, APR. “Ryerson exemplifies the essence of Toronto with its diverse population, seamless integration of old and new and commitment to enhancing the urban landscape. And at the heart of that is Levy’s ability to communicate, inspire and engage the community at large to help bring it all to life.”

“This award is a reflection of the hard work, energy and passion of the entire Ryerson community,” says Levy. “Ryerson is filled with bright and talented young innovators and entrepreneurs and it’s a privilege to play whatever role I can in helping to tell their stories. I am truly honoured to accept this award on behalf of the students, faculty, staff and alumni of Ryerson.”

First created in 1991, the annual CEO Award of Excellence in Public Relations has recognized a chief executive officer who is committed to being an outstanding communicator and who clearly and consistently articulates the organization’s shared mission, vision and values with a broad range of stakeholders to achieve its business goals.
The selection committee for the CPRS Toronto Award is made up of past local and national CPRS presidents, all of whom are accredited Public Relations professionals.

CEO award recipients are:

  • Dr. Robert S. Bell, CEO of the University Health Network (2011-2012)
  • Jim Leech, CEO of Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan (2010-2011)
  • Robert Deluce, President and CEO, Porter Airlines (2009-2010)
  • Galen G. Weston, Executive Chairman, Loblaw Companies Limited (2008-2009)
  • Frances Lankin, President and CEO, United Way of Greater Toronto (2007-2008)
  • The late Richard Bradshaw, General Director, Canadian Opera Company (2006-2007)
  • Michael Budman and Don Green, Co-founders, Roots Canada (2005-2006)
  • Wayne Sales, President and CEO, Canadian Tire (2004-2005)
  • Piers Handling, CEO, Toronto International Film Festival (2003-2004)
  • Julian Fantino, Police Chief, Toronto Police Service (2002-2003)
  • Charles Baillie, Chair, TD Bank Financial Group (2001-2002)
  • Dominic D’Alessandro, President and CEO, Manulife Financial (2000-2001)
  • Bobbie Gaunt, President and CEO, Ford Motor Company of Canada (1999-2000)
  • Diane McGarry, President and CEO, Xerox Canada Inc. (1998-1999)
  • Allan Stark, President and CEO, American Express Company Canada (1997-1998)
  • George Cohon, President and CEO, McDonald’s Restaurants of Canada (1996-1997)
  • John Cassaday, President and CEO, CTV (1995-1996)
  • David Bloom, President and CEO, Shoppers Drug Mart (1992-1993)
  • Peter H. Ellis, President and CEO, Sunnybrook Medical Centre (1991-1992)

The Canadian Public Relations Society is a national professional organization focused on establishing and upholding educational and ethical standards in Public Relations. CPRS Toronto is one of the largest local societies with nearly 600 members. For more information, please visit the CPRS Toronto website.

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For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact:

Martin Waxman, APR
Chair
CPRS Toronto CEO Award Committee
416-569-0501
martinwaxman@gmail.com

Michael Forbes
Director, Communications
Ryerson University
416-979-5000 ext. 4282
michael1.forbes@ryerson.ca

Special thanks to our sponsors 2012-13 CEO Award of Excellence in Public Relations.

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