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:
- Density
- People first and public transportation
- Design 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.
