Board of Governors Elections 2024

Varinder Bhabra

Varinder has a passion for and extensive experience and leadership in networking, mentoring, fundraising, and social initiatives and would like to lend these skills to his alma mater, via a position on the TMU Board of Governors, to enhance alumni engagement with the University and with each other.

It is said that it is who you know, more so than what you know, that counts in the workplace, so where better to build one’s network than at the school that taught them what they know- TMU / Ryerson University? Those who spent years pursuing their degrees, diplomas, or certificates, while developing friendships, can enjoy an ongoing solid foundation of support for each other, yet many have lost those relationships. Varinder strives to increase and strengthen these connections, to serve alumni, the school and the community.

To enable this reconnection, Varinder will work with existing alumni groups and provide support on current initiatives, while identifying and collaborating on new ones, including a focus on international alumni, who are instrumental in increasing TMU’s brand awareness, globally.

Varinder would also like to participate in shaping the educational path for current and future students, to maximize their success and to help shape future ambassadors for the university. He brings many years of leadership experience from the corporate world and agile capabilities that can enhance or even transform how the University addresses the changing environment, student needs and expectations, to contribute to discussions pertaining to important University matters.

Examples of initiatives:

- He held the position of VP of a 350+ member association that brought professionals together through events and activities.

- He founded professionalnetworking.ca, an online site that brought professionals together to network for business opportunities, jobs, and personal interests.

- He mentored several Ryerson graduating students over several years.

Jacob Circo

As someone who has been in many different leadership roles, I’m not afraid to take a stand for the people I represent. Whether that’s in my role as a Urban Planner at the Municipality of Clarington, ON, Supervisor of Theatre & Site Operations at Ontario Place Corporation, Board Chairperson of the Faculty of Community Services Society (FCSS) at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU), or previously being elected to serve as a Course Unions Director on the Toronto Metropolitan University's Students' Union, Student Senator representing the Faculty of Community Services on TMU’s Senate, and Executive Director of the FCSS. I am a person that takes on a challenge and sees it through. I want to be your voice with the decision-makers. I want to represent your concerns and take your issues to those that make the strategic and academic planning choices that shape this university. Together, I believe we can make this university the very best it can be and provide the greatest results for generations to come. I am a very active Alumni, involved in mentoring student leaders and empowering them to create innovative programming/events for their fellow peers and constituents. In addition to my previous community involvement experience at TMU, I have also represented students on multiple University Committees and to name a few: Senate Priorities Committee, Academic Governance & Policy Committee, Academic Standards Committee, and Senate Learning & Teaching Committee. Learn more on my candidacy/campaign for Alumni Representative on TMU's Board of Governors at http://www.votejacobcirco.ca/ (external link) . LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/jacobcirco (external link) 

Hyacinth Gawne

I am honoured to put my name forward as a candidate for TMU’s Board of Governors. I am passionate about university governance and I am confident that I have the right set of knowledge and skills to be an effective Board member.

I am currently a Manager at the Ministry of Transportation in the Ontario Public Service. I lead a team of senior policy advisors and am responsible for managing the development of strategic policy analysis, commercial support, and oversight on major provincial transit infrastructure projects across the province. Earlier, in my roles at the Office of the Treasury Board, I provided advice on infrastructure policies and programs, such as acquiring land and constructing on it for major capital projects in the education and justice sectors.

My extensive and varied experience in the public service to date has led me to develop a strong background in governance, public policy, financial planning, and stakeholder engagement. It is complemented by my volunteer work.

I currently serve as a Board Member at the Institute of Public Administration of Canada and am a mentor at the University of Toronto. In addition, I have had experience in supporting community issues such as social housing. For example, to address a long-standing issue in a housing complex within the Flemingdon Park area, I represented tenants’ interests to facilitate a successful resolution with the Toronto Community Housing Corporation.

I hold a post-baccalaureate Certificate in Public Administration and Leadership from TMU and a Master’s in Public Policy, Administration & Law from York University.

It is this blend of knowledge, skills, experience and sheer passion, combined with a long-standing interest in the post-secondary sector and university governance that has motivated my interest in an alumna position on TMU’s Board of Governors. I ask for your support and vote so that together we can make a positive impact to the future of TMU and its students.

Nevil Knupp

Click here for the most recent updates re me and my candidacy.

https://nevilknupp-for-tmu-bog-alumni.com/ (external link) 

Excited about the chance to serve on the TMU Board of Governors, my platform emphasizes creativity, dedication, and diverse growth. As an alum, I've funded two awards, totaling $40,000, showcasing my commitment since graduating in 1986.

With a successful career at IBM, CIBC, and CARFAX Canada, I bring expertise in management, business development, technology operations, and strategic planning. My focus as a board member aligns with TMU's priorities:

1. Alumni Engagement: Strengthening connections between graduates and the school to leverage their industry experience for TMU's growth strategy.

2. Fundraising: Drawing on my corporate relationship development skills to spearhead initiatives and attract vital funds, ensuring TMU's sustained excellence.

3. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Committed to enhancing TMU's strengths in DEI, striving for excellence in engaging diverse perspectives and experiences.

4. Advanced Technology: Passionate about staying at the forefront of technology, particularly AI, I aim to position TMU as a leader in its strategic application.

In summary, my commitment extends beyond nostalgia, grounded in a strategic vision for alumni engagement, fundraising, DEI, and embracing cutting-edge technology. I look forward to contributing to TMU's continued success as a dedicated Board of Governors member.

Alexander Panovski

Who is Alex and why vote for him?

Alex Panovski was born and raised in Toronto (East York) and loves both the professional and recreational opportunities Toronto has to offer. Alex is currently pursuing a PhD in Global Governance at the Balsillie School of International Affairs. Alex has worked for the Toronto District School Board as a secondary school business and special education teacher and believes deeply in strongly funded public education institutions. Alex has served in two formal OSSTF union roles and has volunteered his time extensively for student extracurricular activities. He has a Bachelor of Business Administration from Wilfrid Laurier University and a Master of Arts in Public Policy and Administration from Toronto Metropolitan University. Alex enjoys reading, playing guitar and attending alternative/indie concerts in his leisure time.

Alex believes his history of advocacy and volunteering for public education enrichment as well as strong financial literacy knowledge uniquely positions him as an ideal candidate to represent TMU alumni on the Board of Governors. Alex brings an open-minded and collaborative approach to best represent alumni interests in a professional manner.

Ryan Rodrigues

As a proud TMU graduate, I am deeply committed to its mission. I seek your support for my second re-election to the TMU Board of Governors in 22 years.

I was first re-elected to the TMU Board of Governors in September 2021. I previously served on the Board from 2002 – 2003 as a University Staff-elected candidate, then contributing my expertise to the Finance and Executive Committees. I also made contributions to TMU through my service on the TMU Senate from 2000 – 2004 (elected) and 2015 – 2017 (re-elected), as well as on the University’s Alumni Board from 2015 – 2017.

With a career spanning various institutions, I have demonstrated my leadership and commitment to advancing education and governance. I currently serve as the Director of the Climate Solutions Campaign, at the Clean Economy Fund. Previously, I held roles at Queen’s U, UPenn (Wharton), U of T (Rotman), Western U, and others. I have completed governance training programs through the Stanford University Rock Centre for Corporate Governance (an initiative of the Stanford Law School and Business School), the Institute of Corporate Directors, and the TMU Board Governance Program.

My leadership extends beyond academia. I was the first Canadian elected to the Executive MBA Council Board of Trustees and served as the Lieutenant Governor in Council (LGIC) appointed Toronto GRT Chair, at the Ontario Trillium Foundation. Currently, I am on the TMU board (Audit Committee and Chancellor Search Committee), and I chair the Board at the Canadian Professional Sales Association.

My commitment to TMU's continued success is unwavering. If re-elected, I'll leverage my expertise to contribute meaningfully to TMU's governance and strategic direction. I'm committed to exploring sustainable solutions that support our sector financially, ensuring comprehensive student support and bolstering local economies.

Your vote is important. Please support my re-election to the TMU Board.

Thank you for your thoughtful consideration.

Alan Stratton

TMU faces many challenges as it continues to build its brand, develop a sustainable financial model, address housing and affordability issues experienced by many students, strengthen diversity and inclusion, to mention but a few. All these challenges represent opportunities to build a stronger school. However, the heart of TMU is, and always has been, its staff and students. Any vision isn't complete without focusing on their engagement, generating both positive experiences and outcomes.

The school serves one of the most diverse communities in the country; in both people as well as the cultural and economic base. This needs to be represented in the composition of its faculty, staff, student body, and programs. Any focus on driving outcomes must be founded on the doctrine of ‘reasonable access.’ It begins with the community having a reasonable expectation of acceptance into the program of their choice. Once enrolled, students need to be provided with sufficient opportunities to learn, participate, and interact with faculty and other resources through varying medium. On graduation, students should have reasonable assurance of being able to obtain gainful employment in their chosen field of study. Similarly, the community of businesses, government and non-profit organizations should have a reasonable expectation of being able to access the school for research, data and, of course, educated students/graduates to employ. Student satisfaction, safety, engagement, and placement all need to be continuously measured and reported to be accountable in generating these desired outcomes.

As your alumni representative, I bring a unique perspective and look forward to collaborating to build and execute on a vision that alumni can be proud of. That includes the measurement and reporting of appropriate metrics, and benchmarking, where appropriate. I invite you to review my skills and experience at https://www.linkedin.com/in/strattonalan/ (external link) .

Neil Supriyo

Nibras Yacoub

Who is Nibras Yacoub?

An accomplished TMU alumni & professional with 24 years of experience in the Architectural and Project Management industry. A natural leader, strong decision maker that encourages team problem solving and a collaborative work environment who focuses on delivering quality results. Currently the Vice President of Operations at NORR Architects & Engineers Limited, a multi-discipline design firm with practices across North America & the U.K.

Areas of Experience & Focus - Project Management, Operations Management, and People Management.

Why the TMU Board of Governors?

The Board of Governors is responsible for the governance of the university; control of its property and revenues; the conduct of its business and affairs. As a former student, my experience at Toronto Metropolitan University was extremely positive & highly engaging. TMU has given me a solid foundation, life-long friends, and access to a thriving professional community.

I would love to pay this forward thru my volunteer work & actively support the Board of Governors’ efforts to ensure the coming generations receive a university that continues to be a great centre of development, that of pragmatic knowledge and research which ultimately addresses social need. My experience as a Board of Directors member with Building Transformations, North America’s largest building technology & innovation community, as well, a Program Advisor for George Brown College offering strategic advice on curriculum for current & future architectural students, gives me a solid foundation for this position.

If elected, I will leverage my knowledge, skills, and commitment to building community service in the interest of a mission I find both personally and professionally rewarding. I look forward to serving TMU & supporting the Board of Governors.

Feel free to reach out.

nibras@rogers.com

Ming Yeung

As an ardent advocate for lifelong learning and community involvement, I am thrilled to announce my candidacy for the TMU Board of Governors. With a commitment to fostering an inclusive and forward-thinking academic environment, I seek your support in this pivotal election.

Platform Highlights:

1. Student Voice Amplification: I firmly believe that students are the heartbeat of TMU. I will actively engage with the student body, ensuring their perspectives shape governance decisions. Let’s create avenues for open dialogue, transparency, and collaborative decision-making.

2. Diversity and Inclusion: TMU should be a place where every student feels seen and heard. I will champion policies that celebrate diversity, promote equity, and foster an environment where all identities thrive.

3. Mental Health and Well-Being: The rigors of academia can take a toll on mental health. I propose expanding mental health resources, reducing stigma, and cultivating a campus culture that prioritizes well-being.

4. Affordability and Accessibility: Education should be accessible to all. I will advocate for affordable textbooks, explore scholarship opportunities, and work towards minimizing financial barriers.

5. Career Development: Strengthening industry connections is vital. I will advocate for internships, co-op programs, and networking events to enhance students’ career prospects.

About Me: I possess 20+ years of professional experience and education in LLM, MBA, BEd, and BSc. I am involved in leadership roles as a volunteer in professional associations to give back to the community and society at large. My active involvement in student clubs, mentorship programs, and financial literacy has given me insights into student challenges. I promise to be a dedicated advocate for your needs.

Vote for Ming Yeung: Together, we can shape TMU’s future—a university that thrives on collaboration, inclusivity, and academic excellence. I look forward to earning your support! Make your vote count!