Today I am announcing the appointment of Erin McGinn as Assistant Vice-President, Communications, Government and Community Engagement.

It is a tribute to the achievements of our community that this decision is a response to the phenomenal pace of Ryerson’s accomplishments and our responsibility to capitalize on our momentum for the benefit of our students, scholars and community. In light of these achievements and accomplishments, the university is undertaking an organizational re-alignment that strategically addresses the complexity, volume of activity, and our plans going forward.

Consistent with models at other universities, our goal is to clearly identify opportunities and focus our efforts on pursuing and achieving greater support for university activities. Given the fundamental role of government funding, and the reality of economic constraints, we are putting in place a proactive and visible role for Ryerson advocacy with governments at all levels, including our role as city-builder. Reporting directly to the president, AVP Erin McGinn will work with members of the university to identify and promote ways to build Ryerson capacity and reputation. The appointment is effective immediately.

The realignment of Communications, a vital part of making our case and telling the Ryerson story, reflects a strategic decision to strengthen University Advancement. As the university develops its academic ambitions and expands its building program, we are significantly raising the bar for fundraising and financial support. A tighter concentration on the university campaign and alumni relations, under the leadership of Vice-President Adam B. Kahan, will energize and expand our prospects.

Ryerson is on the radar in vibrant and increasing ways. We are an acknowledged leader in the evolution of post-secondary education, in demand as a venue for major events, a partner for varied initiatives, and the destination of choice for superbly talented students and scholars. Our acclaim is high and rising and our intention is to target opportunities for groundbreaking, innovative support.

Since 2011 Erin McGinn has been executive director representing Ryerson in the relationship between the Mattamy Athletic Centre and Global Spectrum, the facility’s management company. She came to Ryerson in 2005 as director of the Office of the President, joining the university from progressively senior roles in the Office of the Premier of Ontario and the Office of the Prime Minister of Canada. She formerly held the position of director of operations and government relations in the Office of the Vice-President, Research at the University of Toronto.

We look forward to working together to accomplish dynamic progress for Ryerson.

Sheldon Levy
President