Dear Members of the Schulich Alumni Community,
I hope this message finds you and your families safe and healthy.
I certainly miss seeing you at alumni events, and I know our students, staff and faculty look forward to the time when we will see you back on campus and at Schulich events across the globe.
These are indeed extraordinary times. I am receiving daily updates on how this crisis is affecting each of your communities across the globe. The disruption that COVID-19 is causing to the way we work and live is significant. Yet, at the same time, I am inspired by how members of the Schulich alumni network are adapting and stepping forward as leaders in generous and innovative ways during this uncertain time. Your alma mater is very proud of you.
I am writing today with some important updates on our evolving COVID-19 strategy here at Schulich, as well as the search for your next Dean.
COVID-19
As you read in my message to you on March 20, 2020 and in the alumni e-newsletter shared on April 1, 2020, Schulich has been very focused on transforming the way we teach, learn, research and connect.
Given our quick action, resilience and agility, all Schulich students will be able to complete their studies this semester via remote delivery. As well, our upcoming summer semester will also proceed using an online format. As you can imagine, this is a massive shift in the way we deliver a Schulich education, and thus far, it is going exceptionally well. As for service delivery and the day-to-day administrative operations of the School, we will continue to support all of our stakeholders, including the global alumni network, through an online working environment.
Search for the future Dean
As you may know, the global search for the future Dean of the Schulich School of Business has been underway since 2018. Unfortunately, despite a strong effort over the past two years, the search did not yield an appointment, and it is necessary to embark on a new global search. As part of this next step, President Rhonda Lenton has appointed an Interim Dean to replace me when my latest term as Dean officially concludes on June 30, and I begin my sabbatical.
I am pleased to advise that Professor Detlev Zwick, Schulich’s current Associate Dean, Academic, will serve as Interim Dean for the School starting July 1, 2020, until my permanent successor as Dean is secured. Professor Zwick has been a full-time faculty member at Schulich since 2002 and has admirably served with me as Associate Dean, Academic since 2018. You can find more information regarding Dr. Zwick’s background here. Please welcome Dr. Zwick in this new capacity.
My thanks to each of you
As my tenure as Dean enters the final months, I would like to express my thanks and deep appreciation for the support of the alumni network during my years as Dean. I have enjoyed getting to know you and watching your careers unfold.
As a business school, we often measure our progress by the success and engagement of our graduates. Each of you represents the power of a Schulich degree and the innovative thinking and global mindset that comes with it. When I look back over our School’s proud history, I certainly know that one of Schulich’s most significant accomplishments has been the success of our graduates. So many of you are doing incredible work on behalf of our School – thank you. I am truly indebted.
I regard my time as Dean of this fine School as the most enjoyable, rewarding and fulfilling period of my professional life. It has been both an honour and a privilege to serve as your Dean for the past 32 years. Because of you, as well as the School’s incredible community of faculty, staff, students, and friends, Schulich has enjoyed tremendous success and truly holds its own on the world stage.
Thank you for this opportunity.
Stay connected and healthy
Please take care of yourself and your loved ones. Stay safe, and wherever possible, let us help one another during this challenging time.
As you are aware, Schulich’s Alumni Relations team is here to support you. The team is operating remotely, and you can connect with them through the online community or by email at alumni@schulich.yorku.ca.
Sincerely,
Dezsö J. Horváth, CM, PhD
Dean & Tanna H. Schulich Chair in Strategic Management
Schulich School of Business
