Janice Fukakusa elected vice-chair of Ryerson's Board of Governors

TORONTO, July 20 /CNW/ - Ryerson University's Board of Governors has elected banking executive Janice Fukakusa as vice chair. She succeeds outgoing vice-chair Phyllis Yaffe, who was elected chair of the board in late May. Fukakusa has served on Ryerson's board since 2002.

"One of Ryerson's greatest strengths is the strong leadership provided by its Board of Governors. We are very fortunate that Janice Fukakusa, with her exceptional talent, expertise and commitment to Ryerson, has agreed to serve as vice-chair," said Sheldon Levy, President of Ryerson University.

Janice Fukakusa is the chief administrative officer and chief financial officer of Royal Bank of Canada (RBC). As a member of RBC's Group Executive, she is one of nine executives responsible for setting the overall strategic direction of RBC. In addition, Fukakusa chairs Group Operating Committee, responsible for enabling the integration of governance and overseeing the day to day functional, operating and technology activities across RBC. She is a director of various RBC subsidiaries and is a shareholder representative of Moneris Solutions Corporation.

Fukakusa also serves on the CAMH Foundation Board, Wellspring Cancer Support Network and the International Advisory Board, York University's Schulich School of Business. To honour her achievements in the business community, Fukakusa was chosen as one of Canada's Top 100 Women by the Women's Executive Network for three consecutive years from 2003 to 2006. She was inducted into their Hall of Fame in 2007. In 2005, Fukakusa was chosen as one of the 25 most powerful women in banking.

"Ryerson is emerging as one of Canada's great universities, and I am honoured to be elected to this new role," said Fukakusa. "It has been wonderful to be part of Ryerson's growth and achievement over the past several years. I am extremely pleased to work with an outstanding Board and senior leadership team who are devoted not only to advancing an ambitious academic and research agenda, but also to ensuring student success."

"In addition to the strategic and financial acumen she brings to Ryerson, Janice has a deep appreciation for the entrepreneurial spirit and dynamism of the university," said Phyllis Yaffe, Chair, Board of Governors. "As a long-time Board member, and particularly in her role as Chair of the Finance Committee, Janice has played an important part in the university's success. I very much look forward to working with her as Vice-Chair."

Ryerson's Board of Governors consists of 24 members of the public and alumni, students, faculty and administrative staff. As governors, members make major administrative policy, staff and financial decisions about the university that have both immediate and long-term effects. These decisions include the appointment of the president and the appointment of senior university officials on the recommendation of the president. Board members' decisions contribute to ensuring that future generations inherit a university that continues to be a great centre of advancement of applied knowledge and research to address societal need.

Ryerson University is Canada's leader in innovative, career-oriented education and a university clearly on the move. With a mission to serve societal need, and a long-standing commitment to engaging its community, Ryerson offers close to 100 undergraduate and graduate programs. Distinctly urban, culturally diverse and inclusive, the university is home to 28,000 students, including 2,000 master's and PhD students, nearly 2,700 tenured and tenure-track faculty and staff, and more than 130,000 alumni worldwide. Research at Ryerson is on a trajectory of success and growth: externally funded research has doubled in the past four years. The G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education is Canada's leading provider of university-based adult education. For more information, visit www.ryerson.ca

For further information: MEDIA CONTACT: Janet Mowat, Public Affairs, Ryerson University, Office: 416-979-5000 x 7002, [email protected]