Ryerson University Recognized for Preserving the Past, Shaping the Future

University Receives 2013 Presidents' Award from Tourism Toronto and GTHA

TORONTO, Oct. 29, 2013 /CNW/ - Ryerson University has been recognized for "preserving Toronto's past and shaping its future" by Tourism Toronto and the Greater Toronto Hotel Association (GTHA).

At their annual general meeting the groups presented Ryerson with the 2013 Presidents' Award, acknowledging the revitalization of the University's downtown precinct, the pedestrianization of Gould Street and the creation of multiple award winning buildings contributing to the vibrancy of Toronto's downtown core.

"Ryerson is pleased to work together with the many people and organizations playing an active role in building a dynamic and innovative city," said Sheldon Levy, President of Ryerson University. "On behalf of Ryerson students, faculty and staff and our great partners who bring such positive energy to this important work, I'd like to thank Tourism Toronto and the Greater Toronto Hotel Association for this honour."

The Presidents' award, presented jointly by Tourism Toronto and the Greater Toronto Hotel Association, recognizes an organization from outside the tourism sector that helps raise Toronto's profile and enhance the experience for visitors.

"The range of work Ryerson has done has been extremely important in creating new attractions, cultural centres and destinations for visitors," said David Whitaker, President of Tourism Toronto. "Ryerson's Image Centre is a wonderful photo gallery in the heart of the city that builds upon the solid foundation of the university's archival holdings, including the famous Black Star Collection of approximately 292,000 photojournalistic prints."

"The redevelopment of Maple Leaf Gardens not only helped preserve a Canadian architectural and cultural icon, it also brought a valuable new sports and event venue into the downtown core," said Terry Mundell, President of the Greater Toronto Hotel Association. "The restoration of the Gardens has been a key part of many bids to host future events in Toronto."

The Presidents' Award is the latest honour recognizing Ryerson's positive impact on the city. The Mattamy Athletic Centre was named one of ESPN's top 10 most historic North American Stadiums and was awarded the Consulting Engineers of Ontario Award, The Paul Oberman Award for Adaptive Reuse, a Toronto Urban Design Award and Heritage Toronto Award of Merit. The Ryerson Image Centre won the 2012 AL Light & Architecture Design Award, a Toronto Urban Design Award, OAA Award for Design Excellence and the Award for Excellence in Architecture from the Society for College and University Planning / American Institute of Architects.

About Tourism Toronto
Tourism Toronto, Toronto's Convention and Visitors Association, is an industry association of more than 1,100 members established to sell and market the greater Toronto region as a remarkable destination for tourists, convention delegates and business travelers around the globe. Tourism Toronto operates in partnership with the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport and the Greater Toronto Hotel Association, representing the cities of Toronto, Mississauga and Brampton. For more information please visit www.seetorontonow.com

About Ryerson University
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 more than 100 undergraduate and graduate programs. Distinctly urban, culturally diverse and inclusive, the university is home to more than 38,000 students, including 2,300 master's and PhD students, nearly 2,700 faculty and staff, and more than 155,000 alumni worldwide. Research at Ryerson is on a trajectory of success and growth: externally funded research has doubled in the past four years. Ted Rogers School of Management at Ryerson is Canada's pre-eminent entrepreneurial-focused business management school and home to six schools of management, 12 research centres and institutes and offers three post-graduate business degrees. For more information, visit www.ryerson.ca.

SOURCE: Ryerson University

MEDIA CONTACT:
Suelan Toye
Public Affairs, Ryerson University
Office: 416-979-5000 x 7161
[email protected]

Follow us @RyersonU 

If you require this in another format, please contact Ryerson University Public Affairs at 416-979-5000 x 7134.