Ryerson University to honour Cindy Blackstock, David Mckay and Masai Ujiri, June 6 – 8

June 01, 2017

TORONTO, June 1, 2017 --- As part of this year’s spring convocation ceremonies, Ryerson University will recognize the distinguished careers of Cindy Blackstock, David McKay and Masai Uijiri with honorary doctorate degrees.

Cindy Blackstock - As executive director, First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada, Cindy Blackstock’s promotion of culturally based equity for First Nations families and engaging children in reconciliation has been recognized by the Nobel Women’s Initiative, the Aboriginal Achievement Foundation, Frontline Defenders and many others. A member of the Gitksan First Nation, Blackstock has 25 years of social work experience in child protection and indigenous children’s rights. Blackstock will receive an honorary Doctor of Laws degree at the Faculty of Arts ceremony on Tuesday, June 6 at 2:30 p.m.

David McKay – David McKay is president and CEO of RBC. McKay started his career at RBC in 1988 and went on to hold progressively senior roles in Canada and Japan in retail and business banking, group risk management and corporate banking. In 2012, McKay received the Retail Banker of the Year Award from Retail Banker International. As chair of the United Way Toronto and York Region’s 2016 campaign, he helped raise $102 million, the charity’s highest ever funds. Along with serving on the board of trustees for the Hospital for Sick Children, McKay is a member of the Catalyst Canada advisory board and the Business Council of Canada. McKay will receive an honorary Doctor of Laws degree at the Faculty of Engineering and Architectural Science ceremony on Wednesday, June 7 at 2:30 p.m.

Masai Ujiri - For the past four seasons, Masai Ujiri has been president and general manager of Basketball Operations of the Toronto Raptors. Considered one of the most proactive executives in the NBA, Ujiri was named 2012-13 NBA Executive of the Year, the only non-American to win the award. On a humanitarian level, Ujiri has promoted and developed the game of basketball throughout Africa. He is the founder of the Giants of Africa Foundation, which launched the Top 50 and Bigman camps in his homeland. Ujiri also has served as the director of the NBA’s Basketball Without Borders program since 2002. Uijiri will receive an honorary Doctor of Laws degree at the Faculty of Community Services ceremony on Thursday, June 8 at 9:30 a.m.

All ceremonies will take place at the Ryerson Theatre, 43 Gerrard St. E., Toronto, Ontario.

Seats are reserved for media. Media wishing to attend should contact Zandra Alexander, below.

WHAT: Honorary degree presentations and Convocation

WHEN: Cindy Blackstock - Tuesday, June 6 at 2:30 p.m.
David McKay - Wednesday, June 7 at 2:30 p.m.
Masai Ujiri - Thursday, June 8 at 9:30 a.m.

WHERE: Ryerson Theatre, 43 Gerrard St. E. Toronto

-30-

MEDIA CONTACT:
Zandra Alexander
Public Affairs, Ryerson University
Office: 416-979-5000 x 4282
zandra.alexander@torontomu.ca
@RyersonU (external link)

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