Celebrating 20 Years of The Chang School

Two decades ago, a donor’s generous gift would not only give The G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education its current name, but ultimately shape what it’s become today — an institution that is recognized as a leader in continuing education.

That donor was Jamaican-Chinese Philanthropist and businessman G. Raymond Chang, who made a generous donation to Ryerson University (now Toronto Metropolitan University) to support the university’s continuing education division. In 2003, the school was renamed The G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education.

Earlier this month, The Chang School celebrated the 20th anniversary of Raymond Chang’s transformational gift at an event.

To sum up the celebration of 20 years since Raymond’s gift, Philanthropist, Communications Leader, TMU alumni and Honorary Doctorate recipient, Donette Chin-Loy Chang, who spoke at the event, quoted her late husband:

“I'd like to close with something Ray said in 2012 at one of the last convocations, and I quote, ‘Whatever you do, wherever you go, I challenge you to make a difference. I implore you to be bold and walk tall with great alumni because you can do it. I believe you have the power to become the giants on whose shoulders future generations will stand.’”

Gary Hepburn, Dean of The Chang School, who also spoke at the event, highlighted how the gift has helped The Chang School create pathways to learning and increase access to post-secondary education for many Canadians with innovative programs like Spanning the Gaps, Gateway for International Professionals, Programs for 50+, and more recently, Curv Microcredentials.

“These unique offerings reinforce the university’s commitment to bridge the gap between education and industry through bold, innovative programming,” he said. “These offerings would not exist without the generosity of donors like Ray Chang and family. As The Chang School seeks to continue to enhance our capacity to offer these important programs, we are especially grateful for this support.”

Mohamed Lachemi, President and Vice-Chancellor of TMU, spoke about how Ray became known as the “students’ chancellor” when he was bestowed the honor of Chancellor in 2006.

“He earned the love of learning and the love of students,” he said. “But he also wanted to know more about the experience students were having. We are here today to celebrate the difference that Ray made and the transformation of continuing education at Toronto Metropolitan University.”

Over the past 20 years, the school has been able to grow and expand with the donation, making an impact on the lives of thousands of continuous learners. This continues to be achieved through supporting continuous learners at every step of their journey as well as providing a fulfilling learning experience that empowers learners to reach their career potential.

Take for example Emma Wood, Certificate in Food Security alumni, who was able to start her own nonprofit organization that has a unique approach to food insecurity. Or Dani Wawryk, Certificate in Public Relations alumni, who was able to get through difficult personal circumstances while completing her certificate thanks to the community support around her.

At present, The Chang School has over 60,000 annual course enrolments and over 30,000 active learners. People come to The Chang School to learn new skills, for career and professional development, to update existing skills, become more employable, and to help them make a career change.

Change for the better was something that Ray brought to the university. In her remarks, Donette talked about the significance of Ray’s name on the university’s building as a revolutionary moment for diversity and inclusion that still holds meaning today.

“Ray always described himself as Jamaican by birth, Chinese by heritage, and Canadian by choice,” she said. “Twenty years ago, to have the name of a Jamaican-Chinese Canadian on a building — that was revolutionary. Maybe it still is.

“Let's not end the revolution here. Back then, it was an anomaly. Today, of course, it may still be. As new Canadians and immigrants to this country, I’m proud that Ray had the insight and foresight to understand what having his name on this building meant.”