Philanthropist Victor Dahdaleh donates $20 million to York University
Business leader and philanthropist Victor Dahdaleh has donated $20 million to York University – the largest gift from an alumnus in the university’s 56 year history.
The Canadian business magnate’s donation is to be used for the expansion of York’s global health initiatives, the university announced Tuesday, Oct. 27. The announcement was made during a reception at the High Commission of Canada in the United Kingdom, where Dahdaleh is based.
“This historic act of generosity by Victor Dahdaleh will enable us to prepare the next generation of global health leaders, strengthen our research capacity, and advance our commitment to building stronger, healthier communities,” Mamdouh Shoukri, president and vice-chancellor of York University, said in a release. “His significant investment will have a major impact through the expansion of York’s innovative global health program and research initiatives in keeping with our strategic academic priorities.”
The noted philanthropist graduated with an honours bachelor of arts, administrative studies degree almost four decades ago and recognizes the university’s commitment to addressing international health challenges.
“York University is breaking new ground in global health education and research, offering students exceptionally valuable skills and knowledge to understand and address complex health-related issues in countries around the world,” Dahdaleh said in a release. “I am honoured to support my alma mater in its mission to prepare graduates to address the world’s most pressing issues such as the health and wellbeing of humankind.”
Dahdaleh is known for his philanthropic and leadership contributions in support of education, health-related research, economic and social development and the arts at a number of organizations around the globe, including McGill University, the London School of Economics, the William J. Clinton Foundation and the Canada Gallery at Canada House.
York’s Faculty of Health last year launched the first global health bachelor of arts and bachelor of science programs in Canada, with the aim of producing graduates to work with health practitioners, educators, non-governmental organizations, governments and businesses world-wide.
27/10/2015