Precious Moments: A Virtual Launch of Neville and Vivienne Poy's Book of Photography

Dr. Mohamed Lachemi was appointed president and vice-chancellor of Toronto Metropolitan University in 2016 and reappointed to a second term concluding in 2026. An internationally recognized researcher and accomplished academic administrator, he has been a key contributor to the growth of Toronto Metropolitan University over a transformational time in the university’s history.

As president, he has contributed to the success of the DMZ — named the #1 university-based incubator in the world. He has overseen the development of Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst — a national centre for cybersecurity, and navigated approvals for a new and innovative law school launching this year. Under his direction, Toronto Metropolitan University was awarded leadership of the Future Skills Centre consortium, with a mandate to ensure Canadians develop the skills they need in the new economy.

He is a member of the National Research Council of Canada, Fellow of the Canadian Society for Civil Engineering, a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering, a Board member of Trillium Health Partners and Chair of the Council of Ontario Universities.

Janice Fukakusa, financial services expert, innovation champion and diversity leader is the Chancellor of Toronto Metropolitan University. 

A corporate director with extensive banking and financial services experience, Fukakusa served previously as RBC’s Chief Administrative Officer and Chief Financial Officer, and was a member of RBC’s Group Executive responsible for setting the overall strategic direction of RBC. She retired from this role in January 2017 following a distinguished 31-year career.

Currently, Fukakusa serves on the boards of a number of corporate and not-for-profit organizations, including as Chair of Canada Infrastructure Bank, The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation, Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre Foundation Board, SheEO, and as a member on the Boards of Cineplex and Loblaw.

In 2007, Fukakusa was inducted into Canada's Most Powerful Women Hall of Fame, and in 2016 was named one of the 25 Most Powerful Women in Banking by American Banker magazine for the fourth consecutive year. She was also selected as Canada's CFO of the Year by Financial Executives Canada, PwC and Robert Half in 2014.

OC, O.StJ. B.Sc., M.D., C.M., M.Sc., FRCS(C), FACS

Dr. Neville Poy received his medical degree from McGill University in 1960. He completed his training in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the same university and practised his specialty in Toronto until his retirement in 1995.

He played leadership roles in both medical and non-medical communities, receiving recognition for his contributions to medical education, the visual and the performing arts, the military, philanthropy and voluntarism. Some of these include: finalist judging and mentorship of winners of the Top 20 Under 20 contestants, and mentorship of Massey College Junior Fellows; serving on the boards of the Royal Conservatory of Music and the McMichael Canadian Art Collection; endowment support of McGill University plastic surgery residents in training; appointment as Honorary Colonel of the Queen's York Rangers Regiment (Army); and presiding at Canadian citizenship ceremonies.

Dr. Poy is also a recipient of the following honours: the Order of Canada (Officer) for medicine (health care), the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal, the Order of St. John (Officer), a Grant of Arms (Coat of Arms), the Inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award from the Scarborough Hospital, and the Chinese Canadian Legend Award.

Dr. Poy had a childhood hobby of photography, which he nurtured over his entire lifetime. He enjoys a consuming and gratifying post-retirement career in photography, displaying his work and presenting public audiovisual presentations.

O.StJ. Dip., B.A., M.A., Ph.D. Former Senator

The Honourable Dr. Vivienne Poy, Ph.D. (History, University of Toronto), is an author, entrepreneur, historian, fashion designer (Fashion Arts, Seneca College), board member of for-profit and non-profit institutions, and community activist.

In 1998, she was the first Canadian of Asian heritage to be appointed to the Senate of Canada where she focused on gender issues, multiculturalism, immigration and human rights. She was instrumental in having the month of May recognized as Asian Heritage Month across Canada. She is Chancellor Emerita of the University of Toronto and the author and co-editor of numerous publications. Since her retirement from the Senate in September 2012, she remains an active participant in communities across Canada.

Despite a very busy public life, Vivienne treasures the tranquility that nature provides. Gardening is her favourite pastime. She uses her design talent in all her pursuits, including her gardens, creating useful items with material retrieved from natural surroundings, as well as arranging floral displays.

Vivienne is a recipient of many honours and awards, including numerous honorary degrees and professorships from universities in Canada, the USA, China, Hong Kong and South Korea.

Paul Roth is Director of the Toronto Metropolitan University Image Centre in Toronto, Ontario. Previously, he served as Senior Curator of Photography and Media Arts at the Corcoran Gallery of Art in Washington DC; as Executive Director of The Richard Avedon Foundation in New York; and as archivist of the Robert Frank Collection at the National Gallery of Art in Washington. He is author and co-editor of Gordon Parks: Collected Works (Steidl, 2012), and author and editor of Richard Avedon: Portraits of Power (Steidl/Corcoran, 2008).

Justin Poy is President and Creative Director of The Justin Poy Agency, a full service award-winning marketing and advertising agency based in Toronto. He is an alumnus of Toronto Metropolitan University, graduating in 1993 with his degree in Radio & Television Arts. Justin is also very active in charitable and community efforts, establishing himself early on as a leader and role model in the Chinese Canadian community. He sits on more than 20 boards and committees, and participates in many philanthropic causes. He is a recipient of the Chinese Canadian Legend Award and received the Queen’s Golden and Diamond Jubilee Medals for his outstanding community service and philanthropy.