Paul Duffy, Computer Science ’89, gives over $1 million to Faculty of Science

As an Applied Computer Science student, Paul Duffy was encouraged by his Toronto Metropolitan University professors to forgo working for someone else upon graduation, and instead branch out on his own. It was advice Duffy took to heart. After earning his degree in 1989, the next couple of decades would see Duffy build and sell multiple successful companies. In his current role as president of Nextech AR Solutions, Duffy is helping to usher in the next evolution of augmented reality and holographic imaging technology. He credits Toronto Metropolitan University with giving him the tools and mindset to be an entrepreneur and, with his wife Carmen, is giving back with a generous donation of over $1 million to the Faculty of Science.

“Even back then the university encouraged students to be entrepreneurial,” says Paul. “The courses and lessons I learned really set me up to be fearless and opened my eyes about how to commercialize technology.”

The gift from the Duffys will support the future Science Discovery Complex, the new purpose-built home for the Faculty of Science, scheduled to break ground at 202 Jarvis Street in 2022. Their generous contribution will also support the lab and work of Dr. John Marshall. In collaboration with YYZ Pharmatech Inc., National Taiwan University (NTU) and St. Michael’s Hospital, Dr. Marshall is adapting his patented detection method — Enzyme Linked Mass Spectrometric Assay (ELiMSA™) — to become the next generation of molecular and serological testing. Future applications for the innovative system include early detection of diseases (such as COVID-19) and the development of specifically targeted drugs.

“We are extremely grateful for this landmark gift from Paul and Carmen,” says Dr. David Cramb, dean of the Faculty of Science. “Their generosity will help build the future home of the Faculty of Science, where leading-edge facilities and state-of-the-art technology will provide our talented faculty and students with an exciting space to learn the rigours of scientific thinking, exchange new ideas, and make new discoveries that could possibly change the world. Their generous support will also accelerate Dr. Marshall’s lab’s life-changing improvements in diagnosis and treatment of major diseases.”

“I’m interested in contributing to the success of Toronto Metropolitan University and the Faculty of Science in this period of tremendous growth,” says Paul. “For me, the biggest contribution I can make is placing resources into the hands of students so they can get better outcomes,” he adds. “This in turn leads them to become greater ambassadors of Toronto Metropolitan University. Then, just like I experienced, it becomes a cycle of alumni finding success, and giving back.”