The Legacy of Dr. Ira Levine at Ryerson University
Since Dr. Ira Levine started working at Ryerson University almost 35 years ago, the University has experienced enormous growth. This is largely due to the tireless work of people like Dr. Levine, who retired this past September. Dr. Levine's legacy carries on through the School of Creative Industries, which he founded in 2013 and which is now one of the largest undergraduate programs in The Creative School, attracting 2000+ applicants each year. In addition to his enormous contribution to the University as a professor, Chair, Dean, mentor, and program founder, Dr. Levine has generously established new student awards as a parting gift to the School.
During his time at Ryerson University, Dr. Levine was Chair of the School of Performance, the School of Professional Communication and the School of Creative Industries and served as Dean of the Faculty of Communication and Design (now The Creative School) for a full decade. As Dean, Dr. Levine launched Ryerson's first graduate and doctoral program in Communication and Culture as well as numerous Master’s programs in creative fields. He also played an integral role in creating the School of Performance's first Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree and initiated the Faculty’s international exchange programs. In addition, he is the architect of The Creative School's most popular undergraduate program, the Creative Industries BA. At its core, the program offers students with a passion for the creative industries the entrepreneurial and business acumen required to succeed in today's creative landscape.
It took nearly five years to bring the Creative Industries program to fruition. The process included meetings with industry professionals and education specialists to develop the curriculum and prove that the program would fill a gap in the workforce. In 2013, Levine's efforts were rewarded, and the interdisciplinary program aimed at providing students with the managerial know-how necessary in the creative industries was born.
Since its inception, the School of Creative Industries has bolstered the University's reputation as a significant cultural contributor to the city of Toronto. Indeed, the success of its alumni is proof of the program's efficacy. Creative Industries Alumni can be found at some of the most influential arts, culture and entertainment organizations in the world, including Corus Entertainment, Ubisoft, Entertainment One, Mediacom, Sid Lee, MLSE, Bruce Mau Design, Canada's National Ballet School, and Warner Music Canada, to name a few.
On the eve of his retirement in September 2021, Dr. Levine has funded awards for in-program Creative Industries students. The Creative Industries Founder's Awards will be awarded annually to two CI students who through their studies and/or extracurricular activities personify the program's founding vision by demonstrating both entrepreneurial potential and a cross-disciplinary and collaborative approach to creative work.
With his numerous contributions to the academic community and his parting awards, Dr. Levine's rich legacy at Ryerson University will live on for many years to come.