TRSM shows appreciation to Otis Family with event hosted by President and Dean

Donors are integral to the work of TRSM and the success of our students. And sometimes giving is a family affair.

The Otis Family’s support for the Ted Rogers School of Management spans generations, and for that, the family was honoured at a dinner hosted by Ryerson President Mohamed Lachemi and TRSM Dean Daphne Taras. 

The Otis Family established the Ronald H. Otis Award in Real Estate to honour the founder of Otis Properties.  Thanks to the family’s generosity, five awards are given out to Real Estate Management students each year to help financially support their educations – something that has become more important now than ever. 

Eleven members of the Otis family across three generations attended the event, held on April 29, 2019 at TRSM.  It was also attended by the 2018 Ronald H. Otis Award recipients, representatives from the TRSM student group Real Estate Ryerson, the Real Estate program community and other members of Ryerson staff.

The evening, emceed by TRSM’s Executive Director of Advancement Sean Ingram, featured many highlights in remarks given by Ryerson Vice President of Advancement Ian Mishkel and President Lachemi, who pointed out the importance of financial assistance through his own experience as an award recipient throughout his three degrees. Without that support, he may not have had the opportunity to pursue an education.

A new sign for the classroom named in Ron Otis’ honour was also unveiled at the event, and the award recipients were featured in a video (external link, opens in new window)  played during dinner where they expressed their thanks and highlighted opportunities the award has given them. And in an impromptu moment, Ron took the podium to express his own gratitude for the evening with some heartfelt words. 

Dean Taras shared some sentiments of her own for the Otis family. “Thank you all for what you have done to enrich the lives of our students,” she said.  “I am looking forward to many years of connecting all of you with the people who benefit from your generosity.”