Blake C. Goldring

 “The University of Toronto has played an important role in the lives of the Goldring family for four generations,” Blake Goldring has said. “It is a privilege to ‘give back’ to this world class institution in a meaningful way."

Blake Goldring’s grandfather and great uncle were graduates of the University of Toronto as was his father, C. Warren Goldring who graduated from U of T and became a generous supporter of both Victoria College and University College. Blake Goldring followed in his family’s footsteps, obtaining his bachelor’s degree from Vic in 1981. He has similarly honoured the Goldring family legacy by giving generously to the University.

With other family members, Goldring has made major contributions to Victoria and to U of T, providing essential support for learning (the VicOne Norman Jewison Stream in Imagination and the Arts), for student extracurricular activities (the Goldring Student Centre, now under construction at Vic) and for physical fitness, athletics and sports (the Goldring Centre for High Performance Sport at Varsity Centre, scheduled to open in 2015).

"The Goldring Student Centre is meant to be a 'home away from home' for commuter and residence students alike”, Goldring said.  “It will be a modern and comfortable place for students to gather, discuss, engage in activities and socialize – all so important to the overall university experience.”

A member of the Boundless campaign executive, Goldring has become one of the University’s most respected alumni leaders. But his commitment to community does not end here. The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of AGF Management Ltd. also serves as a director of the Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, The C.D. Howe Institute and the Canadian Film Centre. Mr. Goldring also sits on the Board of Governors for the Royal Military College of Canada.

In 2006, Blake Goldring was appointed the Honorary Colonel of the Royal Regiment of Canada, one of this country’s oldest and most distinguished Regiments. That same year, Goldring founded Canada Company:  Many Ways to Serve.  This charitable organization comprised of over 450 senior business and community leaders provides support to those who serve in Canada’s Military and their families. In 2011, recognizing his great service, Goldring was appointed the first ever Honorary Colonel of the Army.

Goldring has been honoured for his service to the University with the Arbor Award (2009) and has received several other awards including the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal (2012), the B’nai Brith Award of Merit (2011), the Meritorious Service Medal, Military Division (2011) and an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the Royal Military College of Canada (2008).

Published Nov. 28, 2013