Sheldon Inwentash

Sheldon Inwentash is an international financier whose business acumen complements his commitment to social justice. A gift from Inwentash and his wife, Lynn Factor, to the University of Toronto was the largest donation to a North American faculty of social work at that time.

The generosity of Sheldon Inwentash and Lynn Factor created five endowed chairs and 50 graduate student scholarships — intellectual leadership with implications for policy and social work practice. In recognition of their $15-million gift, the Faculty was renamed the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work.

“For years, I have contemplated how I would give back in the event I became a success,” said Inwentash. “It was Lynn who ultimately inspired this gift and it is my gift to her for all she has taught me about social justice.”

Inwentash is the chairman and CEO of Pinetree Capital Ltd., a diversified strategic investment, financial advisory and merchant banking firm. He also sits on several corporate boards. Factor’s distinguished career in child welfare included experience as a frontline worker, as a Children’s Aid Society supervisor, and with Ontario’s Victim Witness Assistance Program.

The couple’s vision has helped inspire the Boundless campaign, in particular its focus on building successful societies. In the years ahead, from his vantage point as a member of the Boundless Campaign Executive for U of T, Inwentash will continue to contribute to U of T’s goals. As the Chair of the Boundless Campaign for the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, Sheldon and his wife, Lynn, an Honorary Chair, will continue their commitment to propel the Faculty to greater heights.

“I will always be grateful for my years at the University of Toronto and the education I received here,” said Inwentash, speaking at the 2012 Convocation ceremonies where he and Lynn each received an honorary doctor of laws degree.

“I now do business in more than 40 countries,” he said.

"I witness the lack of social justice throughout the world and am grateful and proud to be a Canadian where our national persona is synonymous with a just society. This, along with my debt of gratitude to U of T, has motivated collaboration with my wife Lynn in supporting the social work faculty here at my alma mater."

Published Nov. 28, 2013