In Memoriam: alumnus Dario Di Censo was a dedicated mentor to the next generation

The U of T Mississauga alumni family is mourning the loss of a long-time campus champion and friend. Dario Di Censo (BCom 1988 UTM) who spent more than 30 years as a devoted alumnus and ambassador for the campus, died on January 6, 2023.

“I am deeply saddened by the news of Dario’s passing,” says U of T’s Assistant Vice-President of Alumni Relations, Barbara Dick. “He was an enthusiastic and dedicated supporter of both UTM and U of T for decades, and he will be greatly missed.”

Di Censo earned his bachelor of commerce degree at UTM (then Erindale College) in 1988, and began his career at The Dominion Group Inc. soon after graduation, working in the accounting department and progressively assuming greater responsibilities. By 1999, he assumed the position of president, with responsibility for operations in Canada, the United States and Mexico. After 25 years, Di Censo led the successful divestiture of the company, and in 2014, he joined Armstrong Moving & Storage Ltd., ultimately rising to the role of Chief Financial Officer.

Di Censo’s connection to campus continued after his graduation. He was a devoted volunteer in support of students, serving as a mentor, case competition judge and guest speaker at numerous events. During his own successful career, he was actively involved in opening opportunities to UTM students professionally, through partnerships with the UTM Career Centre.

He returned to campus to sit on UTM’s Principal’s Advisory Council from 2007-2009. Di Censo also acted as a board member on the UTM Alumni Association from 2007-2014, including serving as president from 2007-2010.

“Dario was such a committed member of the UTM alumni family,” says Andrew Stelmacovich, executive director of advancement at U of T Mississauga. “He was not only a familiar face at events and meetings, but a genuinely kind and thoughtful person. He truly made every effort to help our students, alumni and campus.”

In 2010, Di Censo received an Arbor Award in recognition of his outstanding service to the university as a mentor and volunteer. He served as a board member and treasurer of the U of T Alumni Association from 2013-2019. “Dario was instrumental in advancing the Association’s lead gift to the University’s Landmark campaign and was a constant and enthusiastic champion of the University,” says Scott MacKendrick, former UTAA president.

Di Censo served on UTM’s Campus Council from 2017-2022, and received UTM’s J. Tuzo Wilson Distinguished Alumni Award in 2018. He served on the Experiential Learning Committee from 2019 to 2021. Di Censo is survived by his wife, daughters, parents, brother, nieces, nephews, brother-in-law, and extended family and friends. 

Originally published by the University of Toronto Mississauga