Tony Burman
Former Managing Director of Al Jazeera English
Former Editor-in-Chief of CBC News
Velma Rogers Graham Research Chair at Ryerson University
Tony Burman is currently a lecturer and chair of the Velma Rogers Graham Research endowment at the School of Journalism at Ryerson University, and formerly Al Jazeera’s head of strategy for The Americas (2010-2011), managing director from Al Jazeera English (2008-2010), and the former editor in chief of CBC News for nearly eight years where he was in charge of editorial content on radio, television and the internet.
In a recent article in the Toronto Star, Burman stated that the “seismic events unfolding” in Egypt and elsewhere in the Middle East has helped Al Jazeera English (AJE) - an independent television network owned by the state of Qatar, become one of the most trusted broadcasters in the media landscape as AJE is credited to provide “real news” compared to most news broadcasters in North America. In Burman’s time with Al Jazeera English, AJE is now available in over 240 million households in over 100 countires, and its audience has surpassed 220 million worldwide viewers.
To learn more about Tony Burman:
- The Agenda with Steve Paiken: Interview
- The Globe and Mail: Tony Burman, Al Jazeera and the future of news
- Toronto Star Article: The ‘Al Jazeera Moment’
Alan Shepard
Ryerson University Provost and Vice President Academic
Dr. Alan Shepard is the Provost and Vice President of Ryerson University.
As provost and vice president academic he authored Ryerson’s current academic restructuring plan entitled “Shaping Our Future”, the success of which has led him to be reappointed to a second term set to begin in 2012. Before coming to Ryerson Dr. Shepard was the associate vice-president academic at the University of Guelph. He speaks regularly on administrative issues facing universities and was the keynote speaker at the 2010 European University Association in Bologna, Italy
Dr. Shepard is also an award winning educator. He received his PhD in English from the University of Virginia and has held fellowships at The Folger Library in Washington D.C., the University of Toronto’s Centre for Renaissance and Reformation Studies, the Northrop Frye Centre for the Humanities, and is currently a faculty member in Ryerson’s Literatures of Modernity graduate program. His research interests include English literary culture before 1800, the cultural relationship of early modern literature and science, and the impact of technology on how we communicate. He is the author of numerous scholarly works, and his book Coming to Class: Pedagogy and the Social Class of Teachers has been hailed as one of the best academic books of the 1990s.
In addition to his work at Ryerson, Dr. Shepard currently serves as vice-chair of the Ontario Council of Academic Vice-Presidents, chair of Ontario Universities International, and is a member of Public Health Ontario’s Strategic Planning Committee.
To learn more about Dr. Alan Shepard:
- Ryerson University Website
- Globe and Mail Article
Ramona Pringle
Multi-platform Media Producer, Digital Journalist, Actress, and Ryerson University New Media Professor
Ramona Pringle is an enterprising interactive storyteller, earning accolades for her work across the multimedia landscape. She is currently developing a transmedia interview project, seeking a collaborative blueprint for living in the digital world, and is on the New Media faculty at Ryerson University.
She has recently completed production on a pilot called The Real Lives of Avatars, chronicling the lives of online gamers and digital media citizens. As Interactive Media Producer for Digital Nation, a part of the PBS FRONTLINE program, she developed the interactive media portal called “Your Stories”, a forefront multimedia documentary project featuring user-generated content. She has developed several installations in her role as Media Director with the PeakMedia Collective, including an exhibition at the New York Hall of Science called Ballerina Remix; and the 24,000 square foot immersive video fresco entitled Winter Sky, installed at Sherway Garden.
As an actress, she has enjoyed numerous roles alongside some of Hollywood’s top stars on such films as 2007′s Shoot’em Up and 2005′s Cinderella Man. At the CBC, she hosted and reported for The X, and this summer she hosted the live webcast of Idea City 2011.
Earning her Master’s Degree in Interactive Media from New York University’s Interactive Telecommunications Program, and a BFA Honours Degree in Film and Video from York University, Pringle has also taught Directing and Acting at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts.
To learn more about Ramona Pringle:
- New York Times Article: It’s Love at First Kill
- Website: Avatar Secrets
- Twitter: @ramonapringle
Sean Wise
Ryerson University Professor of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Managing Director at Wise Mentor Capital, author, industry advisor to CBC’s Dragons’ Den
Sean Wise is a Professor of Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the Ted Rogers School of Management at Ryerson University, where he teaches entrepreneurial perspectives to both MBAs and undergrads.
Over the past decade Professor Wise has lectured at over 100 bootcamps, financing forums and industry conferences. He has succeeded in training more than 3000 people who have collectively raised more than $2.1 billion from different investment sources.
He is the author of two books, the latest entitled “How to be a Business Superhero” and is the founder of VenCorps.com, an organization which seeks to revolutionize the business of seed investing in much the same way Wikipedia revolutionized the encyclopedia industry.
Professor Wise also holds an MBA, is a trained lawyer, a PhD candidate at the University of Glasgow, and serves as the online host and industry advisor for CBC’s business reality show, Dragons’ Den.
To learn more about Sean Wise:
- Book: How to be a Business Superhero
- Wise Mentor Capital
- Dragons’ Den: Wise Notes - Five Ways Investing is like Marriage
- Twitter: @seanwise
Evgeny Tchebotarev
Co-Founder and Creative Director of 500px.com, Ryerson University Alumnus
Evgeny Tchebotarev believes everybody can share one common language: photography. That is the driving force behind the rapidly growing photo-sharing website he co-founded with Oleg Gutsol in 2009, six years after starting 500px as a community blog. In two years, that site - 500px.com, has gained over 250,000 users and continues to grow with the potential, and for Tchebotarev, the goal, of surpassing photo-sharing behemoth Flickr. Yes, the finance major who graduated from Ryerson University in 2007 has made a career of photography.
He began taking photography seriously in 2001, and from 2002 to 2009, he worked as a photographer with multiple publications including CASE, Gallery, and Salon among many others.
He believes that the goal of 500px is to connect the world’s best photographers and the best photos in order to create something new and inspiring.
To learn more about Evgeny Tchebotarev:
- Website: 500px.com
- Ryerson Folio article: The co-founder of 500px.com sets his sight on half a million photographers
- Globe and Mail article: Photo service 500px takes aim at Flickr
- Twitter: @tchebotarev
Ambassador Jeremy Kinsman
International democracy activist, Ryerson University Distinguished Visiting Diplomat
Since 2006, Ambassador Jeremy Kinsman has directed an international democracy support project for the Community of Democracies. Ambassador Kinsman has been Ryerson University’s Distinguished Visiting Diplomat since 2010. During a 40 year career with the Canadian Foreign Service, he held numerous posts including: Ambassador in Moscow, Ambassador in Rome, High Commissioner in London, and Ambassador to the European Union in Brussels.
Since his retirement from the Canadian Foreign Service in 2006, Ambassador Kinsman has become a highly sought after commentator on foreign affairs, making regular contributions to news outlets and journals such as CBC News, The Globe and Mail, the International Herald Tribune, and Policy Options magazine. He is the co-author of the Diplomat’s Handbook on Democracy Development Support.
In addition to his work at Ryerson, Ambassador Kinsman also holds the concurrent title of Resident International Scholar at Berkeley’s Institute of Governmental Studies.
To learn more about Ambassador Jeremy Kinsman:
- Ryerson Departmental News: Ambassador Jeremy Kinsman appointed Visiting Distinguished Diplomat to the Department of History
- UCBerkeleyEvents: Conversations with History
- A Diplomat’s Handbook: Author/Project Director: Ambassador Jeremy Kinsman
- CBC Article by Ambassador Kinsman: Rethinking the CBC
President Sheldon Levy
President and Vice Chancellor of Ryerson University
Sheldon Levy has been president and vice-chancellor of Ryerson University since August 1, 2020 and was recently reappointed for a second five-year term serving until July 31, 2015. His past experience includes leadership roles in the Ontario post-secondary sector for more than 30 years. He has served as vice-president, government and institutional relations, University of Toronto; vice-president, finance and strategy, University of Ontario Institute of Technology; vice-president, institutional affairs, York University; and president of Sheridan College, now the Sheridan College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning.
Mr. Levy is recognized for his continuing record of dynamic progress in advancing academic quality, research excellence and student success, and his impassioned advocacy for the role of the university as city-builder. In May 2007, he was honoured with a Special Recognition Award by the Canadian New Media Awards (CNMA) for his longstanding support and promotion of interactive digital media. He is acknowledged for his vision, leadership and expertise on post-secondary issues, and known for his strong belief in the value of partners and engaged communities whose aspirations are high. He has consulted across Canada and internationally. Levy earned his BSc (Honours, First Class) and MA degrees from York University. He lectured in computer science and mathematics, and was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Laws by York University in June 1999.
To learn more about Sheldon Levy:
- Ryerson University Website: Message from Sheldon Levy
- Toronto Life Article: The Ryerson revolution: how the once dumpy polytechnic is redrawing downtown
- TEDxRyersonU 2010: Sheldon Levy - Universities as City Builders
Dr. Mary Donohue
Ryerson University Early Childhood Education Professor, author, Acclaimed Managemenet Analyst
Dr. Mary Donohue is more than a rapidly advancing management analyst. She has been nominated to the Globe and Mail’s Top 40 Under 40, awarded Canada’s Centennial Achievement Medal, and is a regular guest contributor on Global TV’s Moneywise, City TV and CP24. She is also the founder of The National Mentoring Program, running at universities across Canada.
Dr. Donohue’s first book, E-Commerce Made Easy was a top seller in 2000, and in 2009 her collaborative book with Deepak Chopra, Jack Canfield and Dr. Denis Waitley called Stepping Stones to Success was published.
She is currently a professor in the Early Childhood Education Program at Ryerson University. She earned her Doctorate of Education and Leadership from Central Michigan University, where she recently completed a study on the effects of philanthropy on leaders.
Dr. Donohue has worked with such companies as Molson, Coors, Red Bull, Honda, and Nike, as well as with the Government of Ontario.
To learn more about Dr. Mary Donohue:
- Ryerson University Website: Mary E. Donohue
- National Post articles by Dr. Mary Donohue
- Twitter: @drmarydonohue
Dr. Ivan Joseph
Director of Athletics for Ryerson University
Dr. Ivan Joseph joined Ryerson Athletics and Recreation in July 2008 as the Director of Athletics.
As Director of Athletics, he is responsible for strategy, leadership and management of the Department of Athletics and Recreation, which serves the entire university with 11 varsity teams, over 20 multi-tiered intramural leagues, several sports clubs and other extensive offerings.
Before joining Ryerson, Joseph was Director of Soccer Operations, Head Men’s Soccer Coach and Assistant Professor, Health and Physical Education at Graceland University, a century-old liberal arts institution in Lamoni, Iowa. Born in Guyana, he grew up in Toronto where he was a nationally ranked high-school track and field athlete. He was recruited to Graceland as a student-athlete in 1993.
The 2006 NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics) National Coach of the Year and three-time Coach of the Year in the Heart of America Athletic Conference, Joseph led the men’s soccer team to three conference championships, and its first NAIA Men’s Soccer National Championship. His men’s and women’s soccer programs were consistently ranked among the top in the NAIA polls.
Joseph has a BA in Physical Education and Health from Graceland, a MS in Higher Education Administration from Drake University, and a PhD in Sports Psychology from Capella University.
To learn more about Dr. Ivan Joseph:
- Biography source: Ryerson Rams Website
- Ryerson Alumni Magazine Article (PDF): A New Day for Sports
- Video interview: Friday Night Live!
Gwen Elliot
Creator/Host of Start Something Big! on Rogers TV, RTA 2010 Alumna
Gwen Elliot is a recent graduate of Ryerson’s Radio and Television program.
Upon graduating, Gwen found herself where many Millennials do: moving back home with the parents while trying to find that elusive ‘dream job.’
While trying to find it, she studied hundreds of successful people to find out how they started their big careers.
And so Gwen’s obsession with what it takes to ‘start’ was born.
She shares her research on a blog, which evolved into a website, and eventually a television show which she created and hosts on Rogers TV Toronto called, ‘Start Something Big!’
Along the way she’s interned in Series Development at MTV in Santa Monica, CA, worked behind the scenes for Project Runway Canada, Canadian Idol, the Gemini Awards, George Stroumboulopoulos Tonight etc., and on-air hosting segments for MuchMusic, VJiam.tv, Toronto Fashion Week, and RUtv (Ryerson’s Television network) before coming to Rogers TV.
Gwen’s vision for Start Something Big! is to expand the concept into a global platform to encourage people to take action today to work on their dreams.
To learn more about Gwen Elliot:
- Website: Start Something Big!
Julie Rochefort
Team Leader-Scholarly Research and Creative Activity, Registered Dietitian, Ryerson University Alumna ‘11
Julie Rochefort is a registered dietitian and recent graduate from Ryerson’s Masters of Health Science specializing in nutrition communication. Over the course of her graduate studies, Julie experienced a radical shift in her professional and personal views towards fatness such that her academic work gave way to a national advocacy campaign, Shift the focus away from weight. In April 2011, Julie’s submission to National Dialogue on Healthy Weights spearheaded by the Public Health Agency of Canada advocated for Canadian’s to consider an urgent need to shift our focus away from promoting weight loss to promoting health and body acceptance. Her submission received the top votes among over 80 submissions contributed to the dialogue.
Julie’s passion for social justice and nutrition enables her to intrigue and motivate those around her. Her ability to adapt her communication style to meet the needs and level of understanding of diverse groups and audiences has precipitated her success as a nutrition communicator and speaker. Since beginning her graduate studies in 2010, Julie has presented at the First International Critical Dietetics Conference (2011),Workshops for Interdisciplinary Exchange and Novelty (2011) and most notably on October 14th, received the honor of presenting at this year’s TEDxRyersonU event.
Julie is currently working on national and international research proposals in order to further explore weight bias and size discrimination and their impacts on health. Her goal is to move her advocacy work onto public health policy agenda in order to begin Thinking Forward about the health and well being of Canadian children and their families.
To learn more about Julie Rochefort:
- Contribution: Shift the focus away from weight
- Critical dietetics video: Shift the focus away from weight
- Critical dietetics website: http://www.criticaldietetics.org/
Alexandra Fox
4th Year Fashion Communications Student
Alexandra Fox is in her 4th year in Fashion Communications at Ryerson University. Originally from St. John’s, Newfoundland, Fox is an intrepid event planner, with a place in her heart for design and photography to boot. She yells a lot, tends to dance in the streets, and has a passion for extraordinary positive change.
Fox spent this past summer overseas in Ghana with Engineers Without Borders, an organization she has been working with since 2008. She hopes to bring back her experience from this summer to promote a message that portrays Africa truthfully and positively. One that instills hope, optimism, opportunity, and a belief that extreme poverty can be overcome.
Fox looks at the study of Fashion as more than the study of clothing – it’s the study of design. It’s the study of the processes that make certain items the be-all-end-all product, and the study of why people are attracted to and invest in certain products and services. She believes that this learning can be crossed over, and her hope is to her skills learned in communication to change the perceptions of what “aid” is. How do we instill a sense of urgency while still maintaining positivity?
To learn more about Alexandra Fox:
- Website: www.poiadizorra.com
- Twitter: @PoiaDiZorra
Dr. James Smith
PhD, PEng, Ryerson University Electrical Engineering Faculty Member
James Andrew Smith received BSc and MSc degrees in Electrical Engineering at the University of Alberta in 1998 and 2001, respectively. In 2006 he completed a PhD in Mechanical Engineering at McGill University. His PhD focused on developing the world’s first galloping robots. From 2006 to 2008 he conducted research on legged systems with Andre Seyfarth at the University of Jena’s Lauflabor Locomotion Laboratory in Jena, Germany.
In 2008, Dr. Smith joined Ryerson University as an Electrical Engineering faculty member, specializing in Biomedical Engineering. He was Program Director for Biomedical Engineering in 2010/11. His research interests intersect biomechanics and robotics fields and include orthosis design, analysis, and correction of pathological gaits, and legged robots.
Josh Louie
3rd Year Business Management Student at Ryerson University
Josh Louie is a third year student at Ryerson University pursuing a major in entrepreneurship and a minor in marketing. Louie’s experiences at Ryerson include helping SIFE Ryerson prepare for the ACE Nationals Competition where Ryerson was awarded 2nd place for the best Financial Literacy program in Canada. Louie’s involvement with SIFE Ryerson has also led him to speak to students of Parkdale Collegiate Institute, The Covenant House (homeless shelter), and Eva’s Place (emergency homeless shelter) covering a range of financial literary topics.
Adrian Bulzacki
Founder of ARB Labs Inc., PhD Student at Ryerson University
Adrian Bulzacki is the founder of ARB Labs Inc. He is a PhD student at Ryerson University specializing in multimedia systems with a particular focus on Predictive Gesture Recognition and Augmented Reality. Adrian’s field of expertise is in Computer Software and Hardware, including Mobile Electronics, and Performance Computing.
Adrian is also a Lab Supervisor for the Ryerson Multimedia Laboratory and was part of a small team which designed Ryerson’s Centre for Interactive Multimedia and Information Mining.
Adrian has over 15 years combined experience in the field of computer consulting, repair and sales, seven years of supervisory experience in retail, engineering and manufacturing.
Biography retrieved from: Ryerson Digital Media Zone Website
