‘It’s something he would have loved’: $325,000 to Campaign for Concordia to support women in finance

"It’s something he would have loved. He always championed career opportunities for youth and particularly women."

Anne-Marie Croteau, dean of John Molson, thanked Gupta for his contribution to both the success of women in finance and his brother’s legacy.

“These generous undergraduate bursaries will enable worthy recipients to focus on their studies rather than on financial constraints,” Croteau says, “and to maintain the academic excellence that will jump-start their careers in finance.”   

Concordia connections

The endowment is also a tribute to the Gupta brothers’ appreciation for their alma mater.

Karna Gupta came to Montreal with a Bachelor of Commerce degree from India in 1975. Based on incentives from Gunther Brink, BComm 56, then dean of the Concordia’s Faculty of Commerce, and a few professors, he enrolled at the university. Jaydeep followed in his footsteps.

However, the connection to Concordia goes deeper.

“I also met my wife, Maria Pia Fusco [BComm 78], a Canadian from Saint-Leonard, so Concordia yielded more than a degree, it created a 43-year partnership,” Gupta says.

A love story? “Yes, that too.”

Dean Brink published Gupta’s thesis in his book, Business Policy in Canada. “He was a huge mentor,” he recalls. "I’ve been lucky to have good mentors throughout my life and I’m mindful that you need to find a way to give back to society."

The employment network within Concordia led to a position at Bell Canada. When he left Bell 20 years later, Gupta served as the company’s vice-president of product development.

He then held several senior roles in Canadian and international companies, including chief marketing officer, Americas, for Comverse Technology, Inc., CEO of Certicom, and CEO of ITAC (TECHNATION). Gupta was also one of the founding directors, and then chair, of ventureLAB Canada.

Gupta also brought his vast business acumen to the boards of Voti Detection, Export Development Canada, Baylis Medical and FinDev Canada, among others aligned with his expertise and interests.

FinDev, for example, promotes women in business and female employment in Latin America and Sub-Saharan Africa, “where investments generally don’t go,” Gupta says. “We do social investment, which is consistent with my personal passion.”

Given his extensive experience in finance and business, Gupta is often sought out as an advisor. In keeping with his ethics, he says his advice for young companies is all on a pro bono basis. “Buy me a cup of coffee and you can hear my ideas.”

To contribute to Karna Gupta’s support of the Campaign for Concordia, visit engage.concordia.ca/donate.