Honorary degree citation - Kenneth Woods
By: Reena Atanasiadis, June 2017
Mr. Chancellor, it is my honour to present to you Mr. Kenneth Woods, an outstanding and creative philanthropist, investment expert and community activist.
Mr. Woods is a leader in the investment management field with significant experience as a pension plan fiduciary.
Ayant amorcé sa carrière par un stage d’avocat à Montreal chez Touche Ross, devenue Deloitte, il a obtenu le titre de comptable agréé en 1978 puis quitté la comptabilité publique pour devenir partenaire fondateur de T.A.L. Gestion globale d’actifs.
Sous sa direction, T.A.L. est vite devenue l’une des firmes de placement les plus importantes et les plus prospères du Canada.
Since retiring from T.A.L. in 1998, Mr. Woods has devoted much of his time and energy to community service, philanthropy, and non-profit work in Vancouver and Montreal.
Through his charitable organization, the Flash Foundation, Mr. Woods supports a wide range of social sectors, including youth, arts and culture, health and education.
Mr. Woods previously served as Director of the Vancouver General Hospital & UBC Foundation and is past Chair of the Children's Arts Umbrella Foundation.
Kenneth Woods received his MBA from Concordia in 1975 and is a long-time supporter of higher education.
In 2000, he helped established the Kenneth Woods Portfolio Management Program at the John Molson School of Business in honour of the late Professor Calvin C. Potter, a much admired member of the Department of Finance who inspired a generation of business students.
The program was launched to provide a select group of undergraduate JMSB finance students with vital hands-on training in investment management. Watch firsthand as our students gain invaluable experience working with a real portfolio worth more than $2 million, originating from a $1 million donation from Mr. Woods.
Mr. Chancellor, on behalf of Senate and the Board of Governors, it is my privilege and honour to present to you Mr. Kenneth Woods, so that you may confer upon him the degree of Doctor of Laws, honoris causa.
