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LEGACY
Paying forward the entrepreneurship
To hear Laurence Siegel tell it, his father-in-law David Bulmash would have been right at home in Ryerson’s zone learning. Bulmash was an entrepreneur in the printing business: a risk-taker, who learned from mistakes and enjoyed mentoring others.
David and Anna Bulmash were community-minded people. “They had a great sense of responsibility and gratitude,” says Laurence. “True generosity of spirit.”
To pay tribute to that, Laurence and his wife Judy are donating $90,000 over the next five years to create the David and Anna Bulmash Innovation Awards, which will support six students annually in graphic communications, image arts, and the Transmedia and Fashion Zones.
Over his more than 50 years in business, Bulmash was known as a hands-on, honest entrepreneur and self-made man. He taught himself the printing business, learning and staying current with technological advances. He also taught himself sign language and, from early days, employed people with disabilities. He launched other businesses as well, such as his Baltimore Sign Company which still thrives today.
His wife Anna found her passion in sewing and knitting. Combining her innate sense of style with a genuine talent for design, she developed her craft into art. “These creations, especially her knitwear, were expressions of love made for her children and a select few,” says Laurence. “She passed on to her daughter, Judy, a deep interest in colour and fashion.”
The Siegels chose Ryerson for this tribute to David and Anna because of its focus on experiential learning. “I appreciated the entrepreneurship,” says Laurence. “Ryerson nurtures student ideas, and connects them with people and expertise in order to develop them. When we toured the Transmedia Zone, it seemed visionary. You get the sense that this is what the future is – it’s so exciting.”
“University is a place where these artistic seeds get to blossom,” adds Laurence. “We want to encourage that, and be part of the conversation around what the possibilities for young people are. We’re excited about what Ryerson is doing, and we’re looking forward to what we can do with Ryerson.” 
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Bill Strykowski still encouraging students
Retired Professor Bill Strykowski taught physics to engineering students at Ryerson for 37 years. “The years flew by. I really enjoyed the students, and loved the camaraderie and community of the faculty.”
That fondness has inspired Bill to make a remarkably generous gift to Ryerson in his will.
“I like Ryerson students. I’d like to help them out.”
Making a gift in your will is an exceptional act of generosity that looks to the future. Bill and other faculty, staff, friends and alumni are leaving their legacies through planned gifts. You can too. Call now to find out how.
Janet Nankivell
416-979-5000, ext. 2152 | jnankive@ryerson.ca
ryerson.ca/plannedgiving
WINTER 2017 • Ryerson University Magazine 35
