Ryerson Alumni - Summer 2019 - 13

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Q&A
Board chair Mitch Frazer on
what brought him to Ryerson in
2012-and what keeps him here

RU

MF

I grew up in Toronto and Ryerson was a
place you went to if you wanted to gain
technical skills or do more alternative
programs. I knew Ryerson changed,
but it's amazing how strong the core
academics and research have become.
We're at the centre of transformational
issues, such as aging, technology and
cybersecurity. If it's really interesting
and topical, Ryerson is doing it.

RU

What Ryerson accomplishment are
you most proud of?

Fast Facts

PHOTOGRAPH BY LAURENCE BUTET-ROCH, DIGITAL MEDIA '16

Favourite film
"When Harry met Sally,
Casablanca, Harry
Potter. I love the epics."
Favourite destination
"Paris-it's a new
vacation every time."
Favourite way to relax
"A long run always
clears the head."

MITCH FR AZER, the chair of the pensions
and employment practice at Torys LLP, was
appointed chair of the Ryerson University
Board of Governors in 2018. A legal and
government policy expert, he's been integral in establishing Ryerson's law school,
which takes an innovative approach to
legal education.
Ryerson University Magazine sat down
with Frazer to talk about why he chose
Ryerson, and his favourite spot on campus.

RU
MF

You joined the board in 2012. What
interested you in Ryerson at the time?

I heard that it was a really exciting time,
that Ryerson was becoming a great
agent of change. The more I got onto
campus and met students and faculty,
the more I realized that Ryerson is in
many ways Toronto. It is a multicultural,
multidisciplinary, multilingual hub of
activity and change and I just wanted
to be a part of it.

Since you've been on the board,
what's the most surprising thing
you've learned about Ryerson?

MF

There are many, but among the top
would be the establishment of the first
new law school in Toronto in 71 years.
This school will fundamentally change
the way legal education is taught. Every
course will be co-taught by a professor
and a practitioner. Graduates will
have the option of practicing law, or
taking their legal degree and helping
transform how business is done, how
social work is done, how health is
done. A law degree can help in so many
different sectors, because it teaches you
how to problem-solve, and how to look
at things from different angles before
coming up with a prospective solution.

RU

What one piece of advice would you
pass on to a new Ryerson grad?

MF

Have a personal philosophy. In my
case, that's, "Make a difference." I try
to help others. You don't know if life
is going to be long or short, but every
day you can open a door for someone,
figuratively or literally.

RU

Do you have a vivid memory from your
time in university?

MF

My most vivid memories are all the
social stuff, the student pubs, and
meeting friends who are my friends
to this day.

RU

What is your favourite part of the
Ryerson campus?

MF

Oh, the Mattamy Athletic Centre. I'm a
sports nut. I get goosebumps going into
the MAC. Growing up, my dad would
take me to one Leafs game every year.
I'd always be so excited. Now I take
my 10-year-old and my seven-year-old
to the MAC and it will be part of their
childhood memories.-Wendy Glauser

Summer 2019 / Ryerson University Magazine

13
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Ryerson Alumni - Summer 2019

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