As JD/MBA students return to their studies this month, they will have access to additional financial assistance thanks to the Tory family. A generous gift from the family of the late John A. Tory will support exceptional students pursuing the University of Toronto’s acclaimed joint degree program in law and business.
The first-of-its-kind gift to the renowned JD/MBA program will endow both needs-based bursaries at the Faculty of Law and provide additional scholarship support for students enrolled in joint MBA studies at the Rotman School of Management.
It is complemented by a newly established annual lecture, which will bring together students, scholars and members of the profession to explore new approaches, legislation and trends in tax law.
Named in honour of the legacy of John A. Tory (1930-2011), the John A. Tory JD/MBA Scholars and John A. Tory Lecture will enhance and develop the multidisciplinary skills necessary to navigate today’s business world.
William A. Downe BMO Chair, Professor of Finance Susan Christoffersen, Dean of the Rotman School of Management and University Professor Jutta Brunnée, Dean and James Marshall Tory Dean’s Chair of the Faculty of Law, are both honoured to associate John A. Tory’s name and legacy with this esteemed program.
“These awards are transformational in changing the lives of the students who receive them,” says Christoffersen. "We sincerely thank the John A. Tory family for this significant gift in support of JD/MBA students at U of T. Their support reinforces the collaboration between the two faculties and is a competitive differentiator for us to recruit top talent to the program."
“Since its inception, a JD/MBA degree has propelled the career trajectories of its graduates,” says Brunnée. “We are so grateful to the John A. Tory family for this generous gift, which supports exceptionally talented students as they pursue their studies to join our illustrious cohort of JD/MBA alumni.
Business and law were at the core of John A. Tory's life, one of Canada’s most influential lawyers, advisors and leaders in business. Tory's father, John S.D. Tory (1903-1965) founded Torys and Associates in 1941, and John A. Tory and his twin brother, James M. Tory, built the Torys firm together.
"Our father was an early leader in bringing together law and business. He took joy in both, and he was accomplished in both disciplines,” said Jennifer Tory, daughter. “So, it is fitting that we honour him by supporting two places of excellence in these disciplines, namely the Rotman School of Management and the U of T Faculty of Law. He would be very pleased."
