Two decades ago, Jamaican-Chinese philanthropist and businessman G. Raymond Chang’s generous gift gave The G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education its current name, and ultimately shaped what it has become today — an institution that is recognized as a leader in continuing education.
At an event in October 2023, The Chang School celebrated the 20th anniversary of Raymond Chang’s transformational gift. Mohamed Lachemi, president and vice-chancellor of TMU, said Raymond Chang was known as the “students’ chancellor” when he served the university as chancellor from 2006 to 2012.
“He had a love of learning and earned the love of students,” Lachemi said. “But he also wanted to know more about the experience students were having. We are here today to celebrate the difference that Ray made and the transformation of continuing education at Toronto Metropolitan University.”
Over the past 20 years, the school has been able to grow and expand with the donation, making an impact on the lives of thousands of learners. Chang’s gift helped The Chang School create pathways to learning and access to post-secondary education for many Canadians with innovative programs like Spanning the Gaps, Gateway for International Professionals, and most recently, Curv Microcredentials.
A shovel bears an inscription in honour of G. Raymond Chang on the day ground was broken on Heaslip House, the new home of the G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education. Photo courtesy TMU Archives
