Dr. Donette Chin-Loy Chang; Distinguished Communication Leader, Prolific Philanthropist and Acclaimed Public Affairs Strategist

BY PAUL JUNOR

The announcement that Jamaican-born philanthropist Dr. Donette Chin-Loy Chang will be the new chancellor of Toronto Metropolitan University is a fitting culmination of her years of association with the university. She is the sixth chancellor and first alumna to be chancellor and was installed on October 15th, 2024 for an initial three-year term. Dr.Chin-Loy Chang graduated with a Bachelor of Applied Arts degree in Journalism from TMU in 1978.

At her installation, Chancellor Chin -Loy Chang pledged to be an ambassador and advocate for TMU and to take on the challenges wherever she is needed, as well, to engage with communities, partners and all stakeholders.  She further stated: “Together with the extraordinary TMU leadership, I pledge to give support in building and rebuilding the bridges that connect us all. I love this university.  I accept the challenge and look forward to continuing to serve in any way I am able. TMU always challenges the status quo with bold and innovative action, responding to the needs of learners in an ever-changing world. I accept this role with great humility and am proud to be part of an extraordinary community that truly values excellence, equity and reconciliation.”

I interviewed her recently regarding her new role as Chancellor at TMU. She told me that her parents were her primary examples of life and her teachers at Immaculate Conception High School in Kingston, Jamaica were significant role models. She mentioned that the importance of discipline and order were values that were inculcated in all the students at the prominent all-girls Catholic high school. “There was a strong sense of civic duties and responsibilities that reflected the distinguished learning at Immaculate,” she stated.

She excelled in the arts – English, English Literature, Geography and History.  Her excellent writing skills prepared her to be a journalist, “TMU graduates are prepared for the job on day one and are sought after by industry leaders.”

She started her journalism career as a reporter-producer with CBC Radio and headed the overseas division of Radio Canada International in Toronto.  In the 1980’s she worked with the global public relations firm Ruder Finn and Rotman and was assigned to the government of Jamaica and the Prime Minister’s office.

Chancellor Chin-Loy Chang is the recipient of an honorary degree from TMU and from the University of the West Indies. Her involvement with TMU includes:

• Funding scholarships and well-being initiatives
• Establishing bursaries at the DMZ, The Chang School and the Lincoln Alexander School of Law
• Creating an emergency fund for students during the pandemic
• Contributing to the Viola Desmond Awards program and the President’s Awards to Champion Equity campaign

President Mohamed Lachemi states, “Donette has been a valued member of the TMU community for decades. Through her work and support for equity-focused organizations and her commitment to education, she continues to make her mark in improving the lives of those around her. We are pleased that she will continue to strengthen her relationship with TMU in her newest role as our chancellor.”

Chancellor Chin-Loy Chang ‘s leadership and philanthropic endeavors over the years reflect her selfless devotion to many social justice causes. These include:

• Former co-chair of Food For the Poor Canada
• Co-patron of the University of the West Indies Annual Benefit Awards
• Member of the Dean’s Advisory Board for TMU’s Faculty of Community Services
• TMU’s Renaming Committee member
• Board director for the BlackNorth Initiative and the Toronto International Film Festival
• Chair of TMU’s Anti-Asian Taskforce

In her convocation address she implored the class of 2024, “Be courageous; understand that everyone you meet will impact your life in ways you never imagined.  Where you start is not always where you will end.  Stay focused because distractions abound – you will fail once, twice, three times…but be steadfast, get up, brush yourself off and get on with it! 

“Be kind, be compassionate. Keep an open mind. Honour your elders and ancestors. Live with no regrets. Remember there are always silver linings in adversity.  Walk with queens and kings and never lose the common touch. Stand up for right and be a changemaker for good.  You have earned this day – through your perseverance and passion – through real TMU GRIT. But remember, take time to enjoy it.”

Her late husband G. Raymond Chang, OC, OJ, was the third Chancellor of Toronto Metropolitan University.Together they shared a vision of a better world where: education, health and social justice in all things, were accessible to all.  They have never forgotten their  roots and their global philanthropy also extends to Jamaica the land of their birth. About 16 years ago, they co-founded the University of the West Indies Awards, to raise funds for students in dire need, across the Caribbean.  To date 1,000 scholarships have been awarded and over 100 outstanding individuals and organizations have been recognized.