Joseph Rotman
Encyclopedia
Joseph Louis Rotman, O.C.
, LL.D. (born January 6, 1935), is a noted Canadian businessman and philanthropist. Rotman has been the founder, benefactor and member of many successful organizations, such as the Clairvest Group Inc., the Rotman Research Institute, and the Rotman School of Management
. Throughout his life, he has received two honorary degrees, as well as an induction into the Canadian Business Hall of Fame. He is well-regarded for donating his time and financial assistance to numerous philanthropic causes including the arts, education and healthcare.
after which he continued on to the University of Toronto to obtain his M.Comm. from the Institute of Business Administration in 1960.
Married to Sandra Frieberg since 1959, they have two children, Janis and Kenneth.
Joseph is also the Chairman of Roy-L Capital Corporation, a private family investment company. He has served on numerous corporate boards including the Bank of Montreal, Barrick Gold Corporation, Canada Northwest Energy Ltd., Masonite International and TrizecHahn Corporation. He has been involved as a founder of Tarragon Oil and Gas, Geocrude Energy, PanCana Resources, PanCana Minerals and Embassy Resources, as well as a number of other companies.
Over the past 20 years, Joseph and Sandra Rotman have served on numerous boards and donated more than $90 million. They share a passion and support for higher education, the arts and healthcare. Joseph once noted, “My father taught me that the most powerful way to inspire others to give is for them to see people giving in their community.”
In July 2008, Rotman was appointed to a five-year term as Chair of the Canada Council for the Arts, the national arts funding agency that provides grants, endowments, prizes and promotion of the arts.
He and his wife also founded the Louis Applebaum Visitorship in Film Composition at the University of Toronto School of Music and helped found the Elinor and Lou Siminovitch Prize in Theatre
. They are also benefactors of the Israel Museum, Toronto Symphony Orchestra, Canadian Opera Company, The National Ballet of Canada and the Toronto International Film Festival.
The Rotman School of Management
was named in his honour as the primary benefactor and is an internationally renowned business education institution that educates globally competitive leaders and maintains the world’s leading business faculty. The Rotmans have also provided financial assistance for the Lloyd and Delphine Martin Prosperity Institute, and the Sandra Rotman Chair in Social Work towards research to identify emerging trends in trauma and their uses among first responders. They have established the RISE Social Enterprise Development Initiative, a self-employment program for people with mental health and addiction issues, which is overseen by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, and the Rotman School of Management
.
The Rotmans have also been supporters of the University of Western Ontario since 1999 though the Rotman Institute of Philosophy – Engaging Science, which fosters a global centre to build novel and productive bridges between humanities and the sciences to address relevant issues faced by society. In addition, Mr. Rotman established the Rotman Canada Research Chair in Philosophy of Science addressing the nature of scientific theory.
In 1989, the Rotman Research Institute was established to gain knowledge in cognitive neuroscience. Since 1990, his financial contributions have assisted the University Health Network at the University of Toronto in founding the Sandra Rotman Centre for Global Health along with the Sandra Rotman Chair in Health Sector Strategy.
He is also a founder and was a member of the Board of Directors of MaRS
(Medical and Related Sciences) Discovery District.
As well as funding the Sandra A. Rotman Program in Neuropsychiatry, Rotman began co-leading the development of a major review and study of the state of brain research in Ontario and Canada in 2008. The review covered recommendations to transform brain research as well as its translation and commercialization in Ontario. This included the creation of the Ontario Brain Institute with a focus on optimizing the health, economic and societal impacts from brain research in Ontario and Canada. As a result, he currently serves as the Chair of the Board of Directors with the Institute, a virtual research centre helping Ontario to build on its global neuroscience achievements by turning health care discoveries into products and services to help people affected by brain diseases and disorders.
Another significant appointment for Rotman is Chairman of Grand Challenges Canada, which is a unique and independent not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving the health and well-being of people in developing countries by integrating scientific, technological, business and social innovation both in Canada and in the developing world. Grand Challenges Canada is funded by the federal government’s Development Innovation Fund announced in the 2008 budget. The organization works in a consortium with the International Development Research Centre and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research
. Grand Challenges Canada is committed to bold ideas with big impact.
The Sandra Rotman Centre for Global Health, established at the University Health Network and University of Toronto, is supported by Rotman. Researchers there develop innovative global health solutions and help bring them to scale where they are most urgently needed. The Centre envisions a world where everyone benefits from new diagnostics, vaccines, drugs, devices and other life science solutions. The Rotman Centre’s pillar portfolio includes the Sandra A. Rotman Laboratories, Grand Challenges Canada and Ethics. The Centre is dedicated to meaningful change in global health disparities through integrated innovation.
Rotman also chairs the Ontario Health Study’s Provincial Advisory Council. The Ontario Health Study is a large, long-term study of Ontarians that aims to create an extensive database of health-related information to help improve understanding, prevention, treatment and early detection of a wide range of illnesses.
He chaired both the Ontario BioCouncil Report for the Ontario government and the Expert Panel on Commercialization, called People and Excellence, a report for Industry Canada on commercialization.
Other boards and committees that Rotman has served on include: Gairdner Foundation International
, Global Network of Science Academies and Royal Societies Development Advisory Committee,Ontario Genomics Institute, and the Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care.
In 2009, Rotman was not only awarded his second LL.D. from the University of Western Ontario but he was also inducted into the Canadian Business Hall of Fame as a Companion and honoured, along with his wife Sandra, with the Outstanding Philanthropists Award by The Association of Fundraising Professionals.
On November 21, 2011, it was announced that Rotman had been named the twenty-first Chancellor of his alma mater
, the University of Western Ontario.
Sandra and Joseph were also awarded the Beth Sholom Brotherhood Humanitarian award in 2010. Joseph was the Honouree of The Toronto Club’s 2011 Annual Members Dinner. He is also active with many other local, national and international organizations.
Order of Canada
The Order of Canada is a Canadian national order, admission into which is, within the system of orders, decorations, and medals of Canada, the second highest honour for merit...
, LL.D. (born January 6, 1935), is a noted Canadian businessman and philanthropist. Rotman has been the founder, benefactor and member of many successful organizations, such as the Clairvest Group Inc., the Rotman Research Institute, and the Rotman School of Management
Rotman School of Management
The Joseph L. Rotman School of Management commonly known as Rotman School of Management is the University of Toronto's business school, located in St. George Street in Downtown Toronto. The school, named after Joseph L...
. Throughout his life, he has received two honorary degrees, as well as an induction into the Canadian Business Hall of Fame. He is well-regarded for donating his time and financial assistance to numerous philanthropic causes including the arts, education and healthcare.
Early Life and Family
Joseph Rotman was born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. He attended the University of Western OntarioUniversity of Western Ontario
The University of Western Ontario is a public research university located in London, Ontario, Canada. The university's main campus covers of land, with the Thames River cutting through the eastern portion of the main campus. Western administers its programs through 12 different faculties and...
after which he continued on to the University of Toronto to obtain his M.Comm. from the Institute of Business Administration in 1960.
Married to Sandra Frieberg since 1959, they have two children, Janis and Kenneth.
Business Career
Rotman began his business career in 1962 and has been involved in establishing a number of private and public companies active in oil trading, petroleum distribution, oil and gas exploration, merchant banking, real estate and venture capital. In 1987, he founded Clairvest Group Inc., a Canadian-based company, which provides merchant banking for emerging companies and is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange. He continues to serve as a Member of the Board.Joseph is also the Chairman of Roy-L Capital Corporation, a private family investment company. He has served on numerous corporate boards including the Bank of Montreal, Barrick Gold Corporation, Canada Northwest Energy Ltd., Masonite International and TrizecHahn Corporation. He has been involved as a founder of Tarragon Oil and Gas, Geocrude Energy, PanCana Resources, PanCana Minerals and Embassy Resources, as well as a number of other companies.
Philanthropy
As both patrons and benefactors, Joseph and his wife Sandra have demonstrated a long-term commitment to promoting and developing internationally renowned Canadian institutions in the arts, education and healthcare. As well, they have supported the creation of new knowledge in science and technology, business practices, and public policy.Over the past 20 years, Joseph and Sandra Rotman have served on numerous boards and donated more than $90 million. They share a passion and support for higher education, the arts and healthcare. Joseph once noted, “My father taught me that the most powerful way to inspire others to give is for them to see people giving in their community.”
Supporter of the Arts
A lifelong enthusiast and supporter of the arts, Rotman has applied his business experience to creating environments for the arts to thrive in Canada and throughout the world. Rotman served as Chair of the Board of the Art Gallery of Ontario (1993-96), as a Board Member (1991-2000) and continues, along with his wife, to be a benefactor. During this time, he was also a Member of the Board of the Governor General’s Performing Arts Awards (1996-1998).In July 2008, Rotman was appointed to a five-year term as Chair of the Canada Council for the Arts, the national arts funding agency that provides grants, endowments, prizes and promotion of the arts.
He and his wife also founded the Louis Applebaum Visitorship in Film Composition at the University of Toronto School of Music and helped found the Elinor and Lou Siminovitch Prize in Theatre
Siminovitch Prize in Theatre
The Siminovitch Prize in Theatre is given to recognize achievement in Canadian theatre; specifically, professional directors, playwrights and designers in three-year cycles...
. They are also benefactors of the Israel Museum, Toronto Symphony Orchestra, Canadian Opera Company, The National Ballet of Canada and the Toronto International Film Festival.
Education Benefactor
The Rotmans have maintained involvement with the University of Toronto since 1981. From 2001 to 2004, Rotman sat on the Committee for Honorary Degrees, was a Governing Council Member from 1995 to 2003, an Executive Committee Member (1998-2003) and was the Vice-Chair of the University of Toronto's Asset Management Corporation (2000-2006).The Rotman School of Management
Rotman School of Management
The Joseph L. Rotman School of Management commonly known as Rotman School of Management is the University of Toronto's business school, located in St. George Street in Downtown Toronto. The school, named after Joseph L...
was named in his honour as the primary benefactor and is an internationally renowned business education institution that educates globally competitive leaders and maintains the world’s leading business faculty. The Rotmans have also provided financial assistance for the Lloyd and Delphine Martin Prosperity Institute, and the Sandra Rotman Chair in Social Work towards research to identify emerging trends in trauma and their uses among first responders. They have established the RISE Social Enterprise Development Initiative, a self-employment program for people with mental health and addiction issues, which is overseen by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, and the Rotman School of Management
Rotman School of Management
The Joseph L. Rotman School of Management commonly known as Rotman School of Management is the University of Toronto's business school, located in St. George Street in Downtown Toronto. The school, named after Joseph L...
.
The Rotmans have also been supporters of the University of Western Ontario since 1999 though the Rotman Institute of Philosophy – Engaging Science, which fosters a global centre to build novel and productive bridges between humanities and the sciences to address relevant issues faced by society. In addition, Mr. Rotman established the Rotman Canada Research Chair in Philosophy of Science addressing the nature of scientific theory.
Advancement of Life Sciences and Innovation
Joseph Rotman has lent his business experience to the advancement of Canadian life sciences research, Canadian innovation and commercialization capacity, and related public policy at both the federal and provincial levels, including the Canadian Institute of Health Research (CIHR), and Chair of the Ontario Genomics Institute, a provincial entity, for Genome Canada.In 1989, the Rotman Research Institute was established to gain knowledge in cognitive neuroscience. Since 1990, his financial contributions have assisted the University Health Network at the University of Toronto in founding the Sandra Rotman Centre for Global Health along with the Sandra Rotman Chair in Health Sector Strategy.
He is also a founder and was a member of the Board of Directors of MaRS
MaRS Discovery District
MaRS Discovery District is a not-for-profit corporation founded in Toronto in 2000. Its stated goal is to commercialize publicly funded medical research with the help of local private enterprises and as such is a public-private partnership....
(Medical and Related Sciences) Discovery District.
As well as funding the Sandra A. Rotman Program in Neuropsychiatry, Rotman began co-leading the development of a major review and study of the state of brain research in Ontario and Canada in 2008. The review covered recommendations to transform brain research as well as its translation and commercialization in Ontario. This included the creation of the Ontario Brain Institute with a focus on optimizing the health, economic and societal impacts from brain research in Ontario and Canada. As a result, he currently serves as the Chair of the Board of Directors with the Institute, a virtual research centre helping Ontario to build on its global neuroscience achievements by turning health care discoveries into products and services to help people affected by brain diseases and disorders.
Another significant appointment for Rotman is Chairman of Grand Challenges Canada, which is a unique and independent not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving the health and well-being of people in developing countries by integrating scientific, technological, business and social innovation both in Canada and in the developing world. Grand Challenges Canada is funded by the federal government’s Development Innovation Fund announced in the 2008 budget. The organization works in a consortium with the International Development Research Centre and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research
Canadian Institutes of Health Research
Canadian Institutes of Health Research is the major federal agency responsible for funding health research in Canada. It is the successor to the Medical Research Council of Canada. It aims to create new health knowledge, and to translate that knowledge from the research setting into real world...
. Grand Challenges Canada is committed to bold ideas with big impact.
The Sandra Rotman Centre for Global Health, established at the University Health Network and University of Toronto, is supported by Rotman. Researchers there develop innovative global health solutions and help bring them to scale where they are most urgently needed. The Centre envisions a world where everyone benefits from new diagnostics, vaccines, drugs, devices and other life science solutions. The Rotman Centre’s pillar portfolio includes the Sandra A. Rotman Laboratories, Grand Challenges Canada and Ethics. The Centre is dedicated to meaningful change in global health disparities through integrated innovation.
Rotman also chairs the Ontario Health Study’s Provincial Advisory Council. The Ontario Health Study is a large, long-term study of Ontarians that aims to create an extensive database of health-related information to help improve understanding, prevention, treatment and early detection of a wide range of illnesses.
He chaired both the Ontario BioCouncil Report for the Ontario government and the Expert Panel on Commercialization, called People and Excellence, a report for Industry Canada on commercialization.
Other boards and committees that Rotman has served on include: Gairdner Foundation International
Gairdner Foundation
The Gairdner Foundation was created in 1957 by James Arthur Gairdner to recognize and reward the achievements of medical researchers whose work contributes significantly to improving the quality of human life. Since the first awards were made in 1959, the Gairdner Awards have become Canada's...
, Global Network of Science Academies and Royal Societies Development Advisory Committee,Ontario Genomics Institute, and the Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care.
Awards & Honours
In 1994, Rotman was awarded an honorary LL.D. from the University of Toronto, and less than a year later, his appointment as an officer of the Order of Canada was announced January 4, 1995.In 2009, Rotman was not only awarded his second LL.D. from the University of Western Ontario but he was also inducted into the Canadian Business Hall of Fame as a Companion and honoured, along with his wife Sandra, with the Outstanding Philanthropists Award by The Association of Fundraising Professionals.
On November 21, 2011, it was announced that Rotman had been named the twenty-first Chancellor of his alma mater
Alma mater
Alma mater , pronounced ), was used in ancient Rome as a title for various mother goddesses, especially Ceres or Cybele, and in Christianity for the Virgin Mary.-General term:...
, the University of Western Ontario.
Other Achievements
In recognition of a lifetime of success and philanthropy, Sandra and Joseph Rotman were selected as torchbearers for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Run in Toronto on December 17, 2009.Sandra and Joseph were also awarded the Beth Sholom Brotherhood Humanitarian award in 2010. Joseph was the Honouree of The Toronto Club’s 2011 Annual Members Dinner. He is also active with many other local, national and international organizations.
External Links
- Ontario Brain Institute
- Grand Challenges Canada
- MaRS Discovery District
- Order of Canada
- Clairvest Group Inc.
- Rotman School of Management
- Canadian Business Hall of Fame
- Rotman Research Institute
- University of Western Ontario
- University of Toronto
- Toronto Stock Exchange
- Bank of Montreal
- Barrick Gold Corporation
- Art Gallery of Ontario
- Governor General's Performing Arts Award
- Canada Council for the Arts
- Elinore & Lou Siminovitch Prize in Theatre
- Canadian Friends of the Israel Museum
- Toronto Symphony Orchestra
- Canadian Opera Company
- The National Ballet of Canada
- Toronto International Film Festival
- Martin Prosperity Institute
- Sandra Rotman Chair in Social Work
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
- Rotman Institute of Philosophy
- Rotman Canada Research Chair in Philosophy of Science
- Canadian Institute of Health Research
- Ontario Genomics Institute
- Genome Canada
- University Health Network
- McLaughlin-Rotman Centre for Global Health
- Canadian Institutes of Health Research
- Ontario Health Study
- Industry Canada
- Gairdner Foundation International
- Global Network of Science Academies
- Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care
- Association of Fundraising Professionals
- Beth Sholom Brotherhood Humanitarian Award