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Gerald W. SchwartzCanadian businessman
Date of Birth: 24.11.1941
Country:  Canada |
Content:
- Biography of Gerald Schwartz
- Career and Business Ventures
- Philanthropy and Honors
- Personal Life
- Contributions to Education
- Legacy
Biography of Gerald Schwartz
Early Life and EducationGerald Schwartz, also known as Gerry Schwartz, was born on November 24, 1941, in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He attended Kelvin High School in Winnipeg and obtained a Bachelor's degree in Arts and a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Manitoba. During his time at university, he was an active member of the Sigma Alpha Mu Fraternity. In 1970, he earned a Master of Business Administration degree from Harvard University.
Career and Business Ventures
In 1977, Schwartz co-founded the media giant CanWest Global Communications Inc, and in 1983, he established the investment company Onex Corporation. He served as a director of Scotiabank from 1999 onwards. As of March 2011, his estimated net worth was $1 billion, making him the 24th richest Canadian according to Forbes magazine and 1140th on the list of the world's wealthiest people.
Philanthropy and Honors
In recognition of his contributions to St. Francis Xavier University, Schwartz's alma mater, the university named its business school the Gerald Schwartz School of Business and Information Systems. He is actively involved in charitable work and serves on the advisory council of the Canadian charitable organization Dancer Transition Resource Centre. Schwartz has been recognized with several prestigious awards, including the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year lifetime achievement award in 2005 and being appointed as an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2006.
Personal Life
In 1982, Gerald Schwartz married Heather Reisman, the CEO of Indigo Books and Music, a Canadian bookstore chain. They are both supporters of Reform Judaism and members of the Holy Blossom Temple synagogue in Toronto. Schwartz has two children from his first marriage and two adopted children with Heather. He owns properties in Rosedale, Toronto, Palm Beach, Florida, and Bel Air, Los Angeles. He is known for his support of Israel, including his initiative to send hundreds of Apple iPods to Israeli troops.
Contributions to Education
In 2005, Schwartz launched the HESEG Foundation scholarship program, which offers four years of education support to lone soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces who came to Israel independently and entered the military. The foundation provides scholarships to successful candidates to pursue higher education after completing their military service, covering tuition fees, living expenses, and daily allowances. Schwartz also made a donation of $578,000 to the University of Waterloo in 2006 to support an exchange program between the Canadian university and the University of Haifa in Israel.
Legacy
In recognition of Gerald Schwartz's accomplishments, gold, silver, and bronze medals have been named in his honor. These medals are awarded for the highest academic achievement in the J.D./M.B.A. program, which combines a Juris Doctor degree and a Master of Business Administration degree, at the University of Toronto Law School and the Rotman School of Management. In 2004, Schwartz co-founded the Canadian Council for Israel and Jewish Advocacy. He envisions a partnership between Canada and Israel.
