In recognition of an $8 million donation from Brookfield Asset Management's Group Chairman, Jack Cockwell, and his family, Ryerson University has announced that its coming Church Street development will be named in honour of Mr. Cockwell's mother, Daphne, for her lifelong commitment to helping others. Designed by architects Perkins + Will, the Daphne Cockwell Health Sciences Complex will rise 27 storeys on Church Street just north of Dundas, replacing a surface parking lot with 18,600 square metres of new space. The building will be the new home of Ryerson’s School of Nutrition, School of Occupational and Public Health, the Midwifery Education program, the Daphne Cockwell School of Nursing, and others.

Rendering of the Daphne Cockwell Health Sciences Complex, image courtesy of Ryerson University

Jack Cockwell's generosity brings the Cockwell family’s total donations to Ryerson to more than $28 million, and this donation pushes Ryerson closer to the $200 million goal set out in their ongoing 'Make Your Mark' fundraising campaign which aims to accelerate the university's research agenda and improve students' future opportunities.

“Jack Cockwell’s generosity to Ryerson University has created extraordinary opportunity for students. His support encourages and inspires the young innovators and entrepreneurs who will be the drivers of our emerging economy”, Janice Fukakusa, Chair of the Board of Governors of Ryerson University, stated.

Mr. Cockwell has a long history of involvement with Ryerson, including appointment to the school's Board of Governors in 1995, as well as time served as Vice Chair of the Board, Chair of the Finance Committee, and his current position as Chair of the Audit Committee. He has also held led the G. Raymond Chang School's Building Fundraising Committee as well as Ryerson's Real Estate Advisory Committee.

“Jack has always been there with us at the forefront of Ryerson development,” said Ryerson President Sheldon Levy. “The university has pioneered an evolution in entrepreneurial education, and with his help the Institute is reaching out to young people of all ages as the leaders of tomorrow.”

Ryerson is hoping to break ground on the Daphne Cockwell Health Sciences Complex in December or early in the new year.

Until then, additional information and many renderings can be found in our dataBase file for the project, linked below. Want to get involved in the discussion? Check out the associated Forum thread, or leave a comment using the space provided at the bottom of this page.