Ringing the bell: celebrating Rotman Commerce's centenary at the Toronto Stock Exchange
The Rotman Commerce community came together for a symbolic occasion on January 17, 2024, when students, alumni, faculty, staff and friends joined Susan Christoffersen, Dean of the Rotman School of Management, in ringing the famous bell at the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX), signaling that day’s opening of the market.
Susan Christoffersen, Dean, Rotman School of Management“Our two organizations have much in common: they share not only a proud history of shaping the business landscape in Canada and around the world, but also a longstanding vision of driving change. I am thrilled to see our community come together to mark Rotman Commerce’s hundredth anniversary with the time-honoured tradition of opening Canada’s iconic stock exchange.”
The ceremony took place on the floor of the Stock Exchange at the Market Centre in the heart of Toronto’s Financial District. The tradition of opening the market at the TSX is an integral part of Toronto’s financial landscape—but this occasion holds particular significance for Rotman Commerce, which is currently celebrating one hundred years since the first graduating class received their diplomas in 1924.
On that date, seven students walked proudly across the stage at Convocation Hall. Today, the well-known undergraduate business program at the University’s St. George campus is jointly managed by the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management and Faculty of Arts & Science, and boasts 3,300 students.
Jay Jia (BCom ’26)“This highlights our growth as a supportive and tight-knit community. Looking forward to driving positive impact with RC as we embark on the journey beyond our 100-year anniversary!”
The centenary celebration extends beyond Rotman Commerce’s notable achievements in the academic realm; it is also a recognition of the accomplishments of the organization’s expansive community, including current students, faculty, staff, donors and over 18,000 alumni. The breadth, strength, and energy of this diverse network is highly valued by its members, who find it a fundamental and consequential part of their Rotman Commerce experience.
Dean Christoffersen continued, “What Rotman Commerce is celebrating with our centenary is a century of building the future together. Our success is only possible with support and partnership from leaders, changemakers and innovators—and a significant part of our community is the thousands of people and companies connected to TMX. For that reason it’s especially meaningful to us that we’re opening the market today.”
Alumnus Michael Landa (BCom’07), who currently serves as Managing Director and Head of Internal Audit TMX Group, also participates in the Rotman Commerce Alumni Mentorship Program. He noted: “Rotman Commerce was invaluable in starting me on my career trajectory as it has been for 100 years to those who attend the program…I am thrilled for my alma mater to cross paths with my current career at TMX Group…the opportunity for collaboration to recognize such a huge milestone for Rotman is an amazing commemoration.”
Alumnus Evelyn Foo (BCom ’87), currently President of EFoo Consulting Inc., exemplifies the spirit of the Rotman Commerce community. During her studies, she was recognized for her significant volunteering contributions with a U of T Arbor Award. Evelyn has continued to stay connected beyond graduation, serving as the Treasurer for the U of T Alumni Association. She reflected on the pride she felt: “Rotman Commerce was the foundation of my business career and it’s a tremendous honour to be part of the momentous celebration of its historical centenary year.”
Student Jay Jia (BCom ’26) attended the event with others from the Rotman Commerce Trading Group, a student organization that aims to improve participants’ understanding of trading through educational programs. The market open was a source of optimism and inspiration for Jay: “Being a part of Rotman Commerce is an invaluable window into remarkable learning and growth opportunities, from the TSX Market Open to the Rotman Commerce Trading Group. This highlights our growth as a supportive and tight-knit community. Looking forward to driving positive impact with RC as we embark on the journey beyond our 100-year anniversary!”
RC Trading Group student representatives who proudly attended the event
As Rotman Commerce commemorates a century of impact, its opening of the TSX also marks the beginning of a new era. Over the past hundred years, the program has built a legacy and reputation of shaping well-rounded and intellectually curious business leaders. Stepping into its second century, Rotman Commerce will continue to build the future through business education that encourages innovation and global connectedness, producing graduates who are ready for anything.
Related links
- Video on YouTube
- Media release from the TMX Group
By Rebecca Wan (MEd ’24) | January 17, 2024
