Laurier Board of Governors honours Tom Berczi with 2020 Distinguished Governor Award

July 6, 2020

Wilfrid Laurier University’s Board of Governors has awarded long-time member Tom Berczi (BBA ’88, MBA ’93) with the 2020 Distinguished Governor Award.

The Distinguished Governor Award recognizes board members, past and present, who have demonstrated outstanding service and leadership to the Board of Governors and who have made a significant contribution to the life and development of the university during a minimum of two three-year terms. The award is traditionally presented during Laurier’s spring convocation ceremonies, which will be held when the university is able to do so.

“It is a pleasure to congratulate Tom on receiving the Distinguished Governor Award this year,” says Board of Governors chair Lynda Hawton Kitamura. “Tom has passionately supported Laurier and has been a tremendous asset to the Board of Governors over the past nine years. He is insightful, engaged and always contributes with a big-picture view and the long-term success of the university in mind.”

Berczi first joined Laurier’s Board of Governors in September 2011 and has served on committees including the executive and governance committee, the audit and compliance committee and the investment oversight sub-committee. Berczi has also served as chair of the finance and investment and pension committees, in addition to co-chairing the Responsible Investing Working Group. He completes his service with the Board of Governors as treasurer.

“Serving on Laurier’s Board of Governors has been a truly rewarding experience,” says Berczi. “The university plays a pivotal role in our community, and it has been an honour to work with such a dedicated group of board members and a senior management team that are so dedicated to supporting Laurier students, alumni, faculty and staff.”

In addition to dedicated committee work, Berczi served on several of Laurier’s executive and academic search committees, including those for the vice-president: Finance and Administration, the university librarian and the dean of science.

Berczi has also been an active member of the Wilfrid Laurier University Alumni Association. He is a member of the governance committee and served as the association’s president from 2006 to 2012. Berczi supports Laurier students through Tom Berczi Campus Citizenship Scholarships, which recognize students who combine academic achievement with generous volunteer involvement in the Laurier community. Berczi was named Laurier’s Alumnus of the Year in 2013.