Describing him as a "brilliant entrepreneur, a distinguished son of Harvard, a beautiful friend, a remarkable man, a committed citizen, and a proud Canadian," the HBS Club of Toronto honored Gerald W. Schwartz (MBA '70) at a gala dinner held in early April.

Schwartz, who "ranks near the top of any list of the most successful business leaders this country has ever produced," according to the Toronto Globe and Mail, is president and CEO of ONEX, a thriving public company he founded sixteen years ago. A diversified global firm specializing in private equity and acquisitions, with current revenues of $15 billion, ONEX is involved with over one hundred companies spanning two dozen industries on six continents.

In addition to his success in business, Schwartz was praised for his work as a philanthropist and a Canadian citizen. "Gerry's life illustrates the full possibilities of our nation," said University of Toronto president J. Robert Prichard.

After accepting the club's award -- and with it, a Harvard chair -- Schwartz, a Winnipeg native, briefly discussed his career and, quoting President Theodore Roosevelt, encouraged his audience "to dare mighty things."

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