"I strongly believe in the power of education, and the pursuit of excellence," John says. In 1979, both John and his wife Kathy received Bachelors of Arts & Science from Queen's, and two years later, John graduated with an MBA. Earlier this year, their daughter Jamie graduated from the undergraduate Commerce program. "Queen's has had a significant impact on my life, and the life of my family. I truly feel I owe a debt of gratitude."
John, who has served on the School of Business Advisory Board for nearly a decade, showed his gratitude to the University in 2000 with a generous donation to the Goodes Hall Building Fund. Goodes Hall, the new School of Business headquarters, provides business students with a footprint on campus - a place to call their own. When Goodes Hall was completed in 2002, the MBA Team Room was named in honour of John and Kathy. John has also taken a leadership role with his class fund, which is raising $500,000 to provide scholarships for MBA students in celebration of their 25th anniversary, which takes place in September, 2006.
After finishing his MBA in 1981, John joined Toronto-Dominion and spent ten years with the Bank in international positions in Texas , New York , and London . He returned to Canada in 1992 as Vice President, Corporate Investment Banking Group. "My Queen's education opened up doors and opportunities that I never thought possible. Also the reputation of the University and Business School was one that I felt I had to live up to even after graduation." Today, John See is an Executive Vice President of TD Bank Financial Group and President of TD Waterhouse Discount Brokerage, Financial Planning and Institutional Services. In addition, he sits on the Bank's Wealth Management Operating Committee and is a Director of a Royal Bank of Scotland/Nat West joint venture.
As an alumnus, Board member, and parent of two students, Jamie, BCom'06 and Joshua, BA'08, John knows that he is a part of something special. He feels it is important for Queen's alumni to contribute back to their school. "First of all, the school is important to alumni!" John says with a chuckle. "After all, Queen's has been an integral component of all of our successes. But also, the continued support of alumni is absolutely critical in maintaining the standard of excellence which the University is known for - a reputation that follows alumni throughout their careers and lives."
Thanks John, for your steadfast support.