From the Spring 2006 issue of Nexus.
Thanks to Rocco and Jennifer Marcello, and their respect and affection for long-time friend, Irwin Singer '60, an important bursary has been established at the law school for a student with financial need specializing in securities and corporate law. After Mr. Singer passed away, the Marcellos wanted to do something special to perpetuate his memory. After considering various options, the Faculty of Law seemed the most natural choice. Together with friends Morton Goldhar, Fred Litwin and Mr. Singer's widow, Pamela, they approached the law school and established an initial endowment of $90,000. Soon, other friends and associates were offering to contribute, and the endowment quickly grew to almost $140,000.
With matching funds from the Ontario government, the Irwin Singer Memorial Bursary is now worth $280,000 and will support an annual bursary of approximately $10,000 for a deserving student.
Of humble origins, Irwin Singer was born in Toronto on December 8, 1935. He received a B.Com in 1957 from the University of Toronto and then went on to obtain an LL.B. in 1960, also at U of T. Called to the Bar in 1962, he had a long and successful private practice, specializing in securities law. "He was a brilliant negotiator and possessed an innate ability to simplify complex issues, bring people together and avoid conflict," said Litwin."He was also a positive and decent human being, and quietly gave to many charitable organizations." In 2004, he formed a capital pool company, Jocada Capital Corp., where he worked, while also continuing to practice law, until his death at age 70. On October 15, 2005, Irwin passed away after a brief illness. Goldhar recalls: "Irwin was a very loyal, kind, caring, generous and supportive friend." He will be deeply missed by his family, friends and associates but thanks to the establishment of the bursary, his memory will live on in perpetuity at the law school.
The Irwin Singer Bursary will be awarded annually to an upper year student on the basis of financial need. Preference will be given to a student with a demonstrated interest in securities law or corporate/ commercial law.
