John FriedrichsenThe name of the Odette Building’s John Friedrichsen Centre for Student and Community Engagement pays tribute to a business alumnus.

Firm honours retiring executive with learning space naming

A collaborative learning centre in the Odette School of Business will soon bear the name of one of its alumni.

John Friedrichsen (BComm 1984) is retiring as chief operating officer after a 23-year career with the real estate services and investment management company Colliers. The firm made a philanthropic commitment to name the John Friedrichsen Centre for Student and Community Engagement in tribute to him.

Colliers global chair and CEO Jay Hennick says Friedrichsen exemplifies business success and personifies the importance of lifelong learning.

“For more than two decades, John has been one of my closest allies in building two great Canadian companies, FirstService and Colliers,” he says. “We wish him every success in the future and are proud to honour his legacy by naming the centre and investing in our future business leaders.”

For his part, Friedrichsen says the Odette School of Business gave him the foundation on which he built a rewarding career in enterprise.

“I am humbled by this tribute and take great pride in deepening my ties with the Odette School of Business and the rising talent that will emerge from its programs,” he says.

The collaborative space is used as an alternative to a traditional classroom for guest lectures, student team projects, employer recruitment, and other University events.

Dean Mitchell Fields expresses thanks on behalf of the Odette School of Business.

“We are genuinely grateful to be a part of this tribute to John that represents a lasting honour to an extremely accomplished alumnus,” says Dr. Fields. “This generous gift in his name is a profound investment in Odette and will impact many current and future students.”

Academic Area: