Bernard Wolf, a long-serving faculty member at York University’s Schulich School of Business, died on Jan. 24.
An expert in economics and international business, Wolf spent more than 50 years serving the University in many capacities.
Before joining York in 1968, Wolf spent his early years in New York City and earned an undergraduate degree from Queens College and completed his MA and PhD in economics at Yale University.
Over his 57 years at York University, Wolf played a central role both at Glendon College, where he was first appointed, and at Schulich, where he transitioned to in 1988.
His efforts to deepen Schulich’s global outlook is described by Dean Emeritus Deso Horváth as one of the key drivers and architects of globalization at the school.
Known as an expert in international trade, global supply chains and the rapid transformation of manufacturing industries – with a focus on the automotive sector – Wolf was widely respected for his research and scholarship.
Wolf was a trusted public commentator on international economics, often called upon by Canadian and global media to explain trade policy, industrial issues and shifts in the world economy. Within academic circles, he helped lead major research efforts on global competitiveness and manufacturing and held senior roles in several international scholarly organizations.
During his time at York, he taught across the undergraduate, MBA and graduate levels. He also served in several key leadership roles, including director of the International MBA program and director of the International Business specializations.
Wolf’s contributions were recognized through multiple honours, including the York International Award for Outstanding Contribution to Internationalization of Student Experience and York University’s Merit Award.
“Above all, Bernie will be remembered as a wonderful colleague and as an individual who cared deeply about students, scholarship and the Schulich community,” says Schulich Dean Detlev Zwick.
Wolf’s legacy will continue at York through the Bernard M. Wolf Prize of Excellence in the Certificate in International Management, awarded annually to a graduating student who achieves the highest academic standing in the program.
Those wishing to honour his memory may do so with a donation in support of this prize.