On August 6, Jamaica celebrated 64 years of independence. That same day, the country's National Honours and Awards system named TMU Chancellor Donette Chin-Loy Chang (Journalism '78) to the Order of Jamaica.
It's one of the nation's highest honours, and it recognizes her work building communities in both Jamaica and Canada. It also celebrates her push to expand access to education and strengthen public institutions through service and philanthropy.
The Honourable Donette Chin-Loy Chang is a TMU alumna with a long record of humanitarian work. As chancellor, she has supported hundreds of students through scholarships, bursaries and well-being initiatives. She champions education, equity and community impact across the university.
As a university ambassador, she also builds partnerships that expand opportunities and strengthen TMU's ties to the wider community.
The Forefront Season 6: Next-gen generosity
Chin-Loy Chang hosts The Forefront: Next-gen generosity, a TMU podcast about how giving back builds stronger communities and inspires future leaders.
The newest season features conversations with leaders, community builders and changemakers who are shaping the future of philanthropy.
Her background in journalism, public affairs and strategic communications gives her a unique lens for these conversations about leadership and purpose.
An unexpected call
Chin-Loy Chang says she was genuinely surprised when the Jamaican Ambassador called with the news.
"It was unexpected," she recalls. "As someone born in Jamaica, that connection runs deep, so I felt incredibly proud and honoured, and filled with joy."
For her, the recognition carries deep meaning.
"I do the work I do because it's my passion," she said. "You don't have the expectation of receiving this type of recognition. I'm deeply grateful that the work I do benefits others."
Her philanthropic work has supported students at TMU and in 17 countries across the Caribbean, through the University of the West Indies. She says none of it happened alone.
"For 17 years, alongside my late husband G. Raymond Chang, we've supported a major annual fundraiser in Canada that has awarded nearly 2,000 scholarships and recognized more than 250 community leaders."
G. Raymond Chang served as TMU's third chancellor, from 2006 to 2012. He's still known today as the students' chancellor.
The Chang family later made a historic gift to lifelong learning, naming TMU's continuing education faculty The G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education, widening access to education for adult learners.
Together, with my late husband Ray Chang, we have been guided by a shared vision: advancing education, improving healthcare and, more recently, supporting social justice through initiatives in Canada and beyond.
Donette Chin-Loy Chang (Journalism `78), TMU Chancellor
Family values shaped a life of service
Her impact hasn't gone unnoticed here in Canada, either.
In June, Chin-Loy Chang received the Order of Ontario, the province's highest civilian honour.
"My family came here in the 1970s, and for me to have been given one of the highest orders of the province was beyond any of my expectations. I was just blown away when the call came," she said.
She traces her commitment to service back to her childhood. Her father, Lloyd Chin-Loy, served in the Royal Air Force during World War II. After returning to Jamaica, he stayed active in a local veterans' association.
"Growing up, our home was filled with uncles' who were really veteran colleagues of my father's, and that really shaped my understanding of service from an early age," said Chin-Loy Chang.
I don't take this honour for granted. It belongs to the many people who made it possible; my family, especially my parents who instilled a strong sense of service, and the teams, volunteers and partners whose dedication brought these initiatives to life. This recognition is truly for all of them.
Donette Chin-Loy Chang (Journalism `78), TMU Chancellor
That mindset carried into her partnership with G. Raymond Chang.
"We met through our shared involvement with our high schools in Jamaica, both of us deeply committed to giving back," she said. "For us, service has always meant more than financial support; it's about time, energy and uplifting others."
Advice from TMU's chancellor
Jamaica will formally honour Chin-Loy Chang at the Investiture Ceremony on National Heroes' Day in mid-October. She will travel to Jamaica to receive the Order of Jamaica after TMU's convocation ceremonies.
She hopes the honour inspires pride amongst Jamaican Canadians and other diasporic communities, showing that giving back and giving forward, can take many forms, including mentorship.
After Hurricane Melissa devastated Jamaica last October, Chin-Loy Chang together with Wes Hall, a fellow Jamaican and Chancellor of the University of Toronto, organized Harmonies of Hope, a fundraising concert, alongside 3 well respected charities, Food For the Poor Canada, Helping Hands Jamaica and Sandals Foundation, and partners like Air Canada. Together with a host of great people of all backgrounds, they raised close to $2.5 million - the largest diaspora contribution to the island's recovery effort. Hundreds of volunteers also pitched in, packing and shipping supplies overseas.
"These relief efforts show students what is possible," said Chin-Loy Chang. "I want to ask our students, Are you doing good service with passion and kindness?'. To make yourself and your community proud is priceless."
A podcast built on service
As host of The Forefront, Chin-Loy Chang talks with guests about the power of philanthropy and investing in others.
"I am having powerful conversations with some great community leaders," she said. "A theme is emerging around doing the right thing and doing it when you can. And the doing' is not always about dollars and cents."
She encourages others to volunteer and share time, energy and resources - not just their money.
Hosting the podcast lets her put her journalism background to work.
"With my own background in journalism, I wanted to put my journalistic and interviewing skills into practice."
Guests have included advertising executive Justin Poy, social entrepreneur Nimi Nanji-Simard and TMU's President and Vice-Chancellor Mohamed Lachemi.
Asked what continues to guide her as TMU's chancellor, she points to TMU's commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. "TMU never falters on that belief," she said.
She's also proud of TMU's students, whose resilience she calls admirable amid a fast-changing world - and the TMU faculty and staff who stay committed to the university's mission.
She credits President Lachemi's leadership over the past 10 years for TMU's growth into a leading post-secondary institution.
To TMU's community, Chin-Loy Chang has a simple message: "You are one of those I'm proud of. You're part of our very rich TMU community."
