A visionary UM alumnus whose generosity helped shape the Asper School of Business
The University of Manitoba and the I.H. Asper School of Business remember the legacy of Bill Pollock [BComm(Hons)/49], founder of Drake International and one of Asper School’s most consequential alumni and benefactors.
Bill’s connection to the University of Manitoba began with a scholarship that made his own bachelor of commerce education possible. Decades later, he honoured that opportunity with a transformative $1.5 million gift that helped establish the Drake Centre, which will celebrate its 40th year in 2027. Today, it remains the home of the Asper School of Business.
At the time, the building served just under 900 undergraduate students; today, more than 4,000 undergraduate and graduate business students learn, lead, build ventures and prepare for meaningful careers within its walls.
“Bill never forgot that a University of Manitoba scholarship opened the door to an education that changed the course of his life,” said Michael Benarroch, President and Vice-Chancellor.
“His generosity, leadership and unwavering belief in creating opportunities for others left a lasting legacy at the Asper School of Business and will continue to inspire generations of students. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and colleagues at Drake International.”
In 1999, Bill received the University of Manitoba’s Distinguished Alumni Award, the university’s highest alumni honour. In 2024, he was recognized again during the Distinguished Alumni Awards celebrations in honour of the 25th anniversary of his 1999 award and his continued relationship with the university.
“Bill’s legacy lives on in every student who walks through the Drake Centre, every faculty member advancing business knowledge, and every alum who carries the Asper spirit into the world,” said Dr. Robert Biscontri, Acting Dean, Asper School of Business. “We are deeply grateful for his vision, generosity and enduring belief in the power of business education.”
Pollock’s commitment to the University of Manitoba extended well beyond his own philanthropy. He also volunteered with the university’s early 2000s Building on Strengths campaign, a landmark fundraising effort that raised more than $230 million. At the time, it was the largest philanthropic campaign in Manitoba’s history, reflecting the kind of ambitious community-building that defined Pollock’s lifelong support for education, leadership and opportunity.
See what your former classmates are up to, tell us about your post-grad accomplishments, and share your favourite UM memories.
Joel Nichols [BFA Hons '23] — the UM's 100th Rhodes Scholar — has won the Young Artist Award in London.
UM Chancellor Dave Angus sits down with the CEO behind Canada’s largest urban reserve.
Acclaimed production designer and alum Mary Kerr tells us how UM shaped her artistry and why she thinks contemporary theatre has lost its essential...
