NTCI Notables

Category: Academics

  • Dr. Ron Wesley Taylor

    Dr. Ron Wesley Taylor (1937–2025)

    • Professional Athlete • Physician • Engineer
    • Class of 1957

    Dr. Ron Taylor was a truly unique individual whose life followed two extraordinary and distinct paths. While a student at NT, his prowess on the pitcher’s mound for the Leaside Baseball Association attracted the attention of the Cleveland Indians. He graduated in 1957 with a rare arrangement: he would play professional baseball in the summers while pursuing an Electrical Engineering degree at the University of Toronto in the off-seasons.

    Despite graduating 5th in his engineering class in 1961 with 17 corporate job offers, Taylor followed his heart to the Major Leagues. His 11-season MLB career was highlighted by two World Series championships: first with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1964, and later with the famous 1969 “Miracle Mets,” where he played a crucial role as a relief pitcher.

    During a USO goodwill tour to Vietnam, Taylor was inspired to make a dramatic career pivot. At age 30, following his baseball retirement, he returned to U of T to tackle a grueling pre-med schedule. He graduated from medicine in 1977, the oldest student in his class. He eventually combined his two passions by serving as the Toronto Blue Jays team physician for 35 years. A member of the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame, the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame, and the Order of Ontario, Ron is remembered as a quiet man with a dry wit and an awe-inspiring legacy of success.

  • Dr. Victor Ling

    Dr. Victor Ling (1943- )

    • Cancer Researcher • Biochemist • Academic Leader
    • Class of 1962

    A pre-eminent cancer researcher, Dr. Victor Ling is best known for uncovering key mechanisms behind drug resistance in cancer, including the discovery of P-glycoprotein, one of the proteins responsible for multi-drug resistance in treatment. His work reshaped how scientists understand why some cancers stop responding to chemotherapy and opened new directions for targeted therapies.

    Born in Shanghai, Ling moved with his family to Hong Kong as a child before emigrating to Toronto in 1952. After excelling in math and science at North Toronto C.I., he earned his BSc at the University of Toronto and completed his PhD in biochemistry at the University of British Columbia. Postdoctoral work on DNA structure took him to Cambridge, England, where he trained in the lab of Fred Sanger. He then returned to Toronto as a researcher at the Ontario Cancer Institute, building an international reputation in molecular and structural biology.

    In 1995, Ling moved to Vancouver to serve as Assistant Dean in UBC’s Faculty of Medicine and remains affiliated with the university. He is also the founding President and Scientific Director of the Terry Fox Research Institute, helping to steer national collaboration in cancer research.

    Dr. Ling’s honours include the Gairdner Award (1990) and the Steiner Award (1991). In 2008, he was named an Officer of the Order of Canada, recognizing his profound influence on cancer research and international scientific leadership.

  • Ian Macdonald

    Ian Macdonald (1929 – )

    • Economist • Academic Leader • Rhodes Scholar
    • Class of 1948

    Ian Macdonald’s career spans academia, government, and community leadership, earning him recognition as one of Canada’s most accomplished economists and higher education figures. A proud graduate of North Toronto C.I., he excelled in academics and sports, particularly ice hockey and track and field. After completing undergraduate studies at the University of Toronto, he earned a Rhodes Scholarship and studied at University of Oxford, continuing to compete in varsity sports. 

    Macdonald began his academic career as a professor of economics at U of T and served as Dean of Men at University College. He then entered public service in Ontario, holding roles including Chief Economist, Deputy Treasurer, and Minister of Economics and Intergovernmental Affairs. In 1974, he became president of York University, leading the institution for over a decade with distinction. He now holds the title of President Emeritus, continuing as a professor of public policy and economics and directing the Master of Public Administration program.

    Beyond academia, Macdonald has contributed to numerous organizations, including the Canadian Rhodes Scholars Foundation, the International Association of Universities, Hockey Canada (as Chair, 1987–1994), and the Canadian Olympic Association. His lifelong commitment to sports includes playing on the U of T and Oxford hockey teams and participating in York’s faculty team for over 45 years.

    Macdonald’s many honours include the Governor General’s Medal, the Queen’s Silver and Golden Jubilee Medals, the Officer of the Order of Canada, the Vanier Medal, and recognition from the Dominican Republic. In 2005, the Government of Ontario created the H. Ian Macdonald Visiting Economist position in the Ministry of Finance, and York University awarded him the George Tatham Award for lifetime teaching excellence which is a testament to a career of leadership, scholarship, and enduring service.