Canadian Friends Of JCT Chair Larry Krauss Awarded Honorary Fellowship

 JCT awarded an honorary fellowship to the outgoing Chairman of Canadian Friends of JCT (CFJCT) and major supporter of the College, visionary Toronto-based business leader Larry Krauss. He was recognized at a graduation ceremony on the Lev Campus on June 13.

JCT honored Krauss — CEO and Principal of the Terracap Group of Companies, a Toronto-based group that owns, develops and operates high-quality real estate assets across North America — in recognition of his decades of service on the CFJCT board. Krauss announced he would step down from the board of CFJCT effective June 30.

He has chaired CFJCT since 2011 and was previously a board member from the early 1990s. He is also a member of the Steering Committee for the new Tal Campus for women. 

Larry and his wife Sarah, on behalf of the Krauss Family Charitable Trust announced that the Trust would be making a seven-figure gift to the capital campaign for the future Tal Campus. The Tal Campus, a $120MM project, will be the new permanent home for thousands of JCT’s women students, which will provide them with increased opportunities to pursue higher education and attain quality employment in scientific and high-tech industries while remaining true to their religious identity.

Long before his career in real estate and venture capital, Krauss studied biochemistry at the University of Toronto before earning his Juris Doctor and Masters of Law at Osgoode Hall Law School in Toronto. He also studied at JCT. Today, his support for the College brings his passions and experience full circle. The Terracap Group’s venture capital division, Terracap Ventures, has invested in more than 45 start-ups, including some which have been launched by JCT students.

“It’s important for me that JCT educates students who would otherwise not have an exposure to advanced science”, said Krauss, citing as an example “those from the Haredi community — and enables them to become computer engineers, electro-optical engineers, and medical and other professionals who are able to advance the interests of the State of Israel and the well-being of their community, while still ensuring that their connection to Judaism and Torah continues to flourish. It has been tremendously fulfilling to serve as Chair of CFJCT and see so many students benefit from JCT’s mission. I am humbled to receive this honor from the College.”

The June 13 ceremony featured 24 graduates of JCT’s Selma Jelinek School of Nursing, 17 accounting graduates, 23 business administration graduates and five master’s degree graduates.

Krauss had attended JCT for approximately two months in 1970, the second year of the College’s existence. Having shortly before lost his father, Krauss decided to return home, to ultimately study at the University of Toronto. Though it was brief, Krauss felt his time as a JCT student was highly impactful as were his interactions with the College’s founder, and Israel Prize laureate, Prof. Ze’ev Lev.

“Professor Lev stressed maintaining the highest-quality education in every discipline that the College offers — not just helping graduates get jobs, but promoting excellence, in both students and faculty. I am proud to see that vision thriving today and privileged to have been a part of it throughout its development.” Krauss added.

After serving on the board for many years, Krauss was asked by Kurt Rothschild, OBM, to chair Canadian Friends of JCT. The organization has also posthumously honored Krauss’ grandparents Rabbi Eliezer and Chaya Weinberger, OBM, who both died in concentration camps during the Holocaust.

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