Five years after graduating from Yorkville University, Warren Weiss has come full circle as his alma mater’s new Outreach Pathway Advisor – a role in which he’s determined to open doors for others the way Yorkville opened them for him.
For Weiss, the journey began back in 2018 when, in his mid-50s, he made the gutsy decision to return to school to complete his Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) at Yorkville after decades of experience in the financial services industry.
“Once upon a time about 40 years ago, I did a three-year business diploma… but it’s sort of faded in importance with the technological and workplace shifts that happened over time over time,” Weiss explained, noting that it became clear to him that he needed to upgrade to stay relevant.
“At the time, I started (my BBA) almost as an experiment – but I ended up loving every minute of it.”
A Second Act Rooted in Purpose
While still working at Sun Life Financial, Weiss juggled full-time employment as an advisor with his online classes, completing his BBA in just two and a half years. He credits Yorkville’s flexible online model and its industry-savvy faculty for helping him rediscover a love of learning and opening his mind to new possibilities.
“What was different this time around was the quality of the learning environment,” he said.
“Yorkville’s professors brought real-world experience to the table, which made a huge difference. You weren’t just learning theory – you were engaging with ideas that were practical and immediately relevant.”
Among those professors, Weiss cites Audrey Lowrie – now an assistant dean in Yorkville’s BBA program – as a standout influence.
“She taught courses on globalization and finance, and she brought an incredible depth of knowledge and an amazing ability to communicate. She made a lasting impression.”
After graduation, Weiss’s renewed academic spark led him to one of Canada’s most competitive graduate programs: the Accelerated MBA at Queen’s University’s Smith School of Business.
Thanks to his successful studies in Yorkville’s BBA program, Weiss was not only able to get into the intensive program, but also to complete it in just one year, joining a cohort of students from diverse backgrounds and age groups.
“It was challenging,” he admitted. “I was the oldest person on my team (at Queen’s), which had its challenges, but we became a solid unit. And that team-based learning experience at Yorkville definitely helped me succeed.”
Giving Back to the Yorkville Community
Now, Weiss is bringing his personal and professional experience back to Yorkville in a role he says hits the “bullseye” of what he’s always wanted to do – help others reach their potential.
As an Outreach Pathway Advisor, Weiss is focused, to start, on building bridges between Yorkville and the Canadian Armed Forces and Indigenous communities. A major part of his role involves attending career transition expos, connecting with veterans, and helping prospective students understand the transformative power of education.
“I tell them, ‘I went back to school in my 50s. Was it easy? No. But was it worth it? Absolutely,’” Weiss said.
“This is about relevance, fulfillment, and creating new opportunities. The education I received at Yorkville changed my life. It got me into an elite MBA program. And now I want to be a catalyst for positive action in the lives of others.”
Weiss is particularly passionate about advocating for bursaries available to military members and Indigenous learners – 25 per cent tuition support that can make higher education significantly more accessible.
But for Weiss, the value proposition goes far beyond financial aid.
“The bursaries are important, but what matters most is the quality of the education. That’s what changes lives,” he said.
“I want to show people that it’s never too late to grow. Whether you’re 30, 50, or 60 – if you want more out of life, education is one of the best investments you can make.”
A Role Rooted in Mentorship and Meaning
In addition to his outreach duties, Weiss also serves as a mentor to current BBA students, helping them navigate the ups and downs of academic life. With a background in digital transformation, consulting, and financial services – as well as community volunteer work supporting immigrants and hospital initiatives – he brings a wealth of experience to the role.
“I know what it’s like to be overwhelmed and to question whether you can do it,” he said. “I want students to know that I’m here with them every step of the way. I care. And I’ve walked this path.”
As Yorkville prepares to launch its own MBA program, Weiss is also eager to be involved in shaping the next chapter of graduate education at the university. “If there’s ever an opportunity to teach, guest lecture, or support that rollout, I’m all in,” he said.
In the meantime, he’s focused on deepening relationships across communities and opening up new avenues for individuals who – like him – are ready for a second act.
To connect with Weiss or learn more about his work at Yorkville, reach out to him directly on LinkedIn.
