Mining legend and benefactor Pierre Lassonde urges students to “carpe diem” in personal address

At an in-person address on Tuesday, November 18, benefactor Pierre Lassonde, O.C. urges students to “carpe diem” when the opportunity arises. The personal visit to talk with and socialize with Lassonde Mineral Engineering students provided the chance for Lassonde Scholarship recipients to express their gratitude at the face-to-face event. Keen to share insights gained over a long career, he repeatedly mentions the benefits of having good people as support and to avail oneself of opportunities as they arise.

In his frank discussion with students, after prompting them with, “I urge you to carpe diem.” Lassonde then follows with, “Do you know what carpe diem means?” After a brief exchange with the gathered audience he says, “It means seize the day. Whatever you do, whether it’s a yes or no, act when an opportunity arises.”

Arranged via long-term conversations with Professor Sebastian Goodfellow, Director of the Lassonde Institute of Mining, the honoured visitor was received by Professor Marianne Hatzopoulou, Chair of the Department of Civil & Mineral Engineering (CivMin), who also opened the event. Former chair, Professor Emeritus Paul Young, joined Professor Giovanni Grasselli in welcoming Lassonde just prior to the student-focused event.

Lassonde begins his heartfelt address to students with little fanfare, telling of his surprising success in business ventures, while also laying bare his vulnerabilities during the early stages of his career as an engineer. He candidly reveals how his sudden and incredible wealth changed him, crediting his late wife, Claudette MacKay-Lassonde, and business partner, Seymour Schulich, for keeping him grounded during this pivotal time.

The co-founder of Franco-Nevada traced his career from electrical engineering student to reshaping how mining is financed. He continuously challenged students to think beyond a Bay Street office role, probing them with questions to stimulate conversation. “How many people do you think have ever lived on Earth?” After a brief flurry of replies, he reveals the figure as 117 billion, encouraging the young attendees to broaden their horizons. Travel and see the world. Get an appreciation for more than is simply before you – expand your horizons and gain a greater perspective.

Applying somewhat of a crystal ball peering into the future, Lassonde offers mining career advice to the young audience, “If I were you, I would head to the Yukon,” he reveals while reflecting on a recent trip to the territory as part of exploring business opportunities. “Do you know the population of the Yukon? It’s about 50,000 people.” Further rationalizing how the economic benefit for mineral exploration could potentially be enormous for such a small population, along with opportunities to forge relations with Indigenous communities there.

Showing just how much mining matters, he shifts from the broad perspective of worldwide travel, to practical thinking from an industry overview. While probing students for their thoughts and insights, Lassonde queries, “What’s the most critical mineral?” Answering, “Copper. Without it there’s no communications, no power, no wiring. Yes, of course you need other materials for other purposes, but without copper the rest wouldn’t be possible,” outlining how it underpins everything from power grids to electronics.

After a lighthearted photo opportunity with a branded sweatshirt presented by Iyesha Rupasinha Arachchige (Year 4, MinE), Min Club President, the event wound up with students gathered around Lassonde. Those assembled pressed closer, eager to speak directly to the philanthropist, shake his hand in thanks and pose for photos. He left the smiling and satisfied students much as he arrived – simply. No entourage, save for a single companion, and carrying some gifts for his grandchildren to offer at a small family dinner in Toronto.

By Phill Snel

A philanthropist and talented businessman, Pierre Lassonde is recognized as one of Canada’s foremost experts in the area of mining and precious metals. His cumulative giving to the University of Toronto exceeds $10 million, the largest contribution to mineral/mining engineering education in Canadian university history. Both the Lassonde Institute of Mining and the Lassonde Mineral Engineering Program, as well as the Lassonde Mining Building bear his name.

In 2001, he was granted an honorary degree by the University of Toronto. Lassonde has received many other awards, including the Order of Canada, Mining Person of the Year and Developer of the Year as well as other honorary doctorates in Canada and the U.S. He was inducted into the Canadian Mining Hall of Fame in 2013.