Creating a Legacy: Supporting Future Leaders through the MFAcc Fellowship
As a champion of accounting at the University of Toronto Mississauga, Professor Len Brooks has spent 53 years going above and beyond to help students succeed.
And then six promising future leaders inspired him to reach even further.
The group was among the 30-some students offered admission to UTM’s Master of Forensic Accounting (MFAcc) program, unique in the world for equipping graduates to identify and prevent white-collar crime, including fraud, money laundering, offshoring, and cybercrime. Brooks spearheaded the launch of the graduate degree in 2017, 16 years after he first introduced it as a UTM diploma.
The MFAcc program was an instant success, attracting exceptional candidates from as far away as New Zealand, Hong Kong and the Middle East. It prepares graduates for leadership roles in government, policing, securities commissions, major corporations, Canada’s Big Five banks, and international organizations such as the World Bank and the United Nations, among others.
But one year, six promising candidates declined UTM’s offer of admission, highlighting a critical challenge: while the program was attracting top talent, not every qualified student was able to accept the opportunity.
“We quickly realized that there are some candidates who have the desire and qualifications to attend, but not the means.”
Brooks set out to change that. Together with a dedicated group of alumni, he made a gift and rallied support to launch the Master of Forensic Accounting Fellowship, and he continues to make annual donations. Up to two incoming students are awarded a Fellowship each year on the basis of academic merit, financial need and leadership skills.
Fellowships create opportunities for individuals who might not otherwise be able to pursue a graduate education. By easing financial pressures, they enable students to fully engage with their studies, build lasting connections, and acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to advance their careers and make meaningful contributions to their field.
Erica Lam was named a MFAcc fellow in 2024-25. “The support has alleviated some of the financial burdens associated with my studies and also given me an invaluable sense of encouragement and motivation,” she says. “Knowing that someone believes in my potential means the world to me.”
Ensuring that all qualified future candidates can access the MFAcc program is Brooks’ ambitious goal. Now retired, the professor emeritus is committed to growing the fellowship to support MFAcc students for years to come.
He’s once again calling on the program’s alumni to help.
“This is our chance to open doors and support the next generation of leaders,” he shares. “We have the talent and the training to make a difference. Let’s make sure every outstanding candidate has the chance to be part of this program.”
To learn more about UTM’s MFAcc Fellowship and pledge your support, donate online or contact advancement.utm@utoronto.ca.
