Jurij Nowickyj

As a young student working at a Ukrainian home for the aged in Toronto, Jurij discovered much about his cultural heritage but, more, was amazed by the knowledge and experience that was shared by the people who resided there.Having studied Gerontology under the discipline of Social Work at Ryerson Polytechnical Institute, and Computer Technology at DeVry Institute of Technology, Jurij believes these two fields will become more interdependent as the baby boomers age gracefully in our information society. "As wisdom grows from our life experiences, seniors possess the opportunity to continue their learning journey. As we get older and experience our inevitable physical limitations, computers allow our minds to keep us connected to our family, friends, local and global community."

As a young student working at a Ukrainian home for the aged in Toronto, Jurij discovered much about his cultural heritage but, more, was amazed by the knowledge and experience that was shared by the people who resided there.Having studied Gerontology under the discipline of Social Work at Ryerson Polytechnical Institute, and Computer Technology at DeVry Institute of Technology,

Richmond Hill Mayor David West presented Jurij with the Richmond Hill Senior Of The Year Award at Mill Pond (June 3, 2022).

Jurij believes these two fields will become more interdependent as the baby boomers age gracefully in our information society. "As wisdom grows from our life experiences, seniors possess the opportunity to continue their learning journey. As we get older and experience our inevitable physical limitations, computers allow our minds to keep us connected to our family, friends, local and global community."

Jurij has been working for Ernst & Young LLP since 1993 as an in-house Technology Trainer and computer Technology Support Analyst. He has also continued his studies by completing a Diploma in Adult Training and Development from OISE/UT (Ontario Institute for Studies in Education of the University of Toronto). In March of 1999, he approached Ernst & Young for a donation of a used IBM-compatible and an Apple Macintosh desktop computer with the intention of starting a computer club for seniors. From this beginning, and with additional donations, the McConaghy Computer Club has populated its Lab with 9 desktop computers, a printer, and a wireless laptop with LCD projector. This last can be wheeled from the Lab to our Forum meeting room.

Jurij likes to quote one McConaghy senior member who so eloquently said of the group the club is targeting, “We want to keep up with our children, grandchildren and friends.” While seniors come with curiosity, hesitancy, and fear, Jurij firmly believes they challenge themselves as they have many times in their past to learn something that really only looks difficult!

Jurij’s goals are to become a 55+ McCoanghy senior member in 2012, and then continue learning about computers so that he can share the rapid change of technology with his "new peers".

Jurij's confidence in seniors is strongly reflected in our Mission Statement.

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