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- Category: Alumni in the Lead
Building businesses through collaboration
Going to the University of Ottawa for Business was an eleventh hour decision for me but one I will never regret! Prior to that, I was focused on getting into med school. The recruiting numbers were against me, so I knew I needed to pivot. At the time, the market had little demand for a biology major. It was all about business and finance. Here we are, almost 30 years later, and I’ve never looked back.
The Telfer School of Management gave me the fundamental skillset I needed. More importantly, it peaked my curiosity and completely opened my eyes to this horizon that was Finance. It equipped me with that sense of discovery that you need to scratch beneath the surface and really look into things to get the answers you need.
I’m not your traditional operator: I’m a fixer. I’m driven by challenges. I like to come in, make tough choices, reshape businesses and set vision and strategy. And, like most of my peer CEO’s, I’m really driven by success. For me, the best way to achieve that is by being collaborative, being eternally optimistic and most importantly helping to unleash people’s potential.
I believe celebrating success is indispensable in building a winning culture. When I started out in the industry, TD didn’t really have a Markets business. It was covered by other investment dealers/banks. When I left in 2010, TD Securities had risen to be one of the top investment dealers in Canada and was now a fierce competitor to those same dealers. I take tremendous pride in having contributed to building that great business.
That was the appeal of joining TMX, to be able to challenge the status quo and build businesses again. To help a siloed organization break down barriers, be more collaborative, and unleash the full potential of an integrated entity. To have more of an “enterprise” view of the business. When you start leveraging the strengths and complementary skillsets of the whole team, it can be a very, very powerful thing!
- Category: Appointments and Honours
Philanthropy matters most to me. The importance of giving time, money and knowledge to others is one of the most valuable lessons I learned as a student of the Telfer School. My experiences as a member of our School’s Jeux du Commerce team, the Finance Society and the Entrepreneurs’ Club supplied and reinforced this truth.
My involvement in the Entrepreneurs’ Club was especially instructive. Not only did I come to understand the role philanthropy plays in a rewarding career, but I also discovered the value of a mentor to help steer my career in the right direction. Luckily for me, I’ve since found two advisors who, among other things, have stressed just how essential reconnecting with my alma mater is to being a professional. Simply put, everyone who thrives in business has a duty to share his or her success in meaningful ways.
As someone who has succeeded as a partner and portfolio manager in an investment firm, I give to the Telfer School in several ways—speaking at events, acting as a mentor and funding scholarships that stress academic achievement and community involvement. A few years back, I based my philanthropy on a simple principle: support two students per year and then build from there. I urge young Telfer School alumni and soon-to-be graduates to profit from my example. Find a mentor who is passionate about his or her business. Adopt a giving principle that works best for you. Start sharing your success.
- Category: Telferimpact
From left to right: Sarah E Downey, Debbie Fischer, Deanna Monaghan, Gabriel Bouchard-Phillips & Michelle Savoy
Five notable alumni will be recognized by the Telfer School of Management by receiving Trudeau medals, the Young Achiever's Award and the Dean's Philos Award for their outstanding contributions to the world of business, healthcare, community and their alma mater at the 2018 Gala of Excellence. The Gala will be held at the Shaw Centre on Saturday, October 20, 2018 and this event also serves as an opportunity to collectively celebrate the Telfer School and highlight the graduation anniversary of the classes of 1968, 1978, 1993 and 2008.
Trudeau Medals
Sarah E Downey, MHA 1992
Sarah Downey joined Michael Garron Hospital (formerly Toronto East General Hospital) as President and CEO in 2015. Prior to joining MGH, Sarah held senior leadership positions at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) and at University Health Network’s Princess Margaret Hospital. She has worked in hospitals for 25 years since graduating with a Masters in Health Administration from The Telfer School of Management at the University of Ottawa. Sarah has been fortunate to lead clinical programs, support service operations, and major redevelopment projects in her career. Sarah is also the President of the uOttawa Toronto Regional Alumni Council.
Debbie Fischer, MHA 1979
Debbie Fischer has held senior leadership positions in professional consulting services, in health care and government. She is currently an Executive Associate with KPMG where she consults on organizational change and large-scale system transformation in health care and public sectors. Debbie serves on several boards including the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the Ontario Education Collaborative Marketplace, North York General Hospital, the Health Care Advisory Council of GS1, Prodemnity as well as Joule, a Canadian Medical Association subsidiary.
Deanna Monaghan, BCom 1983
Deanna Monaghan was admitted to EY’s partnership in 1994 and has served as Ottawa’s Managing Partner for over eleven years. She is also the firm’s National Leader for Government & Public Sector Assurance Services and the Market Leader for the Ottawa Assurance practice. Deanna is highly active in the volunteer community and serves as a member of the Board of Governors of the University of Ottawa and is Chair of the Audit Committee and as a member of the Board of Governors for the University of Ottawa. She is also the Chair of the Audit Committee for the Royal Ottawa Foundation for Mental Health.
The Young Achiever's Award
Gabriel Bouchard-Phillips, BCom 2005
Gabriel Bouchard-Phillips is a Partner and Portfolio Manager at Van Berkom and Associates, a Montreal-based investment firm focused exclusively on managing portfolios of small-capitalization (“small cap”) equities on behalf of large North American pension funds, corporations, foundations and endowment funds. As Portfolio Manager for the Canadian Small-Cap Equities Team he is responsible for conducting fundamental research on a broad spectrum of the Canadian small-cap market. Prior to joining Van Berkom and Associates in 2011, Gabriel was an Analyst, Canadian Equities for the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (“CMHC”) Investments and Pension Fund Division (2008-2011)
The Dean's Philos Award
Michelle Savoy, BAdm 1982
Michelle Savoy is President of Quill Ridge Capital. She is an active philanthropist and has served on the Big Brother Big Sisters Council of Champions and on the Board of the Invest in Kids Foundation; she has also co-chaired several events raising money for teen mental health. Michelle is currently supporting Women’s Rights within Human Rights Watch (HRW) and is very active with United Way supporting 'Women United'. Michelle is a SheEO activator and is the founder of GROW (Giving Ring of Women), a group of women dedicated to learning about philanthropy, helping women across Canada gain economic self-sufficiency, and creating a community of givers.
- Category: Latest News
Every year, we recognize outstanding Telfer School of Management donors in order to demonstrate our appreciation and create meaningful relationships with those in our community who choose us amongst a sea of giving opportunities. This year, the Telfer Donor of the Year awards will be presented at our annual Gala of Excellence on October 20, 2018, along with the celebration of our anniversary classes (1968, 1978, 1993 and 2008) and the presentation of our Alumni Awards.
Congratulations to our 2018 Donor of the Year awards recipients:
Donors of the Year:
Rob Ashe (BCom 1982) & Sandra Herrick (BCom 1984)
Rob and Sandra's generous support of the Dom Herrick Entrepreneur in Residence position has allowed us to hire Stephen Daze who has moved the School forward substantially in the entrepreneurship curriculum, student activities, support for start-ups and community engagement. Their renewal of their pledge for an additional 5-year term will drive even greater impact for our students. Rob has been a champion and supporter of the School for nearly 15 years, first through Cognos, then IBM, and now personally. He holds a Trudeau Medal and an Honorary Doctorate from the University.
Loyal Donor of the Year:
David Bishop (BCom 1967)
David graduated from the University of Ottawa with an Honours Bachelor of Commerce in 1967. He was chosen as the Loyal Donor of the Year for his contributions to the School spanning over 30 years.
Young Donor of the Year:
Alex Dettman (BCom 2008)
Alex has been supporting the Telfer School since 2012 and was one of the first donors to support the Telfer Capital Fund in 2014. Today, Alex is still involved with his alma mater, having participated in the 2017 Giving Tuesday campaign as a social media influencer.
Fundraising Volunteers of the Year:
George Khalife (BCom 2015)
Since graduation, George has remained very engaged with the School at different levels. George has committed his time to judging at different student financial activities and competitions, as well as becoming a coach and mentor for the Stock Simulation at the 2017 Financial Open, which was hosted at uOttawa. George was very active as a social media influencer during the 2017 Giving Tuesday campaign.
Diana Kolesarova (BCom 2016)
Still very much involved with the School since graduation, Diana is now President of the Telfer Alumni Association. As a student, Diana participated in numerous Telfer Student club events and activities. In addition to her role as TAA President, Diana was very active as a social media influencer during the 2017 Giving Tuesday campaign.
- Category: Telfer Announcements
Thank you to all of those who attended the 2017 Gala of Excellence on October 21. With over 340 guests in attendance, we celebrated the achievements and outstanding contributions that our alumni make to the world of business, health-care, the community and their alma mater. It was also a chance for us to celebrate the milestone anniversaries of the graduates of 1967, 1977, 1992 and 2007.
You can find photos from the evening on our Flickr page. Feel free to download and share with your friends!
Click here to read more about the five remarkable alumni who were recognized at the Gala »
Click here to read more about the Telfer Donor of the Year who were recognized at the Gala »
Did you graduate in 1968, 1978, 1993 or 2008? We are looking for class champions for Gala of Excellence 2018 that will be held on October 20, 2018. Please contact Kim Duthie if you are interested in being a class champion and helping your classmates reconnect after all these years!
- Category: Donations / Fundraising
Every year, we recognize outstanding Telfer School of Management donors in order to demonstrate our appreciation and create meaningful relationships with those in our community who choose us amongst a sea of giving opportunities. This year, the Telfer Donor of the Year awards will be presented at our annual Gala of Excellence on October 21, 2017, along with the celebration of our anniversary classes and the presentation of our Alumni Awards.
If you would like to learn more about giving to what matters to you at Telfer, please click here.
Congratulations to our 2017 Donor of the Year awards recipients:
Harry Mortimer – Fundraising Volunteer of the Year
Thanks to his leadership, commitment and dedication towards the Telfer Entrepreneur’s Club, the Kevin Vollett Entrepreneurial Award will be sustainable for future years.
Marlene Patrick – Loyal Donor of the Year
Her continued generosity and support of her alma mater, over the last 30 years, are truly inspired and valued.
Jean-Philippe Aubé – Young Donor of the Year
He is helping build a culture of giving at the School through his time, money and skills.
Lilian and Swee Chua Goh – Donors of the Year
The Lilian and Swee Chua Goh Doctoral Scholarships provided tremendous momentum to the fall 2016 launch of the PhD program by helping us recruit four of the eight top-notch candidates in 2016 and one in 2017. The couple has a long history at Telfer: Swee is an Emeritus Professor and Lilian is a founding advisor of the CPA Accounting and Governance Research Centre.
Click here for more information on the Telfer Gala of Excellence.
- Category: Alumni in the Lead
From left to right: Billy Triantafilos, Bryan Belanger, Justine Hendricks, Wanda MacDonald, Christine Kincaid
Trudeau Medals
Bryan Belanger, EMBA 2007
As Vice President of Technology for Ideal Protein, Bryan is responsible for the Global IT strategy, support, and development of Ideal Protein’s IT infrastructure, business and consumer applications and web presence. He is also responsible for leading the product development of all cutting-edge technology that Ideal Protein delivers to their customers. Prior to joining Ideal Protein in 2016, Bryan spent two years leading the North American and European technology divisions of Club Assist. Before that, Bryan spent seven years with Techinsights as well as twelve years in increasingly senior technology roles at Telesat, Canada’s sole satellite telecommunications provider, and has also worked as a financial analyst and business development consultant for the Ottawa Senators Hockey Club. Bryan holds an Executive MBA from the Telfer School of Management and a Bachelor of Computer Science from Acadia University in Nova Scotia. When not hard at work driving technology initiatives, he enjoys playing (and watching) hockey, travelling, and spending time with his family.
Justine Hendricks, MBA 2004
Justine Hendricks joined Export Development Canada (EDC) in 2006 and was recently appointed Vice President of Working Capital Solutions (Guarantee and Bonding Programs). She is responsible for ensuring maximum market penetration in working capital needs of the Canadian export community through close partnerships with EDC’s banking partners and working closely with the business development group. Prior to this role, Justine led a transformation program of EDC’s Financing and Investment groups. Justine is a graduate of the Telfer MBA program and has a B.A. in Urban Studies from Carleton University. She also holds a Certified Financial Planner Designation. Justine is best known for her passion, her energy at work and as a driver of results. A recognized mentor, she has made her mark in differentiating herself not just on her accomplishments but most importantly on how she achieves them.
Wanda MacDonald, MHA 1981
Wanda MacDonald is the Chief Executive Officer of the Pinecrest-Queensway Community Health Centre, a position she has held since 2003. After she completed her MHA from the Telfer School in 1981, Wanda held several management positions in health care, such as Assistant Executive Director of the Rideau Valley District Health Council, Assistant Executive Director of the Centretown Community Health Centre, as well as the founding Executive Director of Lanark Health and Community Services. The principles of health and social equity have guided Wanda’s work over her 36 years in health care management. Now, after a long a successful career, Wanda is looking forward to what retirement will bring as she steps into this new chapter of life in the summer of 2017.
The Young Achiever's Award
Billy Triantafilos, BCom 2007
Billy Triantafilos graduated from the Telfer School of Management with a BCom in 2007. During his time at uOttawa, he played on the Gee-Gees interuniversity men’s hockey team. In Billy’s third year, he resided in the University-owned ‘hockey house’, before it was later transformed into office space. Billy, who was also employed while pursuing his studies, decided to invest in a home one block from campus. He invited his teammates to room with him in order to make his investment feasible. After realizing his success renovating his first investment home, he went on to build more homes for University of Ottawa students. As the need for financing his construction projects became a priority, he joined the National Bank of Canada as a Mortgage Development Manager. This gave him a better understanding of financing, and the Canadian banking system. Soon thereafter, Billy and a former teammate and work colleague decided to leave National Bank, and laid out the framework for their company, TC UNITED GROUP.
The Dean's Philos Award
Christine Kincaid, BCom 1984
Christine Kincaid is the Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Mediaplus Advertising. She joined the agency in 1988 from the technology sector, where she had worked in product management for six years after graduating with her Bachelor of Commerce. In 1990, Christine became a partner and principal owner of Mediaplus. She manages MediaPlus’ client services, media and administrative teams while also serving as the lead strategist on key accounts. She has helped build the company to be one of the most respected full-service advertising and marketing communications agencies in Eastern Ontario - servicing consumer and business-to-business clients across a range of sectors including tourism, culture, services, technology, sports and education. Throughout her career, Christine has been actively involved in the community, with a focus on health charities and initiatives targeted to youth.
Click here for more information and to register for the Gala of Excellence.
- Category: Latest News
Exciting Projects That Produce Big Impacts
I seek equilibrium and fulfilment from the various aspects of my life: my family serves as an essential foundation for my work; my community and travels inspire my philanthropy; and my work opens up all sorts of opportunities to see the world, support worthy causes and find projects that get me excited and produce big impacts. That’s what matters to me. Being a business executive and entrepreneur has made it possible for me to enjoy this kind of fascinating life, full of passion. Envisioning and preparing for it started at the Telfer School.
Two aspects of my rewarding time at the school stand out: a course in business law made clear to me the wide open possibilities of the world of business; and a summer job fair led me to obtain the first Triple A Student Painters franchise in my hometown, giving me my first valuable experience in running a business. I used all my courses and activities at Telfer as a springboard into a career that began as a corporate commercial lawyer. This profession enabled me to work closely with business leaders, take part in many transactions, and see firsthand the strategic decisions that go into successful companies. I especially enjoyed the thrill when deals and projects came together.
So much so that I left the certainty of a steady paycheque to get involved more directly in business as an entrepreneur and executive. I’ve never looked back. Granted, a life in business is never a straight path of uninterrupted success. But it has enabled me and my family to take greater control over our time, integrate sports, travel and philanthropy fully into our lives and, especially important for me, work on exciting projects that reach shared goals and produce big impacts. I can’t imagine a more fulfilling way to live.
Five remarkable alumni, including Myron Tetreault, will be recognized for their outstanding contributions to the world of business, healthcare, community and their alma mater at the 2016 Telfer School of Management Gala of Excellence. The Gala will be held at the Shaw Centre on Saturday, October 15, 2016. This will also be an opportunity to collectively celebrate our alma mater and highlight the graduation anniversary of the classes of 1966, 1976, 1991 and 2006.
- Category: Alumni in the Lead
From left to right: Kyle Braatz, David Adamson, Dr Jack Kitts, Wendy Muckle, Myron Tetrault
Five remarkable alumni will be recognized by receiving Trudeau medals, the Young Achiever's Award and the Dean's Philos Award for their outstanding contributions to the world of business, healthcare, community and their alma mater at the 2016 Telfer School of Management Gala of Excellence. The Gala will be held at the Shaw Centre on Saturday, October 15, 2016. This will also be an opportunity to collectively celebrate our alma mater and highlight the graduation anniversary of the classes of 1966, 1976, 1991 and 2006.
Trudeau Medals
David Adamson, EMBA 2007
David is the Assistant Deputy Minister, Cloud Brokering at Shared Services Canada (SSC). He transferred there in 2016 to establish a new public cloud brokering business line to enable departments to access cloud services in a secure, economical and rapid way. Before his appointment at SSC, he had been the Deputy Chief Information Officer for the Government of Canada at the Treasury Board Secretariat since 2013. From 2011 to 2013, he was the Chief Information Officer at Citizenship and Immigration Canada and between 2008 and 2011 he was the Chief Information Officer at Justice Canada. Prior to this he fulfilled a variety of Senior Director General roles at HRDC/Service Canada, including Chief Technology Officer and Chief Solutions Officer. He has also spent about a third of his career in private sector consulting and executive management.
Dr. Jack Kitts, EMBA 2001
Dr. Kitts received his medical degree from the University of Ottawa in 1980. He then completed a tour of duty with the Canadian armed forces prior to joining the medical staff of the Ottawa Civic Hospital. In 1998, he was appointed Vice President of Medical Affairs and led the medical staff during a complex restructuring of the Ottawa hospitals. After receiving his Executive MBA in 2001, he was named President and CEO of the Ottawa Hospital, a position he continues in today. The Ottawa Hospital is known as one of the largest and most important research and teaching hospitals in Canada. Dr. Kitts’ roots are firmly anchored in the Ottawa Valley and his wife and three children have all chosen careers in the health sector.
Wendy Muckle, MHA 1988
Wendy has been the Executive Director of Ottawa Inner City Health Inc. since 2001 and has been recognised as an expert in the field of poverty and the health of vulnerable populations. In addition to her work in Canada, Wendy has worked for more than a decade in Kenya writing university course curriculum in addition to volunteer work in the fields of primary education and community economic development. Wendy is involved in teaching and research in the fields of poverty, homelessness, harm reduction, mental illness, palliative care and leadership. Wendy has a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in addition to her Master in Health Administration from the University of Ottawa.
The Young Achiever's Award
Kyle Braatz, BCom 2009
Kyle is the CEO and co-founder of Fullscript, a practice software that makes it easy for practitioners to dispense wellness. Launching in 2012, Fullscript has grown to service over 2,500 practitioners and hundreds of thousands of patients. Since 2009, Kyle has also made numerous achievements, namely; started and ran a not for profit and cycled 8200 km across Canada raising over $150,000 for cancer research; co-founded a charity called Noelle’s Gift in honour of his best friend which has raised over $650,000; co-founded Simple Story Videos, which was ultimately acquired; joined the board of the Ottawa Integrative Cancer centre and lastly, received the top 40 under 40 at the age of 28. Kyle received the Alterna Social Responsibility award during his studies at the Telfer School.
The Dean's Philos Award
Myron Tetreault, BAdm 1988
Myron is a successful lawyer and entrepreneur. After graduating from the University of Ottawa in 1988, where he was also a member of the Gee-Gee’s O.U.A.A. championship water polo team, he went to complete his studies in law, obtaining a juris doctor from the University of Saskatchewan in 1992. Following a brief career as a corporate and commercial lawyer with Bennett Jones LLP, Myron set out to pursue his entrepreneurial ambitions and, during the last 20 years, he has been a founder, director and/or officer of numerous companies including PHX Energy Services Corp., Fitzroy Developments Ltd., Northern Vision Development Ltd., Petrolia, Inc., Total Energy Services Ltd., MicroPlanet Technology Corp., Webber Academy Foundation, Echo Merchant Fund Ltd. and others. Together with his wife, he established The Myron & Catherine Tetreault Foundation in 2007, which is a private charitable organization that supports programs related to sports, education and community development.
Click here for more information and to register to the Gala of Excellence.
- Category: Alumni in the Lead
On October 17, 2015, we will recognize five remarkable alumni at our 2015 Gala of Excellence. Our alumni make outstanding contributions to the world of business, the community and their alma mater. Each year we celebrate these contributions and create valuable connections with our alumni, their business associates, family and friends. The Trudeau Medals, the Young Achiever's Award and the Dean's Philos Award will be presented at the Shaw Centre.
The selection committee for the Trudeau Medals and the Young Achiever’s Award is comprised of representatives from the Telfer Alumni Association and the MBA, Executive MBA and MHA alumni chapters. The recipient of the Dean’s Philos Award is selected by the Dean.
Trudeau Medals
Established in honour of Reverend Father Roland Trudeau, OMI, former director of the University's Commerce department from 1950 to 1965, the Trudeau Medal is the highest honour that we give to our alumni. It recognizes leadership, initiative and contributions to the business world, the community and their alma mater. This year's recipients are:
Greg Fougère, MHA 1987
Anne-Marie Hubert, BAdm 1984
Jean Laurin, BAdm 1980, BCom 1981
The Young Achiever's Award
The Young Achiever's award was created to honour the individuals (under 40) who have been able to achieve greatness in their lives within an exceptional period of time. This year's recipient is:
Greg Matthews, EMBA 2012
The Dean's Philos Award
The Dean’s Philos Award recognized individuals who have demonstrated outstanding philanthropic achievement and social commitment. This award was established in 2004 on our 35th Anniversary. This year's recipient is:
Geneviève Bonin, MBA 1996
Subcategories
Student Voices
The following article was written by a member of our student community. The views and opinions expressed in this blog are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Telfer School of Management. For more information or to flag inappropriate content, please