Latest News
- Category: Alumni in the Lead
Strategic leader, developer and builder, François Vaqué is an accomplished business pioneer whose career path was enriched by his MBA from Telfer.
With a Bachelor in International Commerce from Rouen and in Economics from the Université du Québec à Montréal, François chose to pursue his studies at Telfer because of the diversity of its students as well as its faculty expertise.
The MBA program gave François the opportunity to meet potential employers, which allowed him to work at Newbridge Networks and participate in the development of its marketing function. Later on, François worked as product manager at Future Electronics, before launching his own company named Marketingisland.com. His work experiences provided him with the knowledge necessary to become Vice-President of marketing and communications for KPMG and Davies Ward Philips & Vineberg. These prestigious positions strengthened his reputation as a business professional with a vast expertise in communications and marketing, and led him to become Vice-President of public relations and corporate affairs at Citoyen.
Even though François has a successful career, he strongly believes in the importance of achieving a healthy work-life balance. He explained that what matters most to him is working hard, having a good career and finding a balance between his personal and professional life. He developed this perspective during his studies at Telfer, because his cohort taught him that you could work hard while still having fun. François is inspired by social implication, which is why he gives back to his community through art foundations. Furthermore, he is engaged with his alma mater by organizing alumni events and being a speaker at Telfer conferences to show his recognition to the faculty that shaped him.
He encourages students to engage themselves, whether that be in nonprofit organizations, with family or at work in order to have a balanced and rewarding life.
- Category: Telferimpact
The Toronto Telfer Alumni Network (TTAN) is a group of alumni whose goal is to connect Telfer alumni and current Telfer students in the Toronto area. The TTAN believes that the experiences and sense of community formed as Telfer students are potent tools that can propel one forward in their career, enriching professional relationships, networks, development opportunities, and career opportunities. “We have noticed that there is a need to support and guide young Toronto alumni as many of them can lose touch after university, despite having a desire to stay connected”, explains Alex Dettman, President of the TTAN. Therefore, the TTAN works to connect Telfer alumni and students in Toronto to foster a continued sense of community, professional development, and support in navigating career opportunities. Run by a group of passionate alumni volunteers, TTAN also works to build an even stronger bond between the Telfer School of Management’s alumni associations and their alumni.
The TTAN held their launching party on May 2, 2019 at the EY Tower in Toronto, ON, where members of the Telfer community were invited to meet the network’s council members and learn more about their mission to connect Toronto alumni.
If you are looking to build your network, connect with alumni, find a mentor or mentee, and have an unforgettable experience along the way, then the TTAN is for you!
Here is an overview of the team:
President: Alex Dettman
VP Operations: Christopher Weatherhead
VP Strategic Partnerships: Aziz Garuba
VP Communications and Marketing: George Khalife
VP Events: Nick Detmer
VP Student Engagement: Aryan Habib
VP Alumni Engagement: Daniel Shannon
VP Mentorship: Laura Denham
Executives: Aurélien Leftick, Ellen Dalicandro, Sarah Nancoo and Aamer Siddiqui.
You can connect with TTAN through their group on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/13650317/
For any questions relating to the TTAN, please e-mail
- Category: Alumni in the Lead
As an aspiring entrepreneur, Cyril Moukarzel was looking for a school that would teach him the business skills needed to start and run a successful business. He was attracted to the Telfer School’s international recognition and faculty expertise, as well as its strong alumni network. These elements made Telfer the best fit for him.
The Telfer School has had a tremendous impact in Cyril’s professional and personal life. He explained the Professors helped guide him in his career path and provided him with the necessary skills to thrive in the business world. In fact, it is with the help of Professor Gurprit Kindra that he changed his major from entrepreneurship to marketing. This decision had a significant impact on his career, as he was able to learn about the digital marketing landscape, enabling him to “bootstrap startups from the ground up and grow them into revenue generating businesses”. Furthermore, during his time at Telfer, Cyril recalls several amazing experiences, like the time he won first place at the Telfer Elevator Pitch competition. He explained this accomplishment gave him the validation and the motivation he needed to pursue a career in Entrepreneurship.
When asked about how the Telfer School helped shape him into the person he is today, Cyril explained how the School helped launch his entrepreneurship career. It is thanks to the Telfer School that he was able to take part in the Startup Garage Accelerator. The program helped him acquire the funding necessary to get his first startup off the ground. The startup, called eCelery, is an “online marketplace where hungry food lovers can order authentic ethnic meals from chefs cooking in their own kitchens”. Without this program and the Telfer School, Cyril would not have been able to grow his startup to 40 chefs and gain hundreds of monthly sales in just a few months. Cyril also explained the individuals he met during his studies helped him get to where he is today.
After eCelery, Cyril worked as the head of Marketing for a few startups, where he was put in charge of growing their sales and customer base. He also participated in the Techstars Accelerator Program in Berlin for 3 months, which helped him hone his marketing and entrepreneurship skills before he could start his next venture. Cyril aspires to create a positive impact and change the world with his companies. He is achieving this goal with his current company, LifeDNA. LifeDNA is a personal genomics company that analyzes your DNA and creates a customized regimen of dietary supplements based on your unique genetics. With a growing team and some of the best advisors, LifeDNA created the most personalized supplement line in the world. In this regard, Cyril recalls that Telfer connected him with the Entrepreneurship community in Ottawa and taught him essential business skills, which helped him make this positive impact.
Connect with Cyril on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cyrilmoukarzel/
Learn more about LifeDNA: https://www.lifedna.com/
- Category: Alumni in the Lead
Once a year, the Ottawa Business Journal (OBJ) recognizes accomplished and rising business leaders in the National Capital Region by naming them to their Forty under 40 list. These pioneers reflect the economic diversity, entrepreneurial spirit, and future of the city’s dynamic business community.
Among this year’s recipients, five are alumni of the University of Ottawa, one of which studied at the Telfer School of Management. The Telfer School would like to congratulate Kelly Medora Elliott for this astounding accomplishment.
After her studies at the Telfer School of Management, Kelly went on to study Law. She now is a partner in Dentons' Real Estate, Project Development, and Banking and Finance Practice groups. Her ability to think and act strategically as well as her amazing leadership skills have led to her new role as Director of Practice Support and Optimization for the Dentons Canada Region. Those who know her agree her organizational skills and work ethic have contributed greatly to her success, and have enabled her to become of the best lawyers in Canada.
Click here to read more on Kelly Medora Elliott »
The Telfer School would also like to congratulate Amy Lynn Friesen, Christina Kathelyn Black, Ian Duff Bingeman, and François de Bellefeuille who all graduated from the University of Ottawa and also made it on the coveted list.
This year's Forty Under 40 awards gala will take place at the Hilton Lac-Leamy Hotel on June 21, 2019. The event will feature cocktails, fine food, music and dancing and is in part sponsored by the Telfer Executive MBA.
Click here to view the full Forty Under 40 list on the OBJ website.
- Category: Telferimpact
Thank you to all of those who attended the 2019 Gala of Excellence on October 19. With over 330 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 1969, 1979, 1994 and 2009.
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 1970, 1980, 1995 or 2010? We are looking for class champions for the 2020 Gala of Excellence that will be held on October 17, 2020. Please
- Category: Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Telfer alumnus Cassy Aite (BCom 2015), and his co-founded company Desk Nibbles have landed pre-seed financing to fund U.S. expansion. Desk Nibbles uses Artificial Intelligence to make it easier for Office Managers to manage their office kitchens. With over 65 customers and a growing number of employees, Desk Nibbles is quickly expanding.
Read more about the pre-seed financing to fund U.S. expansion.
- 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: Appointments and Honours
Once a year, the Ottawa Business Journal (OBJ) honours professionals for their business achievements by naming them to their Forty Under 40 list. These award recipients represent the economic diversity, entrepreneurial spirit, and dynamism of Ottawa's business community. This year, more than 300 applications were submitted for the 21st edition of the awards and, for the first time ever, the majority of those who made the coveted final cut – 22 out of 40 – are women.
Among this year's recipients, ten are alumni of the University of Ottawa, of which six studied at the Telfer School of Management. The Telfer School would like to congratulate:
Priya Bhaloo, BCom 2003
TAG HR
After graduating from the Telfer School in 2003 with a Bachelor of Commerce with options in Finance and Management Information Systems, Priya joined The Associates Group as an HR assistant. Priya learned about every facet of the business over the next few years and eventually was named Vice-President of the consulting firm in 2013.
Click here to read more on Priya Bhaloo »
Annik Blanchard, BCom 2003
BDO LLP
Annik is a Partner in the Ottawa office at BDO with more than 16 years of experience in the accounting profession. In 2004, she obtained her accounting designation and is a member of CPA Ontario. She is also a member of the assurance and accounting resource team of BDO’s Ottawa group of offices, a member of the task force on not-for-profit organizations in the Ontario Lakeland Region and a quality control reviewer.
Click here to read more on Annik Blanchard »
Nadine Leblanc, BCom 2003
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp.
Nadine has been a Deputy Chief Risk Officer at Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation and served as its Vice-President of Audit since 2016.
Scott McLaren, BCom 2006
Festival Promotions
Scott purchased Festival Promotions in 2009 and became Partner and President of the company. He and a fellow Telfer alumnus founded Baron Hockey in 2016, which provides high-end hockey sticks to consumers without the retail mark up.
Click here to read more on Scott McLaren »
Amy Porteous, BCom 2003, MHA 2006
Bruyere Continuing Care
Amy is Vice-President of Public Affairs, Planning and Family Medicine. In this capacity, she provides leadership and oversight for Bruyère’s planning process, partnerships development, cultivation of external relations and communications. She has over 12 years of experience working with senior leadership teams in the Ottawa area, at both Bruyère and the Ottawa Children’s Treatment Centre.
Click here to read more on Amy Porteous »
Taylor Fantin, BCom 2007
Fullscript
Taylor is the Chief Administrative Officer and Vice-President of finance at downtown tech firm Fullscript. Since he joined the online system for prescribing and delivering natural health products in 2012, the company’s headcount has grown from five to 85, and the firm topped OBJ’s list of fastest-growing companies in both 2016 and 2017.
The Telfer School would also like to congratulate Jean-Michel Carrière, Samantha Iturregui, Anna Lambert, Sandra Sbrocchi who all graduated from the University of Ottawa and made it on the list.
This year's Forty Under 40 awards gala will take place at the Hilton Lac-Leamy Hotel on June 15, 2018. The event will feature cocktails, fine food, music and dancing and is sponsored by the Telfer Executive MBA. Click here to register for the 2018 Forty Under 40 Gala »
Click here to view the full Forty Under 40 list on the OBJ website »
- Category: Appointments and Honours
On April 24, the Regroupement des gens d’affaires de la Capitale nationale (RGA) recognized two of our alumni with its announcement of the four award winners at the second edition of the Temple de la renommée des gens d’affaires (Business People’s Hall of Fame). The induction of Guy Laflamme, Managing Director of Ottawa 2017, and Bernard Marcil, Co-founder of Marcil Lavallée, will take place on May 30, during the 2018 Gala. The other two winners are Estelle Patenaude, Founder and CEO of Impressions inc., and Martin Paquette, Chief Executive Officer of Groupe Nordik.
In addition, the Hall of Fame wall was unveiled during the press conference to honour those business people who distinguished themselves by their leadership, innovative spirit and contribution to the prosperity of the region. The wall is located on the second floor of the Desmarais Pavilion at the Telfer School of Management.
About Bernard Marcil (BCom 1966)
In 1980, Bernard Marcil co-founded the accounting firm of Marcil Lavallée, with offices in Ottawa and Gatineau. It quickly became a committed partner that actively contributed to the success of its clients, as well as a major player on the francophone and philanthropic scenes in our area. In addition to sitting on several committees related to the practice of accounting, Bernard sat on the board of directors of the Fondation franco-ontarienne, of which he was co-founder and treasurer. He sat on the boards of the Deposit Insurance Corporation of Ontario and the Hôpital Montfort, and was a member of the steering committee on the regional study of services for francophone children and young people in the Ottawa-Carleton region.
About Guy Laflamme (MBA 1989)
With more than 25 years in the field, Guy is a specialist in creating, producing and marketing cultural, recreational and tourism products. He was managing director and producer of Ottawa 2017, the organization responsible for planning and implementing the capital's 150th anniversary celebrations of the Confederation of Canada. This program, which was staggered throughout 2017, targeted an audience of more than 11 million people with anticipated economic benefits exceeding 320 million dollars. He participated in the production of more than 200 major events consisting of large-scale cultural, sporting and social performance, thus leaving his fingerprints on the Ottawa region.
About the Business People's Hall of Fame
Through its Hall of Fame, the Regroupement des gens d’affaires de la Capitale nationale pays tribute to local business people who distinguish themselves by their leadership, innovative spirit and contribution to the prosperity of our region. The RGA recognizes these visionary women and men for their unwavering integrity and their inspirational achievements.
About the Regroupement des gens d’affaires de la Capitale nationale
Through its leadership, the RGA promotes the mobilization of economic partners on both sides of the Ottawa River, to ensure unparalleled economic prosperity and quality of life. By bringing regional business people together into a single francophone and francophile economic force, it creates a climate conducive to its members' welfare and contributes to the region's economic development.
We invite you to visit the RGA’s website for more information on the 2018 Gala.
- Category: Alumni in the Lead
Cassy Aite chose the Telfer School of Management after visiting its new facilities and after making the decision to attend university in his hometown. As an engaged student, Cassy participated in Enactus, uOSIC, the Telfer Financial Laboratory, was a member of the Gee-Gees men’s soccer team and competed in several competitions. As Cassy says, “these opportunities made my experience at uOttawa”.
Immediately after graduating, Cassy began working at EY in the ITRA Advisory Practice where he gained a lot of valuable experience. About a year after graduating, Cassy was presented with the opportunity to live and work in Vienna and Munich. He began working as a Business Developer with BTO research, a multi-national IT consulting company. In January 2018, Cassy moved back to Canada to become the CEO of Desk Nibbles, a company that he co-founded with his brother, Emil Aite and Eric Kys in late 2016. Desk Nibbles uses Artificial Intelligence to make it easier for Office Managers to manage their office kitchens. With over 65 customers and a growing number of employees, Desk Nibbles is quickly expanding.
Thinking back on his time at Telfer, Cassy has fond memories of the classmates, professors and mentors that he met during his studies. Cassy still remains in contact with all of those who influenced his studies at Telfer, and explains that he is “constantly reminded by the positive impact Telfer has had”. Reflecting on what inspires him, Cassy thinks of his parents and the hard work that they accomplished in order to give his family better opportunities.
Cassy is excited about his career path so far, and looking towards what the future will offer.
- Category: Alumni in the Lead
On November 2nd at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, the Fraser Institute held their annual Founder’s Award tribute dinner honouring Canada’s greatest business and philanthropic leaders. This year’s Award was presented to Ian Telfer, Chairman of the Board and Director of Goldcorp. That week Ian Telfer attended and networked with our alumni at the receptions in Calgary November 1st and in Vancouver November 2nd as a special guest but also to cap off the 10th anniversary of the Telfer School.
The Fraser Institute Founders’ Award, named after founders T. Patrick Boyle and Michael A. Walker, is the Institute’s highest honour. The award is presented annually to individuals in recognition of their exceptional entrepreneurial achievements, generous philanthropic endeavors and dedication to competitive markets. These individuals are role models for the next generation of entrepreneurs and leaders.
Ian Telfer was also honoured along with his wife, Nancy Burke, as the recipients of the Children’s Charity Gold Heart Award at the annual Gold Heart Gala. The couple are well-known across British Columbia and beyond for their generous giving, including to Variety - the Children’s Charity of BC (Variety BC) through their family foundation.
The Gold Heart Award is Variety BC’s most prestigious mark of distinction, honouring exceptional philanthropic contributions throughout local communities. The Gala is chaired by Mary Zilba, and vice-chaired by Fiona Forbes, local television celebrities and longtime friends and supporters of Variety BC.
Ian Telfer will also be announced as one of the 2018 Canadian Business Hall of Fame inductees at the Gala Dinner and Induction Ceremony that will be held in Toronto at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre on May 17, 2018.
About the Founder’s Award Read more »
About the Children’s Charity Gold Heart Award Read more »
About the Canadian Business Hall of Fame Read more »
- Category: Rising Stars
“I believe it is important to continue learning – learning never stops. I love that Telfer supports personal growth and development through learning. It also connects its students to experts in their field,” said Andrea Ghazzawi, a PhD candidate in the Management Program with a field of study in Health Systems.
Inspired by Dr. Craig Kuziemsky and driven by the opportunity to contribute to improving the Canadian healthcare system, Andrea chose to continue her studies at the University of Ottawa in the Telfer School of Management. She completed her masters and is now currently working on her PhD.
Andrea went on to mention that the many opportunities available at the Telfer School of Management attracted her to begin and continue her studies here. “Having the chance to learn from a multidisciplinary group of professors with varying areas of expertise was an incredible experience for me.”
When asked which classes left a strong impression on her, Andrea answered, “The health systems courses stood out to me, especially the classes that covered the use of information technology in healthcare and the application of quantitative health research methods.”
While fulfilling the duties of being a mother, fulfilling her passion for cooking, and spending time with family and friends, Andrea works to maintain her academic success and continues to think about improvements needed in the healthcare system to benefit all Canadians, and how she can contribute.
“Thinking back, I would never have thought that I would be doing a PhD—it just wasn’t on my radar—but I am thankful to be here and to be participating in this program,” concluded Andrea.
Connect with Andrea Ghazzawi here: https://www.facebook.com/andrea.ghazzawi
Also – you can follow Telfer’s LinkedIn activities here!
- 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
Who I Am Now
If you don’t respect where you’ve come from, how are you going to respect where you are now? This rhetorical question has influenced me throughout my adult life and certainly does so as a loyal Telfer School donor. My time at the Telfer School, which started back in the 1970s, was made possible by money from scholarships and other generous support. As a woman from a hard-working farm family in southern Ontario, I care that young people from unremarkable backgrounds can get the financial support they need to reap the rewards that education and hard work bring. Opportunity is important to me.
So is inclusiveness. It matters that the Telfer School is bilingual and that it also welcomes students from across the country and around the world. When I was a Telfer BCom student, this spirit of inclusiveness enabled me to study with people who had much different backgrounds than mine. And this exposure helped make me a better student, person and, eventually, accountant and public servant. That inclusive institutions such as the Telfer School and the University of Ottawa exist in Canada’s capital city is of great significance—both as a symbol to everyone throughout the country and as a source of broad-minded professionals, especially for our public service.
These connected values—opportunity and inclusiveness—are why I’ve been a loyal Telfer School donor. I’ve given regularly to scholarship funds and to support the Dean’s strategic priorities. Opportunity and inclusiveness are also why I’ll continue to give. This place and its characteristics helped shape who I am. And if you don’t respect where you’ve come from, how are you going to respect where you are now?
- Category: Rising Stars
“From the staff to the exchange opportunities, the experience has been great. Take it from a student who has graduated twice from the School and just keeps coming back! I’ve really enjoyed my time here,” said Nicolas Legendre, a PhD candidate in Management with a field of study in Finance. Nicolas has shown true commitment to the Telfer family over the past 7 years, completing a Bachelor of Commerce with an option in Finance, a Master of Science in Management with an option in Finance and now a year into his PhD. He continued, “I wanted to continue my studies here because of all the great people I’ve met at Telfer and in other faculties at the University of Ottawa.”
Looking back on his experience as a Teaching Assistant for different statistics courses, completing his MSc, and now working on his PhD, Nicolas noted, “As PhD students, the relationship with faculty changes, becoming more collegial. With professors for example, the relationship is less student-teacher and more of a co-worker kind of relationship, where both parties bounce ideas off each other and learn from one another.”
Through hard work and dedication, Nicolas was the winner of the prestigious Joseph-Armand Bombardier CGS Doctoral Scholarship. He said, “As a recipient of the Joseph-Armand Bombardier CGS Doctoral Scholarship, I was able to apply for the Michael Smith Foreign Study Supplement, which I was pleased to be granted. Through this scholarship, I am currently in Newcastle upon Tyne, UK, investigating their loan guarantee program with Professor Jonathan Scott at Northumbria University. This gave me the opportunity to not only study abroad, but to research a topic that matters to me: as my PhD thesis investigates the Canadian loan guarantee program, this research period abroad is directly related to my PhD thesis. I’ve also had the opportunity to spend weekends traveling around Newcastle, visiting monuments such as Alnwick Castle from the Harry Potter films, and slowly learning the culture here in the Northeast of England. It has been quite the experience so far!”
Nicolas is also the recipient of the Lilian and Swee Chua Goh Doctoral Scholarship. Lilian and Swee Chua Goh will be recognized as Donors of the Year at the Telfer Gala of Excellence on October 21 2017.
Connect with Nicolas Legendre here: www.linkedin.com/in/legendrenicolas
Also – you can follow Telfer’s LinkedIn activities here!
- Category: Appointments and Honours
Congratulations to Pierre Bourgie, C.M., O.Q. (BAdm 1980) on his appointment as a Member of the Order of Canada on June 30, 2017 for his inspiring philanthropic work and for his significant contributions to the arts, music and the promotion of culture.
While pursuing his Bachelor of Administration at the University of Ottawa, Mr. Bourgie took an elective course in Art History, which he credits for igniting a life-long passion for the arts. Since then, he has been recognized for his contributions to Montreal’s arts and culture community. Especially noteworthy, he is credited for transforming the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts' Erskine and American United Church into the Bourgie Hall, providing a concert space for chamber music featuring high-quality acoustics and a striking décor. This spring, he opened Catalogue, an exhibition space in downtown Montreal where he shares pieces from his private collection with the public at no cost.
Following his studies at the University of Ottawa, he took over the family funeral home business. After selling the 100 year old business in 1996, Pierre explored the worlds of finance and real estate. He founded the diversified investment company Société Financière Bourgie Inc, serving as President and Chief Executive Officer. He has also served on a number of corporate and not-for-profit boards.
On this momentous accolade, Dean François Julien said, “I am delighted that Mr. Bourgie has received this well-deserved honour recognizing the great impact and importance of his philanthropic work. We are proud to have an alumnus whose contributions to the arts and music have provided opportunities for artists to create, and for the public to appreciate visual and performing arts.”
About the Order of Canada
Created in 1967, the Order of Canada, one of our country’s highest civilian honours, recognizes outstanding achievement, dedication to the community and service to the nation. Close to 7,000 people from all sectors of society have been invested into the Order. Their contributions are varied, yet they have all enriched the lives of others and have taken to heart the motto of the Order: DESIDERANTES MELIOREM PATRIAM (“They desire a better country”). Appointments are made by the governor general on the recommendation of the Advisory Council for the Order of Canada.
For more information about the Order of Canada, click here.
- Category: Alumni in the Lead
After a seven-year hiatus, the highly anticipated and revamped Canada’s Top 40 Under 40® gala is back to celebrate the exceptional achievements of 40 Canadians under the age of 40. Going hand in hand with the Canada 150 celebrations, the gala will highlight the new generation of leaders in Canadian organizations.
This year's honourees include three University of Ottawa alumni, two of whom are from the Telfer School of Management. We would like to congratulate the following alumni:
- Harley Finkelstein (MBA 2009): Chief Operating Officer, Shopify
- Alexandre Lefebvre (BAdm 2001): President, Lefebvre Group
We would also like to congratulate Katherine Telford, another University of Ottawa graduate who was also on the Canada’s Top 40 Under 40® list.
Click here to see the complete list of this year’s honourees on the Canada’s Top 40 Under 40 website. This year, the awards gala will be held on November 2, 2017, at the Fairmont Royal York in Toronto.
- 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: Appointments and Honours
Once a year, the Ottawa Business Journal (OBJ) nominates professionals for their business achievements to be in their “Forty Under 40” list.
Among this year’s nominees, thirteen are alumni of the University of Ottawa, two of which studied at the Telfer School of Management. For this achievement, the Telfer School would like to congratulate:
Sebastien Dignard, BCom 2000
Sebastien Dignard is the President of Framos Technologies Inc. Sebastien has close to 15 years of senior-level experience in management and international business development. Sebastien graduated from the Telfer School in 2000, with a BCom in International Management.
Photography by Mark Holleron
Christian Bisson, Cert 2011
Christian Bisson is Co-Founder of Escape Manor. His company has expanded beyond its two locations in Ottawa and now boasts escape rooms in Cornwall, Regina and Brisbane, Australia. Christian obtained a Certificate from the Telfer School of Management in 2011.
The Telfer School would also like to congratulate Rouhollah Alizadeh, Craig O’Brien, Christopher Pulfer, Gordon Cudney, Justin Tudor, Hedyeh Javidnia, Megan Wallace, Briana Kim, Caitlin Kealey, Stephanie Karlovits and Catherine Horvath - all University of Ottawa alumni who also made the “Forty Under 40” list.
This year's Forty Under 40 awards gala will take place at the Hilton Lac-Leamy Hotel on June 16, 2017. The event will feature cocktails, fine food, music and dancing and is in part sponsored by the Telfer Executive MBA. Click here to register for the 2017 Forty Under 40 Gala.
Click here to view the full Forty Under 40 list on the OBJ website.
- Category: Latest News
On May 9, in commemoration of the 10th year anniversary of the naming of the Telfer School of Management, over 50 Telfer alumni, staff and friends will be teaming up with Junior Achievement Ottawa (JA) for JA Delivery Day, to promote financial literacy, entrepreneurship and work readiness skills to Ottawa Grade 8 students.
“Youth who participate in our program go on to save more and borrow less than the average Canadian adult,” says Albert Wong, JA Ottawa director. “The real world skills they acquire through the program can be applied to their lives immediately. Budgeting, investing and aligning their financial choices with their goals are a few of the things our JA volunteers are able to teach youth through the program.”
JA graduates are also more likely to launch businesses and create jobs. According to recent research, JA graduates are 50% more likely to open a business. What’s more, 65% of graduates said that JA has had a significant impact on their decision to stay in school and enrol in postsecondary education. Simply put, students who participate in JA programs gain the skills and confidence they need to succeed in life. JA programs prepare them to innovate, take on leadership roles and pursue their dreams.
“We are proud that Telfer comprises 20% of the yearly volunteers that participate in the JA workshops,” says Alain Doucet, Assistant Dean (External Relations) at Telfer. “The May 9 Delivery Day will increase that amount to over 30% for this year. It is evident that our community understands the importance of teaching real-world skills to our youth.”
For more information on Junior Achievement Ottawa, email Albert Wong at
Learn more about JA Delivery Day.
Learn more about the Telfer School of Management.
- Category: Alumni in the Lead
The Liberal candidate for Ottawa-Vanier, Mona Fortier (MBA 1998) won last night's byelection with 51.2% of the vote. This marks a historic moment, as it is the first time residents have elected a woman to represent them in the federal riding's history.
Mona Fortier holds a master’s of business administration (MBA 1998) from the Telfer School of Management, and a Bachelor of Social Sciences with Honours in Sociology, from the University of Ottawa.
A local businesswoman and skilled and passionate communicator, Mona Fortier is well known for her professional achievements and effective service to our community.
“While at Telfer, Mona was actively involved in student life, participating, for example, in a high tech case study competition and supporting the activities of the student council,” said François Julien, Dean of the Telfer School. “In recognition of her outstanding achievements, Mona received the Telfer School’s Young Achiever’s alumni award in 2011.”
Congratulations to Mona Fortier on her historic win!
Click here to read more about the byelection on CBC.ca
- Category: Latest News
For the last decade, Welch LLP has been a loyal partner of the Telfer School, with representation on the Dean’s Advisory Board, hiring coop students, interns and alumni, and supporting a number of initiatives on and off campus.
Welch has extended their financial support with a commitment worth $57,500 over the next five years. They will continue supporting the Welch LLP Accounting Scholarship, which recognizes an accounting student who is actively involved in the campus community. In addition they will sponsor five events, including the annual Top of the Tower Alumni reception in Toronto that is so instrumental to us in helping us connect alumni to each other in our largest market outside Ottawa and the Telfer Donor and Scholarship Reception that celebrates achievement and introduces scholarship recipients to those who fund their awards.
The other activities they sponsor help Telfer offer the best possible student experience: the Entrepreneurs Club’s annual Toast to Success Business Dinner; the Telfer Academic Excellence Breakfast and the Telfer Internal Case Competition, a new interdisciplinary case competition which is open to all students but is aimed at engaging first- and second-year students.
Read more about Engagement with donors in the Dean’s annual report.
- Category: Latest News
The uOttawa Top 5 Start-ups initiative recognizes and celebrates the culmination of each annual cycle of teaching, competitions, workshops and hard work that lead to exciting start-ups.
Already in its 3rd year, this annual search for the top 5 start-ups on campus is a collaborative effort between the Telfer School of Management, the Faculty of Engineering, Startup Garage and the uOttawa e-hub.
“Each year the quality of start-ups on campus is improving” says Stephen Daze, the Dom Herrick Entrepreneur in Residence at the Telfer School. “Student interest, faculty programming and an increasing culture of entrepreneurship is contributing to this rise in quality and it’s encouraging to see our next generation of leaders creating their own opportunities”.
The Top 5 uOttawa start-ups, in alphabetical order, are:
Kegshoe
- Cofounders: Torin Regier, CFO (Telfer BCom 2017), Mike Eagar, CMO (former student, uOttawa), and Adrian Pawliszko, CTO (Civil Engineering student, uOttawa).
- Kegshoe Inc. is a software company for the beer industry that provides user-friendly, cloud-based solutions to manage the
complex business of running a brewery. With features like keg tracking and a brewery-specific
CRM, Kegshoe Inc. is helping breweries solve their biggest and most expensive problems.
Spiderwort
- Cofounders: Dr. Charles M. Cuerrier, CEO (Postdoctoral fellow, uOttawa), Dr. Andrew E. Pelling, CTO (Associate Professor, Department of Physics, uOttawa) and Daniel J. Modulevsky, CBO (PhD candidate, Biology, uOttawa).
- Spiderwort has developed innovative biomaterials for medical research, reconstructive surgery and regenerative medicine. Spiderwort’s strategy relies on the use of cellulose scaffolds for the regeneration and repair of damaged or diseased tissues.
Spivo Inc.
- Cofounders: Andre Bellerive, CEO (BASc 2014 and currently completing a Master’s program in Engineering at uOttawa) and
Marc Bjerring, COO (BASc in Mechanical Engineering, 2014, uOttawa). - Spivo Inc. designs, manufactures and sells creative camera
accessories which capture life’s memories like never before. Their flagship product, the Spivo Stick is a patent pending rotating camera mount, which allows adventure seekers and travellers to instantly switch the view of their cameras. Videos created using the Spivo Stick are fun, creative, and feature built in scene transitions which create incredible, engaging footage.
Welbi
- Cofounders: Elizabeth Audette-Bourdeau, CEO (Telfer BCom 2016), Felipe Izquierdo, COO (Telfer BCom 2016) and Nicholas Petryna, CTO, (former uOttawa Software Engineering student).
- Welbi is an application that helps families take care of an older loved one. It uses Fitbit smartwatches to analyze sleep, activity, and heart rate patterns and then notifies you about changes in their habits. Our main objective is to provide families the visibility and information they need to support their loved one’s health and happiness at home.
YouCollab
- Founder: Shaun Maclellan, CEO (former student, uOttawa).
- YouCollab is a unique platform that provides frictionless communication and collaborations between YouTube creators. YouCollab connects users based on location, audience size and keywords.
How were the Top 5 start-ups on campus selected?
A public web-based call for nominations allowed start-ups to show their interest. The nominees were then evaluated by a campus entrepreneurship committee and an initial long list of top start-ups was selected.
Feedback from various alumni and entrepreneurs in Silicon Valley was obtained before a final list of five “Top Start-ups” is selected. These Top 5 start-ups will be invited to visit Silicon Valley for a learning and business development experience in May 2017, a trip which coincides with the annual Telfer Executive MBA trip to the Valley.
“Travelling to the Valley opens up a world of connections and possibilities that you can only find there” said Lee Silverstone, cofounder GymTrack and Top 5 Recipient 2016. “The opportunity to be there with the University of Ottawa and their network was incredible experience and one that I highly recommend start-up founders take advantage of.”
- Category: Rising Stars
The 26th annual Business Dinner ‘Toast to Success’, organized by the Entrepreneur’s Club (TECDE), is one of the most awaited events of the year. Bringing together Telfer faculty, professionals and sponsors with students at the Museum of Canadian History, this year’s dinner welcomed a total of 242 attendees, making it the best attended event to date.
During the event, a silent auction took place with various items donated by the local community in which the proceeds went to the Cam’s Kids Foundation, an organization dedicated to providing young people that suffer from anxiety, along with the Rwanda Craft Brewery Project, which helps the Rwanda community become better established.
As dinner rolled around, attendees had the pleasure of listening to a very special keynote speaker for this year, Steve Beauchesne, CEO of the very successful craft brewery Beau’s All Natural Brewing Company. During a very competitive time in the beer industry, Beau’s continues to be the top player in the market. Steve shared his story on the philosophy of starting a business but also, the secret to making great beer. To celebrate International Gruit Day coinciding with the Business Dinner, Beau’s provided attendees with 4 different samples of beer.
New for this year, TECDE incorporated the winners from the Elevator Pitch competition back in November, showing the Telfer community the incredible talent that comes out of uOttawa’s Telfer School of Management. A portion of the evening was also dedicated to award two hard working executive members on the TECDE team with the Carpe Diem Award and the Kevin Vollett Entrepreneurial Award.
This year marked a new milestone for both TECDE and Telfer, as a joint collaboration was announced to kick start a fundraising campaign for the Kevin Vollett award, created to honour Kevin, a Telfer student and TECDE executive member who passed away from a tragic accident. With the 25th anniversary of the award coming up in 2018, TECDE and Harry Mortimer, a Telfer alumni and dear friend to Kevin, have come together to raise $9,000 before the 27th annual Business Dinner in order to sustain the financing of the award. Help them reach their goal by donating now. For more information on this fundraising campaign, click here.
- Category: Alumni in the Lead
A local businesswoman and skilled and passionate communicator, Mona Fortier is well known for her professional achievements and effective service to our community.
Since her high school days 30 years ago, Mona has been inspired by the community of Ottawa-Vanier to live, work and volunteer here. Learning the value of public service early in life, she became active in social issues and in the improvement of her community and region.
Mona Fortier holds a master’s of business administration (MBA 1998) from the Telfer School of Management, and a bachelor of social sciences, honours in sociology, from the University of Ottawa.
“While at Telfer, Mona was actively involved in student life, participating, for example, in a high tech case study competition and supporting the activities of the student council,” said François Julien, Dean of the Telfer School. “In recognition of her outstanding achievements, Mona received the Telfer School’s Young Achiever’s alumni award in 2011.”
“Throughout both the nomination campaign and the by-election to follow, I pledge to meet with and listen to residents from all walks of this extremely diverse riding to better represent their interests and concerns,” said Mona Fortier.
“It wouldn’t seem right to launch my campaign without mentioning the great contributions of the late Honourable Mauril Bélanger,” says Mona. “Mauril’s service and dedication, not only to Ottawa-Vanier, but to our region, to minority communities including the francophone community, and to Canada have always been inspirational for me.”
- Category: Alumni in the Lead
When alumna Diana Kolesarova graduated with a BCom a few short months ago, she made a promise to herself and to her alma mater to be an active alumna. Luckily for Diana, the perfect opportunity would present itself when she heard that the Telfer Alumni Association (TAA) was looking for a President. At their Annual General Meeting on November 8th, Diana was appointed the new President.
Three other new faces were added to the TAA’s Executive Board – Lucas Goshn as the Treasurer, Sushil Dahiya as the Director of Operations and Carl Lafleur as the Director of Marketing. Diana along with Lucas, Sushil and Carl join returning members Alexandra Batchelor, Vice-President, and Arianna Pontello, Director of Events.
Getting involved is something Diana has always done, whether it is in her community or her school. During her time at the Telfer School, she was a member of the Entrepreneurs’ Club for three years and participated in Happening Marketing and Jeux du Commerce.
“The TAA has the power to foster an amazing network and inspire future generations of Telfer students. I look forward to use this opportunity to give back to the institution that gave so much to me”, says Diana.
Join the new TAA Facebook page: facebook.com/telferalumni
- Category: Latest News
Thank you to all of those who attended the 2016 Gala of Excellence on October 15. With over 350 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 1966, 1976, 1991 and 2006.
Click here to view and download the pictures »
Click here to read more about the five remarkable alumni who were recognized at the Gala »
Did you graduate in 1967, 1977, 1992 or 2007? We are looking for class champions for Gala 2017. Please contact Kim Duthie if you are interested in being a class champion and helping your classmates reconnect after all these years!
- Category: Alumni in the Lead
The Best Possible Care
Make sure your patients and their families are at the centre of everything you do. Engage healthcare professionals who are highly skilled and give them the resources required to do their jobs. And build your team of committed and collaborative leaders so that together you can solve problems, overcome challenges and make yours an even better organization. These things matter most to me.
That first point—ensure patients can access high-quality healthcare services in their hometown—has been my highest priority right from the time I graduated from medical school decades ago. Since assuming the role of chief executive officer at The Ottawa Hospital in 2001, I’ve been able to broaden that mission from my own patients and their families to cover thousands of patients and families served by one of the largest healthcare organizations in the country. That’s where the teams of skilled and caring professionals come in. If some people consider me to be a successful leader, it’s because of the intelligence and dedication of others. That’s not false modesty. Since my student days, I’ve been guided by a phrase attributed to Harry S. Truman: “It’s amazing what you can accomplish when you don’t care who gets the credit.”
Another big part of the credit for my success at The Ottawa Hospital goes to the Telfer School. I graduated from the EMBA program—just weeks before assuming the top job—equipped with skills and knowledge in many disciplines of business. I’ve relied on that ability and understanding every day since. I never anticipated becoming CEO of a large research and teaching hospital: I was an anaesthesiologist, not an executive. But when the challenge presented itself, I was ready to seize it. More to the point, I was prepared to put together teams that enabled our organization to eliminate deficits, raise morale, and ensure patients and their families receive the best possible care. It turns out what matters most to me also makes a difference for others.
- Category: Alumni in the Lead
Finding My Way
When I started at the Telfer School, I didn’t know where I was going in my life—let alone my future career. I was in school because I was expected to be there. My grandfather’s death in July 2005 began to change that. To celebrate and honour his life, I helped found a non-profit organization that went on to raise more than $150,000 for cancer research. Creating, organizing and propelling Typically Canadian inspired me to become an entrepreneur. It led me to realize that what matters to me is building things that impact people’s lives for the better. It showed me my way.
I couldn’t have built that organization without the Telfer School. Not because of the school’s top-notch teaching or special student services or many networking opportunities. The school’s professors and staff gave me the personal and academic support I needed to bring Typically Canadian to life and then succeed. The backing I received from Professor Barbara Orser and Assistant Dean Alain Doucet stands out. They believed in the cause. They believed in how I wanted to further it. Most importantly, they believed in me.
Their guidance and encouragement changed my life. It instilled me with the confidence to make my own choices about the things I wanted to spend my career building. It made me realize that neither youth nor inexperience nor lack of tenure was a barrier or limitation to business success and personal fulfilment. It gave me the power to launch a career in which I’ve created several successful companies, changed how a key aspect of healthcare is delivered, and impacted people’s lives for the better. Starting with my own. Barb and Alain’s support helped connect me with what matters most and, in doing so, enabled me to find my way.
- Category: Alumni in the Lead
Make Missions Work
The mission of the organization matters most to me. In the context of working at Shared Services Canada, my goal is to find solutions that help Canadians have their service needs met. We support all the technology services that enable people to be safe and secure, to benefit from our social safety net, and even to pay taxes in support all the priorities and activities of government. My mission now is the most ambitious I’ve ever been a part of: to create the new platform for governments at all levels so that information is gathered and used for the benefit of all Canadians. I want to help make our governments achieve excellence in gathering, using and safeguarding information.
Telfer School of Management made it possible for me to take on this challenge. Because of the Telfer Executive MBA, I have gained skills, acquired knowledge, cultivated new ways of thinking, and I have reached a much higher level of contribution for my employer. Along with turning me into a high-performing communicator, thinker and strategist, Telfer also taught me to appreciate the advantages of diversity. Organizations are made up of people at different stages of their careers, and we collectively face the challenges of achieving the mission. We can rise up to the challenges because of our diverse skills, perspectives, capabilities and experiences. The Telfer Executive MBA equipped me with the awareness and ability to bring together teams whose members have specific blends of strengths and capacities.
These are the kind of teams that succeed in completing missions and improving how governments operate. Which is vital, because the status quo is no longer an option—for people and for organizations. People must always look to enhance their knowledge—just as I did—and government departments must always look to give their people opportunities to apply what they know to make missions work.
Five remarkable alumni, including David Adamson, 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
2016 Robert Wood Johnson Award winners: (L to R) Anna Brown, Chang-Hung Yuan, Nico Miraftab, Katie Hollis, Sandra Racco-Cella and Olga Sawatzy
Katie Hollis, a recent MHA graduate, was named among six of Canada’s top emerging health-care professionals and awarded the Robert Wood Johnson Award. She accepted her award during a ceremony in Ottawa, as part of the Canadian College of Health Leaders and HealthCareCAN national conference, which is the largest national gathering of health system leaders in Canada.
Prior to starting the Masters in Health Administration (MHA) program at the University of Ottawa, Katie Hollis was a clinical pharmacist at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario where she worked in paediatric haematology & oncology. On a daily basis, Katie witnessed the selfless dedication of healthcare providers to ensure a positive patient experience. However, her desire to gain further understanding into the complexity of healthcare delivery was fuelled by the belief that the responsibility to provide high quality, patient-centered care extends beyond that of the healthcare professional. Since completing the MHA program, Katie now works at the Queensway Carleton Hospital as the Pharmacy Manager of Clinical and Professional Practice and is responsible for ensuring safe, effective medication management practices for each patient throughout the organization. She is also actively involved with the Canadian Society of Hospital Pharmacists occupying various roles on committees and councils at both the provincial and national levels. Recently, Katie joined the MHA Alumni Association’s Board as a member-at-large where she looks forward to giving back to the community that has inspired her throughout her studies and continues to inspire her each and every day.
Since its inception in 1956, the award has been presented to nearly 300 Canadian healthcare professionals. It is supported by Johnson & Johnson Medical Products in partnership with six leading Canadian universities, which offer a Masters’ program in healthcare administration, including: Dalhousie University, Université de Montréal, University of Ottawa, University of British Columbia, University of Alberta and University of Toronto.
- 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
Create Opportunities for People to Become Healthy
Many people think of academia as being separate from the real world. Their kind of thinking doesn’t reflect my experience. What I learned via the Telfer MHA has enabled me to create opportunities for people to remain or become healthy. You can’t get more real world than that. Every single day, I put to use the skills I gained at the Telfer School—in analytics, in strategic planning, in research methodology, in project and financial management. These skills also shape the systematic frame of mind I apply to every problem my organization faces. This combination of ability and attitude gives me the confidence and ambition to tackle tough challenges, build broad partnerships, and try methods that have never been seen or done before.
I simply couldn’t function—let alone achieve any degree of professional success—without these skills and the frame of mind they inspire. My position as executive director of Ottawa Inner City Health has no piece of paper that tells me what to do and how to do it. Solutions are never plug and play. My job requires me to think what I call big thoughts about big problems and the big ideas and partnerships to solve them.
It only sounds daunting. My work connects me with people I like and actions I believe in. It gives energy and balance to my life. It enables me to do not merely what I want to do, but also what matters so much to me that I believe I was born to do it. There is no better feeling and no greater satisfaction than that—and the Telfer MHA made it possible.
Five remarkable alumni, including Wendy Muckle, 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: Latest News
In the spring of 2016, the Telfer School launched a video competition. With the intention of building a promotional video that would feature key aspects of our undergraduate program, we thought who better to unveil what we have to offer than our very own students?
Created by Sharanya Tharmarajan and Conor O’Doherty, both of whom are in their third year of Accounting in the BCom program, the winning video showcases our connection to our brand, to our student experience, and to our target audience. It also demonstrates the hard work and dedication of our students and is a prime example of what defines our student body at the Telfer School.
How does Telfer connect you to what matters? Let us show you.
The Student Services Centre
The Student Services Centre
- 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: Latest News
Nearly 700 BC business leaders and their guests gathered at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver on Thursday, May 12, 2016 as Ian Telfer, Chairman of the Board, Goldcorp Inc., was one of the three newest members into the Business Laureates of British Columbia (BLBC) Hall of Fame, hosted by JA British Columbia.
The BLBC Hall of Fame was created by JABC in 2005 to honour and recognize the outstanding BC business leaders who have shown a vision unique amongst their peers, provided leadership to motivate others to achieve their goals, demonstrated integrity throughout their lives, and built a legacy in the province that will enrich all those who follow. Prerequisites for induction include outstanding business achievements, enduring contributions to the province and country, as well as deep commitments to diverse and niche communities.
Jan Bell-Irving, President and CEO, JABC, says: “This year’s inductees have dedicated their lives to building and supporting a flourishing business community for our province. They have left behind a powerful legacy that continues to inspire future generations of business leaders and entrepreneurs.”
Mr. Telfer has been recognized many times for his contributions to the mining industry and in 2013 was named one of Canada’s top 25 most powerful business people and listed in Canadian Business Magazine’s “The Power 50.” In 2015, he was inducted into the Canadian Mining Hall of Fame.
In addition to his impressive business accomplishments, Mr. Telfer is known for his philanthropic endeavors. In 2007, he donated $25 million to the Telfer School of Management. He is a Patron of the Special Olympics Canada Foundation and generously supports many local causes personally. In November 2015, he and with his wife Nancy Burke were recognized at 10th Annual Global Forum on Human Settlements held at the Headquarters of the United Nations in New York with an award for "Innovation in Green Energy" for a technology project that will take waste and make power in West Africa.
Mr. Telfer is a Fellow in the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Canada and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Toronto, and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Ottawa. He was awarded an honourary doctorate from the University of Ottawa in 2015.
The original press release was published on the Business Laureates BC website [This link is no longer available].
Photo credit: Business Laureate BC
- Category: Alumni in the Lead
Once a year, the Ottawa Business Journal (OBJ) nominates professionals for their business achievements to be in their forty under 40 list.
Among this years’ nominees, thirteen are alumni of the University of Ottawa, from which two studied at the Telfer School of Management. For this achievement, the Telfer School would like to congratulate:
Ben Lalonde, EMBA 2016
Ben Lalonde is the President of Orleans AutoPro. Ben has been part of the automotive service industry since 1995. He received his interprovincial Automotive Service Technician license in 1999, and went on to become the shop manager for Ottawa’s largest tire and service center in 2005. Ben purchased his first service center in 2008 and recently acquired a second location in 2013.
Click here to read more on Ben Lalonde.
Chad J. Saikaley, BCom 2004
Chad Saikaley is a Partner at Ginsberg Gluzman Fage & Levitz, LLP. He works with a diverse client base and provides a wide variety of services to businesses and business owners in countless industries. Chad joined GGFL in 2013 after spending much of his career with an international accounting firm. He was named partner in 2015.
Click here to read Chad’s profile on the GGFL website.
The Telfer School would also like to congratulate James Baker, Jason Bellefleur, Alexandre Benay, Christopher Harder, Safeena Kherani, Jonathon Moody, Nicolas Moyer, Jeffrey Saikaley, Andrew Scott, Fayer Thawer, Graeme Webster who all graduated from the University of Ottawa and made it on the list.
This year's Forty Under 40 awards gala will take place at the Hilton Lac-Leamy Hotel on June 16, 2016. The event will feature cocktails, fine food, music and dancing and is in part sponsored by the Telfer Executive MBA. Click here to register for the 2016 Forty Under 40 Gala.
Click here to view the full Forty Under 40 list on the OBJ website.
- Category: Alumni in the Lead
We are proud to announce that the Telfer School of Management at the University of Ottawa is the recipient of a $250,000 major gift from alumnus Louis Gagnon, President, Service and Distribution at Intact Financial Corp.
The donation will go towards the establishment of the Louis Gagnon Executive Pedagogical Innovation Fund. The announcement was made at the Executive MBA Alumni Association’s Annual General Meeting, where Mr. Gagnon was the guest keynote speaker.
"We are very grateful to Mr. Gagnon for his generous gift," stated François Julien, Dean of the Telfer School. "This investment will allow us to align ourselves with the ever changing learning modes of executive education and to transform how we learn – one of the 5 priorities we have set for our fundraising campaign".
The new fund will financially support the transformation and innovation of the Telfer School of Management’s executive program structures, content and delivery to be aligned with evolving learning modes. This includes researching, creating and implementing alternate, flexible and adaptable content and delivery methods, as well as creating or commissioning integrative cases that would be used across more than one course.
“The Executive MBA program has been a turning point in my career", said Louis Gagnon. “From the math prep course to the Organizational Behaviour courses and the summer consulting project, the experience prepared me to seize opportunities that I did not know existed and propel my career forward. With this donation, I’m pleased to support others in realising their own ambitions.” Focusing on pedagogical innovation will help transform learning inside and outside the classroom, with an eye to accelerating the career progression of our graduates.
The other priorities of the Telfer School’s fundraising campaign are: investing in globalisation, generating new knowledge, fostering experiential learning, and supporting scholarships and strategic initiatives.
After working several years in banking and consulting, Mr. Gagnon began his insurance career in 1992.
Before his current role, Mr. Gagnon was President and Chief Operating Officer of Intact Financial Corporation for two years. He was also President of Intact Insurance from 2008 to 2011. He joined Intact Insurance as Senior Vice-President, Québec Division in January 2007. Before joining the company, he was heading a brokerage firm, with offices in Québec and Ontario, and was active within the provincial and national brokers’ associations.
Mr. Gagnon is a past President of the Regroupement des cabinets de courtage d'assurance du Québec (RCCAQ) and Director of the Insurance Brokers Association of Canada. In addition to his Executive MBA from the Telfer School, Mr. Gagnon earned a B.A. in Economic Science from the Université de Montréal.
- Category: Alumni in the Lead
James Yersh (BCom 1996), Chief Financial Officer at Blackberry and 2016 Donor of the year, speaks at the Telfer Alumni Breakfast in November 2015.
Alumni week is upon us and we would like to take the time to recognise the recipients of this year’s Telfer Donor Awards. The recipients will be recognised at a private event on May 7, 2016. We invite you to read their personal accounts of the positive impact their contributions have made, not only on the Telfer School, but on their own lives too.
“Winning Giving” - James Yersh, BCom 1996
Donor of the Year
“A Culture of Giving” - Gabriel Bouchard-Phillips, BCom 2005
Young Donor of the Year
“The Power of Modesty” - André Cardinal, BCom 1969
Loyal Donor of the Year
“Find a Path to Giving” - Patrice Marceau, BSc 1981, MBA 1985, LLL 1985
Fundraising Volunteer of the Year
Find out how you can donate to the programs and projects that matter most to you.
- Category: Alumni in the Lead
Find a Path to Giving
Patrice Marceau - Fundraising Volunteer of the Year
Giving can take many forms. Contributing money to an organization or cause is the most obvious, but giving time and talent can be just as valuable. When Alain Doucet—the Telfer School’s vice dean—asked me as a Telfer alumnus how I could help the school achieve a number of goals in Hong Kong, I was happy to volunteer my professional expertise to devise a structure for a presence for our school in Hong Kong.
Alain and I had many discussions leading to the idea of the Friends of uOttawa Hong Kong Foundation. The thinking was: a foundation would provide a platform for the university in Hong Kong, as well as give a way to thank donors through tax-deductible receipts. In our view, the tax advantage would encourage not only alumni but also others to contribute money to support the Telfer School and uOttawa.
For the last several months, my office and I have been in discussions with the tax authorities in Hong Kong to ensure the structure and governance of the proposed foundation complies with the legal requirements for charitable organizations in Hong Kong. Our efforts are bearing fruit: the Friends of uOttawa Hong Kong Foundation should receive its official designation as a charitable organization by the end of June.
I am grateful for the recognition the school is extending to me for my work in helping set up the foundation. Hopefully, my contribution can show others there are different ways of giving back to the Telfer School. Focused time and targeted effort can sometime do just as well as a monetary contribution. Think about it next time Alain or another member of the Telfer External Relations team comes calling.
We invite you to read other examples of the positive impact that our other Donor Award recipients have made:
“Winning Giving” - James Yersh, BCom 1996
Donor of the Year
“A Culture of Giving” - Gabriel Bouchard-Phillips, BCom 2005
Young Donor of the Year
“The Power of Modesty” - André Cardinal, BCom 1969
Loyal Donor of the Year
Find out how you can donate to the programs and projects that matter most to you.
- Category: Alumni in the Lead
The Power of Modesty
André Cardinal - Loyal Donor of the Year
I give to the Telfer School for two simple reasons. First, I consider myself privileged. I come from humble beginnings and I appreciate having had the opportunity to attend university. It’s made a real difference in my life and therefore it’s only right for me to give a little back and share with the less fortunate and others from humble beginnings. It’s become a habit and I’m glad I can do it.
My second reason for giving is equally straightforward. Imagine the difference we as alumni could make if every one of us gave just a little bit to our school? My giving to the Telfer School is modest compared to the big corporate gifts the school receives. For many years, I have made a financial contribution each month via regular deductions from my bank account. It’s easy, convenient and becomes a routine I hardly ever notice. Now just think of the great things our school and its students could achieve if every Telfer School alumnus did the same?
I started giving to the Telfer School many years ago while I worked at RBC. I’m retired now after working some 40 years with the bank. I held many positions there, including executive responsible for employment and training. That’s when I became acutely conscious of the needs of schools and started making my loyal contribution to the Telfer School and the University of Ottawa. Again, my giving is modest, but it’s also consistent. And just imagine the powerful difference we alumni could make together if each of us gave just a little bit each month?
We invite you to read other examples of the positive impact that our other Donor Award recipients have made:
“Winning Giving” - James Yersh, BCom 1996
Donor of the Year
“A Culture of Giving” - Gabriel Bouchard-Phillips, BCom 2005
Young Donor of the Year
“Find a Path to Giving” - Patrice Marceau, BSc 1981, MBA 1985, LLL 1985
Fundraising Volunteer of the Year
Find out how you can donate to the programs and projects that matter most to you.
- Category: Alumni in the Lead
A Culture of Giving
Gabriel Bouchard-Phillips - Young Donor of the Year
I believe in paying it forward. While a Telfer BCom student, I relied on several scholarships. This support not only helped ease the financial burden of a university education, but it also made me a better student by enabling me to focus on my studies and experience the fullness of life at the Telfer School—the classes, clubs, competitions, community and comradeship. Now that I’ve graduated and enjoyed some professional success, I want to ensure other Telfer students can benefit from those same experiences.
The scholarship I set up in my name goes to the incoming student who demonstrates financial need and has a track record of community involvement. I stress being involved in the community because it plays such a significant role not only in improving the lives of those around you, but also making superior students. I’m living proof. The scholarships I received made it possible for me to contribute to the Telfer community and Ottawa, and this contribution made me a better student and person.
My decision to set up the scholarship was also inspired by the example of Ian Telfer’s gift and major contributions from the Desmarais family and other prominent Telfer School alumni. These donations are helping build a culture of giving at our school. Giving should be a natural part of alumni life because each of us has something to give—whether it’s our time, our money or our skills, or all three. I want to be part of that culture, and do even more in the years to come to help it grow. I have an obligation to contribute to it—to pay it forward so today’s students can experience the full richness of life at the Telfer School just as I did.
We invite you to read other examples of the positive impact that our other Donor Award recipients have made:
“Winning Giving” - James Yersh, BCom 1996
Donor of the Year
“The Power of Modesty” - André Cardinal, BCom 1969
Loyal Donor of the Year
“Find a Path to Giving” - Patrice Marceau, BSc 1981, MBA 1985, LLL 1985
Fundraising Volunteer of the Year
Find out how you can donate to the programs and projects that matter most to you.
- Category: Alumni in the Lead
Winning Giving
James Yersh - Donor of the Year
Giving makes sense to me for many reasons. Most of all, I have the means to give; and when anyone does, they should give to help others. It doesn’t necessarily mean financially. You can also contribute your time, your expertise, or whatever else you have that people can benefit from. Giving to the Telfer School is especially sensible and important to me: the school gave me the tools I needed to get where I am now.
At the same time, when we at BlackBerry see new employees come in fresh from university, we recognize a knowledge void. Most graduating students have plenty of what I call book smarts. Yet they need more practical business smarts. The donation to the Telfer School that my family has made through the Yersh Family Pedagogical Innovation Fund is essential in helping narrow that gap between the theoretical and applied. By putting money toward developing new teaching techniques and programs, as well as revamping some existing ones, my family’s giving will equip Telfer School students with more practical business knowledge and make these students more workplace-ready.
I think of this giving as a win-win-win. Companies win by getting graduating Telfer students armed with book smarts and practical smarts. Students win because the programs and techniques will give them a leg up on others in getting the kinds of jobs and careers they want. And the Telfer School itself wins because these new teaching techniques and programs will differentiate the school from others when competing for top talent. This kind of winning giving is also a lesson for other Telfer School alumni: Find something worthwhile from your own real-life experience and translate it into a donation that moves everyone ahead—especially the Telfer School and its students.
We invite you to read other examples of the positive impact that our other Donor Award recipients have made:
“A Culture of Giving” - Gabriel Bouchard-Phillips, BCom 2005
Young Donor of the Year
“The Power of Modesty” - André Cardinal, BCom 1969
Loyal Donor of the Year
“Find a Path to Giving” - Patrice Marceau, BSc 1981, MBA 1985, LLL 1985
Fundraising Volunteer of the Year
Find out how you can donate to the programs and projects that matter most to you.
- Category: Latest News
On Thursday, March 3, we hosted our annual leadership discussion with the Ottawa Business Journal CEO of the year, Bernie Ashe (BAdm 1978), Chief Executive Officer of the Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group (OSEG).
Bernie Ashe was awarded the CEO of the Year award, a joint initiative of the Ottawa Business Journal and the Ottawa Chamber of Commerce, on November 18, 2015.
“Bernie Ashe is most deserving of this honor as CEO of the Year – and, as a Telfer alumnus, a great example for our students,” said François Julien, Dean of the Telfer School of Management. “Thanks to his incredible leadership, OSEG has remarkable momentum following the successful development of Lansdowne Park and TD Place. The changes he initiated and implemented have and will continue to have a lasting impact on the socio-economic development of our city.”
Before joining OSEG, the organization that owns the Ottawa Redblacks, he was Chief Executive Officer at KOTT Group, a lumber supply company, and at AiT (now 3M-AiT). From 1991-1997, he was Executive Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer of the Ottawa Senators.
- Category: Telfer Announcements
The University of Ottawa’s Telfer School of Management has received EQUIS re-accreditation from the European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD). The Telfer School remains one of only two business school in Canada to achieve the triple crown of business school accreditations. There are only 73 schools worldwide, as of September 2015, that have obtained this prestigious recognition.
The Telfer School of Management was initially awarded the accreditation in November 2009 and it was renewed in December 2015 for a period of 5 years.
“As Dean of the Telfer School of Management, I am delighted and proud that our School has been conferred the EQUIS accreditation label for a further period of five years. This is a remarkable achievement which confirms that our triple-accredited School meets the highest international standards of excellence,” said François Julien, Dean of the Telfer School. “I am grateful to EFMD for the advice and guidance they have provided since we were first accredited in 2009 and which allowed us to develop and improve.”
“We owe this success to the outstanding work of our professors, the dedication of our academic leaders and administrative personnel as well as the quality of our students and the commitment of our alumni and members of the community at large who have supported the School on its path towards continuous improvement and excellence,” he adds. “Congratulations and thank you to all for this accomplishment!”
EQUIS is the leading international system of quality assessment, improvement and accreditation of higher education institutions in management and business administration. EQUIS is managed and run by the European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD) and its fundamental objective, linked to the mission of the EFMD, is to raise the standard of management education worldwide.
Institutions that are accredited by EQUIS must demonstrate not only high general quality in all dimensions of their activities, but also a high degree of internationalisation. With companies recruiting worldwide, with students choosing to get their education outside their home countries, and with Schools building alliances across borders and continents, there is a rapidly growing need for them to be able to identify those institutions in other countries that deliver high quality education in international management.
- Category: Alumni in the Lead
Dr. Steve Pelletier, EMBA 1996 and co-founder of the Clarence-Rockland Family Health Team, was given the “Clinic of the Year” award by the Ontario College of Family Physicians. The bilingual family clinic, situated east of Ottawa, checks patients with their doctors within 10 minutes of arrival, books same-day appointments and has doctors working evenings and weekends to accommodate everyone.
The clinic was co-founded in 2008 by Dr. Steve Pelletier and Dr. Harry Jones, who have combined experience of over 60 years in the field. They recognized that there was a lack of health care centres between Ottawa and Hawkesbury and also a lack of efficiency with regular health care providers’ business model. “Providing top notch health care is not that complicated and requires three ingredients; well-designed space, the right people and the right technology. If you are missing one ingredient the benefits of the other two cannot be realized,” he says.
- Category: Alumni in the Lead
Dominic Franchi and Emily Hsiung, both Telfer School of Management BCom 2015 alumni, have ranked amongst the highest 52 scores in the country on the Common Final Examination (CFE). The CFE is a three-day examination requiring candidates in accounting to demonstrate depth and breadth of competency development in accordance with the CPA Competency Map.
Dominic is currently a Tax Analyst at Deloitte. He says that there were three strategies that helped him achieve a high score on the exam: “Firstly, I am a strong believer of always understanding the underlying principles of any concept instead of learning concepts by heart. […] Secondly, it is important to know your strengths and weaknesses: take more time to work on your weaknesses and less time to brush up your strengths. Lastly, it is crucial to take time to enjoy yourself and keep your mind off studying!”
Emily also works at Deloitte, as a Senior Accountant. For her, being successful on the CFE meant to be prepare accordingly: “I attended a mock exam CPA set up, and this really helped me visualize what the real exam day would be like. […] When I made mistakes on practice exams (which I definitely did!) I focused a lot on identifying and understanding why it was that I made the mistake, rather than fixing the mistake itself. This ensured I wouldn't make the same mistake again.”
Dominic and Emily say they are good friends and would often study for the CFE together.
Click here to view the full Ontario honour roll list. Note: To view the national list, click on the “National Honour Roll” link at the end of the page.
- Category: Latest News
Harley Finkelstein, JD-MBA 2009, will join the cast of the CBC’s Next Gen Den, as one of their new Dragons. Next Gen Den is an online show spun off from CBC’s Dragon’s Den, which looks to invest in young, up-and-coming entrepreneurs pitching start-ups and early-stage businesses. The new season that will feature Harley Finklestein premieres online on October 7 alongside the broadcast premiere of season 10 of Dragons’ Den.
Harley is an entrepreneur, lawyer, and the Chief Platform Officer (CPO) at Shopify. He started his first company when he was 17 and has been building startups ever since. Harley completed his law degree as well as his MBA at the University of Ottawa, where he co-founded the JD/MBA Student Society and the Canadian MBA Oath. Harley serves as a mentor and advisor to a number of accelerators of startup organizations, including FounderFuel, ExtremeStartups, InvestOttawa & CIPPIC.
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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