John Brown, a BEng mechanical engineering graduate who also completed a certificate in entrepreneurship, and Mehakdeep Singh, who earned a BSc (Honours) in computer science, are the 2026 recipients of the Bergeron Medal.

The award is presented by Lassonde and recognizes top graduating students who have demonstrated outstanding entrepreneurial achievement throughout their studies by applying their ideas through research, design and real-world work.

About the recipients

John Brown
Brown came to the University as a member of the 91��ɫ Lions men’s basketball team. Off the court, he explored microfluidics projects, designing devices that produce tiny droplets to mimic cellular interactions. This focus has potential applications in medical and biological research.

“I do all this for a simple reason,” he says. “I want to understand how things work and find a way to leave some kind of impact on society while I am at it.”

After three years on the varsity basketball team, Brown turned his attention to academic efforts, taking on research opportunities, securing grants and stepping into a leadership role with Lassonde Motorsports, a student-led Formula SAE team that designs, builds and competes with a race car. In his final year, he led the body and aerodynamics team as the club built its own chassis for the first time.

Brown finished top of his graduating class while building a record that included two conference papers and a patent filing on polymer science and microfluidic processes.

He also contributed to student-led innovation through initiatives such as TranReality, a virtual reality platform that helps new employees bridge the gap between knowledge and practical, on-the-job training.

Brown credits the scope of his accomplishments to the flexibility of 91��ɫ’s learning environment. “91��ɫ gave me room to be a few things at once,” Brown says. “Not many schools would have let me be an athlete, a researcher and a builder at the same time.”

He says balancing these roles wasn't always easy, making this recognition especially meaningful. “I am honoured to receive this,” Brown says of the Bergeron Medal. “I think it reflects the effort I put into leaving a small mark on Lassonde, through seasons that ended in losses, research that failed more than it worked and plenty of late nights that went nowhere.”

Brown sees the medal as a starting point rather than a culmination, saying it “points toward where I am headed next, and I am at the start of that path, not the end. That is the part I am most excited about.”

Now a mechanical engineering specialist at Ekstera, an early-stage energy startup, Brown hopes to learn firsthand about how companies are built. While he is also working toward his professional engineering licence, his longer-term goal is to found a company of his own.

Mehakdeep Singh
Singh joined 91��ɫ with an interest in AI and machine learning. Through his studies, he became increasingly focused on how these systems often operate as “black boxes,” where the inner workings and decision-making processes are not easily visible or fully understood by non-experts.

“This sparked my interest in understanding how AI systems function and how governance, accountability and transparency can be strengthened to support their responsible development and use,” he says.

Singh explored these questions through a combination of research opportunities and experiential learning, including collaborating with other students during UNHack to apply his ideas to today's challenges. His academic achievements were also recognized through scholarships, including the Lassonde Entrance Scholarship and several continuing student awards.

“These experiences allowed me to grow both academically and personally while building skills that will continue to serve me in my future career,” he says.

Singh credits access to opportunities and an academic environment that enabled practical learning and professional development for his accomplishments at 91��ɫ – and for this award.

“Receiving the Bergeron Medal is a tremendous honour for me,” Singh says. “The award reflects not only my individual efforts, but also the support and mentorship I have received from faculty members, family and fellow students.”

The award, he notes, has motivated him to pursue a master’s degree exploring AI governance and policy as evolving technologies continue to influence regulation and use. He hopes to develop frameworks that guide the responsible use of AI while balancing innovation with transparency, fairness and public accountability.

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Awarded by the Vector Institute, an Ontario-based AI research organization, the merit-based scholarships are support Ontario graduate students advanced studies in fields including business analytics, AI management, and computer engineering and science.

In addition to financial support, recipients are given access to networking opportunities with researchers and industry professionals, along with the Vector Institute’s Digital Talent Hub which connects AI specialists with potential employers.

About the recipients 

Mitali Chaudhary
Chaudhary is a graduate student in the Master of Business Analytics program at Schulich, with experience in building AI-ready data infrastructure and deploying scalable cloud-based solutions. Her work examines how AI can solve complex business problems and support decision-making, with a focus on generative AI and business applications.

“Receiving the Vector Institute Scholarship is both an honour and a strong validation of my work,” she says. “It motivates me to continue building impactful, real-world solutions using artificial intelligence and to contribute meaningfully to the growing AI ecosystem in Canada.”

Romisaa El-Saidy
El-Saidy is pursuing graduate studies in computer engineering at Lassonde, focusing on AI applications. She has contributed to a range of applied AI and data-driven projects, including systems to predict geomagnetic storms using NASA data developed during international hackathons. She has also completed internships in research, development and 3D deep learning, supporting the design of AI-enabled applications and contributing to project planning and development. Her experience reflects a broad interest in using AI applications to address real-world challenges.

Harshit Gupta
Gupta recently completed an undergraduate degree in computer science focused on a AI, computer vision and graphics research. As he begins his MSc at 91��ɫ, his work will explore how AI can support the creation and understanding of 3D environments, with the goal of making immersive 3D experiences more accessible.

“I believe the next major shift in computing will be from 2D content to interactive 3D," he says. "My research focuses on making that transition possible by developing AI systems that can efficiently understand, represent and render 3D worlds. The Vector Scholarship helps me continue working toward that goal.”

Amir Mohammad Jafari
Jafari is an incoming MSc student in computer science at Lassonde, where he will be supervised by Professor Ruth Urner. His research focuses on the safety of machine learning systems, including the robustness of large language models against adversarial attacks, with the goal of contributing to more reliable and trustworthy AI.

“Receiving the Vector Scholarship is a great honour and a strong motivation for me. It not only supports my graduate studies but also reinforces my commitment to advancing safe and reliable AI,” Jafari says. “I’m especially excited to be part of the Vector community and to learn from researchers who are shaping the future of artificial intelligence.”

Maxwell Levy
Levy is a graduate student in the Master of Management in Artificial Intelligence program at Schulich. Building on hands-on experience as an operations analyst at BNY Mellon, he is interested in how organizations can use AI and data analytics to improve decision-making and create competitive advantage.

“I chose Schulich because of its strong reputation and the depth of its AI programs,” he says “Now, being named a Vector Scholar not only supports my journey as an international student but also connects me to Canada’s growing AI community.”

Fu Yao (Fuyao Q) Qiu
After working in the finance sector for several years, Qiu went back to being a student, now in the Master of Management in Artificial Intelligence program at Schulich. He focuses on designing AI systems that can support routine financial tasks and improve efficiency in corporate settings.

His aim is to design internal data-trained AI systems that handle tasks under human supervision, and to prepare for a future as an AI Implementor and product manager within corporate finance.

"Being named a Vector Scholar validates my transition back into academia and allows me to focus on building AI-driven financial solutions,” he says.

Visit the for more information about its scholarship programs.

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The following is an edited version of the speech delivered by 91��ɫ Interim President and Vice-Chancellor Lisa Philipps to the Class of 2026 at this year’s convocation ceremonies 

To the exceptional Class of 2026, my warmest congratulations to you all. I am thrilled to join with you in celebrating your achievement, your perseverance and your potential for the future.  

Behind every graduate is a story of hard work and determination. Of overcoming obstacles and moments of self-doubt. Of stretching yourself beyond your comfort zone. Many of you balanced your studies with employment, caregiving responsibilities and financial pressures. Some of you moved far from home to pursue your education here. 

You should be enormously proud of what you have accomplished and how you have grown during your time at 91��ɫ. I know that your families, friends, professors and the many people who supported you along the way are extremely proud of you as well. 

You are graduating at a remarkable time of change, disruption and reinvention. It’s a time when the world very much needs your talents, your energy and the new ideas you will inject.  

One of the most interesting parts of my job is to meet with 91��ɫ alumni from all generations and with our community partners. And, what I am hearing so often is that every organization across the public and private sector, from the smallest to the largest, within Canada and beyond, is struggling to keep up with the pace of change and to navigate the new questions and uncertainties that the world keeps throwing at all of us. I also hear a strong recognition that it is the next generation of talent that will help bring the innovation that is needed to renew our industries and institutions.     

During your time here, you did far more than complete courses or acquire technical knowledge. You learned how to learn, how to think critically, independently, rigorously and from multiple perspectives.   

I am proud to be a 91��ɫ alumna myself. One of the greatest gifts my education gave me was exposure to perspectives and experiences very different from my own. It broadened how I understood the world and gave me a wider range of viewpoints to draw upon throughout my life and career. I have never stopped drawing on it. 

As 91��ɫ graduates, you carry something with you that cannot be downloaded or automated: the capacity to build human relationships, to navigate complexity with integrity and to bring people together around difficult problems. In a world too often marked by polarization and injustice, those qualities are not just valuable – they are essential. 

Technology will continue to evolve. Industries will shift. Some roles will change in ways none of us can fully anticipate. But the foundation you have built here – the habits of mind, the networks, the resilience – that is yours. And it will serve you across every stage of what comes next. 

Thank you for choosing 91��ɫ. We are immensely proud of you, and we cannot wait to see what you do next. 

Congratulations, Class of 2026. 

Bonne chance. Merci. Miigwetch.

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This year’s Spring Convocation saw more than 6,000 graduands cross the stage to receive their degrees during ceremonies, with special recognition for the exceptional work of undergraduate students, graduate students, seven educators and six honorary degree recipients.

View photos from the Class of 2026 ceremonies below:

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Walter Schroeder, who addressed graduands on June 18 after he and his wife Maria both accepted an honorary doctor of laws, urged grads to use their achievements to strengthen communities.

The husband-and-wife team are Canadian entrepreneurs and philanthropists who built a global financial firm and have committed hundreds of millions of dollars to health care, education and social equity.

Introduced by Faculty of Health Dean David Peters, the couple was described as coming from humble beginnings and persevering through hardship to “build a family and also a business grounded in careful analysis, independence, transparency and long-term trust.”

He added that the spirit of their work – in business, education, social justice and philanthropy – has made a lasting impact on the communities they serve.

Schroeder shared words of honesty and encouragement with the graduating class, drawing on his upbringing in “one of Canada’s poorest postal codes,” where he had to learn English at a young age after his German-speaking family fled Ukraine during the Russian Revolution.

He pointed to his wife’s early years, as well, sharing her experience as a refugee who also fled Ukraine during wartime, lost her father and eventually resettled in Canada.

Their life in Canada enabled their path toward opportunity and success, he said, noting their shared experiences framed a broader message about resilience and the importance of using opportunity to benefit others.

The Schroeders co‑founded Dominion Bond Rating Service (DBRS) in 1975, and despite starting with $1,000, grew the company over four decades into the world’s fourth‑largest bond rating agency before its sale in 2014.

“It’s very hard to break into this (industry), but we managed to do it,” Schroeder said. Rising to the top translated to high earnings for the couple, and following the sale of the company, there was more money coming in.

“What are we going to do with all this money?” he recalled discussing with his wife. “The thought was, instead of giving it all to the kids, let’s give it to society. And, if we give it to society, what part of society do we want to give it to?”

Through the Walter and Maria Schroeder Foundation, they have committed nearly $500 million to initiatives that expand access to care, advance medical research and remove barriers to education.

About five years ago, the couple saw an opportunity for a major health care initiative: a vacant hospital.

“We bought that hospital, that shell, which was nothing, and in the past five years we’ve stuck several hundred million dollars into it,” he said. “We turned it into a non-profit hospital with the intent of, first, reducing human pain; second, helping improve mobility of people; and third of all, improving efficiency in the health system.”

The facility, called the Schroeder Ambulatory Centre, works within Ontario’s public framework, with services covered through OHIP, and collaborates with 15 partner hospitals to help address surgical backlogs by treating patients facing long wait times.

“We’re taking some of their patients to help reduce the time they’ve got to wait for medical services,” he said.

With capacity to treat up to 300,000 patients annually, the facility includes eight operating rooms, advanced imaging technology and a focus on orthopaedic care, including thousands of hip procedures each year. It is also designed to expand system capacity through extended operating hours and a larger workforce.

The initiative reflects a broader approach to strengthening health systems, including workforce development. Schroeder highlighted partnerships with 91��ɫ, Toronto Metropolitan University and McMaster University to train nurses, physician assistants and other health professionals. The hospital is expected to employ hundreds of staff and is recruiting across multiple roles, he shared.

“If people are looking for jobs, we are in the business of hiring people,” he told graduands. “We are helping train nurses, we are helping train PAs (physician assistants) and other people in the health sector.”

Schroeder said the couple is working toward donating $1 billion to public initiatives through their foundation, with that goal nearing completion.

He concluded by reminding the graduating class that they, too, can make a difference.

“Our aim is to improve and help society with a wonderful life that we had in Canada for many, many years,” he said.

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In her current role, Jacko leads work focused on Indigenous justice and relationship-building with communities across Ontario. She previously served as Ontario’s children’s lawyer – the lead official responsible for representing the interests of children – becoming the first Indigenous woman to hold the role after a career in the Office of the Children’s Lawyer, where she helped shape programs and approaches serving children in Indigenous communities. She has also been a longtime advocate for Indigenous youth through her efforts with the Little Native Hockey League.

“Her ability to lead with empathy and conviction is deeply rooted in her lived experience and her commitment to traditional teachings,” said Joseph Silva, adjunct professor in the School of Public Policy and Administration, as he introduced her. “She has carried those teachings with her through an outstanding legal career and inspiring record of community leadership and public service.”

Jacko began her address by greeting graduands in Anishinaabemowin, introducing herself by her spirit name, Coming Down Woman, and noting she is a member of the Bear Clan. She then reflected on growing up in Wiikwemkoong First Nation.

She spoke about her parents, describing her father as a hunter, fisherman, trapper and farmer, as well as chief of police in their reserve, and her mother as a nurse at a local nursing home.

Growing up, she said, her family didn’t have much. “But what we did have, what my parents gave us, was something far greater,” she said. “They instilled in us a deep sense of responsibility to work hard, to care for one another and to be of service to community.”

That sense of duty took root early, she said, although she could not yet fully articulate it. She described seeing a future shaped by a desire to serve her community, while remaining uncertain where that path might lead.

She began her academic journey by pursuing an undergraduate degree in social work with no expectation of continuing her studies. But a possibility to attend law school emerged and it set her on a path that would see her go on to earn a master of laws at 91��ɫ.

Jacko described how her eight-year academic journey was shaped by significant challenges and sacrifice. As a single parent with a young child, she moved more than 500 kilometres to Toronto without knowing anyone. Later, she was pregnant with her first daughter while working full-time as a lawyer and pursuing her master's degree. Two years later, she graduated while pregnant with her second.

During that time, she said, she struggled with feelings of guilt, having spent the first eight years of her child’s life in school and questioning whether she had given him a strong foundation. She also described feeling conflicted when she was called to the Ontario Bar and had to explain her path to her parents.

“Imagine trying to explain that you spent nearly a decade studying laws, policies and systems, many of which have harmed our people and continue to do so,” she said. “Now imagine having no words to explain why you're doing what you're doing, but you know deep in your core, in your soul, that this is exactly what you're supposed to do.”

Her sense of purpose became more clear after joining the Office of the Children’s Lawyer, she said, where her efforts focused on advocating for children and responding to the needs of Indigenous communities. Over time, that work led her to take on increasingly senior roles within the justice system, including becoming the first Anishinaabe woman appointed Ontario’s children’s lawyer, before moving into her current role leading efforts focused on Indigenous justice and strengthening relationships with groups across the province.

She returned to the subject of her parents, who have passed away, telling graduands she wishes she could speak with them again – this time able to explain the purpose that drove her studies and career. “I would tell them why I studied so hard, why I carried this quiet, relentless need inside me to learn, to understand, to make sense of it all,” she said.

“I would want them to know that I was trying to understand the very systems that shaped their lives and ours, so that in some way I could help make things better.”

She added that, above all, she would want them to understand how deeply her journey was rooted in what they had given her.

“I would want them to know that everything I was searching for, everything I was trying to understand was rooted in them, in the life they gave me, in the sacrifices they made, in the strength they carried so that we could survive, rooted in the lessons they taught us about hard work, about service, about dignity.”

Jacko encouraged graduands to lead with courage – something she did by drawing on lessons learned from her parents.

“When I think about courage, I don't see it as a single act,” she said. She defined courage as grounded in duty – standing beside those whose voices are often unheard and choosing not to look away from injustice. It involves listening deeply, she said, and making space for others and the knowledge carried across generations.

She added that courage is also rooted in hope.

“It is continuing to advocate, to show up and believe that change is possible, even when it takes time,” she said.

Jacko’s parting words for graduands drew on guidance she has received from elders. “Our elders encourage us to think until we feel. They remind us to consider the impact of our decisions and any change in direction on the next seven generations,” she said.

“Let us walk with intention and be mindful of the path we leave behind, because if we move too quickly, we risk creating dust, and those who come after us – those future generations – may lose their way. Let us walk with purpose, and let us strive in all that we do to make our ancestors proud.”

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The Faculty of Graduate Studies recognizes outstanding research annually through its thesis and dissertation prizes.

The annual prizes – valued at $2,000 for doctoral dissertations and $1,000 for master’s theses – honour work defended in the previous calendar year that demonstrates originality, excellence and impact.

This year’s awards highlight six projects that explored pressing questions with implications for food security, AI, public health, aging, air quality and workplace accessibility. Together, the projects show how graduate research at 91��ɫ connects scientific inquiry with real-world challenges.

Doctoral recipients – dissertation prize

Jie Lin (PhD, biology) examines how phytoalexin biosynthesis is regulated in soybean plants in her dissertation, Identifying missing glyceollin transcription factors in soybean.

Her research identifies and characterizes a network of transcription factors that control plant defence responses and introduces an improved soybean root transformation protocol that supports gene expression studies and research tools to the plant science community.

“Altogether, her work transformed the current views of regulatory networks controlling phytoalexin biosynthesis and introduced better tools that benefited the plant research community at large,” says Associate Professor Peter Cheung.

Matthew Kowal (PhD, electrical engineering and computer science) studies how computer vision models interpret images and video in relation to AI.

His dissertation, Disentangling visual concepts across space and time: from image hierarchies to video dynamics, examines how visual concepts are represented, connected and evolve across data and time. His work introduces new frameworks for analyzing learned representations, helping researchers better understand how AI systems make decisions.

“His dissertation represents an exceptional and cohesive body of groundbreaking work on interpretable and concept-based representations in modern computer vision models,” says Professor Michael Brown.

Congjie Shi (PhD, mathematics and statistics) developed the Information–Cognition–Epidemic (ICE) model, a multilayer network framework that integrates mechanisms of information flow, including rumour transmission and correction. Her dissertation, Integrating cognitive factors in network models of epidemiology with applications to disease control, examines how these dynamics affect disease spread.

The findings show that warning individuals and correcting misinformation can improve epidemic control while accounting for variation in behaviour and access to information.

“In every way – originality, methodological skill, academic impact and relevance to societal challenges – Dr. Shi's thesis surpasses expectations,” says Professor Dong Liang, graduate program director.

Master’s recipients – thesis prize

Yashar Ebrahimi-Iranpour (MSc, chemistry) developed a one-dimensional atmospheric chemistry model to investigate the origin and distribution of nitrous acid, a key factor in air quality.

His thesis, Vertical structure and surface interactions of nitrous acid using a 1D model, integrates surface interactions, meteorology and atmospheric transport to better understand atmospheric processes.

“This thesis substantially exceeds the normative expectations of an MSc degree and approaches the level of our strongest doctoral work,” says Professor Ryan Hili, graduate program director.

In psychology, Patrick Hewan (MA) examines how age-related differences in brain structure affect decision-making in older adults. His thesis, Prefrontal brain microstructural integrity is related to an exploitation bias in older adulthood, explores the relationship between prefrontal brain microstructure and exploitation bias using cognitive neuroscience approaches.

The findings contribute to understanding how brain changes influence behaviour in ageing.

“His committee went so far as to say this was ‘groundbreaking and even paradigm-shifting for the broader field of cognitive neuroscience,’” says Professor Adrienne Perry, graduate program director.

Grace Pawliw-Fry (MA, geography) studies how neurodivergent workers navigate precarious labour markets in Ontario. The thesis, Teetering on the edge of surplus: neurodivergent work, social reproduction and bodyminds in the Ontario labour market, examines the intersections of work, disability and social reproduction.

It contributes to scholarship in labour geography, critical disability studies and workplace accessibility.

“This is a sophisticated and beautifully argued MA thesis, which integrates several literatures with very rich empirical data,” says Professor Alison Bain, graduate program director.

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The recognition are among 91��ɫ’s highest academic honours, recognizing achievement that strengthens teaching and advances research across the institution.

This year’s recipients represent a wide range of disciplines and approaches, demonstrating excellence through innovative pedagogy, mentorship, research impact and a dedication to inclusive, engaged learning.

Distinguished Research Professorship

This title is awarded to a faculty member whose research has made a significant and lasting impact at 91��ɫ and beyond. It recognizes a sustained record of scholarly distinction and leadership that has shaped fields of study and strengthened the University’s academic reputation.

This year’s recipient is Professor Poonam Puri of , who holds the 91��ɫ Research Chair in Corporate Governance, Investor Protection and Financial Markets.

Puri is an internationally recognized scholar of corporate law and governance, securities regulation and investor protection whose research has shaped law, policy and practice in Canada and across the world. Over three decades at 91��ɫ, she has produced more than 100 publications, advancing understanding of corporate accountability, financial markets and the role of law in society.

Puri is also the co-founder and director of the Osgoode Investor Protection Clinic, which provides free legal assistance to people who have suffered investment losses and cannot afford a lawyer. This model has secured millions in external funding, expanded access to justice and trained more than 100 students, while generating research that informs policy in real time.

Puri also founded and co-leads the Business Law LLM at Osgoode Professional Development, bringing academic, regulatory and practical expertise into a professional learning environment.

Beyond academia, Puri's expertise has been sought out by regulators, governments and international organizations, and continues to influence global conversations on corporate governance, investor protection and business responsibilities.

At 91��ɫ, Puri has made a significant institutional impact, having served as Osgoode’s associate dean and associate dean of research, graduate studies and institutional relations. She has also chaired Osgoode’s Faculty Council several times and served as Chair of 91��ɫ’s Senate.

“I am touched and honoured to be recognized as a Distinguished Research Professor,” says Puri. “My home faculty, Osgoode Hall Law School, and 91��ɫ have been tremendous environments for pursuing meaningful work for close to 30 years.”

President's University-Wide Teaching Awards

These awards, selected by the 91��ɫ Senate, recognize faculty and teaching assistants who have made significant contributions to student learning through excellence in teaching. They span four categories: full-time senior faculty with 10 or more years of teaching experience; full-time faculty with less than 10 years of experience; contract and adjunct faculty; and teaching assistants.

Each recipient was honoured during a Spring Convocation ceremony and will have their name engraved on plaques in Vari Hall on the Keele Campus.

Full-time tenured faculty with 10 or more years full-time teaching experience

Nicole Nivillac, associate professor in the Faculty of Science, was honoured for her commitment to student learning, inclusivity and reflective teaching practice.

Nivillac, who primarily teaches first- and third-year courses in cell, molecular and microbiology, was praised by nominators for her evidence-based pedagogy, including interactive lectures, peer discussion and real-time feedback, alongside thoughtful curriculum design and mentorship that makes biology accessible, engaging and relevant.

Students, in particular, highlighted her ability to treat every question as a learning opportunity, working through areas of confusion to make complex ideas clear from multiple angles.

Professor Paula Wilson, who nominated Nivillac, stressed that this is all the more impressive given the scale of her classes. “She has an ability to talk to 500 students as if she is talking to each person individually,” says Wilson.

Nivillac was also singled out for her mentorship of teaching assistants. As undergraduate program director in the Department of Biology, she co-designed and co-hosts the department’s annual TA training to promote instructional consistency, equitable grading and student success across courses.

For Nivillac, the award represents a recognition of the teaching values she brings to the classroom. “It reinforces my belief in the transformative potential of teaching and the privilege of supporting students in their intellectual and personal growth,” she says.

Full-time faculty (tenured/tenure stream/CLA) with less than 10 years teaching experience

Andrew Skelton, associate professor in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics in the Faculty of Science, was recognized for his ability to engage students and create a welcoming learning environment.

Student nominators, in particular, praised Skelton for fostering a classroom environment where students feel comfortable asking questions, working through confusion and taking initiative in their learning.

They also described a teaching approach that emphasizes collaboration and discussion, with small-group work and multiple ways of approaching problems to enable different styles of learning.

He was further cited for teaching initiatives that support first-year students in their transition to university, including the integration of learning skills modules that address study habits, motivation and academic confidence.

He is particularly dedicated to mentoring undergraduate students, having supervised 72 in research and leadership roles.

Reflecting on the award, Skelton expresses gratitude for 91��ɫ, as well as the space and encouragement he has received to explore his teaching practice and grow as an educator.

He adds: “I’m thankful for the students I have had the pleasure of working with. I have taught, supervised, mentored and coached many students in and out of the classroom during my time at 91��ɫ, and I am consistently inspired and encouraged by their capacity.”

Contract and adjunct faculty

Wahid Khan, a course director in the Faculty of Education and a doctoral student in Kinesiology and Health Sciences, was selected for his commitment to creating inclusive learning environments where every voice, identity and experience is valued.

Supporters of his nomination highlighted his ability to foster deep learning by challenging deficit-based narratives and empowering teacher candidates to develop confidence, critical thinking and a strong sense of ethical responsibility as they prepare to enter the profession.

Across courses in mathematics education, health and physical education and professional studies, he connects theory to classroom practice through experiential learning, reflective inquiry and community-based activities, including practicum advising and real classroom scenario analysis, helping students see teaching as both a pedagogical and social responsibility.

For Khan, the honour reflects his focus on teaching as a relational practice. “This award affirms my belief that teaching is fundamentally relational. Some of the most meaningful moments in my career have come from students who have shared their stories, identities and experiences with courage and honesty,” he says. “I am grateful to work alongside remarkable students and colleagues whose curiosity, resilience and commitment to social justice inspire me every day.”

Teaching assistants

Prilly Bicknell‑Hersco, a PhD candidate in the Faculty of Education, was selected for recognition for her work as a teaching assistant supporting courses in Black studies focused on the experiences of Black communities.

Students and colleagues noted her inclusive, discussion-based approach to teaching. In tutorials, she creates spaces where students feel comfortable engaging in complex discussions, often guiding conversations in large classes of 150 to 200 students, about power, race and identity, while prioritizing diverse learning needs and encouraging active participation.

She was also commended for contributing to course development, including advocating for the integration of disability-focused content and delivering guest lectures that connect theoretical frameworks to real-world issues.

She is especially valued for presenting complex material in ways that are accessible without sacrificing intellectual rigour.

“To be recognized for creating classrooms where students feel seen, supported and empowered is an honour I will carry with me always,” she says.

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Gupta is chairman and CEO of Sunray Group, one of the largest privately owned hotel operators in Canada. From humble beginnings as an immigrant, Gupta transformed his company into one of Canada's fastest growing hospitality and development enterprises. A dedicated philanthropist, Gupta along with the Sunray Foundation has donated more than $1 million in recent years to numerous causes, including the Scarborough Health Network, Northumberland Hills Hospital and Positive and Progressive Educational Support Canada, which funds girls' education in rural India.

Kathryn McPherson, interim dean, LA&PS, introduced Gupta as “a true embodiment of the values represented by a 91��ɫ honorary doctorate,” during the June 16 convocation ceremony.

“What sets Mr. Gupta apart is that his success extends far beyond business achievements. It is his deep commitment to philanthropy and community impact that truly defines his legacy,” she said.

Gupta’s speech reflected on his journey immigrating to Canada in 1976. He shared how he arrived from India with limited resources, no clear plan and a strong work ethic.

“I did not arrive with a master plan," he said. "I was simply trying to figure out how to take the next steps."

In his early years, Gupta worked multiple jobs across Ontario, often taking on any task available. From retail jobs to manual labour, these experiences shaped his discipline, humility and deep appreciation for opportunity, reinforcing his belief that hard work can build a better future.

He noted that success rarely follows a predictable path, and encouraged graduates not to feel pressured to have everything figured out.

“Life rarely works that way. Most of us move forward one opportunity at a time, one difficult day at a time,” he said.

Gupta also spoke about the importance of taking risks, and recounted his first time overseeing the construction and operation of a hotel – a career he had no experience in. This endeavour taught him that growth often comes before confidence, and it takes a leap of faith and trust in your abilities.

“Sometimes life throws you into the deep end before you feel ready,” he said. “If you wait until you feel 100 per cent prepared, you’ll be waiting forever.”

As his career progressed and his company, Sunray Group, grew into a leading hospitality and development firm, Gupta turned his focus toward giving back. He explained that his philanthropic efforts centered on three pillars: education, community and health care.

Notably, the Gupta family strongly supports 91��ɫ’s Markham Campus, describing it as a place where future leaders, community builders and innovators can come together.

Throughout his address, Gupta returned to the idea that success is rooted in people and relationships, not individual achievement. Drawing on his experiences in leadership, he emphasized that the way individuals treat others leaves a lasting impact.

“People don’t remember the outcome, they remember how you make them feel,” he said. “True leadership is never about authority; it is entirely about people.”

He also credited his family, colleagues and mentors as central to his success, emphasizing that no accomplishment is achieved alone. He highlighted the importance of showing gratitude for those who opened a door, offered guidance and believed in his potential.

“Success is never an individual sport. No successful person builds a monument entirely alone,” he said.

In closing, Gupta encouraged graduands to focus not only on achievement, but on character, and reminded them that long-term success is shaped by values as much as ambition.

“Your degree will open doors, but it is your character, your resilience, your humility and the way you treat others that will determine what happens after those doors open,” he said.

He urged graduating students to move forward with confidence, kindness and a willingness to create opportunities – not only for themselves, but for others.

“Time changes, technology evolves, but the human connection remains the same,” he said. “Please remember that your journey does not need to be perfect.”

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Pickett, an alumna of Schulich, is president of enterprise shared services at American Express, where she has worked for more than three decades. She was introduced as one of Canada’s most accomplished executives in the financial services industry and a global business leader recognized for her advocacy for women, commitment to mentorship and ability to balance ambition with family.

“Denise Pickett’s contributions to business and society make her a role model worthy of emulation, a visionary business leader and an outstanding example of values-based leadership,” said Ashwin Joshi, associate dean of programs at Schulich, as he introduced her.

Pickett began her address by recalling how, 36 years earlier, she had sat at a 91��ɫ convocation awaiting her own MBA degree. “I sat where you are now – excited, ambitious, uncertain and wondering what the future might hold,” she said.

She recounted how she joined American Express in 1992, drawn to the service industry and its potential for meaningful human interaction. “I really enjoyed the human aspect of working with customers, listening to them and helping them solve a problem,” she said.

This became a consistent theme throughout her career. In her leadership roles at American Express, she maintained a focus on connection with employees through practices such as handwritten notes of praise and prioritizing regular calls to colleagues during the COVID-19 pandemic to check in on them and their families.

That focus, she noted, has become even more important amid rapid technological change. She acknowledged concerns about the impact of advancing technologies, including AI, while reminding the audience about the enduring importance of human qualities.

“Technology changes constantly, human nature does not,” she said. “Your greatest competitive advantage may be the human qualities that you possess: empathy, judgment, curiosity, integrity and the ability to connect with another person.”

Pickett went on to share leadership lessons with graduands, encouraging them to acknowledge and celebrate meaningful moments in the workplace, such as major milestones and everyday achievements. “Recognize the moments that matter to the people around you. I promise they will not forget it,” she said.

Pickett advised graduands to prioritize learning and skill-building over titles early in their careers, urging them to remain lifelong learners and to seek out opportunities – including lateral ones – that would expand their capabilities and experience. “Success is rarely built by doing the easy, comfortable work,” she said.

She also told graduands to remain open to opportunities, noting that while there can be reasons to say no, it is important to begin by asking what it would take to say yes. Pickett shared a moment in her life when she was offered a role that would require relocating her family to New 91��ɫ City – a decision that came with significant challenges. Ultimately, she said her decision to accept the opportunity was shaped by family support and a willingness to embrace growth.

At the same time, Pickett stressed defining non-negotiables when making career decisions, noting that while openness to opportunity is important, there are moments when it is necessary to hold firm and not compromise on priorities such as family time and quality of life.

She highlighted the importance of building strong networks, encouraging graduands to seek out relationships with people they can trust, learn from and rely on. Those connections, she added, require mutual investment. “Remember your network is two-sided. It will give back to you as much as you give to it,” she said.

Pickett reassured graduating students that uncertainty and self-doubt are a natural part of building a meaningful career.

“You're going to experience uncertainty, you'll make mistakes, you will have moments when you question yourself. Every person in this room who has built a meaningful career has had those moments too,” she said.

She invited the graduating class to consider that they are more prepared than they may think, having already built a foundation of knowledge that will be strengthened through experience.

Reflecting on how that foundation has shaped her own path, Pickett recalled returning to Schulich several years ago, when she toured the then-new building and walked down a hallway displaying photos of graduating classes over the years.

Though she joked it took some time to find her own class photo from more than three decades earlier, the moment became a meaningful opportunity to look back.

“Walking through the years, I thought about my career, my personal life, what stayed the same and what changed,” she said.

The experience, she said, prompted her to reflect on the people and moments that had shaped her journey. The hallway became a metaphor for the paths graduates will go on after convocation.

“Every photo of a graduating class represented people who once sat where you are today, full of ambition, ideas and dreams that you cannot fully imagine yet,” she said. “One day, I hope you come back and you take that same walk down the hallway.”

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