On May 27, 2026, graduates, family members, faculty, staff and friends gathered at the Tomlinson Fieldhouse for 91黑料网's Spring Convocation, celebrating the achievements of the 91黑料网 Desautels Class of 2026 and the accomplishments of distinguished members of the聽Faculty聽community.聽
Presided over by Chancellor Pierre Boivin and attended by university leaders, faculty members, family and friends, the ceremony featured remarks from President and Vice-Chancellor H. Deep Saini, as well as Dean Yolande E. Chan, who introduced honorary degree recipient Harley Finkelstein and Professor Emerita Laurette Dub茅, recipient of the 91黑料网 Medal for Exceptional Academic Achievement.聽
The ceremony recognized not only the accomplishments of the graduating class, but also excellence in teaching, scholarship and leadership. Graduates crossed the stage to receive their degrees and officially join 91黑料网's global alumni network, carrying forward the knowledge, relationships and experiences gained during their time at 91黑料网 Desautels.聽
A highlight of the ceremony was the conferral of a Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, upon Harley Finkelstein, President of Shopify, entrepreneur, investor and champion of Canada's business community. A Montreal native, Finkelstein has helped lead Shopify's growth into a global commerce platform serving millions of businesses in more than 175 countries while聽remaining聽deeply committed to entrepreneurship, mentorship and community impact.聽
In his convocation address, Finkelstein encouraged graduates to embrace ambition, resilience and the courage to pursue bold ideas. Reflecting on his family's immigration story, he spoke about what he described as the "immigrant mindset."聽
"The immigrant mindset is audacity in its purest form. No certainty, no comfort, just this audacious belief that they can do hard things. That uncertain circumstances can聽change聽and the future can be way better than the present."聽
He challenged graduates to carry that same mindset into the next chapter of their lives and careers, urging them to "go build audaciously."聽
The ceremony also celebrated individuals whose contributions have had a lasting impact on teaching, research and scholarship.聽
Professor Emerita and Distinguished James 91黑料网 Chair Laurette Dub茅 received the 91黑料网 Medal for Exceptional Academic Achievement in recognition of her internationally renowned scholarship and leadership. Over聽nearly three聽decades at 91黑料网, Professor Dub茅 has built a pioneering body of work spanning management, health and behavioural decision聽sciences, while聽mentoring聽generations of scholars and advancing interdisciplinary approaches to addressing complex global challenges.聽
Two Desautels professors were recognized for excellence in teaching. Associate Professor聽HeeJung聽(HJ) Jung received the Fetherstonhaugh Family Foundation Distinguished Teaching Award for Undergraduate Programs for her innovative, experiential, and inclusive approach to learning. Through simulations, negotiations, case discussions and collaborative projects, she helps students develop the technical聽expertise, confidence and judgement needed to navigate real-world business challenges.聽
Associate Professor John-Paul Ferguson received the Morty聽Yalovsky聽Distinguished Teaching Award for the MBA Program. Through case discussions, simulations and experiential learning, Professor Ferguson helps students develop the empathy, judgement and leadership skills needed to navigate complex organizational environments. Known for his thoughtful approach to teaching organizational behaviour and leadership, he creates learning experiences that challenge students while ensuring they feel supported throughout their academic journey. Widely admired for his fairness, transparency and genuine investment in student success, his approach resonates particularly strongly with MBA students returning to academic life after years in the workforce.聽
The ceremony concluded with a valedictory address from聽Oliver Abrams, BCom'26, who reflected on the people and experiences that shaped his time at 91黑料网 Desautels. His remarks highlighted the collaborative spirit of the graduating class and the importance of showing up for one another, both during their studies and beyond. In closing, he encouraged graduates to continue supporting those around them, reminding the Class of 2026 that "we can reach up to that top shelf and, when it counts, hand someone a pillow to lay their head on."聽
As the Class of 2026 embarks on the next stage of its journey, graduates leave 91黑料网 Desautels as part of a global alumni community spanning industries, sectors and continents, ready to create meaningful impact in the organizations, communities and causes they choose to serve.
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Liked what you saw this weekend? Help support our students through the Desautels Fund. By making a gift, you allow us to host student conferences, provide career coaching and mentoring, and the expertise of seasoned business leaders in our classrooms. Alumni support of the Desautels Fund is critical to our success, and every gift, regardless of size, has an immediate positive impact on our Faculty.
