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Ontario Tech Awards of Distinction

 

 Chancellor's Circle Award

The Chancellor's Circle Award celebrates individuals who have made outstanding volunteer contributions to their community that enriched the lives of others through general gifts of time, talent and involvement with civic, charitable and/or social causes.

These contributions are also consistent with the University’s mission to foster an environment that provokes curiosity, creativity, ingenuity and failure while stimulating growth.

 Presidential Award of Distinction

The Presidential Award of Distinction celebrates an individual whose actions and dedication have impacted the Ontario Tech University experience, either through outstanding personal service and/or commitment and contribution to the University community.

This award also honours those who have attained superior professional achievements that are inspiring to the Ontario Tech Community and consistent with its mission, vision and values.

  • 2026 Award Recipients

    Chancellor’s Circle Award

    Rola Dagher, former President, Cisco Canada, for exceptional leadership in Canada’s technology sector and a deep commitment to empowering others. Throughout a career spanning more than two decades with Cisco, Dell EMC and Bell Canada, Rola has championed collaboration, compassion and opportunity while dedicating her time and resources to supporting vulnerable children and families and advancing mental health awareness. Her leadership and community impact have earned numerous honours, including the Horatio Alger Award and recognition among the RBC Top 25 Canadian Immigrant award recipients.

    Rocco Tullio, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Rock Developments; and President and Governor, Oshawa Generals, for entrepreneurial leadership and a longstanding commitment to strengthening communities across Ontario. Through his leadership of the Oshawa Generals, Rocco has supported opportunities for young athletes to develop both on and off the ice, while contributing to the cultural and economic vitality of Oshawa. His broader philanthropic efforts, together with his wife Danielle, have supported youth recreation, community facilities and charitable initiatives in Durham Region and Windsor-Essex. Their commitment to giving back was previously recognized with the Association of Fundraising Professionals’ Outstanding Philanthropist Award.

    Regan Watts, Founder, Fratton Park Inc., for distinguished leadership in public policy and corporate affairs and more than two decades of advising organizations across government, business and the not-for-profit sector. Regan has built a career connecting organizations and communities to advance innovation and public policy. His volunteer leadership includes serving as Chair of the Board of Directors of Boost Child & Youth Advocacy Centre and on the Advisory Board of the Brian Mulroney Institute of Government at St. Francis Xavier University, with his contributions recognized through the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal and King Charles III Coronation Medal.

    Presidential Award of Distinction

    Fred Dermarkar, President and Chief Executive Officer, Atomic Energy of Canada Limited, for exceptional leadership in Canada’s nuclear sector and his dedication to advancing student success at Ontario Tech. Over the past decade, Fred and his wife Susan, have contributed more than $1 million to support student awards, including graduate education and Indigenous student success and capital expansion. From the establishment of award endowments to capital funding, their investments are creating lasting opportunities for the next generation. With more than four decades of experience in Canada’s nuclear industry, Fred’s leadership and technical contributions were recognized in 2026 with his election as a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering, one of the country’s highest professional distinctions in engineering.

    Laurie Swami, President and Chief Executive Officer, Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO), for outstanding leadership in Canada’s nuclear industry and a commitment to education, inclusion and developing future leaders. Laurie’s personal support of Ontario Tech’s Fuel the Future campaign, supporting future Nuclear Talent, reflects her commitment to developing the next generation of nuclear leaders. Under her leadership, the NWMO has also become a strong supporter of the university’s Women for STEM initiative. Her contributions to technical excellence, environmental stewardship and opportunities for women in engineering reflect a career dedicated to responsible leadership and the future of Canada’s energy sector.

  • 2025 Award Recipients

    Chancellor’s Circle Award

    Jeff Gallant, Portfolio Manager, Senior Wealth Advisor, Gallant MacDonald, for exemplary leadership in wealth management and a transformative impact on philanthropy, youth education and mental health in Canada. As co-founder of Capitalize for Kids and through leadership roles with The Royal Ottawa Foundation for Mental Health and the SickKids Capital Campaign Cabinet, Jeff has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to community well-being and social impact, earning national recognition, including Canada’s Top 40 Under 40.

    Steve Gallant, Senior Wealth Advisor, Gallant MacDonald, for outstanding dedication to community service and leadership in the financial sector. As founder of Ringside for Youth, a philanthropic initiative that has raised $3.5 million to support underprivileged youth in Ottawa, Jeff has created lasting opportunities for others while demonstrating how professional success can be a force for good.

    Beth Kelly, President of Halloway Developments Limited, Vice President of Valiant Rental Properties, for exceptional leadership in Ontario’s real estate and development sector and a deep commitment to community building in Oshawa and beyond. A dedicated philanthropist, Beth helped establish the Hann-Kelly Family Chair in Disability and Rehabilitation Research at Ontario Tech and supports student bursaries that empower future leaders. Her volunteer leadership, including as Co-Chair of Lakeridge Health’s Our Cancer Campaign, reflects an enduring commitment to advancing health care and community well-being.

    Presidential Award of Distinction

    Lisa McBride, VP, Country Leader GE Hitachi SMR Canada, for exceptional dedication to Ontario Tech and its students. As a valued member of the Board of Governors and the Tech with a Conscience Campaign Cabinet, she has provided leadership and guidance that advance the university’s mission and priorities. As past Chair of the Women for STEM Council, Lisa has been instrumental in the creation and success of the Women for STEM program, driving positive change, empowering women in STEM and inspiring the next generation of leaders in the nuclear field.

  • 2024 Award Recipients

    Chancellor’s Circle Award

    John Ruffolo, Founder and Managing Partner of Maverix Private Equity, is a courageous champion of the Canadian technology industry and an individual who has impacted the Canadian tech ecosystem in unparalleled ways. His remarkable contributions include leading Maverix's inaugural fund investments in various sectors and chairing the Investment Committee. Additionally, his extensive involvement with organizations like OMERS Ventures and the Council of Canadian Innovators highlights his dedication to fostering innovation and growth in Canada's technology sector.

    Presidential Award of Distinction

    Lucy Stocco, the Executive Vice-President at Tribute Communities, has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to making a positive impact on the Ontario Tech University community. With her leadership, Tribute Communities has embodied its mission to be good corporate citizens by generously supporting the university through significant contributions. This includes the creation of the Tribute Communities Success Scholarships. Lucy Stocco's visionary leadership and commitment to the betterment of her community and education exemplify her as a driving force behind support for Ontario Tech University.

    Flavio Volpe, head of Canada's Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association, played a pivotal role in advancing the automotive sector. Volpe spearheaded Project Arrow, an all-Canadian, zero-emissions, autonomous concept prototype, aligned with the Prime Minister's net-zero economy goal by 2050. His role as a policy expert in national trade and industry competition has been instrumental in elevating the industry's global prominence.