Burlington recognizes DeGroote MBA students

Foxcroft inducted into Hall of Fame

DeGroote | Hamilton, ON | June 10, 2011

Seven DeGroote MBA students were awarded scholarships from the Burlington Economic Development Corporation (BEDC) on June 9 at the annual BEDC Signature Event. The students, who are all enrolled in the MBA program at DeGroote's new Ron Joyce Centre in Burlington, were recognized at the dinner attended by a record crowd of more than 570.

Also recognized at last night's event was Ron Foxcroft, who was inducted into the Burlington Entrepreneur Hall of Fame. A Burlington resident, Foxcroft is chairman of Fluke Transportation Group and Fox 40 International Inc. He also invented the Fox 40 Pealess Whistle that is now sold in 165 countries and is sanctioned by all major sporting organizations. A long-time supporter of McMaster, Foxcroft served on the Board of Governors and led the campaign cabinet for the construction of the David Braley Athletic Centre and the Ron Joyce Stadium.

"It is so special to receive this award in my hometown of Burlington," he said at the event. "Burlington has offered my family a wonderful place to live and start a business, and I couldn't be more proud to be here tonight."

The BEDC began its scholarship program with DeGroote in 2006 with the BEDC Entrepreneur Scholarship, which is awarded to MBA students participating in DeGroote's Focus Business Consulting. FBC, a student-run company, offers a range of consulting services to small and medium-sized businesses. This year's team – Geoff Reiner, Chris Liehmann, Steve Oostrom and Stephen Charko – were on hand at the dinner to receive their award.

Since its initial award, the BEDC has expanded its scholarship program to include two other awards. The Rob MacIsaac Leadership Scholarship, named in honour of the former Burlington Mayor and current Mohawk College President, recognizes academic achievement and leadership within the MBA program. This year's recipient is Danielle Jane.

The CIBC Murray Hogarth Scholarships, awarded since 2010, recognizes two students for their leadership and academic achievement. MBA students Gloria So and Sanaa Khatri are the recipients of these awards.

So said, "I think I speak for all of the MBA students when I say how appreciative we are of this support from the Burlington Economic Development Corporation. It's amazing as business students to be part of this event and hear from entrepreneurs like Mr. Foxcroft. Burlington is the home of the DeGroote MBA program, and it's great to be part of the community here tonight."

BEDC Chair John Chisholm said, "Congratulations to our seventh BEDC 2011 Scholarship winners from McMaster University's DeGroote School of Business. Providing the BEDC scholarship program helps inspire a future generation of business leaders who will keep Burlington at the forefront of innovation and success."