A large crowd gathers in Alumni Memorial Hall for a DeGroote faculty and research event

This is the DeGroote School of Business

A large crowd gathers in Alumni Memorial Hall for a DeGroote faculty and research event

The legacy of DeGroote

As one of the leading business schools in the country, the DeGroote School of Business has a long history at McMaster University. From undergraduate courses in commerce in the Department of Economics to expanding a variety of business courses in the Department of Political Economy, business has been an important component of learning at McMaster.

In 1968, the Faculty of Business was officially established. In 1992, the DeGroote School of Business was renamed in honour of a generous donation from Canadian entrepreneur Michael G. DeGroote. This renaming marked a significant milestone, as it became the first named business school in Canada. Michael G. DeGroote’s commitment to education and innovation remains a cornerstone of the school’s legacy.

History of DeGroote - Chronology Timeline from its start in the 1930s to 2025.

Our path forward

Vision

Our vision is to open minds, transform lives, build sustainable communities and contribute to positive change in business and society.

Mission

Our mission is to make a meaningful impact through knowledge creation, student-centered learning and community engagement.

Values

Collaboration. Community. Inclusivity. Innovation. Integrity.

 

DeGroote is committed to inspiring the next generation of leaders.

 

At the DeGroote School of Business, we impact business through cutting-edge research and transformative educational programs. Our commitment is to create positive change in business and society, aligning with McMaster University’s vision of a brighter world. As innovators and collaborators, we cultivate talent for businesses, organizations, boards and communities.

Our goal is to maintain our position among Canada’s top-tier business schools and achieve global recognition as leaders in research, teaching and community-building, particularly in healthcare management and digital innovation. We foster a culture of bold, interdisciplinary thinking, evidence-based knowledge and integrity.

View our strategic plan

McLean Centre

The McLean Centre for Collaborative Discovery (MCCD)

Learn more about the DeGroote School of Business’s new innovative learning space.

Learn more
A spacious room with attendees seated, attentively watching Khaled Hassanein presenting during the DeGroote Accolades Awards ceremony.

Our leadership

Meet the people leading DeGroote.

Compelling leadership is the cornerstone of our school of business. It sets the tone for students, faculty and staff. It fosters a culture of excellence and integrity that enables learners to develop the skills to thrive in the complex and dynamic business world. It inspires lifelong learning.

Our leadership
A spacious room with attendees seated, attentively watching Khaled Hassanein presenting during the DeGroote Accolades Awards ceremony.