In pictures: The McLean Centre's Grand Opening

The McLean Centre for Collaborative Discovery at the DeGroote School of business officially opened its doors on October 6, 2026.

Established with a foundational gift from the McLean family, the McLean Centre is the first business school building in Canada purpose-built for experiential learning.

“The vision is now a reality,” said Paul McLean. “We are so excited to see the significant impact the McLean Centre for Collaborative Discovery is going to have by providing an environment that introduces experiential learning and student collaboration across multiple faculties at McMaster.”

The Grand Opening gave University leaders, community members, donors, faculty, staff and students a chance to celebrate a new chapter for DeGroote and McMaster.

Below, we’ve rounded up a few photos that capture the spirit of the day.

The McLean family joined University and DeGroote leaders and students for the ribbon cutting ceremony.

The McLean family; Paul McLean.

Following the ribbon cutting ceremony, guests celebrated the official unveiling of David General’s artwork Remember ∙ Honour ∙ Renew in the BMO Connection Zone.

L-R, clockwise: Brian General and Sheldon Primeaux; Bryanna Carter; guests; Bev Jacobs, Vice-Provost Indigenous.

In the afternoon, guests enjoyed refreshments and views on the tenth floor of the building.

Guests explored the building, enjoyed games outside and engaged in interactive tours of the Learning Hubs.

At precisely 4:00 p.m., DeGroote and University leaders, the McLean family, students, faculty and staff formally closed the market day in a live broadcast right from the BMO Connection Zone on the McLean Centre’s main floor.

Joann Serrao, president of the DeGroote Finance and Investment Council, led guests in a non-alcoholic toast to conclude the day’s celebrations.