Reflecting on an Evening of Accolades 2022 | Celebrating Alumni Excellence

June 23, 2022 ·

Contributed by: Anthony Reis, Web and Marketing Specialist

Four individuals, Wayne C. Fox, Claire Gillies, Paul McLean, and Dean Khaled Hassanein, stand before a red curtain with awards.

On June 9th, 2022, the DeGroote community celebrated the 2021 and 2022 recipients of the Wayne C. Fox Distinguished Alumni Award, which celebrates outstanding alumni whose personal accomplishments, reputation, and character have enhanced the reputation of the DeGroote School of Business and McMaster University. This year was a return to the in-person celebration, where DeGroote recognized Claire Gillies, MBA ’01, and Paul McLean, MBA ’81 as the 2021 and 2022 recipients of the award. Congratulations to both award winners!

A business event scene featuring Dean Khaled Hassanein discussing with attendees at the Accolades reception.

Attendees mingling and networking at a formal event reception, highlighting the atmosphere of connection and engagement.

A large group of guests seated at tables in a spacious dining hall, engaged in conversation during dinner. Guests enjoy dinner at the Evening of Accolades Celebrating Claire Gillies and Paul McLean.

Two images of Claire Gilles and Paul McLean, Wayne C. Fox Awards recipients, seated at a dinner table during the celebration.

Quentin Broad speaks at a dinner, addressing attendees with enthusiasm and charisma during his presentation. Quentin Broad, MBA ’88, the 2020 Wayne C. Fox Distinguished Alumni Award recipient delivers remarks and toasts DeGroote, McMaster and the 2021 and 2022 award recipients.

Dr. Khaled Kassanein, wearing glasses and a suit, speaks at a podium during the Accolades dinner event.

Susan Tighe speaks at a podium, addressing the audience with a red curtain backdrop during the event. Susan Tighe, Provost and Vice-President, Academic, delivers remarks on behalf of McMaster.

Claire Gillies and Wayne C. Fox stand beside a podium, proudly holding an award together in a celebratory moment. 2021 Wayne C. Fox Distinguished Alumni Award recipient, Claire Gillies, MBA ’01, with award namesake, Wayne C. Fox.

Celebrating Accolades with Claire Gillies

“I say to everyone in this group, be curious because it will give you knowledge that will make you smarter, be reliable so that you can be trustworthy to others, and be generous with your time because someone else has encouraged you and been generous to help you along the way.” – Claire Gillies, 2021 Wayne C. Fox Distinguished Alumni Award recipient.

Paul McLean and Wayne C. Fox in suits, proudly holding an award together, showcasing their achievement and camaraderie. 2022 Wayne C. Fox Distinguished Alumni Award recipient, Paul McLean, MBA ’81, with award namesake, Wayne C. Fox.

Celebrating Accolades with Paul McLean

“I am so proud, humbled and appreciative to be considered for this and I’m really proud to be a part of that list. This kind of an award is really based on the relationships I have developed over the years. I grew up in a multigenerational family business, so one of the things impressed upon me is the importance of relationships.” – Paul McLean, 2022 Wayne C. Fox Distinguished Alumni Award recipient.

Past Wayne C. Fox Distinguished Alumni Award recipients (L-R): Quentin Broad, MBA ’88 (2020), Gino Scapillati, B. Com ’81 (2015), Leonard Waverman (honorary recipient, 2021 former Dean, 2013-2021), Khaled Hassanein, Dean, DeGroote School of Business, John Marinucci, B.Com. ‘80 (2013), Wayne C. Fox, MBA ’73 (2000), Claire Gillies, MBA ’01 (2021), and Paul McLean, MBA ’81 (2022)