In celebration of National Co-op and Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) Month, the DeGroote Career and Professional Development team proudly hosted two distinct events: the McMaster University Co-op and Internship Awards Celebration and the second annual DeGroote Co-op and Internship Awards Celebration. Each event recognized student and employer excellence within the MBA Co-op and BCom with Internship programs.
The McMaster Co-op and Internship Awards brought together students, faculty, and industry leaders from across the university to celebrate excellence in work-integrated learning. While the event recognized contributions from multiple faculties, this highlight focuses on DeGroote’s outstanding recipients and their inspiring stories of mentorship, personal growth and collaboration. Heartfelt student nominations highlighted the vital role of supervisors and employers in career-integrated learning. Recognized partners included KPMG Canada, Fujifilm Canada, Canadian Tire Financial Services, StressCrete Group, The Research Institute of St. Joe’s Hamilton and the Jewish Family and Community Services of Pittsburgh—supervisors and organizations that have gone above and beyond in supporting student success.
Meanwhile, the student awards highlighted exceptional individuals who demonstrated leadership, resilience and a commitment to learning throughout their co-op and internship experiences. These students stood out for their ability to make meaningful contributions to their workplaces, embrace challenges and grow both professionally and personally.
Together, both celebrations underscored the transformative power of work-integrated learning and the importance of strong partnerships between students, employers and the university community.
Here’s a look at some of the moments that captured the spirit of both events:
The McMaster University Co-op and Internship Awards Celebration:
Cynthia Bishop, Manager, Career & Professional Development, DeGroote School of Business delivered the WIL @ McMaster presentation at the McMaster University Co-op and Internship Awards Celebration, which occurred on March 26.Khaled Hassanein, Dean, DeGroote School of Business delivered the opening remarks for the evening.McMaster Co-op Employer of the Year 2024 went to KPMG Canada, which was accepted by DeGroote alumnus Matthew Ciardelli, Senior Manager.Pictured (left to right): Matthew Ciardelli, Senior Manager; Jessica Bensky, Consultant and former MBA Co-op/student nominator; Donna Harrison, National Manager, Campus Recruitment; Robbie DiMaria, Senior Manager and John Pryke, Partner, Audit.
KPMG Canada also received the DeGroote Co-op Employer of the Year 2024 award, which was accepted by Senior Manager, Robbie DiMaria. Pictured above is Jessica Bensky, who was the student nominator, DiMaria and Aaron Schat, Associate Dean, Undergraduate Studies.
DeGroote Co-op Supervisor of the Year 2024 went to Carmela De Pasquale, Manager, Digital Products, Canadian Tire Financial Services. She is pictured with Aaron Schat, Associate Dean, Undergraduate Studies.
The Research Institute of St. Joe’s Hamilton won the DeGroote Co-op Employer of the Year 2024. The award was accepted by Sarah Howe, Chief Operating Officer. Pictured (left to right): Nam Nguyen, who was the student nominator; Howe and Aaron Schat, Associate Dean, Undergraduate Studies.
The Jewish Family and Community Services (JFCS) of Pittsburgh received the DeGroote Co-op Employer of the Year – Emerging 2024. Pictured (left to right): Aaron Schat, Associate Dean, Undergraduate Studies; student nominator Bella Stein, who accepted the award on behalf of Dana Gold, Chief Operating Officer; and Sean Van Koughnett, Associate Vice-President, Students, McMaster University.
Tevfik Djamgouz, Vice President, Fujifilm Canada received the DeGroote Internship Supervisor of the Year 2024 award. Pictured with Tevfik is Serena Al-Momani, student nominator and Aaron Schat, Associate Dean, Undergraduate Studies.StressCrete Group won the DeGroote Internship Employer of the Year 2024 award, which was accepted by Stephanie Daiello, Human Resources Manager. She is pictured with Meghan Duivesteyn, who was the student nominator.Attendees networking and enjoying the night.
DeGroote Co-op and Internship Awards Celebration:
Yumnah Hussain, a fourth-year Integrated Business and Humanities student, networking during the event.Malaysia Sandhu, an MBA co-op student, chatting it up with other students and DeGroote faculty.Aidan Hussey, a fourth-year Integrated Business and Humanities student, was one of the nominees for the BCom Internship Student of the Year award.Neha Tayal, an MBA Co-op student, was one of the winners for the MBA Co-op Student of the Year award.Yumnah Hussain, one of the recipients of the BCom Internship Student of the Year award, with Manish Verma, Associate Dean, Graduate Studies and the employer nominator, Nicole Carter, from SC Johnson.Irmela Ostiguy, one of the recipients of the BCom Internship Student of the Year award, with Manish Verma, Associate Dean, Graduate Studies.Neha Tayal, one of the MBA Co-op Students of the Year award recipients, with Manish Verma, Associate Dean, Graduate Studies.Pictured (left to right): Irmela Ostiguy, Yumnah Hussain and Neha Tayal, three out of the four winners. Franka Subic, the other MBA Co-op Student of the Year award recipient is currently out of the country on exchange.
