Meet this morning’s Engineering valedictorian
Self-described Good Vibes Ambassador Jonathon Tonietto (aka Jon Toni) is the June 17 morning valedictorian for the Faculty of Engineering.
If you had a superpower, what would it be? What’s the best advice anyone has ever given you? Jonathon Tonietto, valedictorian at the June 17 morning convocation for the Faculty of Engineering, answers these and other pressing questions in our Daily News questionnaire:
- Your home town:
I have lived in three countries (Canada, Germany and England), and six cities (Kitchener, Schlossborn, Gerrards Cross, Tecumseh, Oakville and Hamilton). I was mostly raised in Tecumseh (east of Windsor) and now Hamilton is home.
- Your degree & subject area:
Materials Science, and Engineering and Society with Co-op
- Where are you headed after convocation?
I plan to complete a double major in Environmental Studies. I would like to work in the renewable energy sector, specifically with NGOs, as well as own my own business. There is a master’s program in Germany on renewable energy systems I am interested in, and I would also like to do my master’s in Business Administration.
- Your best memory of Mac?
It was in first year. I was a first-year representative and I was promoting Movember in front of math class with Chris McLean [Lecturer, Mathematics & Statistics]. I saw a group of five guys who all had terrible moustaches. I ended up living with those guys for five years and they are still some of my best friends to this day.
- The best advice anyone ever gave you?
From my mother, who after I failed a class in first year, said: “Failure is the mother of success.”
- Your biggest accomplishment so far?
Implementing a $400 system at my co-op for Fiat Chrysler Automotive that will in turn save the company millions of dollars.
- If you could have a superpower, what would it be?
To be fluent in every single language. This would allow me to be a world traveller and not a tourist.
- What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned (so far)?
From Engineering and Society, specifically Brian Baetz [Professor and Chair, Civil Engineering], I learned: Ask why, because once you know your why, what and how will follow.
- What do you think the future holds for higher education?
There is a push toward both experiential and blended learning, so that students are more actively involved in their courses. Also, it will be interesting to see where Ontario and Canada will go in regards to the cost of higher education for individuals.
- While at Mac, did you receive donor-funded financial assistance (e.g., a scholarship, award, bursary)? Any thoughts on the importance of giving back to your alma mater to support future generations?
I received a bursary from TD Bank Financial Group Bursary. If I came into money, I would try to give back in a way similar to Californian Marty Burbank – instead of buying a yacht, he will pay for the college education of an entire kindergarten class.
Learn more about Spring 2016 convocations here: http://registrar.mcmaster.ca/grad/convo-dates/
