Lucas McDonald’s time at Mac has been a busy one.

Not only will he be graduating this spring with a degree in Justice, Political Philosophy and Law (JPPL), a minor in economics, and a concurrent certificate in Geographic Information Science, he’s also found time to volunteer as an academic mentor with Empowerment Squared and as a climate action catalyst with Youth Challenge International’s Innovate My Future program. As a summer intern with KPMG, he volunteered with the Community Development Leadership Program, which supports the career development of traditionally marginalized first- and second-year students.

Within McMaster’s walls, McDonald has been a teaching assistant, a student ambassador and was president of the JPPL Society.

He’ll be starting his career with KPMG as a management consultant this fall.

You were involved in many extra-curricular activities while you were at Mac. What was the value of getting involved in your community in so many different ways? 

Getting involved in these extracurricular activities has been deeply fulfilling. They have allowed me to explore topics that I am passionate about – including climate action, education equity, and community development – while building leadership skills, forming meaningful connections, and learning from diverse perspectives. These experiences have not only enriched my time at McMaster but have also shaped the kind of impact that I hope to make beyond it. 

What are some of the ways your achievements have been recognized? 

During my time at McMaster, I have been fortunate to have my academic and extracurricular contributions recognized through several awards and scholarships. These include the Provost’s Honour Roll Medal, the Alec John Royston MacMillan Memorial Community Contribution Award, the Brien Scholarship in Philosophy, and the Dr. Harry Lyman Hooker Scholarship.  

Each of these recognitions has served as a meaningful source of encouragement, reinforcing my commitment to academic excellence, community involvement, and personal growth.  

What was your proudest or happiest Mac moment? 

If you asked me this question at different points in my undergraduate journey, I might have given you different answers – there have been so many meaningful moments along the way.  

One that stands out is the moment I called my mom after finishing my last exam. My brother and I are the first in our family to attend university, so reaching the end of this chapter was moving. It has been a chapter full of late-night study sessions, spontaneous walks to Westdale with friends in between classes, teamwork spurred on by the organizing club events, and much more.  

In this way, my journey was enriched by the environment created by those around me. As a result, watching my peers succeed, and supporting those who I have had the opportunity to mentor – both at McMaster and through Empowerment Squared – has been just as rewarding.  

What challenges have you overcome while you’ve been here? 

Having begun the first year of my undergraduate journey at a university on Canada’s East Coast, I faced an unexpected challenge early on – recovering from an injury sustained during varsity soccer competition. This period prompted me to reflect deeply on my goals and ultimately led to my decision to transfer to McMaster for my second year. 

Arriving at a new, much larger institution where I did not know many people was undeniably intimidating. The scale of the campus and the unfamiliarity of the environment initially felt overwhelming. However, those feelings quickly began to fade thanks to the close-knit and supportive community within the JPPL program. The program’s collaborative atmosphere, tight-knit environment, and shared passion for critical inquiry created a sense of belonging that made McMaster feel like home far sooner than I had expected. 

How do you hope to make a brighter future? 

I will be joining KPMG as a Management Consultant in the Strategy and Operations practice of their Toronto office. In this role, I am excited to help clients from a wide range of sectors across the Canadian economy address complex challenges with the development of solutions that drive innovation, resilience, and long-term impact.  

What’s one word you’d use to describe your Mac experience? 

Fulfilling. 

Is there anyone you’d like to thank who made a difference during your time at Mac? 

Thank you to the Department of Philosophy for fostering space to critically engage with the underlying values of our institutional and social realities. Thank you to Empowerment Squared for your continued impact in the lives of students at McMaster and beyond. And thank you to my peers for making my undergraduate journey so special.