Evening of Accolades for DeGroote community

Today, Marco Marrone is chief financial officer and executive vice-president of Canadian Tire Corporation. He has an MBA and a bachelor of commerce degree from DeGroote. He has earned his Certified Management Accountant designation and is a Chartered Director through DeGroote's Directors College. A career in business, however, was not what he envisioned when he began his studies at McMaster.

"In my first year, I was enrolled in the engineering program," he explains. "At the time, my roommate was in the commerce program and, by the end of first year, it was clear that business was for me. I decided to switch to the commerce program and thus began my business studies."

Marrone was given the 2010 Wayne C. Fox Distinguished Alumni Award presented by the DeGroote School of Business at the School's annual Evening of Accolades held March 9.

The celebration recognizes leadership in the DeGroote alumni, faculty and student communities.

For the first time, two Distinguished Alumni Awards were presented. Greg Brophy, founder and president of Shred-It Canada, was also honoured. Under Brophy's leadership, Shred-It became one of the world's leading on-site document destruction companies. Brophy passed away in 2007.

"I know if Greg was here tonight, he would want to thank the University," his wife Tracey said in accepting the award. "It gave him a solid, wonderful educational foundation and a base of knowledge from which he was able to launch his career and grow Shred-It, the company he founded within a year of graduating with his master's from McMaster."

The Distinguished Alumni Award is named for its inaugural recipient, Wayne C. Fox, vice chairman and chief risk officer of CIBC and deputy chairman, CIBC World Markets Inc. The award recognizes an alumna or alumnus of DeGroote whose personal accomplishments, reputation and character enhance the reputation of McMaster. It is the highest recognition presented by the DeGroote School of Business.

The accomplishments of two faculty researchers were also recognized. Chris Bart, a professor in the strategic market leadership and health services management area, received the Research to Practice Award of Excellence, and Milena Head, professor of information systems, received the Research Award of Excellence.

As well, student leaders at the commerce, MBA and PhD level were acknowledged.

"Through their efforts our alumni, students, faculty and staff enhance the reputation of the DeGroote School of Business," said Paul Bates, dean of business. "I commend them on their dedication, and I thank them for their continued support and ambassadorship."

Stay connected