Ask student-athlete Andrew Lombard to recognize all of his accomplishments within the McMaster community and this humble DeGroote student will be the last person to pat himself on the back.

The accounting graduate will be recognized, however, at the business convocation as the class valedictorian.

The rugby captain-turned Marauder Scholar-turned community fundraiser said he didn't have to look far for inspiration for his convocation address. He credits his peers and professors at DeGroote for inspiring him to achieve more.

“The friends I made within the DeGroote community continually inspired me to take on new challenges and to get the most out of my university experience,” Lombard said. “I also look at Professor Nick Bontis and all of the projects he is involved with. I think we can all learn a lesson from what he has accomplished in such a short time.”

Juggling an OUA All-Star career in rugby and maintaining top grades wasn't a stretch for Lombard, who credits his experience at DeGroote for teaching him the value of hard work.

“DeGroote taught me how to manage my time effectively and to not waste a single hour,” he said. “I actually performed better academically during rugby season because the time crunch forced me to effectively allocate my time between rugby and homework.”

During his four year career with men's rugby, Lombard won two OUA gold medals, was voted “man of the match” ten times, was named MVP in 2009, was voted team captain for two years and was named an OUA All-Star in his last year.

Lombard was the president of the McMaster Rugby Club, in which he organized many charitable fundraisers for the Terry Fox foundation and the Ronald McDonald House. He was also vice-president internal of the DeGroote Finance Club, vice-president internal for the Mac Investment Club and was a sponsorship associate for the McMaster World Congress.

To culminate his fourth year, Lombard was also awarded the Dr. Ray Johnson Award for encapsulating the spirit of McMaster.
“He's in the top of five per cent in his class,” said Linda Stockton, DeGroote lecturer in strategic market leadership and health services management. “I strongly believe that Andrew will bring dignity and honour to such a prestigious award.”

As for the future, Lombard is finishing a few accelerated accounting courses over the summer which will propel him to his eventual designation as a chartered accountant. He has already secured employment at Deloitte in the fall, where he hopes to one day make partner.

“Nothing compares to the satisfaction you receive from overcoming new obstacles and achieving new levels of success,” Lombard said. “Staying busy and giving back will always be important to me. I will always volunteer my time outside of work.”

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