Al Oakie, a long-time supporter and tireless advocate of McMaster University, was
recognized recently with the naming of the Dr. Alfred Oakie Room on the second floor
of the DeGroote School of Business.

A great champion of both the business school and of the University, Oakie's passion
for higher education was reflected in his many activities and years of service at
McMaster.

“My father was committed to bringing the experience and knowledge of the Hamilton
business community to the business school for the benefit of students,” explains Geoff
Oakie, Al's youngest son.

As a founding member of the Business Advisory Council (BAC)-which he chaired from
1981 to 1984 and again from 1990 to 1991-Oakie was instrumental in setting the
strategic direction for the School of Business during a time of great change. He
contributed one of the first donations to the Faculty of Business Building Fund. Several
years later, Michael G. DeGroote made his leadership donation which allowed the
construction, with Oakie's guidance through the BAC, of a new home for the business
school.

Oakie's engagement continued over the years and included the establishment of a
bursary fund in memory of his late wife Laura, which continues to support and
encourage commerce students.

In addition to his generous financial and advisory support of the School, Oakie shared
his business experience with DeGroote's faculty and students. He was a School of
Business Executive-in-Residence from 1990 to 1992 and in this role acted as a
mentor, coach and ongoing resource to students and faculty.

“Al was a great supporter of the School and University. His legacy stands today in the
form of the DeGroote School of Business-the building, the programs and the students,”
said Dean Paul Bates. “In recognition of his leadership for McMaster University and the
DeGroote School of Business there is no more fitting a tribute to the man and his
legacy than to dedicate a space in the building that he helped to build.”

Oakie was devoted to building a life of community service, and he was recognized
multiple times for his outstanding contributions to his community. He was named
Hamilton's Citizen of Distinction in 1996 and received an honorary degree from
McMaster in 1993. In 1995 he was appointed to the Order of Canada, and in 1998 he
was appointed the Order of Ontario. Following his death on May 26, 2009 at the age
of 88 the Hamilton Spectator described Al Oakie as a kind, self-assured community
leader.

“The business school is part of his life's work,” said son Geoff. “It would be such an
honour to him to have his contributions recognized in this way and to know that his
name will be there permanently associated with DeGroote.”