Ontario Tech honours exceptional leadership, service and impact

From advancing Canadian innovation and the future of Canada’s energy sector to creating opportunities for students and strengthening communities, five outstanding individuals are being recognized by Ontario Tech University for their exceptional leadership, service and generosity.

The 2026 Chancellor’s Circle Award and Presidential Award of Distinction were recently presented to the recipients by Chancellor Mitch Frazer and President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Steven Murphy.

The Chancellor’s Circle Award recognizes individuals whose outstanding volunteerism enriches the lives of others through their time, talent and involvement in civic, charitable or social causes and honours professional achievements that inspire others and strengthens communities.

2026 Chancellor’s Circle Award recipients:

• Rola Dagher, former President, Cisco Canada, for her leadership in Canada’s technology sector and commitment to empowering others. Throughout a career spanning more than two decades with Cisco, Dell EMC and Bell Canada, Rola has championed collaboration, compassion and opportunity while dedicating her time and resources to supporting vulnerable children and families and advancing mental health awareness. Her leadership and community impact have earned numerous honours, including the Horatio Alger Award and recognition among the RBC Top 25 Canadian Immigrant award recipients.
  
  
• Rocco Tullio, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Rock Developments, and President and Governor, Oshawa Generals, for his entrepreneurial leadership and longstanding commitment to communities across Ontario. Through his leadership of the Oshawa Generals, Rocco has supported opportunities for young athletes to develop both on and off the ice, while contributing to the cultural and economic vitality of Oshawa. Through their broader philanthropic efforts, Rocco and his wife Danielle have supported youth recreation, community facilities and charitable initiatives in Durham Region and Windsor-Essex. Their commitment to giving back was previously recognized with the Association of Fundraising Professionals’ Outstanding Philanthropist Award.
  
  
• Regan Watts, Founder, Fratton Park Inc., for his leadership in public policy and corporate affairs and more than two decades advising organizations across government, business and the not-for-profit sector. Regan has built a career connecting organizations and communities to advance innovation and public policy. His volunteer leadership includes serving as Chair of the Board of Directors of Boost Child & Youth Advocacy Centre and on the External Advisory Board of the Brian Mulroney Institute of Government at St. Francis Xavier University, with his contributions recognized through the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal and King Charles III Coronation Medal.

The Presidential Award of Distinction recognizes individuals whose exceptional service and dedication have made a lasting impact on the Ontario Tech community.

2026 Presidential Award of Distinction recipients:

• Fred Dermarkar, President and Chief Executive Officer, Atomic Energy of Canada Limited, for his leadership in Canada’s nuclear sector and dedication to student success at Ontario Tech. Over the past decade, Fred and his wife Susan have contributed more than $1 million to support student awards, graduate education, Indigenous student success and capital expansion. Through award endowments and capital funding, their contributions are creating opportunities for future generations. With more than four decades of experience in Canada’s nuclear industry, Fred was recognized for his leadership and technical contributions in 2026 with his election as a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering, one of the country’s highest professional distinctions in engineering.
  
  
• Laurie Swami, President and Chief Executive Officer, Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO), for her leadership in Canada’s nuclear industry and commitment to education, inclusion and developing future leaders. Laurie’s personal support of Ontario Tech’s Fuel the Future campaign, supporting future nuclear talent, reflects her commitment to developing the next generation of nuclear leaders. Under her leadership, the NWMO has also become a strong supporter of the university’s Women for STEM initiative. Her contributions to technical excellence, environmental stewardship and opportunities for women in engineering reflect a career dedicated to responsible leadership and the future of Canada’s energy sector.

To learn more about the awards and past recipients, visit the Ontario Tech Awards of Distinction web page.

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