Class 2016/2017 Graduates Share Capstone Learning

In November, theClass of 2016/2017 reconvened to share the results of their year-long Capstone Projects and participate in the University of St. Michael’s College Convocation ceremony.

Wide Array of CSR/Sustainability Learning

Capstone projects ranged from the development of a Signature Community Investment Program to assessing B Corp Certification in a large company.  Areas of focus included:

  • Responsible Gambling Assessment
  • Integrating Circular Economy Models into Existing CSR Strategies: Expanding the Social Dimension
  • ESG Investing
  • CSR Reporting in the Automotive Industry- A Comparative Study after the VW Scandal
  • Life Cycle of Pipelines – Engagement across Generations

Transformative Experience

In the final evaluation Graduates discussed the impact of the program on their careers, life perspective and companies.

“This program has completely overhauled my conception of CSR and how it can be practically applied in any organization. This has opened up my mind and inspired me to change almost everything about my approach to life.” Cole Thomson, TransCanada Pipelines

“An exemplary program that instilled within me the knowledge and confidence to becoming a thought leader within my own organization.”Denise Choi, CB Richard Ellis

“A theme of the CSR/Sustainability program is transformation, teaching models to drive change within our organizations. However, you may find that you will always come away transformed.”Yen To, SunLife Financial

Graduates will continue to be part of the Certificate in CSR/Sustainability Network with past and future participants through the CSR/Sustainability Certificate LinkedIn Group, Alumni events and partner discounts.Applications are now being received for the 2018/2019 Cohort.


2016/2017 Graduation Photo

Front Row: Kathryn Cooper (Program Manager), Hayat Abaid (IBI Group), Mimi Marrocco (Lead Instructor)

Second Row: Yen To (Sun Life Financial), Julia Doyle (Nova Scotia Provincial Lotteries and Casino Corporation), Kevin Spafford (Rogers Communications), Bedrana Ayar (Mercedes-Benz), Kristina Kramer (Centre for Addiction & Mental Health Foundation), Shawna O’Hearn (Dalhousie University), Ozunimi Iti (United Nations Development Organization)

Third Row: Denise Choi (CB Richard Ellis), Aliya Khondker (Covalence), Jennifer Niece (360 Energy), Alana Phillips (Stuart Olson Inc.), Kathryn Ronalds (Strategic Healthcare Consultant), Carolina Baltodano (GME CMI Renewable Energy), Brian Shurman (Stage and Screen Travel Services – Corporate Flight Centre)

Fourth Row: Andrea Grigg (Enbridge Inc), Eva Klimova (Engineers without Borders), Cole Thomson (TransCanada Pipelines Limited)

Missing: Farrah Hansen (United Nations)