Entrepreneur and community supporter honoured with Haskayne's 2018 Management Alumni Excellence Award

Like all faculties across the University of Calgary, the Haskayne School of Business is privileged to have an engaged group of alumni supporters. With more than 25,000 proud alumni in 90 countries worldwide, Haskayne makes it a priority to recognize those who go above and beyond to innovate in their field, advocate for higher education, and serve the Haskayne School of Business and the community at large.

Enter the prestigious Management Alumni Excellence Award.

Since its inception in 2000, the Management Alumni Excellence Award has recognized 19 worthy recipients. This year Derrick Hunter, MBA’90, entrepreneur and community leader, was honoured on Sept. 9, 2018. More than 100 UCalgary alumni, friends and supporters gathered for brunch to celebrate Hunter and his many accomplishments. Above, pictured with Elizabeth Cannon, president and vice-chancellor of the University of Calgary (far right) are, from left: Jim Dewald ,dean, Haskayne School of Business; Ally Penic, Haskayne undergraduate student; Richard F. Haskayne; and Derrick Hunter, 2018 recipient of the Management Alumni Excellence Award. The occasion was one of numerous events happening during Alumni Weekend, which invites alumni and current students to campus to explore some of UCalgary’s most imaginative experiences around the arts, innovation, athletics and culture.

Impact of Hunter's contributions felt across campus

The Hunter family name is well-known across campus for their generous investment in entrepreneurial thinking. Derrick Hunter is carrying on the family tradition of giving back through his involvement with initiatives such as the Hunter Centre for Entrepreneurship, RBC Fast Pitch Competition, the Creative Destruction Lab Rockies, and the undergraduate course Entrepreneurial Thinking 317.

Hunter's involvement in RBC Fast Pitch is just one way he’s committed to the development of the city’s future leaders. For the last four years he has been one of the esteemed panel of judges to listen, provide feedback and evaluate undergraduate student pitches. “It’s important for our generation to help students find opportunities and provide a receptive landing spot for them to explore these new ideas,” says Hunter.

As a founding partner and supporter of CDL – Rockies, a nine-month seed-stage program for massively scalable companies, Hunter has been instrumental in ensuring the program’s success. Lorraine Becker, senior consultant of recruitment and development for CDL – Rockies, remarks that his commitment to the program and entrepreneurship in Calgary has been very significant. “In 2017, 13 companies finished the program and they raised $15 million between them. These kinds of results could not have been achieved without the support of the founding partners like Derrick.”

Family roots in Alberta are important to Hunter's story

It’s clear that Hunter's contribution and impact have far reach across the city and province. But why is giving back important to him?

“My kids are sixth-generation Albertans. Because of this I have a really strong desire to see the place we live thrive. It’s important for both people and cities to be diversified, and entrepreneurial thinking can make that happen. In my opinion that starts at the University of Calgary and the Haskayne School of Business.”

Hunter in a nutshell: Humble community builder and leader

2017 Management Alumni Excellence Award recipient and close friend of Hunter's, Shahauna Siddiqui, MBA’01, speaks highly of his character and humbleness.

“When Derrick is volunteering his time at Haskayne events, he’s there wholeheartedly. He leads by example and genuinely cares about student success,” says Siddiqui. “He’s one of the most humble people I’ve ever met. He exudes integrity. Both him and his family consistently go above and beyond to serve the community. The impact of that will be felt for decades to come.”

As the founder and president of Bluesky Equities Ltd., Hunter is no stranger to facing challenges and tackling new ideas. His one piece of advice for students and alumni alike: Don’t be dogmatic. Always explore new industries and businesses. “What we’re trying to instil in Haskayne students is to develop an awareness to identify opportunities when they’re available and a willingness to act on them,” says Hunter. “Be open to anything and stay curious.”

Do you know an accomplished Haskayne alumna or alumnus? Submissions for the 2019 Management Alumni Excellence Award are now being accepted. Learn more and submit your nomination here.