Ontario Tech University has named the five recipients of its 2026 Awards of Distinction, presented at the Chancellor's Dinner on October 14. The Chancellor's Circle Award went to Oshawa Generals president and governor Rocco Tullio, former Cisco Canada president Rola Dagher, and Fratton Park Inc. founder Regan Watts; the Presidential Award of Distinction went to Atomic Energy of Canada Limited president and CEO Fred Dermarkar and Nuclear Waste Management Organization president and CEO Laurie Swami.
The Chancellor's Circle Award recognizes outstanding volunteerism and professional achievement that strengthens communities. Tullio, founder and CEO of Rock Developments, was recognized for entrepreneurial leadership and longstanding community commitment, including his leadership of the Oshawa Generals and, with his wife Danielle, philanthropic support for youth recreation and community facilities in Durham Region and Windsor-Essex. Dagher was recognized for leadership in Canada's technology sector and her work supporting vulnerable children and families and mental-health awareness; Watts for public-policy and corporate-affairs leadership and volunteer service including chairing the board of the Boost Child and Youth Advocacy Centre.
The Presidential Award of Distinction honours exceptional service to the Ontario Tech community. Dermarkar was recognized for leadership in Canada's nuclear sector and dedication to student success: he and his wife Susan have contributed more than $1 million to student awards, graduate education, Indigenous student success and capital expansion at the university. Swami was recognized for leadership in Canada's nuclear industry and her commitment to education, inclusion and developing future leaders, including support for the university's Women for STEM initiative and its Fuel the Future campaign.
The awards were presented by Chancellor Mitch Frazer and President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Steven Murphy, according to the university's announcement.
Ontario Tech University announced the recipients in a news release dated October 19, 2026.
Behind the story
Sources & publication details
- Byline
- Daily Durham News
- Published
- Oct 19, 2026, 2:08 p.m.
- Source
- news.ontariotechu.ca
