awards.
The cuccio awards
Recognizing contribution, innovation and dedication in the higher education IT Community.
More than a moment. A mirror for our community.
The CUCCIO Awards don't just celebrate past achievement — they hold up a mirror to what Canadian higher education IT looks like at its best. Each recipient and finalist represents a benchmark that the whole community can learn from and aspire to.
For CIOs, these awards offer a chance to champion the people who make their institutions exceptional. For teams and staff, a nomination is formal recognition that their work has had real impact. For the wider public, the awards tell a story about the innovation and dedication powering Canada's universities.
Awards.
Annually, we take time apart from our busy schedules to recognize and celebrate the incredible efforts and contributions from individuals, groups or institutions whose work exemplifies CUCCIO’s founding principles of innovation, collaboration, community, and excellence within Canada’s university IT community. Dozens of applications are cut down to a series of finalists by a panel of expert judges. Finally, we gather each year at CANHEIT to award our winners and celebrate the enormous contributions of our community.
Why these awards matter.
Recognition is more than a ceremony. It shapes culture, accelerates careers, and raises the standard for what excellent looks like — across every institution in our community.
Recognition at every level.
The impact of meaningful recognition operates across the individual, the team, and the institution. Research consistently shows it's one of the highest-leverage tools available to leaders.
Motivation & Performance
Recognition reinforces the behaviors and effort that move organizations forward. Studies show recognized employees are significantly more motivated and productive — not because they're chasing a trophy, but because acknowledgment signals that their work genuinely matters.
General considerations.
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Nominations must be submitted by a CUCCIO member.
Projects must have a completion date that falls within a year before or after the nomination.
Self-nominations are acceptable.
Nominations must have the approval of the CIO or equivalent for all categories except the CIO of the Year (you may want to keep it a surprise for your CIO).
An individual may not win the same award more than once. This includes the CIO of the Year, which was previously called “Community Award”.
All member institutions are eligible, and encouraged, to submit nominations, regardless of size, complexity or geography.
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Opening Date: February 23, 2026
Closing Date: March 31, 2026
Awards Gala: June 2, 2026 at CANHEIT (Waterloo)
Category specific considerations.
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The SIG Lead of the Year Award recognizes a champion within the Special Interest Groups. This individual demonstrates going above and beyond in a voluntary capacity to drive their SIG forward in the spirit of community.
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The Innovation Award celebrates significant advances in teaching, learning, research, or administration through the application of IT. The outcomes contribute to improved processes, better student and staff experiences, management of risk and/or control of costs. Enables your institution to make exceptional progress in daily activities through innovation.
Criteria:
Innovation in the application of existing tech or the development of new ones.
The impact of benefits achieved or planned.
Applicability to other members.
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The Collaboration award recognizes sharing between institutions, campuses, faculties or departments that lead to a next level of efficiency and effectiveness through the application of IT.
Criteria:
Breadth and extent of collaboration.
Impact of benefits achieved or planned.
Applicability or other members.
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The Emerging Leader award recognizes an up-and-comer who builds, supports, and represents the coming wave of leaders in university IT. This individual demonstrates ongoing technical and creative expertise as well as growth in responsibility and leadership. Currently not in the CIO role, candidates are participants in the Leadership Development Program (LDP and ISLDP) and/or other IT members, as nominated by their CIO.
Criteria:
How have the nominee's responsibilities grown over the past year?
Please provide an example of an initiative the nominee led that supports their institution's IT strategy. Describe how they may have ‘gone out on a limb’ or supported a collective effort to lead their team to achieve more than they have previously, or led a new initiative through to success.
How has the nominee's contributions introduced some significant positive change on Canadian Higher Education IT?
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The CIO of the Year award recognizes a CIO (or equivalent) who builds, supports, and enriches our community. This award celebrates outstanding contributions by an exemplary leader who demonstrates vision, innovation, transformation, and professional excellence. This individual will be a role model not only within their institution, but throughout the wider CUCCIO community.
Criteria:
What IT initiative(s) has the nominee shepherded to support institutional strategy and demonstrate their status as an exemplary leader?
How has the nominee demonstrated leadership in the CIO role (best practices, managing resources, professional development, influencing change, etc.)
In what ways has the nominee supported CUCCIO and the higher education community?
Retention & Loyalty
Employees who feel meaningfully recognized are far less likely to leave their organizations. In a sector competing for talent, awards programs aren't just celebratory — they're a retention strategy. People stay where they feel seen.
Culture & Values
Public awards are cultural tools. They communicate what an organization celebrates — and therefore what it becomes. By recognizing innovation, collaboration, and leadership, CUCCIO reinforces these as the defining values of Canadian higher education IT.
Innovation & Collaboration
Recognized employees are more likely to share ideas, take creative risks, and contribute beyond their defined role. Spotlighting bold work across our community creates visible benchmarks of success — and inspires peers to reach for them.
Celebrating past submissions
Excellence doesn't have an expiration date. Browse our past award submissions to see the work that has shaped and inspired our industry.
2025
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Recipient
Jennifer Burns – University of British Columbia
Jennifer Burns has redefined what CIO leadership looks like in Canadian higher ed. She led UBC’s decade-long transformation to Workday, impacting over 90,000 users and aligning IT with institutional strategy in visionary ways. As a champion of AI innovation, cybersecurity, data governance, and inclusive leadership, Jennifer has positioned UBC — and CUCCIO — as a leader on the global stage. From launching Canada’s first university Chief Data Officer to empowering her team with mentorship and curiosity, Jennifer’s legacy is one of bold thinking, deep collaboration, and lasting impact. -
Recipient - Edgar (Ed) Lazar – Emily Carr University of Art + Design
Ed Lazar’s collaborative, strategic leadership has modernized systems, enhanced risk management, and inspired a culture of mentorship at Emily Carr. His work has not only elevated IT services but has set a bold example for future leaders in the CUCCIO community. -
Recipient (s)
Recipient(s) - Greg Atkinson (McMaster University) and Michael Laurentius (University of Toronto)
Greg and Michael are being recognized for their exceptional leadership of the Research Information Security SIG. These co-chairs have united experts across the sector, created a shared training repository, and produced a white paper that’s informing national strategy on research security in higher ed.
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Recipient - York University – Automated University Response Assistant (YU AURA)
York’s YU AURA platform democratizes AI development through a no-code, in-house solution that empowers faculty and staff to build AI assistants in minutes. With plans to open-source the platform, York is leading the way in ethical, scalable, and inclusive AI for higher education.Finalists
McMaster University – CRM Implementation
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Recipient - Inclusion in Cyber Security Canada
A cross-sector initiative championing diversity and equity in cybersecurity across higher education. Through mentorship programs, sector-wide webinars, and an expanding resource hub, ICC is driving systemic change and community-driven leadership in an evolving digital landscape. This project includes participants from University of Toronto, CUCCIO, Laurier University, ORION, McMaster University, Sheridan College, Humber College, Durham College, and CANARIE.Finalists
The CANCICM (Canadian Continuous Improvement and Change Management) 2024 Conference
Wilfrid Laurier University
University of Waterloo
Canadian University Council of CIOs
University of Regina
LeanHE Canada
Advancing efforts to innovate, leverage and ensure sound stewardship of the use of Generative AI tools and Resources
McMaster University
Data Transformation
Dalhousie University
Shared Technical Support
Thompson Rivers University
Simon Fraser University
YU Aura
York University
Google Workspace Storage Optimization
University of Alberta
Life After Broadcom
Simon Fraser University
Thompson Rivers University
OCADU
Carleton University
The Information Security Expertise Center (CESI)
University of Quebec (UQ) Network
UQAM : Université du Québec à Montréal
UQTR : Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières
UQAC : Université du Québec à Chicoutimi
UQAR : Université du Québec à Rimouski
UQO : Université du Québec en Outaouais
UQAT : Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue
INRS : Institut national de la recherche scientifique
ENAP : École nationale d’administration publique
ÉTS : École technologie supérieure
TELUQ : Université TÉLUQ
UQSS : Université du Québec, siège socia
2024
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Bo Wandschneider, University of Toronto
Bo Wandschneider's leadership as CIO of the University of Toronto has shaped not only his institution but the entire Canadian higher education landscape. As a founder and steward of CanSSOC, Bo has strengthened Canada's critical infrastructure security. His creative involvement and enthusiastic endorsement of best practices across all three pillars of Digital Research Infrastructure—Research Data Management, Research Software, and Advanced Research Computing—has greatly benefited Canadian researchers nationwide. Beyond his technical expertise, Bo has served as a friend, mentor, and leader to countless colleagues in the community. His dedication to higher education and CUCCIO is evident in everything he does. As Bo prepares for his well-earned retirement, we celebrate his extraordinary contributions and lasting impact on Canadian research and higher education technology.
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Recipients
Mike Patterson of the University of Waterloo
Mike Patterson, Manager of Information Security Operations at the University of Waterloo, exemplifies the future of cybersecurity leadership in Canadian higher education. As a central figure in developing UWaterloo's first cybersecurity strategy and successfully implementing a new Endpoint Detection and Response tool, Mike has demonstrated thoughtful leadership and technical excellence. His quick thinking and decisive action during a major attempted ransomware attack led to swift recovery, while his calm demeanor under pressure inspires trust across the university. Beyond his institution, Mike co-chairs the CUCCIO Cybersecurity Special Interest Group, graduated from the Information Security Leadership Development Program (ISLDP), and actively champions collaboration through CanSSOC events. His dedication to information sharing and community building makes him an invaluable asset to both UWaterloo and Canada's cybersecurity landscape.
Laleh Mosadegh of the University of British Columbia
Laleh Mosadegh's transformative leadership has elevated UBC's IT infrastructure while setting new standards for operational efficiency and technological advancement across Canadian higher education. From spearheading major technology integrations to propelling UBC to the forefront of AI-driven innovation, Laleh's contributions demonstrate exceptional technical vision. Her commitment to staff development and fostering a culture of continuous improvement exemplifies the perfect blend of technical acumen and empathetic leadership. By inspiring growth and innovation within her teams, Laleh has become an invaluable asset not only to UBC but to Canada's broader IT landscape. Her achievements represent the future of leadership in higher education technology.
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Recipient
2024 Innovation Award: Nipissing University Technology Services Team
Nipissing University's Technology Services Team has demonstrated best-in-class innovation by implementing forward-thinking technology that reduces waste, streamlines campus operations, and enhances security for students, staff, and faculty. Led by Director Heather Hersemeyer, the team—including Greg Ferguson, Shelley Demers, Christian Brown, Tom Watkins, Vansh Tyagi, Pauline Teal, and Maria Cooper—has established Nipissing as an innovative leader in higher education. Their commitment to sustainability and technological advancement exemplifies how strategic technology implementation can deliver multiple benefits simultaneously: operational efficiency, environmental responsibility, and improved campus safety. This achievement showcases the power of collaborative innovation in transforming the university experience.
Finalists
Algoma University – Cloud Based Student System (SIS)
Carleton University – UPS upgrades and revamped virtualization environment
University of British Columbia – AI Course tool
University of Northern British Columbia – TeamDynamix – matrix reporting structure
University of Saskatchewan
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Recipient
New Brunswick / Prince Edward Island EducationAL Computer Network
Nine universities and colleges from the New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island Educational Computer Network (NB/PEI ECN) have joined forces to create a groundbreaking after-hours Security Operations Center (SOC). Powered by Stratejm Inc.'s Managed Detection and Response (MDR) service, this collaborative initiative provides 24/7 real-time threat detection and response across all member institutions. By sharing the cost and expertise of cybersecurity operations, these institutions have made enterprise-level protection accessible and affordable for the entire network. The rapid response capabilities minimize data breaches and protect sensitive information across the community. This partnership demonstrates that collaboration is the ultimate defense against cybercrime, proving that together, institutions can achieve cybersecurity excellence that would be unattainable alone.
Finalists
The Applications SIG’s University of Ottawa's Enterprise Integration Platform (EIP) Session
Canadian Continuous Improvement & Change management conference - Jennifer Ferfolja, Anuja Bajaj, Brian Stewart, Ray Konecsni, and Adrian Lim
Dalhousie University - Intune Implementation
University of Northern British Columbia’s Unified Progression Plan
2023
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Recipient
Dana Sanderson - CIO University of Prince Edward Island
Dana Sanderson exemplifies the spirit of community that defines CUCCIO. As a frequent and prolific contributor to numerous CUCCIO initiatives, Dana has been exceptionally generous with his expertise, experience, and wit. His contributions to the Leadership Development Program (LDP) alone have benefitted dozens of aspiring leaders through topic presentations, virtual social events, and project consulting. As Bob Cook notes, Dana freely shares his humor, wisdom, and experience—creating lasting impact on future leaders. Beyond mentoring others, Dana remains committed to his own professional growth and learning. As NB-PEI ECN's representative on the NREN, he practices his signature skill as a "bridge builder" between the CIO community and the research and education networking world. Dana's generosity, authenticity, and dedication transform CUCCIO from a professional association into a true community—caring, sharing, and invested in each other's success.
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Recipients
Mike Patterson of the University of Waterloo
Mike Patterson, Manager of Information Security Operations at the University of Waterloo, exemplifies the future of cybersecurity leadership in Canadian higher education. As a central figure in developing UWaterloo's first cybersecurity strategy and successfully implementing a new Endpoint Detection and Response tool, Mike has demonstrated thoughtful leadership and technical excellence. His quick thinking and decisive action during a major attempted ransomware attack led to swift recovery, while his calm demeanor under pressure inspires trust across the university. Beyond his institution, Mike co-chairs the CUCCIO Cybersecurity Special Interest Group, graduated from the Information Security Leadership Development Program (ISLDP), and actively champions collaboration through CanSSOC events. His dedication to information sharing and community building makes him an invaluable asset to both UWaterloo and Canada's cybersecurity landscape.
Laleh Mosadegh of the University of British Columbia
Laleh Mosadegh's transformative leadership has elevated UBC's IT infrastructure while setting new standards for operational efficiency and technological advancement across Canadian higher education. From spearheading major technology integrations to propelling UBC to the forefront of AI-driven innovation, Laleh's contributions demonstrate exceptional technical vision. Her commitment to staff development and fostering a culture of continuous improvement exemplifies the perfect blend of technical acumen and empathetic leadership. By inspiring growth and innovation within her teams, Laleh has become an invaluable asset not only to UBC but to Canada's broader IT landscape. Her achievements represent the future of leadership in higher education technology.
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Recipient
Air Travel Emissions Mitigation Initiative (ATEMI) – University of Toronto
The University of Toronto's Air Travel Emissions Mitigation Initiative (ATEMI) demonstrates technological leadership in environmental stewardship. By leveraging technology to track and highlight the carbon impact of air travel, ATEMI encourages the university community to consider lower-emission alternatives before booking flights. This innovative approach reduces the institution's overall carbon footprint while raising awareness about the environmental cost of travel decisions. ATEMI represents a practical, scalable solution that empowers individuals to make informed choices aligned with the university's sustainability commitments.
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Recipient
University of British Columbia’s Emerging Media Lab (EML)
The UBC Emerging Media Lab exemplifies collaborative innovation in higher education. Through a year-long partnership with Dr. Pennefather, the EML co-developed MDIA 470, a project-based learning (PjBL) course focused on emerging technology development. This collaboration trains students on proof-of-concept projects using Agile project management methodologies, bridging academic learning with real-world industry practices. The course represents a successful model of partnership between faculty, students, staff, and industry partners, preparing the next generation of technology professionals through hands-on prototyping and collaborative development. The EML's work demonstrates how cross-sector collaboration enriches student learning and advances emerging media innovation.
2022
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Recipient
Amplifying Digital Accessibility in Education – Jessica Blackwood, Faculty of Science and Kate Brown, Equity, and Inclusion Office, McMaster University
Under the mantra "nothing for us, without us," McMaster University's Digital Accessibility Initiative championed true inclusion by placing the disability community at the center of accessibility efforts. This groundbreaking approach developed tools, capabilities, and accessible content while fostering a culture of accessibility that extends far beyond McMaster. By sharing training and remediation tactics with other institutions and emphasizing the importance of accessible design from the earliest stages of content development, the initiative has planted the seeds of long-term accessibility across the higher education sector. Their work demonstrates that meaningful accessibility requires more than technical compliance—it demands cultural transformation and authentic partnership with the disability community. McMaster's leadership has created a ripple effect, inspiring institutions sector-wide to embed accessibility into their IT practices and organizational culture.
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Recipient
Vaccination Compliance Program - University of Saskatchewan
When the University of Saskatchewan's Pandemic Response and Recovery Team (PRT) determined the need for a vaccination compliance program in August 2021, ICT rose to the challenge. In just three weeks, they built, piloted, and deployed a comprehensive vaccine declaration and rapid test submission system for over 30,000 community members before fall classes began. The system leveraged computer vision and machine learning to automatically verify approximately 70% of vaccination documents and 90% of rapid test submissions, significantly reducing administrative burden. PowerBI analytics provided PRT leaders with real-time insights into compliance and vaccination levels, while detailed reports supported compliance administration and logistics. This rapid, innovative solution enabled the university to safely resume campus operations during a critical time.
Finalist
Adopting Change Management throughout the Organization - University of Guelph
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Recipient
CanSSOC Threat Feed
University of British Columbia
University of Alberta
University of Toronto
Toronto Metropolitan University
McMaster University
McGill University
The Canadian Security Operations Centre (CanSSOC) Threat Feed exemplifies the power of collaboration in cybersecurity. Founded on the principle of "Better than we can do on our own, always in partnership," CanSSOC brings together over 150 institutions—including universities, colleges, CEGEPs, and research institutes—to combat increasingly frequent and complex cyber threats. Led by the Universities of British Columbia, Alberta, Toronto, McMaster, McGill, and Ryerson, this partnership has developed a community-driven approach to threat detection and response that no single institution could achieve alone
Finalists
Distributed Cyber Security Incident Response Team (DCSIRT) Initiative
· Simon Fraser University
· Thompson Rivers University
· University of British Columbia
Process Innovation for Enterprise REDCap Operations
· University of Toronto
Dalhousie's Banner Transformation Program
· Dalhousie University
Unify Communications of Taylor Institute for Teaching and Learning
· University of Calgary
MacCheck - Back to Campus
· McMaster University
Connecting all remote workers to key information during COVID
· Dalhousie University
2021
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Recipient
Brian Lesser - CIO Ryerson University & Champion of Cyber Security Benchmarking
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Recipient
SAVY – York University’s Student Virtual Assistant (Recipient)
SAVY is the first point of contact for York students looking for critical after-hours support with online learning tools, assignments, exams, mental health services and safety resources. With over 50,000 conversations and 120,000 messages from 20,000 SAVY has been able to answer over 80% of all questions asked, accurately.
Finalists
Virtual Pink Folders
Navi – A Mental Health Way Finder - University of Toronto
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Recipient
Shared SIEM Initiative – Emily Carr University of Art and Design, BCNet, Yukon University
Security in higher education and research is paramount. The threats are sophisticated and so is our response. The first of its kind, the Shared Security and Incident Management initiative is a collaboration between 10 institutions in two provinces and includes 27 professionals and is one component of a broader national cybersecurity strategy.
Finalists
D2L in 60 Days: A Pandemic Miracle - University of Victoria
New Student Connect Program – University of Victoria
2020 - No Awards
2019
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Recipient
Gayleen Gray, CTO and AVP IT at McMaster University
Gayleen Gray exemplifies passion and commitment to the CUCCIO community. Active in the organization almost since its inception—first as Deputy CIO at the University of Guelph and now as CTO and AVP of IT at McMaster—Gayleen has consistently championed knowledge sharing and colleague support. She never shies away from sharing her experiences and is always ready to help in whatever way she can. Most recently, Gayleen played an instrumental role in refining and launching CUCCIO's Leadership Development Program, where she has taken a whole new generation of future leaders under her wing. Her mentorship extends throughout the community, touching numerous members who have benefitted from her guidance, wisdom, and generosity. Gayleen's unwavering dedication has strengthened Canada's higher education IT community, making her a deserving recipient of this recognition.
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Recipient
University of Alberta’s Plaintext Password Sniffing Project.
Under the vision of "Reset, Reshape and Refocus," the University of Alberta's Security Team developed an innovative approach to campus cybersecurity. By leveraging existing technical infrastructure to enable plain text password sniffing, they built a tool that detects when credentials are entered into unencrypted web forms, automatically alerts users, and expires those compromised credentials. This proactive solution not only strengthens security for the University of Alberta's community but is also shareable with other institutions, helping the broader higher education sector better protect their environments and safeguard their communities against credential compromise.Finalists
University of Toronto | NGSIS Platform Modernization
University of Victoria | Research Administration Information System
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Recipient
Information Security SIG’s Cyber Incident Response Framework
Recognizing that those acting against our information security interests freely share intelligence about higher education institutions, the CUCCIO Information Security SIG understood that effective defense requires equally coordinated collaboration. The Security SIG members self-organized to develop a comprehensive cyber incident response guide for the community. Through collective discussion, debate, and contributed expertise, they created a practical resource that enables CUCCIO members to respond to cyber incidents in a coordinated fashion. Published in conjunction with CAUBO, this framework exemplifies how sharing information and best practices strengthens the security posture of all institutions, transforming individual vulnerability into collective resilience.
Finalists
University of Alberta | Learning Management Consortium Migration of Moodle to the Cloud
The University of British Columbia | The learning Technology Environment (LTE) Renewal Project
2018
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Recipient
Art Exner, Associate Vice President Information Technology (IT) Services, University of Regina
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Recipient
The University of British Columbia’s Emerging Media Lab
Finalists:
Simon Fraser University | A New Network Data Architecture using Software Defined Architecture
University of Ontario Institute of Technology | Artemis Cloud Implementation
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Recipient
Nova Scotia Higher Education IT Shared Services (HISS)
Finalists
Simon Fraser University | Development of SFU’s One I.S. Strategy
University of Victoria | Higher Ed IT Procurement Project
2017
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Bob Cook – CIO University of Toronto - Winner
Bob Cook, CIO of the University of Toronto, received the 2016 CUCCIO Community Award in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the higher education IT community in Canada. As the leader of IT at Canada's largest university, Bob exemplified the collaborative spirit that defines CUCCIO by consistently placing the collective interests of the community above institutional advantage.
Rather than operating independently as many large institutions might, Bob actively supported CUCCIO's mission of building the higher education IT community. His approach was marked by humility and inclusiveness—he ensured that he was never seen as simply representing the largest member institution, but rather as an equal partner committed to the success of the entire community. This mindset demonstrated his awareness of the importance of collective action and his genuine dedication to advancing higher education IT leadership across all Canadian universities, regardless of size.
Bob's leadership style and community-first approach made him a deserving recipient of an award that celebrates those who best embody CUCCIO's values of collaboration, community building, and shared success.
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Recipient
University of Northern British Columbia - Enhanced Business Continuity Through the Application of Docker Containerization
Finalists:
Simon Fraser University | The Official SFU App Suite
University of Calgary | Secure Compute
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Recipient
University of Alberta - ShareIT Project
Finalists:
Simon Fraser University Data Centre: Installation of Cedar
Laurentian University | Ontario Group’s Shared CISO
2016
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Bob Cook – CIO University of Toronto - Winner
Bob Cook, CIO of the University of Toronto, received the 2016 CUCCIO Community Award in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the higher education IT community in Canada. As the leader of IT at Canada's largest university, Bob exemplified the collaborative spirit that defines CUCCIO by consistently placing the collective interests of the community above institutional advantage.
Rather than operating independently as many large institutions might, Bob actively supported CUCCIO's mission of building the higher education IT community. His approach was marked by humility and inclusiveness—he ensured that he was never seen as simply representing the largest member institution, but rather as an equal partner committed to the success of the entire community. This mindset demonstrated his awareness of the importance of collective action and his genuine dedication to advancing higher education IT leadership across all Canadian universities, regardless of size.
Bob's leadership style and community-first approach made him a deserving recipient of an award that celebrates those who best embody CUCCIO's values of collaboration, community building, and shared success.
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Recipient
University of Alberta – Did you Know – Technology Training Initiative
Finalists
University of Saskatchewan – Service Design and Delivery Project
University of British Columbia – Sauder School of Business Learning Labs
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Recipient
UBC Contactless transit card (compass) conversion
Finalist
University of Lethbridge – Project Management Office Implementation
University of Winnipeg – Student Planning
2015
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Recipient
Jeff Gardiner, chair CUCCIO’s Security Information Group
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Recipient
University of Toronto’s Online Proctoring Pilot Project
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Recipient
New Brunswick/Prince Edward Island Education Computing Network
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