Keenan Jeppesen

Director, Athletics & Recreation

Trish Chant-Sehl

Associate Director, Recreation & Healthy Living

Eric Bourque

Interim Associate Director, Varsity Athletics

T.J. Kelly

Manager, Facilities & Events

Brittany Reifenstein

Manager, Strategic Partnerships & Initiatives

Col. Ron Foxcroft

CM, OStJ, LLD (Hon)

Entrepreneur | Innovator | Sport & Community Leader

Col. Ron Foxcroft is an award-winning entrepreneur, business leader, and iconic figure in both sport and community development in Canada. He is the Chairman and CEO of Fox 40 International, creator of the world’s first pealess whistle used by referees, coaches, and emergency services in over 140 countries. Ron is also Chairman of Fluke Transportation Group, a leading Canadian trucking and logistics company.

A McMaster Athletics Hall of Fame inductee, Ron officiated NCAA and international basketball for over two decades, including the 1976 Olympic Games. He is widely known as “the referee with the golden whistle” and was honoured by Referee Magazine as one of the top 52 sports officials of all time. In 2016, he was appointed Honorary Colonel of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders and was named to the Order of Canada for his extraordinary contributions to business and community.

Ron continues to support McMaster through philanthropy, mentorship, and leadership, with the Foxcroft family name proudly associated with the scoreboard at Ron Joyce Stadium. His legacy of innovation, leadership, and giving back has made an enduring impact across sectors—from sport and transportation to civic life and emergency preparedness.e

Ed Minich

B.Sc., M.B.A., LL.D. (Hon), C.Dir., ICD.D.

Former President & CEO, Otis Canada Inc. | Executive Coach | McMaster Honorary Governor Emeritus

Ed Minich is the former President and CEO of Otis Canada Inc., where he enjoyed a distinguished 30-year career before retiring in 2004. A proud McMaster alumnus, he earned both his B.Sc. (1972) and M.B.A. (1974) from the DeGroote School of Business, and later returned as an adjunct professor in Strategic Management from 2005 to 2011. In 2004, he was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Laws from McMaster University and was named an Honorary Governor Emeritus in 2007 in recognition of 12 years of service on the university’s Board of Governors, including two as Chair.

An accredited Chartered Director (C.Dir.) and ICD.D., Ed has served on several high-profile boards, including Horizon Utilities, Hamilton Utilities Corporation, Hamilton International Airport, the Hamilton Port Authority, and the New Oakville Hospital Campaign Cabinet. He continues to contribute as an executive coach and governance advisor. Ed and his wife Siân (’71) reside in Oakville, where they’ve raised three children—all McMaster graduates—and now enjoy time with their eight grandchildren.

Wayne Purboo

Technology Executive | Entrepreneur | Equity Advocate

Wayne Purboo is a visionary technology executive and accomplished entrepreneur with more than 30 years of leadership in media and telecommunications. A proud McMaster MBA alumnus (2021), Wayne has held senior roles at globally recognized firms, including CTO at Solect Technology Group, CEO of QuickPlay Media, and executive positions at Amdocs, New Relic, and AT&T. He currently serves as Vice President of Amazon Shopping Videos, based in New York.

In 2020, Wayne and his wife Nigela co-founded the Onyx Initiative, a groundbreaking program created to address the systemic employment gap facing Black post-secondary students and recent graduates. The initiative has since grown to support over 1,000 students in partnership with more than 35 leading corporations across Canada, helping to build meaningful and equitable career pathways.

Wayne’s innovative leadership has earned national and international recognition, including Canada’s Top 40 Under 40, the Deloitte Fast 50, and the University of the West Indies Vice Chancellor’s Award. He has received honorary doctorates from both McMaster University and Toronto Metropolitan University for his contributions to education, equity, and entrepreneurship. Wayne lives in Oakville, Ontario with his wife and three sons, and remains committed to driving positive change through both business and community leadership.

Thérèse Quigley

Sport Administrator | Trailblazer | McMaster Hall of Famer

Thérèse Quigley is one of the most respected figures in Canadian university sport, with a distinguished career as an athlete, coach, and senior administrator. She began her McMaster journey in 1984 as head coach of the women’s varsity volleyball team, earning national recognition and being named Ontario Coach of the Year three times. In 1990, she made history as McMaster’s first female Director of Athletics and Recreation, a role she held for 19 years.

During her tenure, Thérèse led a transformational era for Athletics & Recreation, overseeing the creation of cornerstone facilities such as the David Braley Athletic Centre, Ron Joyce Stadium, Alumni Field, and the Sport Medicine Clinic. Her forward-thinking leadership helped position McMaster as a national leader in university sport and student wellness. Her legacy is embedded in campus life, with both the Sport Hall and Female Athlete of the Year award renamed in her honour.

Beyond McMaster, Thérèse has served as President of both Ontario University Athletics (OUA) and Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS), chaired Canada Basketball, and earned numerous accolades, including International Athletic Director of the Year and Hamilton’s Woman of the Year for Sport. She continues to be a passionate voice for the role of sport in building strong individuals and communities.

Fareen Samji

Entrepreneur | Long Drive Champion | Community Leader

Fareen “Far” Samji is a five-time Canadian Women’s Long Drive Champion and a passionate advocate for women’s empowerment through sport. A McMaster alumna, Far has transformed her athletic achievements into a platform for leadership, mentorship, and community impact. She is the founder of Smashing Golf and Smashing the Grass Ceiling, initiatives that use golf as a tool to help women build confidence, network strategically, and break professional barriers.

In addition to her entrepreneurial ventures, Far leads Smashing Girls, a mentorship program for youth aged 11–17, and serves as Tour Commissioner for ALD Canada Long Drive, promoting grassroots talent in the sport. Her contributions have been recognized with numerous honours, including the Canada 150 Medal and the Leading Women Leading Change award.

Far’s bold energy and inclusive vision continue to inspire individuals across Canada to “smash ceilings” and drive change—on and off the course.

Janette Smith

Former City Manager | Public Health Leader | Community Advocate

Janette Smith is a lifelong public servant with over 35 years of leadership experience in municipal government and community health. Most recently, she served as City Manager and Chief Administrative Officer for the City of Hamilton, where she led more than 8,000 employees and oversaw all municipal programs and services. During her tenure, she advanced major initiatives such as the Housing Sustainability and Investment Roadmap, the City’s Climate Change Strategy, and the Urban Indigenous Strategy, and helped secure a transformational LRT agreement with the provincial government.

A recognized crisis leader, Janette also guided the City through the COVID-19 pandemic, working collaboratively with hospitals, public health experts, and all levels of government to protect residents and maintain essential services. Prior to returning to her hometown of Hamilton, she held progressive senior roles at the Region of Peel, including Commissioner of Public Works and Commissioner of Health Services.

Now retired, Janette continues to give back through volunteer work with the Glanbrook Non-Profit Housing Corporation and McMaster Children’s Hospital. She holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Waterloo and a Master of Health Science from the University of Toronto, with additional executive training from Rotman, Queen’s, and Schulich. Her daughter Megan is a proud McMaster graduate, continuing the family’s strong ties to the university.

Lance Trumble

Real Estate Executive | Entrepreneur | Former CFL Linebacker

Lance Trumble is a seasoned real estate executive with over 30 years of experience in investment sales, development, and advisory leadership. A former CFL linebacker, Lance began his business career while still playing professionally, eventually rising to Vice President of Investment Sales at Cushman & Wakefield. He later joined Scotia Capital as Managing Director of Investment Banking, where he led the firm’s Canadian real estate brokerage and debt advisory operations.

An entrepreneur at heart, Lance is the co-founder of Matthews Tribal, a commercial real estate platform with a growing footprint in Canada and the United States. His focus on strategic partnerships and long-term value creation has led to the successful delivery of transformative projects in both markets. Lance is known for his sharp instincts, relentless drive, and ability to deliver above-market risk-adjusted returns for institutional partners.

In addition to his professional work, Lance remains closely connected to McMaster as a member of the University’s Board of Governors and Alumni Association Board of Directors. He is a past President of the McMaster Athletic Alumni Association and has served on the board of the Offord Centre for Child Studies. A private pilot and active industry contributor, Lance is a member of NAIOP, the Urban Land Institute, the National Club of Canada, and TBMOPA.

Roger Trull

Strategic Advisor | Advancement Leader | Community Builder

Roger Trull is a respected advancement executive and community leader with a long history of service to McMaster University and beyond. As McMaster’s Vice-President of University Advancement from 1993 to 2011, Roger led the development of one of Canada’s most successful advancement operations, integrating fundraising, alumni relations, public affairs, and government relations. Under his leadership, McMaster secured a number of historic gifts—including the $105 million DeGroote donation, then the largest cash gift in Canadian history—and raised over $474 million through The Campaign for McMaster University.

Roger also held senior advisory roles with the McMaster Foundation, Friends of McMaster in the U.S., the McMaster Hong Kong Foundation, and the President’s Advisory Committee on Community Relations. He continues to consult and coach in the education and healthcare sectors, with clients that have included the University of Montreal, SickKids Foundation, and University Health Network.

A lifelong volunteer, Roger has served on dozens of boards and initiatives including the Canadian Mental Health Association, the Bob Kemp Hospice, the Dundas Eco-Park, and the Liberian Learning Centre. He is a founding president and Lifetime Achievement Award recipient from the Canadian Council for the Advancement of Education. Roger remains deeply engaged in civic life through current roles with the Haliburton Highlands Health Services Foundation and local campaigns focused on health, education, and community well-being.