A message from Dr. Annette Trimbee, president and vice-chancellor
It was 1983 and things were rocky. Alberta was in the midst of a painful recession. Unemployment had shot up. People were struggling with sky-high mortgage rates. And a new national energy program was generating further pressure and uncertainty across the province.
As with many businesses, a local engineering consulting company was facing a challenging environment. With painful right-sizing, the firm was surviving. But there was palpable anxiety about its path forward.
For Ron Triffo, the firm’s new president, waiting things out was not an option. Some tough lessons had been learned and carving out a future for the company was going to mean changing course.
Over the next decade, the firm would expand its practice into a wider range of business lines, across many additional geographic locations. In 1994, now with over 800 employees, it would take another ambitious leap and be listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange. Fuelled by new investment capital and brimming with ambition, it would continue its remarkable trajectory.
This strategic, skillful and steady evolution, spearheaded by Ron, built the critical mass that propelled the firm into today’s Stantec.
And Ron Triffo would go on to bring his enterprising acumen to other organizations as well – including Edmonton Telephones (ED TEL) and Alberta Treasury Branches – helping them to discover new possibilities, fulfill untapped potential and contribute greater value to their customers and communities at large. Although they’re not often told, those stories are also hallmarked by Ron’s grit and determination, culminating in lasting legacies that benefit Albertans to this day.
I’ve thought about these achievements a great deal during the past few weeks, in anticipation of MacEwan announcing the naming of the Triffo School of Business. Naming faculties for individuals is certainly not new, but nowadays there is much more contemplation about the significance of those names and what they represent.
For our university’s business school, the Triffo name authentically evokes the characteristics we seek to build in our students ...
The ability to take stock, assess facts and craft a strategic way forward ...
The insight and creativity to develop and pursue achievable goals ...
The savviness to spot and seize opportunities, and the agility to navigate obstacles (especially the unexpected ones) ...
The conscientiousness to look out for employees, partners, stakeholders and customers ...
The leadership to inspire those you work with, collaborate with and depend upon ...
The courage to believe in yourself and your vision ...
And, like all MacEwan students, a keen sense of connection with the broader community.
For decades, countless community-building causes and initiatives have been enriched by Ron and his late wife, Dorothy. This includes substantial support for health care, cultural and post-secondary institutions – such as the Dorothy Triffo Atrium at the Cross Cancer Institute and MacEwan’s Triffo Theatre, which provides a state-of-the-art, accessible performing arts space for students and community organizations.
At the root of this support has been an enduring belief that business has a vital role in helping advance the overall well-being of communities. Part of our aspiration at MacEwan is to instill a similar spirit of community service within the modern business leaders we develop and see them act in the Triffo example.
Throughout our conversations, Ron has expressed praise for MacEwan graduates and their enthusiasm to apply their knowledge and talents, consistently work hard and build our city and province. So perhaps it shouldn’t be all that surprising that he is willing to further contribute his family name and legacy to our university. Nonetheless, it is our honour and we couldn’t be more thrilled.
MacEwan University is pleased and privileged to announce the Triffo School of Business.
Dr. Annette Trimbee
President and Vice-Chancellor