Pilon School of Business launches Convergence 2026 to celebrate the lasting impact of a Sheridan education

Pilon School of Business (PSB) celebrated a new milestone with the launch of Convergence 2026, an inaugural event that brought together students, alumni, faculty, staff, Professional Advisory Council (PAC) members and industry partners to celebrate the excellence of a Sheridan education and its lasting impact on industries and communities.

Held on November 12, Convergence showcased how meaningful, hands-on learning experiences at PSB connect education with real-world challenges, prepare students for successful careers and create lasting value for employers and communities. The event was honoured to welcome Fares Al Soud, Member of Parliament for Mississauga Centre and member of the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage.

“Convergence sparked ideas, helped partnerships grow and offered a place for possibilities to take shape,” said Shahrzad Farzinpak, Dean of PSB. “We brought together people from across our academic and industry communities to showcase the impact of a PSB education and how meaningful connections turn into opportunities that make a difference for our students as well as the communities we serve."

A highlight of the event was the induction of three distinguished alumni into the PSB Hall of Fame. Established in 2006, the Hall celebrates graduates whose leadership and contributions to their fields exemplify the impact of a Sheridan education to current and future students alike.

The 2026 inductees were: Jason Johnson (General Arts & Science ‘18), Founder and President of Turtle Island Charity; Karly-Anna O’Brien (BBA Supply Chain ‘19), Director of Strategic Development at Foodbuy Canada; and Kirk Allen (Advertising ‘82), Co-Founder of Reshift Media. Their contributions to Indigenous youth empowerment and community leadership, business strategy and supply chain management and digital marketing and entrepreneurship demonstrate the breadth of opportunities a Sheridan education can unlock and the lasting impact its graduates can make.

For Johnson, the opportunity to help develop Sheridan’s Indigenous student recruitment program, alongside his involvement with the Sheridan Student Union’s Board of Directors, provided invaluable experience and helped shape his path as a founder. O’Brien says Sheridan gave her the confidence, curiosity and critical-thinking skills that led to her career leading complex transformations and her commitment to mentoring and creating opportunities for others. Allen credits Sheridan’s hands-on learning and industry connections with giving him the skills and confidence to launch his career and, ultimately, his own digital marketing agency. Today, he sees that impact come full circle through the Sheridan graduates he employs.

Their message to current and future students is simple: embrace the opportunities, relationships and resources Sheridan offers. With dedicated faculty, staff and industry partners invested in their success, a Sheridan education is a launchpad for what comes next.

Convergence also celebrated student academic award recipients and recognized the vital role industry and community partners play in student success. Sixteen student award recipients were recognized for their academic excellence, leadership, commitment, perseverance and resilience throughout their academic journeys. In addition, over 20 donors who contributed to the academic awards were acknowledged at the ceremony for their mentorship and support in helping students realize their potential and make a lasting impact in their fields and communities.