Feridun Hamdullahpur, Chancellor of the International Business University, has dedicated his career to shaping the next generation of leaders in higher education. His tireless efforts to advance education and innovation have been recognized with Canada’s highest civilian award – the Order of Canada. One of the country’s highest civilian honors, the Order of Canada was established in 1967 to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to business, science, culture, education, and public service. Many well-known people have received the Order of Canada, including Christopher Plummer, Margaret Atwood, Rick Mercer, and on the 4th of January 2023, our Chancellor, Dr. Feridun Hamdullahpur.
A leader in education and innovation, Dr. Hamdullahpur is known for his groundbreaking research in the fields of mechanical engineering and mechatronics, and his visionary leadership in academia. As Chancellor of the International Business University, he is a driving force in educating the next generation of leaders by promoting research excellence, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
Through his pioneering work and dedication, he has continued to push the boundaries of what is possible in education, inspiring students and colleagues alike to strive for excellence and make a difference in their fields. He is a champion of an inclusive and diverse environment in higher education and is an advocate for equity and anti-racism. Given his deep commitment to teaching, research, student well-being, entrepreneurship, and disrupting the interplay between education and business, this recognition is timely. We, at the International Business University of Toronto, are grateful for his continued leadership and dedication.
In this spirit, the Chancellor supports all faculty, employees, and students of IBU, as well as those who plan to study at our university in the future.
Congratulations, Chancellor Hamdullahpur, your IBU community is very proud!
A short personal interview with Feridun Hamdullahpur
As we celebrate Chancellor Hamdullahpur’s contributions, we asked for his reflections to inspire you, our students and future students, to pursue your dreams and reach your full potential as a student, leader, and member of society.
Of the previous Order of Canada winners, who do you find the most inspiring?
This is a really difficult question because it’s impossible to do justice to the thousands of winners over nearly six decades. Everyone has achieved great success, and there are fantastic examples to follow in each and every career. If I had to single someone out, it would be Arthur McDonald who won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2015.
Few people know that he was also awarded the Companion of the Order of Canada in 2016. In my opinion, it was much deserved, not only because of his key and interesting scientific discoveries as he observed our sun from 2,000 meters below the surface, but also because of his professional and human qualities which make him a true Canadian role model.
What advice would you give to students preparing for IBU?
It has been my experience that genuine curiosity is a great motivator and driving force. Anyone who wants to study with us for a university degree in business should be brave and ask questions.
They should want to learn as much as they can about this positively crazy and rapidly changing world around us. Our team at IBU will be working to provide students with the most up-to-date and exciting tools possible so we can find answers and solutions together.