Honorary Degrees

Evelyn Nyairo, 2024 Honorary Degree Recipient

Evelyne Nyairo, M.Sc. P.Biol is the driving force behind the luxurious all-natural skincare brand Ellie Bianca. Ms. Nyairo has an academic background in Biochemistry and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Strategy and Innovation. Understanding the importance of technology and innovation, Evelyne is currently researching the integration of Al-powered tools (such as virtual reality, augmented reality and machine learning) into small business operations to create and sustain business competitive advantage.

Evelyne's efforts have been recognized nationally and internationally. She has always championed the issues of diversity and is a strong advocate of equal opportunity for all. Recognized for her strategic contributions to global projects and leadership, Evelyne has garnered accolades, including:

• being featured in the Canadian Senate by Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) in 2024
• receiving the 2023 Canadian Immigrant Champion Award
• receiving the 2022 Calgary Business Leader Award
• being selected as a global ambassador by Vital Voices
• being the winner of the prestigious 2021 RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards
• making it to the semi-finals of the CANIE Black Entrepreneur of The Year Award organized by Startup Canada for excellence and outstanding achievement in entrepreneurship
• receiving the CHFA Industry Achievement Award for Celebrating Diversity.

Through Ellie Bianca, named after her daughter, she has created not only a skincare line but also a pro-women's empowerment venture designed to "heal not just the skin, but the soul." Ellie Bianca is a beacon of hope and global connection.

A brilliant role model for aspiring entrepreneurs, Evelyne shares her wisdom born of perseverance in the face of adversity. She lives by the quote, "trust the process," which has given her the grace to nurture her brand.

She thrives best when she can contribute to advancing equality, and through Ellie Bianca, she can see this vision become a reality by working with female producers and ensuring that women are rewarded directly for their hard work.

Ellie Bianca is committed to being "Kind to your Skin, Kind to the Earth, Kind to Women."

Ian MacGregor, 2024 Honorary Degree Recipient

 Ian MacGregor is a fourth-generation Calgarian. He’s an engineer.

Ian starts new businesses. Some of the businesses he founded include North West Refining, Enhance Energy (Alberta Carbon Trunk Line), Carraig Ridge Development, Taylor Gas Liquids, Chinook Pipe, Solex Energy, Ultima Energy (Weyburn), Big Country Energy Services, Abax Energy Services, Armadillo Tackless, Tornado Drilling, Qube Technologies, Hydrogen Naturally and Pure Catalytic.

He has never had a permanent job that he did not create for himself. He has been doing this for quite a while and calls it “having fun.”

Ian has a wife and two adult kids, one of whom is an architect and the other an engineer like himself. He has ridden a bike to work since 1988, and so far, he has pedalled 236,000 km getting there and back.

His interest in sports was best summarized by his dad, Jack. When Jack was asked about where Ian golfed, he said, “Ian doesn’t believe in balls.”

Ian founded The Canadian Museum of Making because he likes old junk. He enjoys problems. He likes building and fixing, and he can weld, machine, mechanic, design and draw. He has designed and built buildings, museums, process plants, special-purpose machines and a lot of other stuff that didn’t work. He thinks he can fix most things or build new ones if they are needed. His mom taught him that’s where the fun is.

He can play the bagpipes and was in a band until he got old enough to be embarrassed by wearing a skirt.

He loves all animals with fur and enjoys trying to teach them new things. He can ride a horse when he needs to. 

Ian concentrates on having fun every day.

Dustin Westling, 2024 Honorary Degree Recipient

Dustin Westling is a fixture of Canada’s live experiences industry as an event professional, thought leader, and industry champion. He is engaged and connected in every facet of the industry, dedicated first and foremost to building community and bringing people together.

As Owner and Managing Partner of OneWest Events, Dustin leads and inspires a team of energetic and dedicated event professionals who truly love what they do and love doing it together. OneWest are well-known as both creative professionals and community builders. Dustin’s personal philosophy and the OneWest approach to business is built on a belief in collaboration, partnership, positivity, and the furthering of the industry as a whole.

Along with leading the charge in his team’s ongoing, on-the-ground work in event design and production, Dustin is involved with and has held numerous positions within industry organizations and educational institutions, where he works to help address relevant issues, spark conversation, and provide resources for new and upcoming industry professionals. He has been asked to participate on international panels like ILEA’s Global Events Forum and to speak at a wide variety of industry conferences and events.

Dustin’s enthusiasm for raising the bar, drive to continue to explore and redefine his work and his business as the industry continues to evolve, and unrelenting commitment to collaboration and giving back have not only defined his career and his business but continue to shape the industry.