EMTM graduate named Laurier’s Alumnus of the Year

April 23, 2020

Jeremy Auger (MSc. EMTM ’12), graduate of the inaugural class of the Executive Master’s in Technology Management at Wilfrid Laurier University’s Lazaridis School of Business and Economics, has been awarded Laurier’s Alumnus of the Year award. This is the second year in a row that an EMTM graduate has received this prestigious recognition for impressive professional contributions. Jennifer Smith’s (MSc. EMTM ’12) received the award in 2018.

Over an illustrious 20-year career, Auger has contributed to the technology sector both in Waterloo Region and globally in highly impactful ways. He is currently Chief Strategy Officer and co-founder of D2L (formerly referred to as Desire 2 Learn). Auger holds over 20 patents in the educational technology space and holds distinguished positions on transformational boards such as the Kitchener Economics Development Advisory Committee as well as the Future Skills Council where he serves as an advisor to the federal government of Canada.

When asked about his candidacy for the award, Hamid Noori, executive director of the Lazaridis EMTM program said, “I have no doubt that Jeremy’s time at Laurier informs his decisions as a leader and emboldens him to seek opportunities that demonstrate responsibility.

“He generously lends his time for fellowship, advocacy and mentorship. For this, I believe he is a worthy candidate for this prestigious award – an award he will carry proudly and that will allow the university to recognize the efforts of a graduate who is clearly shaped by what he learned during his time here.”

As the world moves to envisioning the future of work in light of the impacts of artificial intelligence, Auger has been sought after for his keen strategic ability to understand the deep intricacies of training and developing in an ever-digitizing global world.

However, while his reputation is global, Auger is laser focused on creating valuable experiences and opportunities for growth for his many employees. Overseeing departments in engineering, government relations, product design, human resources, mergers and acquisitions and others. Auger manages a sizable team, which has established D2L as a leader in the edtech and ‘tech-for-good’ space.

Auger’s commitment to ‘tech-for-good’ is deeply rooted in serving the local community first and creating positive opportunities for creation and change. Skill sharing plays an important role in this; Auger established a Volunteer Time-Off program at D2L, which allots two paid days per year for each D2L employee to volunteer. These employees are sharing their expertise in software development, digital pedagogies, human resources leadership and other important business skills with the Kitchener-Waterloo community.

“Mentorship is a prominent objective in Jeremy’s career. In addition to mentoring staff at D2L regularly, he has participated in formal mentoring programs such as Girls20, which includes mentoring the high-potential young women from under-served countries such as Pakistan, India, China, Mexico, Germany and Australia,” said CEO of D2L, John Baker.

“As Laurier endeavours to provide students with the foundation for success that includes learning a life of leadership and purpose, Jeremy is clearly an exemplar of the university’s influence.”

Upon congratulating Jeremy on his well deserved award, he stated that, "After having done my undergrad elsewhere, I was surprised at the ongoing close connection I've felt with Laurier since I did the EMTM program."

While the Lazaridis EMTM program is proud of all of its alumni, Auger’s accomplishments and contributions to building of one of the region's most successful businesses should not be understated. His contributions to creating a thriving tech community that is committed to knowledge sharing and continual growth is admirable. He truly is an esteemed colleague to many and a worthy recipient of this prestigious award.

More information about the award, previous recipients and the award presentation can be found on the Laurier Alumni website.