Roelof Makken
Nearly 25 years after graduating from Brock, Roelof Makken (BA ’85, BAdmin ’85) is the Brock University Alumni Association’s 2010 Distinguished Alumni Award winner.
Makken is one of many successful alumni enriching the value of a Brock degree. He has done portfolio management and consulting for the past 12 years and taught economics courses at Brock for the past five. He is also a member of the university’s Board of Trustees (September 2006 – present) and the Faculty of Business Advisory Council.
“Roelof’s contagious enthusiasm, remarkable career accomplishments and ongoing contributions to the Brock community embody the spirit of the Brock University Alumni Association,” says Scott Moore, president of the Brock University Alumni Association. “We are extremely proud to honour him for his tireless dedication and work, and for helping to strengthen the worth of a Brock degree for all current and future alumni.”
It has been a long road since 1981, when Makken, who grew up in Beamsville, held down a night job catching chickens in order to fund his university education. He graduated with a BA in Economics with distinction and an Honours BAdmin in Finance.
In 2002, he co-founded Tern Analytics. Located in Etobicoke, Tern provides financial and risk management advisory services to a variety of local and international clients.
The ambitious 48-year-old continues to contribute to his alma mater. Since 2004, he has taught two courses: Canadian Economic Issues, and Economics of the Multinational Enterprise. To promote creative learning, Makken launched The Day on Bay, an annual trip to Bay Street in Toronto’s financial district where students can meet portfolio managers, traders, economists and risk managers in their work setting.
Makken is also an avid skier, cyclist, sailor and piano player. A few years ago, he played a key role in securing a fleet of new boats for Brock’s rowing team through business contacts in Argentina.
Makken will receive his Distinguished Alumni Award at the Alumni Celebration Dinner, which is part of this year’s 2010 Brock Days celebration.
Alumni Celebration Dinner
Pond Inlet, Brock University, Sept. 18, 6 to 10 p.m.
Celebrate anniversary classes 1970, ’75, ’80 and ’85 and honour the Distinguished Alumni Award recipients. Tickets are $65 or $520 for a table of eight.
To reserve tickets for the event, go to: brocku.ca/brock-days/register
Other distinguished alumni who will be recognized at the Alumni Celebration Dinner include:
- Distinguished Mathematics & Science Alumni Award: Andrew Panko (BSc. ’75) — Geologist, entrepreneur and brownfield developer
- Faculty of Business Distinguished Alumni Award: James MacLellan (BAdmin ’87) — Prominent lawyer specializing in construction law and strong supporter of the Faculty of Business
- Faculty of Education Distinguished Alumni Award: Bryce Honsinger (BA ’99, BEd ’00) — Award-winning educator
- Faculty of Social Sciences Distinguished Alumni Award: Colleen Swords (BA ’72) — Associate Deputy Minister, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
- Faculty of Humanities Distinguished Graduate Award: Thomas Goldspink (BA ’68) — Brock Silver Badger and long-time patron of the arts at Brock
- Faculty of Applied Health Sciences Distinguished Alumni Award: Chris Armstrong (BSM ’05) — Sports entertainment executive
