For 10 years now, HEC Montréal students have been able to count on the support of the Club des 100, a group of young philanthropists committed to ensuring continued excellence in business education. As the month of November approaches with its focus on philanthropy, we are celebrating the strength and vision of this close-knit network. Read on to see how four of the group’s members are helping to shape the next generation of business leaders.
Though members must be 45 or younger, there is no cap to their generosity! Club des 100 philanthropists pledge to donate $10,000 or more over a period of up to 10 years. As a result of their combined contributions, we have awarded almost $200,000 in scholarships to date. Whether they donate to champion women in business, encourage cultural diversity, support individuals following atypical career paths or simply stay connected with the school that launched them, Club des 100 members share one goal: to jointly invest in the success of tomorrow’s leaders.
I co-founded the Club des 100 because of my great affection for and desire to give back to my alma mater, which has played such a key role in my career. I was inspired by Jean Rizzuto (HEC Montréal 1973), a member of the Conseil des Gouverneurs, who wanted to create a way to engage young graduates in philanthropy by allowing them to contribute within their means. It was following a Conseil event that I decided to launch this initiative.
Ten years later, I am extremely proud of how the Club has grown. It met its goal of 100 members before the School’s new building was inaugurated. Seeing so many passionate people getting involved tells me that this philanthropic circle will not only last but also continue to expand its impact.
Learn more: Daniel Cimon : réaliser son rêve à l’international
Joining the Club des 100 was a natural next step for me after I finished my degree. From the very beginning of my studies, I knew that HEC Montréal was going to be a major part of my life. It was like love at first sight! When it came time for me to start giving back, I thought that the best thing would be to lead by example. After doing some research, I discovered that there are many good reasons for young professionals to donate a life insurance policy, and that it can be an option regardless of your budget. By making a planned gift, I am amplifying the impact of my contribution to the School’s work of promoting knowledge and excellence. I will also be supporting women in IT through a new scholarship fund that I created.
It does both my head and my heart good to be able to make a difference like this!
As a CEO, one of my priorities is investing in young people, the next generation of business leaders and the community. I believe that it is essential to support and promote success in all its forms. HEC Montréal is known for its ability to produce world-class leaders. That’s why I put my trust in the school and established the Panetta Scholarships to help develop the potential and leadership skills of tomorrow’s managers by giving them the chance to study at one of the best business schools in the world.
What do I hope for as a Club des 100 member? That a recipient of a Panetta Scholarship will become a catalyst for positive change that drives our society and the economy forward.
I joined the Club des 100 in 2022 when I created a scholarship whose criteria would have applied to me personally. After receiving support from the HEC Montréal community during a pregnancy that overlapped with my university studies, I decided to create a scholarship to support single mothers from diverse backgrounds. In my view, reducing women’s financial burden and acknowledging their realities are the best ways to promote their independence and help them leverage their talents.
I hope that this scholarship will pave the way for great careers and ensure that single mothers don’t have to choose between becoming parents and pursuing their dreams!
