5 graduates recognized for academic achievement: 2025 Director’s Award for Academic Excellence  

Behind every top academic achievement is a story of persistence, discipline, and a deep commitment to learning. This year, five outstanding graduates have earned the 2025 Director’s Award for Academic Excellence, placing them in the top 1% of their class at Rotman Commerce.

As this year’s recipients graduate from Rotman Commerce, they carry with them the skills of critical thinking and persistence that will continue to serve them in every step ahead. Congratulations to the 2025 Academic Excellence Award recipients: 

For Maia Stelfox, academic excellence did not come easily—it was earned through self-reflection and a willingness to grow. From her first semester in 2021, she focused on refining her approach, steadily building the habits and mindset needed to thrive in Rotman Commerce’s rigorous environment.  

To Maia, success at RC was never just about grades; instead, it was about the resilience, perspective, and confidence she built along the way, shaping not just her academic journey, but the foundation for everything that comes next. 

Achieving academic excellence wasn’t Stephanie Staibano’s primary goal at Rotman Commerce. While excelling in her studies, she mentored peers, led study groups, and grew the reach of the Rotman Commerce Real Estate Association (RCREA)—experiences that helped pave the way for her admission to Harvard Business School for her MBA.  

With support from a community that believed in her, Stephanie found her voice as both a student and a leader. She leaves RC with deep gratitude, knowing that the most valuable lessons came not only from textbooks but from uplifting others along the way.  

Jen-Chieh (Jay) Chuang’s time at Rotman Commerce helped him redefine what success meant on his own terms. With a global perspective shaped by his international education, he found his strengths in academics, problem-solving, and analytical thinking.  

Through rigorous coursework and diverse internships, Jay gained a multifaceted view of international business, ultimately discovering the value of following a path that aligns with his passions.  

When Linyue (Caroline) Chen first arrived in Toronto, her path ahead felt uncertain. Through dedication and curiosity, she quickly found her footing at Rotman Commerce. She excelled academically while actively engaging with the community, from joining clubs to competing in case competitions and supporting her peers as a Teaching Assistant.  

Inspired by the mentorship of professors and encouragement from classmates, Caroline explored a wide range of disciplines, including finance, data science, and languages. Above all, she’s proud to have paid forward the guidance she received, helping students succeed in their journeys with confidence. 

The structure and challenge at Rotman Commerce fuelled Mei An Chen’s drive to achieve excellence. RC’s rigorous academic environment helped her refine her critical thinking and develop a mindset rooted in discipline and continuous improvement.  

Shaped by diverse perspectives and a culture of independent learning, Mei An leaves RC with a strong foundation and dedicated work ethic that will continue to guide her in her professional journey. 

By Cammyn Lim (BCom ’26) | July 11, 2025