Dr. John Mighton, the award-winning Canadian mathematician, playwright, best-selling author and founder of JUMP Math, has been named a 2024 recipient of the Victoria College Distinguished Alumni Award. The award, created by the Alumni of Victoria College Executive in 1997, recognizes alumni who have made extraordinary contributions to society through educational, social, cultural, or other forms of leadership on a national or international level.
"I am deeply honoured to receive this recognition from Victoria College," said Dr. Mighton. "The College nurtured my early interests in both mathematics and the humanities, and I'm grateful to be acknowledged by a community that has shaped so much of my life and work. This recognition inspires me to continue expanding JUMP Math's mission to support every student by ensuring equitable access to quality math education."
Diana Lawrence, President of the Alumni of Victoria College noted the reasons Dr. Mighton was selected for this award, "Dr. Mighton exemplifies the spirit of this award through his tireless commitment to educational equity. The Committee was highly impressed by the breadth and depth of his contributions locally, nationally, and internationally and by the way in which he so clearly reflects the values and ideals of Victoria College's global alumni community."
The annual award is presented to Victoria College alumni in recognition of recent or lifetime achievement in fields such as education, the arts, business, and public service. Dr. Mighton received the award during the annual Alumni Dinner celebration at the historic Burwash Dining Hall on May 31, 2025. The event brings together distinguished alumni, faculty, and current students to celebrate the rich traditions and ongoing impact of Victoria College.
About Dr. John Mighton
John Mighton, PhD, O.C., is an award-winning mathematician, playwright, and best-selling author, who founded JUMP Math in 2002 to address inequities in math education and low expectations for student math achievement. He is internationally recognized for his work in advancing evidence-based math education and building children's confidence, skills and success in math, and has received numerous honorary doctorates and awards for his achievements in mathematics, social entrepreneurism and in the arts, including two Governor General's awards for playwrighting. In addition to receiving awards from the Schwab Foundation and Ernst & Young for Social Entrepreneurship, Dr. Mighton is an Officer of the Order of Canada, a lifetime Fields Institute fellow, and lifetime Ashoka fellow. View a full overview of his accomplishments and learn more at: https://www.jumpmath.org.
