CONESTOGA COLLEGE
Conestoga professor and graduate named 2026 IABC Fellow

Diana Degan, a graduate of Conestoga's Post-Secondary Teaching program, professor in the School of Business and invigilator in the Test Centre, has been named a 2026 Fellow of the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC), the organization's highest honour. Degan is among fewer than 120 professionals to receive the Fellow designation in IABC's more than 50-year history. 

Diana Degan has been named a 2026 Fellow of the International Association of Business Communicators(IABC).

The honour recognizes communication professionals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, integrity and contributions to the profession on a global scale. Degan was selected by an international committee of peers for her significant contributions to strategic communication and her long-standing commitment to advancing the profession through mentorship, advocacy and leadership. 

With more than 35 years of experience across agency, client-side, public sector and educational environments, Degan has played a key role in shaping communication practices and promoting communication as a strategic leadership function. The designation also recognizes her dedication to ethical, inclusive and accessible communication practices, as well as her support of emerging professionals in the field. 

"I'm deeply honoured to be named an IABC Fellow," said Degan. "As both a Conestoga graduate and professor, this recognition is especially meaningful because it reflects my passion for lifelong learning, mentorship and helping future communicators grow and succeed. I believe communication has the power to create understanding, connection and positive change, and I remain committed to supporting the next generation of professionals." 

The 2026 Fellows will be formally recognized at the IABC World Conference in Toronto June 14-16, where Degan will also be honoured as an IABC 2026 Master Communicator in recognition of excellence in the communication profession, thought-leadership and support for others in their career. Degan is the first person to ever win both awards in the same year.

"Diana's recognition as an IABC Fellow and Master Communicator is a remarkable achievement and a testament to her leadership and impact within the communication profession," said Tanya du Plessis, dean, Schools of Business, Community Services and Hospitality & Culinary Arts. "As both a Conestoga alumna and faculty member, she exemplifies the strength of lifelong learning and the meaningful impact our graduates continue to make in their professions and communities." 

IABC is a global network of communication professionals committed to advancing the profession through education, connection and strategic leadership. The Fellow designation is the association's highest honour, recognizing individuals whose careers have made a lasting impact on the communication profession worldwide.