Laurentian University will be awarding four honorary doctorate degrees during the spring convocation ceremonies. The honorary degree recipients will be in attendance to be recognized alongside graduating students.
"We are very pleased to be joined this week by these four inspirational leaders. Each of them has reached the top of their respective disciplines and their presence at convocation will signal to graduates that truly anything is possible. Their journeys are exceedingly worthy of the highest honour we can bestow," said Dr. Lynn Wells, President & Vice-Chancellor, Laurentian University.
The convocation ceremonies will be streamed live via YouTube and are available from laurentian.ca
Award Dates
- June 3, 2025 at 10 a.m. - Thomas (Tom) R. Greco
- June 3, 2025 at 2:30 p.m. - Kristan Straub
- June 5, 2025 at 2:30 p.m. - Dawn Madahbee Leach
- June 6, 2025 at 2:30 p.m. - Luciano (Lu) Galasso
Honorary Doctorate Recipients
Thomas (Tom) R. Greco, Honorary Doctorate of Laws
Thomas (Tom) R. Greco is a seasoned executive and board director with more than four decades of leadership experience across the consumer goods, retail, health care, and sports media sectors. A proud Canadian and graduate of Laurentian University's renowned Sports Administration (SPAD) program, Tom credits his time in Sudbury as foundational to his leadership philosophy and enduring career in business.
He graduated from Laurentian in 1981, nearly 44 years ago, and began his professional journey immediately afterward at Procter & Gamble. Tom went on to spend nearly 30 years at PepsiCo, Inc., taking on increasingly senior roles across Canada and the United States. His positions included President of Frito-Lay Canada, President of Global Sales, and Chief Commercial Officer for North American Beverages. He later served as President and CEO of Frito-Lay North America, where he led innovation, strengthened brand equity, and delivered consistent growth across a powerhouse portfolio of snack brands.
In 2016, Tom was appointed President and CEO of Advance Auto Parts, Inc., where he led a major transformation, and acquired the DieHard battery brand strengthening the company's competitive position. He grew Advance's revenues by nearly $2 billion USD before announcing his retirement from Advance in early 2023.
Today, Tom serves on several boards, including Centene Corporation, Wingstop Inc., Tapestry, Inc., and the American Heart Association. He is also a board member of A Parent Media Co. Inc., a Calgary-based Canadian company, where he is helping guide the growth of Victory+, a new sports streaming platform.
Kristan Straub, Honorary Doctorate of Laws
Over the course of nearly 30 years, Kristan has cultivated a remarkable career spanning mineral exploration, operations, and executive management across diverse international landscapes. His profound expertise has led him to hold significant positions, including his current role as CEO, Canada for Wyloo, working in partnership with several communities for the advancement and development of some of Canada's most important strategic mineral deposits. Prior to this, Kristan served as a valued member of Glencore Nickel's executive team as Vice President of Exploration. His global leadership also includes his tenure as President of Koniambo Nickel SAS in New Caledonia, a 51:49 percent joint venture majority owned by the local Kanak population.
Demonstrating a commitment to safety, operational excellence and collaborative partnerships, Kristan held the role of Vice President of Glencore's Raglan Mine in Nunavik from 2014 to 2018. Kristan also led the team that re-negotiated with the Inuit of Nunavik the historic Raglan Impacts and Benefits Agreement, Canada's first. Kristan currently serves on the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors for both the Mining Association of Canada and the Mining Association of Ontario, contributing his strategic insights to the industry's growth and sustainability.
Adding to his distinguished profile, Kristan is a proud band member of Henvey Inlet and French River No. 13 First Nation, underscoring his strong ties to his community and heritage. Kristan (Hon. B.Sc. Geology 98) is married to Dr. Jennifer Straub (LU BA '97), the proud father of Mackenzie (LU B.Sc. '22), and Eriksen (LU BBA Class of '26).
Dawn Madahbee Leach, Honorary Doctorate of Laws
Dawn Madahbee Leach is a proud member of the Aundeck Omni Kaning First Nation on Manitoulin Island in Ontario where she has served as a member of her community's elected Council. Since 1988, she has been General Manager of the Waubetek Business Development Corporation, an Indigenous Financial Institution that provides financing and economic services to Indigenous entrepreneurs and First Nation communities throughout Northeast Ontario. Under her leadership, Waubetek has proudly invested more than $160 million in nearly 4,000 Aboriginal businesses who experience a business success rate of 94%. Ms. Madahbee Leach studied at York University and Laurentian University where she earned a degree in Political Science with a minor in Law.
Dawn shares her knowledge and expertise on various Boards and committees including the National Indigenous Economic Development Board where she currently serves as Chair. She also serves on the Boards of the Peace Hills Trust Company, NioBay Minerals Inc., TC Energy, the Des Nedhe Group of Companies, and the Indigenous Centre of Excellence for Mineral Development. She worked alongside National Indigenous Organizations to develop the 2022 National Indigenous Economic Strategy for Canada, the first national strategy of its kind penned exclusively by Indigenous People.
Dawn's work has been acknowledged by the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business who honoured her with the 2023 Business Lifetime Achievement Award. She also received the 2020 INDSPIRE Award in the Business and Commerce Category and was celebrated as one of Canada's 100 Most Powerful Women by the Women's Executive Network in 2018. She has been a speaker at international forums in Australia, Chile, New Zealand, Sweden, Taiwan, Paris, Germany, the US and the UN on Indigenous economic development.
Dawn is a traditional dancer and an advocate for Indigenous Peoples, businesses and First Nations, believing strongly that First Nation culture, language and economic development is the way forward for First Nations and future generations.
Luciano (Lu) Galasso, Honorary Doctorate of Laws
Luciano Galasso is a respected business executive and community leader with extensive experience in finance, manufacturing, and corporate governance. Born and raised in Sudbury, Ontario, Lu is a proud graduate of Laurentian University, where he earned a Bachelor of Commerce degree with cum laude distinction.
He is a Partner with Zzen Group of Companies, a Vaughan-based firm with diversified operations spanning real estate, manufacturing, and transportation. Within the group, Lu holds the role of Chief Financial Officer for the manufacturing group and serves as Chairman of the Board of Titanium Transportation Group Inc.
Luciano is a CPA, Chartered Accountant, and a graduate of the Directors Education Program at the Rotman School of Management. Beyond his corporate roles, he is the long-serving President, Director and fundraiser of the Meta Foundation, a charitable organization supporting individuals with differing abilities. He also serves as a Director and committed fundraiser for the St. Christopher Children's Home, and a member of the Dean's Advisory Board for the Faculty of Management at Laurentian University.
