Business Technology Management graduate Priyanshi Patel awarded 2026 TMU Gold Medal

The Toronto Metropolitan University Gold Medal is the university’s highest honour, awarded to students with outstanding academic achievement and exceptional involvement in the university, their profession and their community. The Spring 2026 winner from the Ted Rogers School of Management is Business Technology Management graduate Priyanshi Patel.

Patel is being recognized for her stellar 4.16 cumulative GPA and her status as a perennial Dean’s List honoree. A transformative leader, she served as VP of Events for the Information Technology Management Students' Association, where she managed a team of 12 to deliver professional opportunities for the student body. She has also contributed to the TMU community as a TedPack Leader, Mentor and Academic Peer Helper, supporting student success through mentorship, guidance and academic assistance.

Her technical expertise was further proven through high-impact internships at Intact Financial and the Ontario Ministry of Education. Beyond Patel’s academic and professional success, her dedication to service, ranging from academic mentoring to raising $10,000 for charities, exemplifies her exceptional community impact.

Here is what Patel had to say about her time at TMU, receiving the Gold Medal award and her plans for the future: 

What does receiving the TMU Gold Medal mean to you?

Receiving the TMU Gold Medal is incredibly meaningful to me because it reflects the culmination of years of hard work, perseverance and personal growth. Throughout my time at TMU, I pushed myself academically while also taking on leadership roles, getting involved on campus and supporting others in the community. To have those efforts recognized through the university’s highest student honour is both humbling and rewarding. It serves as a reminder that stepping outside my comfort zone, taking on challenges and staying committed to my goals was worth it. More than anything, it represents the people, experiences and opportunities that shaped my university journey.

What advice would you give students entering their first year?

My biggest piece of advice is to say “yes” to opportunities, even when they seem intimidating. University is the perfect time to explore new interests, meet new people and discover what you are passionate about. I highly encourage students to join a student group, participate in a case competition, attend networking events or volunteer for something they have never done before. 

Some of my most valuable experiences came from taking chances on opportunities I initially was not sure about. Through these experiences, I was able to strengthen my skills and meet people who share similar goals, interests and experiences. These connections easily became one of the most rewarding parts of my university journey.

Do you have any favourite classes/teachers, and what made them stand out?

I was fortunate to learn from many amazing professors throughout my time at TMU, but two individuals who had a particularly significant impact on me were Professor Aziz Guergachi and Professor Farid Shirazi. 

Professor Guergachi was always approachable, supportive and genuinely invested in helping students succeed. While I was tutoring ITM 207, he not only helped me strengthen my understanding of the course material, but also taught me how to become a more effective tutor. He would take the time to discuss different ways of explaining concepts and encouraged me to think about how students learn best. His mentorship played an important role in my growth as both a student and a tutor. 

Professor Farid, who taught ITM 820: Information Systems Security and Privacy, stood out because of his passion for teaching and his commitment to student success. He created an engaging learning environment and always encouraged students to challenge themselves and think critically. His enthusiasm for cybersecurity made the course especially impactful and further sparked my interest in the field.

How did Ted Rogers School and TMU support you during your time here?

One of the things I appreciated most about Ted Rogers School and TMU was how supportive and accessible the community was. Whether it was professors, staff members, advisors or peers, there was always someone willing to help and genuinely invested in student success. 

The Business Career Hub (BCH) and Ted Rogers School Bootcamps were a huge part of my growth, providing valuable opportunities to develop professional skills, prepare for interviews and gain confidence in navigating my career journey. Through these resources, I was able to connect with industry professionals, expand my network and learn practical skills that helped me secure meaningful opportunities throughout my university experience. 

Throughout my time at TMU, I was fortunate to be supported by incredible mentors who played a significant role in my growth. From the BCH, Sarah provided invaluable guidance during the co-op application process, helping me navigate a stressful and uncertain time with confidence, and Melina was a constant source of support throughout my co-op journey, offering advice, encouragement and mentorship whenever I needed it. 

In addition, my Peer Academic Student Success supervisor, Gillian, fostered a supportive and student-focused environment that made me feel valued and empowered, making tutoring one of the most rewarding experiences of my university career.

What has been your proudest accomplishment?

One of my proudest accomplishments was serving as Vice President of Events on the Information Technology Management Student Association (ITMSA). It was a role that challenged me in many ways and helped me grow as a leader. Planning events requires balancing many moving parts, coordinating with different teams and ensuring that everything comes together successfully. 

A highlight was helping to organize the Future of Business and Technology (FBTC) conference that brought together students and industry professionals for workshops, networking opportunities and a case competition in partnership with Symcor. Seeing months of planning come to life and watching over 100+ attendees benefit from the experience was incredibly rewarding. Beyond the event itself, I am proud of the relationships I built along the way and the lessons I learned about teamwork, communication and leadership.

What are your future plans?

My immediate goal is to begin my career, with a particular interest in cybersecurity and project management. Both fields excite me because they combine problem-solving, collaboration and continuous learning, which are areas I genuinely enjoy. Ultimately, I hope to build a career that allows me to make a meaningful impact while continuing to learn and grow along the way.

Beyond my professional goals, I want to continue challenging myself, learning new skills and exploring opportunities that help me grow. I also hope to travel more and experience different cultures and perspectives. Iceland and Bali are currently at the top of my bucket list, and I am excited about the opportunity to explore new places while creating memorable experiences.