Every year, the University of Waterloo’s School of Accounting and Finance (SAF) recognizes the accomplishments of outstanding alumni for their professional achievements and community service.
This year, Jeannine LiChong (MAcc '92) has been awarded the Outstanding Alumni Achievement Award and Ian Weng (MAcc '13) has been awarded the Leader to Watch Award.
Jeannine LiChong (MAcc ’92)
SAF 2023 Outstanding Alumni Achievement Award recipient
Jeannine LiChong is an Executive Vice-President and Portfolio Manager for the Waratah Income Fund and is on the Summerhill Resorts Ltd. Investment Committee. In her previous role, she was an Executive Vice President and Portfolio Manager for Canadian Equities, responsible for managing $2.6 billion in assets. She was also a member of both its Executive Management and Asset Mix Committees.
"I am honoured and humbled by this award. I am very grateful for the education and opportunities that SAF and UW have given me. It is my privilege to be still involved with the School and to meet the many talented students at SAF."
LiChong is currently the Chair of the Toronto Symphony Foundation and is a past board member of the Royal Conservatory of Music.
LiChong received an Honours Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Accounting degree from the University of Waterloo, and holds CPA, CA, and CFA designations.
In addition to her roles on the SAF Advisory Council and SAF’s Communications Sub-Committee, LiChong is dedicated to supporting and mentoring SAF students. She has been the industry mentor for the CFA Investment Research Challenge team, an Honouree in the SAF Fellowship Program and is a member of the University of Waterloo Women in Finance Advisory Board.
Ian Weng (MAcc '13)
SAF 2023 Leader to Watch Award Recipient
Ian Weng is the Co-Founder and CEO of SPATULA Foods. SPATULA is a marketplace that curates and manufactures flash-frozen meals that are ready in less than 10 minutes with just a pan and a spatula. Previously, Weng was the Head of Strategy, Planning and Finance at Uber Eats Canada where he helped to drive exponential growth for the Canadian business.
"It's truly an honour to receive this award. The School of Accounting and Finance provided me with the foundation I needed to thrive in the business world and has absolutely been the springboard for me to accelerate my career in accounting, finance and entrepreneurship.
Thank you to the School for all that you do, and I look forward to helping and growing the next generation of SAF graduates!"
Weng obtained his MBA from the Institut Européen d'Administration des Affaires (INSEAD), his MAcc from the University of Waterloo, and his CPA designation at KPMG.
Weng regularly speaks about entrepreneurship at Waterloo and INSEAD events and enjoys working with students and aspiring founders to get their ideas off the ground. Outside of work, Weng enjoys travelling and spending time with his growing family.