Maximizing His Impact

Brett A. Hickey, BCom’02, wants to make an example of himself. He knows the story of his journey from northern British Columbia to the boardrooms of Wall Street has the power to inspire, and he decided long ago to use his accomplishments to motivate others.

Hickey is leading the way with a $100,000 gift which establishes the Brett A. Hickey “Best in the West” Entrance Scholarship for students from B. C., Alberta or Saskatchewan, who are admitted to the Desautels Faculty of Management. (Please see From the Desk of the Vice-Principal to learn more about Best in the West.)

“For me, education was a big catalyst in changing my life,” Hickey says. “By getting my story out there through this award, I’m not only helping students, I’m also showing others that anything is possible.”

Hickey, 30, is Co-Founder and President of Aegis Capital Group LLC and a former champion speed skater. Behind his impressive resume, however, lies a story of hardship overcome.

Dawson Creek, BC, Hickey was six when his mother died of cancer. He was raised by his father, a teacher, and after high school, Hickey worked on oil drilling rigs to earn money for university.

He began his post-secondary studies at a community college in Calgary, bartended to save money, trained on the National Speed Skating Team, and worked his way to McGill where he thrived as a management student. While studying at McGill, Hickey also lectured in finance, played rugby and coached a Montreal speed skating club.

Learning from some of the world’s top business professors alongside Canada’s best students taught him how to think big. “McGill gave me the tools, confidence and credibility to go out – and not only pursue a dream, but build one,” he says.

Now that he’s in a position to give back, Hickey has embraced all aspects of philanthropy. He is the Founder and President of Acorn Charities Group, which focuses on education and cancer research, and he also serves as a Director for the McGill Alumni Association of New York and the Canadian Association of New York.

Hickey hopes his story inspires others to follow his lead. “I choose to focus my philanthropy where there are ripple effects,” he says. “If by giving time or money, I encourage others to do the same, then my efforts are multiplied and I’ve maximized my value in trying to make a difference.”