Students

Community builders at work

The Asper School’s 2026 medal winners Michael Schnee, Taylor Bially, and Anthony Theriault share a commitment to connecting with peers.

Asper Student medal winners
Estimated Read Time:
3 minutes
(L-R) Michael Schnee, Taylor Bially, Anthony Theriault
(L-R) Michael Schnee, Taylor Bially, Anthony Theriault
Estimated Read Time:
3 minutes

The Asper School of Business is proud to celebrate the achievements of our Spring 2026 graduates. Their commitment to academic excellence, leadership, and perseverance has equipped them to succeed and thrive in a dynamic and evolving global landscape.

As part of this celebration, we are pleased to recognize our Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) medal winners: Michael Schnee (Gold), Taylor Bially (Silver), and Anthony Theriault (Bronze).

These exceptional students achieved the highest academic standing among this year’s graduating class, and we commend them for their dedication and outstanding performance.

Michael Schnee

Gold medal winner
Accounting

Michael Schnee

What are some highlights of your Asper Experience?

I was deeply involved with the student club Power to Change serving as its student vice president and then president. Academically I enjoyed some of the upper-year applied accounting courses (auditing, tax, and cost accounting), as well as my electives, which were exclusively in Latin.

What are you looking forward to now that you've completed your degree?

So far, I have really enjoyed the practical application of my training in a work environment as well as the opportunity to find out what areas of accounting I enjoy before I specialize any further.

What's next for you professionally or academically?

I am working at Fort Group Chartered Professional Accountants on their non-profit audit team while I pursue my CPA designation.

Taylor Bially wears a grad cap
Taylor Bially

Silver medal
Management information systems and marketing

What are some highlights of your Asper Experience?

Many of my favourite experiences at Asper were from extracurricular student groups and experiential learning opportunities. I made many close friends through organizations like the Commerce Students' Association and Team Asper JDC West and gained invaluable skills that I will carry into my future career. Some of the most memorable experiences I had were representing Asper at the Rotterdam School of Management Case Competition in the Netherlands, placing first at the Alberta External Case Competition in Edmonton, Alberta, and placing first in Business Strategy at JDC West in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

What are you looking forward to now that you've completed your degree?

Now that I have completed my degree, I am looking forward to continuing to learn and expand my skills throughout my career. I am also excited to explore what a new routine will look like, such as trying new hobbies, getting back into running, and being involved in the community outside of work.

What's next for you professionally or academically?

Looking ahead, I am starting a full-time position at IGM Financial in the Technology Department in Winnipeg. I am excited to learn new things, meet new people, discover my passions, and see where this next chapter takes me!

Taylor Bially with a case competition group
Taylor Bially with the CSA
Anthony Theriault

Bronze medal
Management information systems and entrepreneurship

Anthony Theirault

What are some highlights of your Asper Experience?

Some of the biggest highlights of my time at Asper came from having the opportunity to run businesses while being a student. I was able to run and grow businesses throughout my degree, which allowed me to apply what I was learning in the classroom or from programs like the Stu Clark Centre to real-world challenges. I also had the chance to serve as president of the Entrepreneurial Mindset student group, helping create opportunities for students interested in entrepreneurship.

Beyond that, I was able to be part of amazing programs like IBEP and the President’s Student Leadership Program, which helped me connect with my community and also grow as a leader. Most importantly, Asper introduced me to an incredible community of students, friends, faculty, and mentors who challenged and supported me throughout my degree. These are the same amazing supporters that continue to back me going forward!

What are you looking forward to now that you've completed your degree?

I’m excited to have the opportunity to focus more fully on building the projects and businesses I’ve been working on over the past few years. I’m also looking forward to continuing to learn outside the classroom while staying connected with friends and colleagues. I’m excited for what comes next and grateful for the experiences and people that made the journey so meaningful.

What's next for you professionally or academically?

I’ve accepted a position with the Manitoba Métis Federation in economic development, where I’m excited to contribute to initiatives that support economic growth in our province, and the long-term success of the Red River Métis.

Alongside that, I remain passionate about entrepreneurship and continue to build the businesses and projects I’ve been involved with. My focus is on two key businesses, one that began while I was still in high school and another that started in my final weeks as a student. I’m excited to continue building, learning, and experimenting for the foreseeable future!

Anthony Theirault
Anthony Theirault

For nearly 90 years, Asper School of Business students and alumni have brought bold ideas to life every day. Our active community of alumni can be found across continents, industries, all the way from the store floor to the C-suite. Be part of a vibrant community of entrepreneurs and emerging business leaders. Learn more about Asper programs of study today!