Overview
Join us for McMaster’s John Hodgins Memorial Lecture with guest speaker and engineering physics alumnus, Stephen Howe.
Lecture & Q&A: L.R. Wilson Concert Hall – 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Light refreshments to follow: L.R. Wilson Hall Lobby – 4:30 – 5:15 p.m.
Lecture Abstract
Building Canada’s Networks: Engineering, Leadership, and Lessons from a Lifetime of Learning and Change
For more than 30 years, Stephen Howe has had a front-row seat to one of the most remarkable periods of technological change in Canadian history. From the emergence of digital wireless communications to fibre broadband, 5G, the cloud, and artificial intelligence, he has helped build and operate the networks that Canadians rely on every day.
But this is not a talk about just telecommunications. It is a talk about Engineering, leadership, lifelong learning and the teams who make great achievements possible.
Through stories from major technology projects, career successes and failures, community involvement, and personal experiences, Stephen will share lessons learned from leading teams through change, solving complex problems, embracing innovation, and staying true to your values along the way.
Blending technology, humour, and practical advice, this interactive session will challenge students, faculty, and alumni to think differently about their careers, their leadership potential, and the role Engineers can play in shaping the future.
The technologies will change. The principles won’t.
About our 2026 Speaker
Stephen Howe (Engineering Physics ’90) is a technology and engineering leader whose vision and leadership have helped shape Canada’s telecommunications industry. Over more than 30 years, he has held senior executive roles at Bell, Bell Mobility, TELUS, and Clearnet Communications, leading the development, deployment and operation of advanced communications networks that connect millions of Canadians.
Most recently, as Executive Vice President and Chief Technology and Information Officer at Bell, Stephen was responsible for the company’s technology strategy, network infrastructure, cybersecurity, IT, and operations. Under his leadership, Bell accelerated the expansion of its fibre broadband network, achieved 4G LTE coverage reaching 99 per cent of Canadians, and introduced next-generation 5G services, helping advance connectivity, innovation, and economic growth across the country.
Throughout his career, Stephen has led large-scale technology transformations and pioneering network deployments, including the rollout of Bell’s world-leading HSPA+ wireless network. His work has spanned fibre, wireless, cloud, AI, cybersecurity, and digital infrastructure, with a focus on applying technology and coaching teams to solve complex challenges and create lasting value.
A Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering, Stephen remains deeply connected to the Engineering profession and to McMaster. He has served on the McMaster Engineering Dean’s Advisory Board and has championed initiatives that expand opportunities for students and advance the participation of women in Engineering. Through his leadership, mentorship, and community involvement, he continues to inspire the next generation of Engineers to combine technical excellence with purpose-driven leadership.
About the John Hodgins Memorial Lecture
The J.W. Hodgins Memorial Lecture was established in 1983 to honour Dr. John W. Hodgins, McMaster University’s first Dean of Engineering, appointed in 1958. His leadership helped shape the Faculty’s foundation, emphasizing academic excellence, industry relevance, and student-centred education. The focus of the Lectureship is on the engineer in society, in recognition of the breadth of interest and contributions of Dr. Hodgins.
For more than three decades, the Hodgins Lecture has welcomed internationally recognized engineers, scientists, entrepreneurs, and academic leaders. Speakers have reflected the Faculty’s evolving priorities, addressing fields such as artificial intelligence, sustainable energy, biomedical innovation, telecommunications, higher education, and environmental engineering.
The series highlights themes central to McMaster Engineering’s mission, including innovation with real-world impact, global leadership, entrepreneurship and industry collaboration, and the development of future engineering leaders.
Today, the Hodgins Lecture honours Dr. Hodgins’ foundational contributions while continuing to inspire new generations of engineers to shape the world.