Giving to Ivey
Every Day is a Gift
Meaghan and Brett Barakett, HBA ’88, are opening doors for students through the Lincoln Barakett Memorial Scholarship.
By Sara Kelly
At the beginning of his second year in Ivey’s HBA program, Brett Barakett, HBA ’88, thought completing his degree might be out of reach. Due to financial difficulties, he couldn’t pay tuition. After several notices about his overdue account, he finally went to see Professor Jim Erskine, MBA ’67 and HBA Faculty Director at the time.
“I told Jim I’d have to drop out,” remembers Brett. “He told me to get back to class and that they’d find the money.” Brett — who is the founder and CEO of Tremblant Capital and has served on the Ivey Advisory Board since 2012 — kept attending classes. A few days later, Erskine revealed that Brett was the recipient of the John T. Nicholson Award, intended for an HBA student with financial need, based on their contributions to the School and university life.
Receiving that award changed everything. “It was a huge relief,” Brett says, “It brought happiness and a sense of being rescued.” It also instilled a desire to return the favour one day. “Even though I had no idea what the future held, or how I'd do it, I said to Jim, ‘I will pay you back.’”
True to his word, two years after graduating, Brett made his first donation to Ivey for $10, and he’s been supporting the School ever since. “I wanted Jim and Ivey to know I was aware of the debt I owed. So, I started paying it right away, donating the most I could afford at that time: $10. Even small gifts communicate that you appreciate the School and that it made a difference in your life.”
As Brett’s career progressed, he continued to give, including supporting the new Ivey building with a gift to name a study room in 2013. In 2018, he and his wife established the $1-million endowed Brett and Meaghan Barakett Award to support high-achieving HBA students with financial need, intending that the endowment would grow to help more students over time. “Education is paramount,” says Brett. “It’s made all the difference for both Meaghan and me.”
In 2020, the Baraketts faced an unimaginable loss when their son Lincoln died suddenly and unexpectedly just before his third birthday. “From one day to the next, everything changed,” says Meaghan. Even as they grappled with their grief, they considered how to honour Lincoln’s memory. “He had such a big presence and light,” recalls Meaghan. “He made everyone around him happy.”
The Baraketts established scholarships in memory of Lincoln at eight institutions: Harvard, where Brett did his MBA; Meaghan’s alma mater, Fordham University; Brown University; Villanova University; Brunswick School; Greenwich Academy; and at Ivey, where they renamed their existing award the Lincoln Barakett Memorial Scholarship. They also increased the endowment to $2 million, fulfilling their desire to provide more funding to more students. As of September 2025, the scholarship will provide $11,000 to five HBA students annually, rising to $15,000 by September 2027.
We hope a little piece of his spirit lives on,” says Meaghan. “It’s very meaningful to have his name connected with something that makes things a little easier for someone. Maybe he would have attended Ivey, but he can’t. Playing a small role in someone's future and their journey is an important connection.”
Regarding what they hope students take away from receiving the scholarship, the Baraketts emphasize that they want recipients to embrace the opportunity to attend Ivey and make the most of it. “Every day is a gift,” says Brett. “We all have a responsibility to make the world a better place.”
Brett has met or spoken to most of the recipients over the years. “When you meet these students and see the impact you've made, it's visceral. It feels better than you can imagine.”
For their part, the recipients are as grateful as Brett was to receive the award that allowed him to finish his HBA. They also understand the significance of a scholarship that memorializes a young life and hope to carry that forward.
“This scholarship made a real difference beyond financial support. It gave me confidence and reassurance that my efforts and potential were recognized,” says Arad Farrahi, HBA ’26 candidate. “Receiving it made me want to be the kind of person who leads with gratitude and responsibility.”
Gurjot Aklia, HBA ’28 candidate, adds that “without scholarships and awards, a program like Ivey would feel out of reach. That encouragement motivates students to keep going and reinforces the importance of giving back. I hope to represent Lincoln’s name and memory in a way that reflects the care and intention behind this award.”