Celebrating a Life of Achievement
John Mighton is a Canadian mathematician, playwright, and author who has received numerous prestigious awards for his contributions to both mathematics education and theatre. Over the course of his career, he has been recognized by national institutions, academic communities, and arts organizations for his unique ability to bridge disciplines and create lasting impact. He was named an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2010 and received the Adrien Pouliot Award from the Canadian Mathematical Society in 2022 for outstanding contributions to mathematics education. His honours reflect a lifelong commitment to equity in education, creative excellence, and social innovation.
Most Recent Award
2025 – Distinguished Alumni Award, Victoria College, University of Toronto
Awarded by Victoria College (University of Toronto) in recognition of Dr. Mighton’s outstanding achievements across multiple fields — including his trailblazing work in mathematics education, his success as a playwright and author, and his influential role in founding JUMP Math. The honour celebrates his commitment to academic excellence, community impact, and lifelong service to education.
(from right to left) Jean-Paul Bevilacqua, Dr. John Mighton,Dr. Rhona McEwen (President of Victoria College), and Alan Taylor
WISE Award for Innovation in Education
2016
Awarded for pioneering social entrepreneurship in education, the Ashoka Fellowship recognizes John Mighton’s innovative efforts to make math accessible to all learners.
Officer of the Order of Canada
2012
Recognized for significant contributions to mathematics education and advocacy, this is one of the highest civilian honors in Canada.
Governor General’s Award
2005, for "Half Life"
This prestigious award is given for outstanding literary achievement in Canada, highlighting excellence in the arts.
Ashoka Fellowship
2004
Honoring groundbreaking impact in education, the WISE Award celebrates John Mighton’s JUMP Math program for transforming math learning worldwide.
Social Entrepreneur of the Year, Schwab Foundation (2015)
National and International Awards
- Officer of the Order of Canada (2012)
- Honorary Doctorate, University of Winnipeg (2019)
- Honorary Doctorate, McMaster University (2018)
- Canadian Social Entrepreneur of the Year, Ernst and Young (2014)
- Social Entrepreneur of the Year, Schwab Foundation (2015)
Theatrical Awards
- Governor General’s Award (2005, for “Half Life”) and (1992, Possible Worlds)
- Dora Mavor Moore Award for Outstanding New Play (2005, for “Half Life”), (1992, A Short History of Night), and (1989, Scientific Americans)
- Elinor and Lou Siminovitch Prize in Theatre (2005)
- Chalmer’s Canadian Play Award (1992, for “Possible Worlds”)
Educational and Research Awards
- Margaret Sinclair Memorial Award for Innovation & Excellence, The Fields Institute (2022)
- Adrien Pouliot Award for Outstanding Contributions to Math Education, Canadian Mathematical Society (2022)
- President’s Award, Professional Engineers Ontario (2021)
- Fellow of the Fields Institute (Lifetime Appointment) (2005)
- NSERC Postdoctoral Research Fellowship (Mathematics) (2000 – 2002)
The Myth Of Ability
Honorary Degrees
- Honorary Degree, George Brown College (2011)
- Honorary Doctorate, Trent University (2010)
- Honorary Doctorate, St Thomas University (2007)
- Honorary Doctorate, Emmanuel College, University of Toronto (2007)
- Distinguished Alumnae Award, McMaster University (2008)
Governor General’s Award (2005, for “Half Life”)
Margaret Sinclair Memorial Award for Innovation & Excellence, The Fields Institute (2022)
Distinguished Alumnae Award, McMaster University (2008)
Social Entrepreneur of the Year, Schwab Foundation (2015)
Distinguished Alumnae Award, McMaster University (2008)