Joy Warkentin Honoured With 2009 YMCA Women of Excellence Award

Fanshawe's recently retired Senior Vice-President Academic is one of the 2009 YMCA of Western Ontario's Women of Excellence Awards honourees.

Joy Warkentin is being recognized for her work in Education, Training and Development.

Beginning as a nursing instructor in Winnipeg and Thunder Bay, Joy became Curriculum Coordinator, Chair of Health Sciences, and then Associate Dean, Academic at Confederation College. In 2000 she became Senior Vice-President Academic at Fanshawe College, where her leadership led to the development of Fanshawe's first academic plan, established student success advisors in every faculty, made research a priority, added innovative new programs, and increased graduation rates significantly.

Joy has played a key role in provincial organizations and training for senior College leaders, and was chosen to lead the provincial bargaining team during province-wide negotiations with OPSEU in 2006.

She has served as an advisor to the provincial government, chaired several initiatives in Health restructuring, and supported the development of a high performance computing network for university and college researchers. She has also served with the AIDS Committee of London and the Children's Aid Society of London and Middlesex, and the South West Community Care Access Centre. She is an enthusiastic booster for the City of London and area.

Fanshawe President Howard Rundle welcomed the announcement, saying, "I have never worked with a more ambitious, dedicated or insightful administrator. Her wisdom has been and will remain one of Fanshawe's strengths, just as it will continue to influence the way Ontario's colleges work for many years to come."

Joy received an honorary applied degree from Fanshawe College at fall graduation ceremonies on November 7, 2008, recognizing her significant contribution to society, applied education and promotion of the College's image and reputation.

An inspiration and mentor to her colleagues and a model for students, Joy Warkentin embodies the values of educational excellence and lifelong learning.

The 2009 Women of Excellence Awards will be presented on May 5, 2009, at the London Convention Centre. Details and tickets are available online at: http://womenofexcellence.ca/gala.html.