Distinguished Alumni Awards past recipients

2023

Sarah Lehman
Office Administrator, Special Events & Volunteer Coordinator, London Abused Women’s Centre
Developmental Services Worker Apprentice Certificate 2020

Sarah Lehman is passionate about helping people living with disabilities or other challenges to lead their best lives. In paid positions — at Alice Saddy Association (independent living support for people with developmental disabilities), London Abused Women's Centre, as a Passport Support Worker for Family Services Thames Valley — and as a volunteer, Lehman does small things daily that collectively have a big impact.

Lehman volunteers with Extra Life London Guild, fundraising to support Children's Health Foundation. During her three years as President, ELLG raised more than $100,000 annually, leading to Lehman's nomination for a prestigious Pillar Leadership Award in 2021.

 

Travis O’Rourke
President, Canada & Chief Commercial Officer, Americas - Hays PLC
Business Marketing, 2005

Travis O'Rourke is President, Hays Canada, as well as Chief Commercial Officer and lead for all marketing and sales for Hays Americas. During O'Rourke's first year as President, Hays Canada set records for best month, quarter and year, increasing gross profits by 61% and net profits by 321%.

O'Rourke sits on the boards of two industry organizations that represent professional staffing firms on Canadian public policy issues. Believing everyone deserves an opportunity to work, O'Rourke advocates for inclusive hiring practices, encourages employers to look beyond credentials, and has directly or indirectly helped more than 50,000 people find jobs.

 

Mamta Chail
President & CEO, Youthdale Treatment Centres
Law and Security Administration, 1997

Mamta Chail is a results-driven mental health advocate with a focus on children and youth, where she believes resources and services have the greatest impact and return on investment.

A recognized expert in her field and current CEO/President of Youthdale Treatment Service, Chail sits on the Board of Directors for Children's Mental Health Ontario and the mental health and addictions subcommittee of the London Police Services Board. Throughout her career, Chail has influenced policy and system-level standards to support better mental health outcomes, advocated for funding and resources, and worked to ensure equitable access and supports for all families. 

 

Haviah Mighty
Artist and Entrepreneur
Music Industry Arts, 2013

Award-winning vocalist, songwriter and hip hop/rap artist Haviah Mighty has recorded many 
firsts in the Canadian music industry: first hip hop artist and first Black woman to win the esteemed Polaris Music Prize; first female artist to win a Juno Award within the Rap Album/EP of the Year category; only Canadian to be nominated for the BET Hip Hop Award for Best International Flow in 2022.

A role model and supporter of young Black entrepreneurs, in 2022 Mighty gave her $10,000 Prism Grand Prize winnings and one-on-one time to support 10 different Black business owners.

 

Deborah Wiseman
President, Victoria Hospital, London Health Sciences Centre
Nursing, 1996

Throughout a 25-year nursing career, Deborah Wiseman has used a patient-centred, system transformation approach to implement innovations through integrated care opportunities and partnerships. Pulling together a coalition to advocate, advance, and define system strategies, Wiseman has shifted the mental health front line, improved access for vulnerable populations through outreach, increased critical capacity in response to surge pressures, and initiated a transformation plan for rural emergency departments to improve risks of closure.

As a healthcare system executive, currently President of Victoria Hospital, Deborah's multi-sectoral, regional partnered approach and collaborations have proven successful and valuable to the community and regions served.

 

Blair Brandon
Senior Vice President, Major Projects, Civil West, Aecon Group Inc. (retiring June 2023)
Construction Engineering Technology (Management), 1991

During more than four decades working in heavy civil construction, Brandon has been involved in the design, development and delivery of public and private infrastructure projects, including reconstruction of the iconic Park Bridge in Kicking Horse Canyon, BC.

Blair joined Aecon in 2015 as Vice-President Major Projects West. Under his leadership, revenue grew from $80M to $508M annually.

In a memo announcing Brandon's retirement in June 2023, Aecon noted that his generosity as leader and mentor, investing in the growth and evolution of young workers into construction leaders, "will have far-reaching impact in our industry for generations to come."

 

Lloyd Vermeer
Owner, VS Design Studio
Architectural Technology, 2018

A military veteran who completed two tours of duty in Afghanistan before attending college, Lloyd Vermeer received the Architectural Technology Achievement Award and launched VS Design Studio in his graduating year. Within five years, the company completed close to 500 architectural design projects for both new builds and renovations, generated $500,000 in annual sales, and hired three additional full-time design staff to keep up with demand.

Vermeer maintains a leading edge in the design industry, investing in Autodesk Revit software and 3D scanning technology, and providing services that are typically not found in a small custom design company.   

 

2022

Doug Tarry 
President, Doug Tarry Limited
Cook II Apprentice Certificate, 1987

Doug is President of the award-winning home building company, Doug Tarry Homes, and a passionate advocate for building responsible homes that reduce our carbon footprint. Doug Tarry Homes has built more Net Zero/Net Zero Ready homes – which produce as much clean energy as they consume – than any other builder in Canada, and Natural Resources Canada has commissioned Tarry to write a Net Zero Guide for industry stakeholders. Doug has led rebuilding missions to Puerto Rico following Hurricane Maria, and spearheaded a community collaboration to build a series of tiny homes to address housing affordability in his home community. 

 

Swaraj Paul

Co-Founder & CEO, Taxably
Honours Bachelor of Accounting, 2019
Business Accounting Diploma, 2017

Swaraj is CEO and Co-Founder of Taxably, and a Managing Partner with Eastern Agro-Vet. In 2020, he was named one of London’s ‘Twenty in their 20s’, an honour that recognizes the top 20 “bold, daring, twenty-something changemakers in London who are helping to shape our city.” Paul established Taxably, an award-winning tech-based tax-filing and accounting firm, primarily to provide an affordable and easily usable platform for newcomers to Canada and international students, whom he felt were being underserved. The environmentally friendly paperless company has planted more than 500 trees – one for every client served. 

 

Leroy Hibbert
Multicultural Outreach Program Coordinator, LUSO Community Services
Recreation Leadership Diploma, 1992

For 30 years as a speaker, workshop facilitator and community educator, Leroy has helped people understand how to identify racism, interrupt it, and take action to create a more inclusive community. Leroy was a founding member of the Pledge to End Bullying media campaign, creating a safe space for young people to share their stories, and a keynote speaker at a Black Lives Matter event that drew 10,000 people. Leroy’s impact on the community has been widely recognized with various awards and he has been named to Honour Rolls by the London’s Mayor and Member of Parliament.  

 

Erika Casupanan
Multimedia Personality & Speaker

Multimedia Design Production Diploma, 2011

Erika was the first Canadian citizen to win the television show, Survivor. As a Filipino-Canadian woman whose parents immigrated to Canada when she was very young, she sees her win as a victory for all under-celebrated people including women, people of colour, and newcomers to Canada. After winning Survivor 41, Erika appeared on Entertainment Tonight Canada as a special commentator for Survivor 42, and is exploring more opportunities to work in television. She is also a professional speaker who encourages individuals to believe in themselves, be authentic and act courageously regardless of how others view them. 

2021

Ben Huigenbos: Apprenticeship Award; Electrical Apprentice (2002)

Tonya Sheldon: Business Award; Business Administration - Accounting (1995)

Tamara Bernard: Community Services Award; Early Childhood Education (2007), Autism Behavioral Sciences (2008)

Katie Simpson: Creative Arts and Design Award; Journalism Broadcast (Collaborative) (2006)

Carol Young-Ritchie: Health Sciences Award; Nursing (1984)

Shelley Lamb-White: Technology Award; Manufacturing Engineering Technician (2016), Manufacturing Engineering Technology (2016), Fashion Design (1984)

Nick Hollinger: Recent Graduate Award; Business Administration - Marketing (2016), Business Marketing (2015)

2020

Award not presented.

2019

Scott Atchison: Plumbing Apprentice, 1986
Don Ashton: (Received Premier’s Award): Business Accounting, 1988; Business Administration, 1989
Brenda Young: Business Accounting, 1995; Legal Assistant, 1999; Court and Administration Tribunal Agent, 2001; Human Resources Management, 2002
Mark Kriski: Radio Broadcasting, 1976
Karen Davies: Nursing, 1991
Hala Ghonaim: Journalism - Broadcast, 2017

2018

Award not presented.

2017

Peter Rocca: Computer Programmer, 1994

Nick Paparella: Broadcast Journalism, 1981

Steven Sabados: Fine Art, 1986

Elizabeth Larusso: Radiography, 1981

Marcy Mussari: Interior Decorating, 2014

Peter Cassidy: Architectural Technology, 1979

Peter van der Westen: Honorary Alumnus

2016

Malcolm Bromley: Recreation Leadership, 1979

Kevin Forestell: Landscape Design, 2003

Dr. Louise Giles: Nursing, 1980

John McArthur: Environmental Planning, 1971

Mike Papoff: Auto Body & Collision Damage Repairer Apprentice, 2012

Doug Wastell: Business Marketing, 1996

2015

Francine Dyksterhuis: Hotel and Restaurant Management, 1981

Chris Gower: Construction Engineering Technology (Management), 1992

Cheryl Hickey: Broadcast Journalism, 1996

Sandy Jackson: Recreation Leadership, 1985; General Business, 1994

Steffen Marin: Culinary Skills Chef Training, 2011; Culinary Management, 2012

Terry McManus: Retired Coordinator/Faculty, Music Industry Arts Program

Thomas Piraino: Pre Health Sciences, 2001; Respiratory Therapy, 2003

2014

Tony Boyle: Digital Imaging and Animation 2002, Web Page Design 2002

Karen Keyes: Developmental Services Worker 1991

Larry Lau: Marketing Management 2010

Trevor Morris: Music Industry Arts 1999

Paul Noakes: Motor Vehicle Mechanic 1987

Henrietta Van hulle: Registered Nurse, Nursing 1984, Occupational Health Nursing 2005

2013

Kathryn Burrill: Recreation Leadership 1979

Caroline Cameron: Broadcast Journalism (collaborative program) 2012

Mahmud Dhanani: Hotel Management 1982

Emm Gryner: Music Industry Arts 1995

Joe Liberatore: Construction Technician 1972

Michelle Palmer: Developmental Service Worker 1983

2012

Randy Denning: Ambulance and Emergency Care 1979

Nancy Maltby: Nursing 1979

Don Mumford: Broadcasting Television 1979

John Rasenberg: Electrical Engineering Technician 1975

Damian Warner: Business Foundations 2010

Jennifer Wells: Fashion Design 1993

2011

Tim Berthiaume: Law and Security 1995

Theresa Carriere: Physical Fitness Instructor 1986

Vito Frijia: Construction Engineering Technology 1982

John Kobarda: Human Resource Management 1994

Les Stroud: Music Industry Arts 1983

Adrianna St. George: Police Foundations 2008

2010

Danielle Aziz: Child and Youth Worker 1991

Bruce Bonner: Civil Engineering Technology 1987

Ian Campbell: Design (Industrial) 1982

Lucky Heeley: Respiratory Therapy 1992

Randy Zupanski: Hotel and Restaurant Management 1982

2009

Jeff Malpass: Municipal Management 1989

Sheri Knott: Human Resources Management 1991

Debbie Bodkin (Received Premier's Award): Law and Security Administration 1982

David Moore: Design (Landscape) 1994

John Davies: Broadcasting Television 2005

Steve Done: Architectural Technology 1979

2008

Paul D'Hollander: Recreation Leadership 1979

Kevin Doyle (Received Premier's Award): Music Industry Arts 1979

Shireen Fard: Primary Care Paramedic 2008

Anita Giagnocavo: Nursing 1977

John Harbarenko: Business Information Systems 1993

Wilf Riecker: Tool Making Technician 1968

2007

Danielle Campo: Child and Youth Worker 2006

Scott Clark: Broadcast Radio 1988

Colleen Breen: Nursing 1980

Barb Desjardins: Child Care Worker 1974

Mike Foster: Tourism and Travel Counsellor 1980

David Wyatt: Motive Power Diesel Technician 1980

2006

Terry Graff: Fine Art 1976

Joe Jackman: Industrial Design 1984

Michael Bessegato: Law and Security Administration 1985

Jesse Davidson: Hotel Management 2002

Nicholas Perpick: Hotel and Restaurant Management 1972

Midge Silberman: Nursing 1977

2005

Sheila Arges: Child and Youth Worker 1975

Janet Brady: Legal Office Administration 1979

Bill Butler: Respiratory Technology 1972

Melissa Schyff: Paramedic 2002

Todd Sleeper: Industrial Millwright Mechanic 1996

John b. Young: Music Industry Arts 1976

2004

Dick Rastin: Social Service Worker 1997

John White: Music Industry Arts 1981

Brenda Done: Nursing 1978

Geoff Scheerin: Industrial Design 1986

Katie Storz & Abe Giesbrecht: Early Childhood Education 2003

2003

Bob Coyle: Ambulance and Emergency Care 1988

Gloria Dona: Fashion Design 1981

Vicki Mayer: Behavioral Science 1974

Michael P. Clive: Culinary Management 2001

2002

Sophie Skaith: Computer Programmer 1985

Steve Matthews: Broadcasting - Radio 1981

Robin Rundle Drake: Nursing 1974

Joanna Gaisor: Business Administration Accounting 1999

Patricia Smith: Recreation Leadership 1972

2001

Patricia Baker: Architectural Technician 1984 / Architectural Technologist 1986

Don Donner: Recreation Leadership 1973

Joseph Dunlop-Addley: Cinematography 1972

Robert Gee: Ambulance and Emergency Care 1995

Mark Jordan: Business Marketing 1987

2000

Betty Bedard-Bidwell (Received Premier's Award): Recreation Leadership 1972 / Child Care Worker 1982

Linda Bowden: Business Administration - Accounting 1982

Kenneth Boyle: Ambulance and Emergency Care 1977 / Respiratory Therapy 1983

Kate Young: Broadcast Journalism 1975

1999

Anne Marie DeCicco-Best: Broadcast Journalism 1986

Ron Hunt: Mechanical Technician - Drafting 1968

Gail Malcolm: Social Service Worker 1988

1998

Paul Gowan: Business - Marketing 1981

Alice Lewis: Social Service Worker 1988

Bill Mills: Recreation Leadership 1973

1997

Paul Huras: Recreation Leadership 1973

Dave Klachan: Electrical 1979 / Control Engineering Technology -Systems 1991

1996

Award not presented

1995

Colleen Farrell Evetts: Hotel and Restaurant Management 1982

Lois Harrack: Behavioral Science 1970 / Recreation Leadership 1972

1994

Award not presented

1993

Brenda Hall: Child Care Worker 1969 / Personnel Management 1983 / Business 1984

Michael McCarty: Music Industry Arts 1978

Maria Mendes (received Premier's Award): Legal Secretary 1973

1992

Rudi Engle: Radio and Television Arts 1973

Ross Fair: Recreation Leadership 1975

Brad Nelson: Civil Engineering Technology 1976

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