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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