Emeritus Recipients

Recipients

The Emeritus distinction is bestowed upon a limited number of retired staff members who have made an exceptional contribution to Fanshawe and are expected to continue their advocacy and contribution into retirement.

Perry Broome, Professor Emeritus

Perry Broome joined Fanshawe College in 1999 as a part-time professor in the Business program and transitioned to a full-time position in 2002. Over his 24-year tenure, he taught a wide range of courses, including Market Research, Consumer Behaviour, Ethics, and Creativity and Innovation in Business. From 2007 to 2010, Perry served as program coordinator for Fanshawe’s graduate marketing programs, where he contributed to integrating laptop technology and digital marketing techniques into the curriculum. He also played a role in developing and teaching courses for Fanshawe’s Bachelor of Commerce degree programs and was a passionate supporter of the Ontario Colleges Marketing Competition, serving as both an organizer and coach. In his final decade at Fanshawe, Perry concentrated on teaching and fostering creative thinking skills, developing curriculum that nurtured these skills and advocating for creative thinking within the college and the broader community. Before his academic career, Perry spent 18 years in various roles related to systems, finance, and investments at London Life, working in Ontario, Alberta, and Manitoba. He holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honors) in Business from Western University’s Richard Ivey School of Business, an MBA from Wilfrid Laurier University, and an MSc in Creativity and Change Leadership from SUNY Buffalo State University. Perry has also been an active community member, serving on the board of the London Small Business Centre, Big Brothers London, the London Chamber of Commerce’s Small Business Resource Committee, and the Canadian Homebuilders’ Association’s Economic Research Committee. Throughout his career, he demonstrated a genuine commitment to his students' success, helping them navigate their paths at Fanshawe and beyond. In retirement, he plans to continue his advocacy and support for the college and its community.

Dr. Kit Silcox, Professor Emeritus

Kit joined Fanshawe in 2006 as a full-time professor of Business, a position he held for 13 years until his retirement in 2019. During his time at the College, he also taught leadership courses for the Bachelor of Early Childhood Leadership degree program and was one of the founding professors to develop the four-year Honours Bachelor of Commerce (Management) Degree.

Prior to joining the College, Kit was owner/president of Professional Advisors, an executive training and development business facilitating decision and learning meetings for professionals at both large and small enterprises in virtually every economic sector. He has also been owner/operator of a non-ferrous foundry making bronze and aluminium products for manufacturers in Southwestern Ontario.

Kit holds a Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Engineering and a Master of Applied Science degree in Management Sciences from the University of Waterloo, as well as a PhD in Business from the University of Kansas.

Beyond Fanshawe, he has taught part-time for Western University, was an assistant professor at Simon Fraser University and a lecturer at the University of Kansas. Kit is the author of three internationally recognized management training programs, “Milestones: Charting Your Future”, “The Milestones Strategy Retreat” and “Performance: A Managers Guide to Effective Leadership”. He has also written monthly articles on organizational development topics for Focus, an e-newsletter distributed to over 5,000 companies across North America.

Kit has been an active community member having sat on the boards of King's University College, the London Community Small Business Centre and Original Kids Theatre Company. He was also a founding member of the London Region Manufacturing Council.

While at Fanshawe, Kit was a major contributor and advocate for the United Way Campaign and led the College's blood donor drives on behalf of the Red Cross. He sings bass (not good but loud) in his church choir, has donated over 650 units of plasma for Canadian Blood Services and is a member and volunteer of the Horton Street 50+ Centre.

David Belford, Dean Emeritus

David Belford began his Fanshawe College career in 1995 as a professor in the School of Business. Over the ensuring 25 years, he took on new challenges and responsibilities as a program coordinator, chair or acting chair of three Schools and then dean of the Faculty of Business, a role he held for 11 years. Prior to his retirement in 2020, David served as the executive director of Fanshawe’s Innovation Village project for two years. During his time at Fanshawe, David grew to appreciate the positive impact the College has on students, employers and the region. David sat on the Board of Directors for the London Chamber of Commerce, was past president and member of the Board of Directors for the Ontario College Administrative Staff Association and served on numerous committees at Fanshawe College. David holds an honours bachelor's degree in Business Administration and a master’s degree in Business Administration from Western University’s Richard Ivey School of Business, as well as a master’s degree in Education from the University of Toronto. Prior to joining Fanshawe, David spent 17 years working in sales and marketing positions with three large-scale businesses, including IBM Canada. David has been married to his wonderful wife Cheryle Anne for over 41 years. They have three terrific sons, two daughters-in-law, one grand-dog and two grand-cats.

Jim Van Horne, Professor Emeritus

Born and raised in Chatham, Jim Van Horne knew at a very young age that he wanted to be a radio or TV broadcaster. He pursued that dream as a play-by-play announcer for high school basketball, host of a weekly sports show on local radio and volunteer camera operator at Rogers TV. After graduating from Fanshawe’s Journalism – Broadcast program in 1981, Jim started his career as a reporter with a Kitchener radio station, before becoming the London correspondent for Kitchener-based CKCO-TV. In 1989, Jim joined Fanshawe as a part-time professor in the College’s journalism program teaching videography and editing courses. After 10 years in his ‘dream job’ as sports director of a morning show on CFPL radio in London and a four-year stint as sports anchor of CFPL-TV, Jim was hired full-time at Fanshawe in 2002. In 2007, Jim became coordinator of the Broadcast Journalism – TV program. During his tenure as coordinator, Jim's students won many national awards, and the program was honoured for "excellence in Broadcast Journalism" by the Radio Television Digital News Association in 2012. In 2010, Jim received the Michael Monty Memorial Award, a special industry honour presented by the Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA) to a broadcast educator nominated by students for outstanding contribution to the advancement of broadcast journalism in Canada. In 2012, on top of his duties coordinating and teaching TV News, Jim accepted the coordinator role of the Broadcast – Journalism program. In 2013, with Jim’s support, Fanshawe became the first educational institution to win the Radio Television Digital News Association’s (RTDNA) Bill Hutton Award of Excellence, recognizing commitment to broadcast journalism. Fanshawe is now in the company of previous recipients such as the Canadian Press, CTV and Global News. Jim keeps his broadcasting skills sharp by working as the colour commentator on AM980 CFPL Radio’s broadcasts of home and away games for the Ontario Hockey League’s London Knights. Jim also gives back to the community by emceeing various local events, including the London Sports Celebrity Dinner benefitting the Thames Valley Children’s Centre. Jim lives in London with his wife Daniela and two children, Austin and Alicia.

Dale Dolson, Professor Emeritus

Dale Dolson, Fanshawe College professor (retired), graduated from the Hotel and Restaurant Management program here at Fanshawe College in 1977. Upon graduation, Dale took a position with Holiday Inns as a scholarship winner, as well as several other training operations. He was eager to set out on a career in Hospitality. The early '80s saw Dale recognized for his community service, becoming Kincardine, Ontario's youngest ever "Citizen of the Year". In 1983, with a partner, Dale opened his first fine dining restaurant in an old Victorian home in Goderich, Ontario, under the name of Robindale's. A second and a third were soon to follow, starting a successful 20-year career in the restaurant industry. In 1994, during that time, Dale agreed to fill in for an eight-week leave at Fanshawe which launched a 23-year teaching career that became his love and passion!

As a professor and program coordinator in the School of Tourism, Hospitality and Culinary Arts, Dale demonstrated a consistent and unsurpassed commitment to his career, the students he supported and Fanshawe's external industry partners.

He displayed an open and respectful learning environment and always had a positive connection with his learners. Students enjoyed Dale's classes, as his lectures were engaging, thought provoking and relative to career success in the hospitality/tourism industry. In addition to his model professionalism, Dale also possessed an engaging social awareness and a strong ability to create new and lasting relationships. Wherever he travels, he can connect with a graduate, faculty member or industry partner. He remembers everyone by name and is genuinely happy to reconnect with them. He is well-respected on campus and in the community by students, faculty/support staff and industry partners. Dale inspired learning and created an environment of collegiality and excellence for all Fanshawe colleagues and industry partners. His enthusiasm for teaching and hospitality was infectious.

Everyone enjoyed working with Dale, and respected the integrity he displayed everyday in his role as a professor and program coordinator. He played a significant role in shaping the culture and reputation of Fanshawe’s hospitality programs. Dale was on the development committee of the Concierge Services program, the only one of its kind in Canada, and was instrumental in fostering a partnership with Les Clefs d'Or, a global concierge service organization. He also worked closely with several large hotel brands in the development of their leadership programs, lobbying them to allow provincial college students to participate rather than just university graduates. Dale also worked on a 10-college panel that structured equality across curriculum in the province, allowing students to easily move from college to college in order to graduate with a Hotel Management or Food and Beverage Management diploma.

Dale was one of the first professors to include programs across the College in planning the annual President's fundraisers. His vision turned the halls of A building into themes celebrating cultures around the world. The Fashion Marketing and Management, Fashion Design, Music Industry Arts and Graphic Design students created props, displays and sound effects while collaborating with students from Hospitality, providing them an opportunity to work with other students and be mentored by Dale.

Dale not only supported his students' success, he was there to support faculty when called upon. With the success of a student-run restaurant and deli already on campus, Dale provided advice to his peers when the program campus retail store, Live Chic, was under development. He met with them to answer questions and to provide solutions regarding concerns of running a student focused operational store within the College. Before his retirement, he also sat on the steering committee for the new School of Tourism, Hospitality and Culinary Arts in the downtown core.

As a facilitator in the College Educator Development Program (CEDP) for over 15 years, Dale’s expert advice, encouragement and positivity were valued and appreciated by countless new full-time hires. He was counted on to help train new facilitators for the program and has gained countless friends in the process!

Many consider themselves extremely lucky to have had Dale as a professor, mentor, colleague and lifelong friend! He continues to work with young people as a Service Excellence Strategist at the Cowbell Brewing Co. in Blyth, Ontario. If you were to ask Dale, he’d tell you that it is the ultimate privilege to teach young people as you have the treasured opportunity to help shape the future!

Laurel-Ann Hardie, Professor Emeritus

Laurel-Ann Hardie demonstrated exemplary teaching and passion for student success during her 29 years as a full-time professor in the School of Contemporary Media. Laurel-Ann is also a proud Fanshawe alumna, having graduated from the Television program in 1978.

Directly following graduation, Laurel-Ann accepted a full-time position with CBC Toronto, and was the first female Group 1 Technician hired at the network. From there, she advanced to post-production editor, production assistant, associate director, and coordinating producer. Laurel-Ann returned to Fanshawe in 1989 as a professor in the program from which she graduated, bringing with her CBC technical and production experience, which she integrated into program development and new courses.

Laurel provided leadership at Fanshawe as coordinator for our TV, Post-production and Multi-media (now Interactive Media) programs for 13 years. She served on a collaborative planning committee responsible for the design and construction of the Broadcast Centre in M Building, completed in 2004 and still the envy of media schools throughout the country.

She also played a crucial role in curriculum development, creating the School of Contemporary Media’s first graduate certificate programs, and helped build Fanshawe’s collaborative Media, Theory and Production programs with Western, including four Fanshawe diploma programs.

Laurel-Ann’s positive reputation as a broadcast and digital media educator stems from her contribution to the national media education community. During her nineteen-year membership with the Broadcast Educators Association of Canada (BEAC), including 12 years on the executive board and 6 years as president, she built a reputation for organizing successful and relevant conferences across Canada, benefiting educators and students in tv, radio, film and journalism programs.

During her time as BEAC president, she presented to the CRTC on behalf of national broadcast educational institutions on the topic of emerging talent in regard to media acquisitions and tangible benefits going forward. During an intense period of media consolidation in Canada, she provided a vital perspective on protecting the Canadian broadcast system for both consumers and the content creators of the future. Her efforts in these regards helped put Fanshawe on the map as one of the leading media schools in Canada.

Beyond these accomplishments, Laurel-Ann is a born networker responsible for fostering and managing numerous industry relationships providing experiential learning opportunities for students through internships across the country. She encouraged students and alumni in the industry to stay connected with Fanshawe by teaching and encouraging ongoing career networking.

She is well known for volunteer work in the London community, most notably as executive committee member and gala co-chair of Braz for the Cause, a non-profit organization providing short-term financial aid for those undergoing breast cancer treatment.

Laurel-Ann remains involved with Fanshawe following her retirement. She is a strong advocate for the College and sponsors an annual student award. Laurel-Ann will continue to promote and raise the profile of Fanshawe College programs.

Robert (Bob) Brine, Professor Emeritus

Robert (Bob) Brine demonstrated exemplary teaching and passion for student success during his lifetime of work at the St. Thomas/Elgin Regional Campus of Fanshawe College. The College opened in September 1967 and in 1968, the St. Thomas Adult Education Centre opened. Bob was one of the first faculty on site and for the next 48 years, until his retirement in 2016, he was deeply devoted to his students. Bob touched and changed the lives of countless students, nearly 5,000 individuals. His impact on his students, his colleagues, and the success of the Literacy and Basic Skills (LBS) program is immeasurable.

In 2012, Bob was recognized with the President's Distinguished Teacher Award recognizing excellence in teaching and based on student rapport and teaching ability. His students have said he is compassionate, committed, positive and has a passion for teaching.

Bob is a strong advocate for students and for providing pathways for Literacy Basic Skills students -- pathways to literacy and numeracy upgrading; from social assistance to education to work; and from self-doubt to self-confidence. Bob has taken great pride in the accomplishments of his LBS students. His selflessness and dedication to students provided the emotional and intellectual framework for their success. He has helped many on their journey from illiteracy to college/university graduation and on to meaningful employment.

With humour and kindness, a strong commitment to the College mission and to student success, Bob was the heart and soul of what became the St. Thomas/Elgin Regional Campus and brought a sense of cohesiveness to the Campus team.

His long-standing role as Advisor to the Campus Student Council has benefitted numerous Councils. Each year, he worked with and mentored the Executive as they built their leadership skills, represented the student body and contributed to student life.

Bob remains involved with the College following his retirement, and specifically with the St. Thomas/Elgin Regional Campus by volunteering in the Literacy Lab Week; championing an effort to write a book on the history of the Campus; sponsoring an award for graduates of the LBS program; and assisting with fundraising efforts for the Campus.

A strong advocate for the College, Bob has always, and continues to promote and raise the profile of Fanshawe College programs, and specifically those at the St. Thomas/ Elgin Regional Campus.

Denise Blay, Professor Emeritus

Denise was hired as a part-time teacher in the Language and Communication Division in 1986 while still in the process of raising three children, running a dissertation typing and editing business, and working part-time at St. Joseph's Hospital as the manager's assistant in the Occupational and Physiotherapy Department. At Fanshawe, she quickly moved from part-time through partial load to full-time faculty, teaching communications in the Medical Office Administration Program and in the Paramedic Program. She also returned to the University of Western Ontario to complete her honours degree in English Literature.

During her early years with the College, she taught communication skills to the deaf to help them attain positions in a business office setting. In 1992, the Ontario government recognized her dedication and skill working with both deaf and blind students with the Glenn Crombie Award for working with students with special needs.

Also in the early '90s, Denise was selected as one of Fanshawe's facilitators for the newly formed College Educator Development Program. As a facilitator, she was responsible for shepherding a group of new faculty hires through all three stages of the program, plus designing and delivering a variety of workshops to prepare new teachers for the complexities of college teaching.

She moved to the Oxford Campus in Woodstock in 1996 where she developed and coordinated two vital programs that significantly contributed to growth at the campus: Human Resources and the original Business program for Oxford County. Enrolments remained high in both these programs, a tribute to Denise's expertise, enthusiasm, and dedication to her students. Equally important, Denise volunteered and delivered a weekly column for the Woodstock Sentinel Review to keep local readers current on what was happening at Fanshawe.

In 2002, she returned to the London campus to coordinate all communications courses throughout the College. In the early stages of the development of general education courses, Denise was called on to develop, rationalize, and expand all general education offerings across the college.

Feeling the need to continue her own education, Denise applied for a professional development leave and enrolled in the Journalism Program at UWO, completing her M.A. in 2005. Denise continued her role as coordinator of communications courses, helping develop and design offerings specific to a variety of programs, particularly for business students enrolled in graduate business programs. Denise demonstrated relentless energy during her spare time in reaching out to community partners; she conducted presentations at local schools, delivered writing workshops to local businesses, and hosted a number of gatherings at the college with industry partners with the intention of promoting the services of the college to the larger community.

An example of Denise's dedication to the college occurred during the fall of 2011, when Denise stepped up to assume the role of Acting Chair in the School of Language and Liberal Studies (SLLS), the largest school in the College. As Chair, she was responsible for all faculty, support, and administrative staff—full time and part time. Denise excelled and the School flourished under her leadership.

Denise continues to make considerable contributions to the College after retirement. She has recently joined our Centre of Academic Excellence as a curriculum coach in program course design and development. In addition, Denise has agreed to provide mentorship to new and seasoned faculty members. Through one-on-one meetings she provides coaching on course content, course scheduling, classroom management, college policies, and college procedures. Her advice and guidance to faculty will assist in providing an excellent student experience for those enrolled at Fanshawe. She also contributes to the community through various organizations such as her volunteer work with the Salvation Army. A strong advocate for the College, Denise has always, and continues to promote and raise the profile of Fanshawe College programs throughout communities served by the College.

Bert Denda, Professor Emeritus

Bert Denda retired from a distinguished 40-year teaching career in Fanshawe's Faculty of Technology in June 2014. Teaching was and is for Bert an authentic calling that not only enriched his own life but also the lives of his students and colleagues. As a gifted professor and a highly skilled surveyor, Bert demonstrated passion and enthusiasm for his profession and for sharing his knowledge with students.Throughout his career, Bert was committed to program and course quality, student success and raising the performance of students to the highest level possible so they were well-prepared for the workplace. A deeply humble role model, a leader and an inspiration, Bert was also an engaged and generous mentor to a large number of new faculty members over the years.

As an award-winning graduate of Fanshawe's Survey Technician program in 1970, Bert worked as a party chief and draftsman in the survey industry before joining the College in 1974. Then upon making the transition to the classroom, Bert remained committed to keeping his knowledge up-to-date by working in the industry during the summer months. Over the years, he applied that experience to developing courses in Electronic Digital Surveying, Global Positioning Systems and Geographic Information Systems for the Civil Engineering program in response to technological advances and worked tirelessly to give his students the best education possible.

In retirement, Bert will maintain a connection to the College as a part-time teacher and a valued mentor to faculty members and his continued mentorship and guidance will assist in providing an excellent student experience for those enrolled in Building Technology programs for years to come.

Howard W. Rundle, President Emeritus

Howard Rundle was appointed Fanshawe College’s fourth President in 1995 and retired in August 2013.

Prior to accepting the appointment as President, Dr. Rundle held various positions at Fanshawe College joining the college in 1972 as its Director of Planning and Development. Since then he served as Director of Student Learning Resources, Dean of the School of Health Sciences and Human Services, and for eight years as Fanshawe’s Vice President Academic.

Howard received his undergraduate and graduate training at the University of Toronto obtaining an M.A., and Ph.D., in Physical Chemistry. Upon graduation, he worked at the University of Pittsburgh and then at York University in Toronto as a research scientist.

During his career, Howard Rundle was the Chair of the Ontario College Application Service Management Board, member of the Ontario Colleges Library Services Board of Directors, member of the College Employer Council Management Board, and served as a member of the Committee of Presidents of Colleges Ontario, serving as Chair for three terms. Locally, Howard is on the Board of the London Economic Development Corporation, a member of the Resource Planning and Audit Committee of the St. Joseph’s Hospital Board, and he volunteers for the United Way of London and Middlesex.

Upon retirement, Howard was appointed President Emeritus of Fanshawe College.

Ross Gowan, Professor Emeritus

Ross recently retired from a 32-year career as a faculty member of Fanshawe College.

Serving for 20 years at the James N. Allan Campus in Simcoe, Ross developed and coordinated several programs specific for the unique needs of the Norfolk community, including the General Business Diploma program which later moved to London Campus. Transferring to the School of Business at London Campus in 2001, Ross was the inaugural coordinator for the Business Foundations Program, ensuring a strong beginning for this new program.

Preceding his retirement in 2012, Ross led a team of people in the Lawrence Kinlin School of Business to develop the curriculum and submit applications to the Ministry to begin four new applied degree programs. He continues to serve as a Program Review Chair through the Centre for Academic Excellence.

Throughout his career, Ross demonstrated his belief in the power of community and Fanshawe’s role in the community. He has been actively engaged in leadership and governance roles with several sectors in local and provincial communities, including the insurance industry, not-for-profit organizations, Rotary, municipal government, and his church. Taking sabbatical leave from Fanshawe in 2003, Ross managed an economic development project for Norfolk County that boosted the economy and planned the strategy for continued development.

Now retired, Ross has even more time to serve community, including Fanshawe.

Margot Sippel, Professor Emeritus

Margot recently retired from the School of Human Services after a long career spanning more than three decades. She has supervised and taught in five different programs within the School since 1976. Throughout her career, Margot has focused on curriculum innovation and global initiatives. She developed the infrastructure and procedures and led interprofessional, international field placements in Costa Rica since 2008.

Margot is a graduate of Fanshawe’s Recreation and Leadership Program, graduating in 1972. She became the second person in Canada to be dually registered and certified as a Child Psychotherapist, Play Therapist and Art Therapist, 1995. She was subsequently certified by the International Board of Examiners of Certified Play Therapists as a Professor and Supervisor of Child Psychotherapy and Play Therapy, 1996. Currently, she completed the second year of a four year diploma program in analytical psychology leading to designation as a Jungian Analyst. Ms. Sippel co-edited the initial edition of the first Canadian text on Play and Art Therapy, Hand in Hand, a practical application of play and art therapy, 1997.

Margot was seconded as a Consultant with the Cognitive Psychology Department at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education researching collaborative knowledge building using technology, 1998-2000. During that time, she co-authored numerous successful research grant proposals and piloted that software in the Recreation and Leisure Program in 2000. She developed and taught a course accredited by the Canadian Association for Child and Play Therapy in the Child and Youth Worker Program, 1990-2012. In the spring of 2013, Margot will return to Central America, along with Fanshawe colleagues, to present findings from a recent "Investigation into Perceptions of a Healthy Lifestyle among Rural Costa Rican Children."

Although retired, Margot plans to assist with future international and globalization initiatives, such as placements in other countries, semesters abroad, collaborations with other institutions, and international research initiatives.

Dr. Roger Fisher, Professor Emeritus

Dr. Roger Fisher has been an educator in Canada for over 35 years, including eight years at Fanshawe College. While providing outstanding service to students as a Professor in the School of Language and Liberal Studies, Roger earned a PhD in Educational Research from the University of Western Ontario. Roger’s doctoral thesis established a framework for building research capacity at Canadian colleges, and his contribution has been recognized on a national scale through grants, advisory roles, and commissions from a wide range of institutions dedicated to building research cultures at Canadian colleges. His significant and often cited research work has been supported by Industry Canada, the Canadian Council on Learning, Colleges Ontario, the Association of Canadian Community Colleges, and the Higher Education Council of Ontario. Roger authored Ontario’s first approved college certification program in college teaching, wrote a textbook on best practices in college teaching, co-authored a study of language programs at Ontario’s 24 colleges, published a national study involving 2,400 college faculty, and a study of attrition involving over 6,500 college students.

At Fanshawe College, Roger leaves behind a significant legacy through his contributions to the advancement of our applied research and innovation agenda. In addition to his pioneering role in establishing the Research Consultant position, Roger made substantial contributions to Fanshawe’s Research Ethics Board, and at the Centre for Applied Research and Innovation he mentored countless faculty engaged in applied research and scholarly activities.

Having now retired, Roger continues to represent Fanshawe as a contributor to provincial, national, and international organizations supporting college education and research.

Rod Cameron, Dean Emeritus

In a career that spanned more than 30 years, Rod provided outstanding leadership to Fanshawe's Faculty of Technology and to Ontario's colleges. He began as a professor, eventually becoming a Coordinator, Chair and, ultimately, Dean. He also acted as Fanshawe's Senior Vice-President Academic between Joy Warkentin's retirement and Lane Trotter's appointment.

In addition to being a well-regarded teacher, Rod excelled at creating partnerships. Fanshawe students in many programs now enjoy exciting learning opportunities and have access to industry-leading equipment, thanks to his work with industry partners. Rod continues to cultivate those partnerships for the College, with great results for our students.

Rod also continues to be active in supporting apprenticeship education. He is now serving as Chair of the new College of Trades, which supports the growth and development of Ontario's apprenticeship system. Even though he is officially retired, he dedicates a great deal of his time to this endeavour and, by extension, to students across the province.

Joseph Dunlop-Addley, Professor Emeritus

Joseph recently retired from a 39-year teaching career at the College. A very popular professor, he produced creative curriculum for numerous courses and programs, including the Liberal Studies and Film Studies majors, the latter unique within the Ontario College system. He also designed the Advanced Filmmaking program, serving as Program Coordinator.

Joseph is a Fanshawe graduate and a past recipient of the Fanshawe College Distinguished Alumni Award. He is also a patron to the Fanshawe Fine Art program and to the Arts in London, and has been a significant and sustained volunteer with many non-profit agencies in the community. He is proud of his many years as an activist for progressive social change. For ten years, he was President of the AIDS Committee of London for which he received the Outstanding Volunteer Award. Since 1990, he has been a volunteer and now Chair of the Advisory Board of the Centre for Research and Education on Violence Against Women and Children, a joint effort of Fanshawe College, the University of Western Ontario and the London Coordinating Committee to End Woman Abuse. He is a founding member of the White Ribbon Foundation with its annual international campaign by men and boys to end violence against women.

While he is now retired from teaching, Joseph continues to guest lecture and promote Fanshawe and the arts. He is well known as someone who loves movies. Among many initiatives, he is working on a partnership with the Toronto International Film Festival that would open up opportunities for students to view films and attend speaking engagements in the Festival's new Bell Lightbox building.

Joy Warkentin, Vice-President Emeritus

In her extraordinary 40 year career, Joy always put students first. Her wisdom has been and will remain one of Fanshawe College's strengths.

Ms. Warkentin established a noteworthy record of leadership in Ontario and across Canada, while advancing the Province's college and health care systems. Her dedicated and insightful leadership led to dramatic increases in KPI results (provincial Key Performance Indicators for colleges), graduation rates and academic standards. Under her guidance, Fanshawe College also developed its first academic plan, established student success advisors in every faculty, made research a priority and added innovative new programs.

Ms. Warkentin was also recently honoured with:

• 2009 YMCA of Western Ontario's Women of Excellence Honouree, in the category of Education, Training and Development.
• Fifth annual Minister's Lifetime Achievement Award in February 2009, for her significant contributions to Ontario's college system throughout her career.
• Honorary Applied Degree from Fanshawe College in November 2008, recognizing her significant contribution to society, applied education and promotion of the College's image and reputation.

Honorary Diploma Recipients:

Fanshawe College Honorary Diploma recipients, chosen by the Board of Governors, must have had a unique and outstanding impact at a local, provincial, national or global level.  The individual’s life, in some way, will have significantly enriched the lives and careers of Fanshawe College’s students and alumni.  

Roxanne Riddell

Interim Director of Community Impact, United Way Elgin Middlesex

Roxanne Riddell is a dedicated professional in the charitable and not-for-profit sector known throughout the community for her passion for service to others. Roxanne has extensive experience in both fundraising and community development, leading to her current role as interim director of community impact for United Way Elgin Middlesex. Roxanne has made a career of supporting volunteers and developing relationships that build a stronger, more caring community. Prior to joining the United Way team in 2013, she served as a senior development officer for St. Joseph’s Health Care Foundation, the client services manager for Tim Horton Children’s Foundation, regional director of Katimavik BC/Yukon, and as camping and outdoor centre manager for YMCA-YWCA of Vancouver Island and YMCA of Western Ontario. She is actively involved in several committees including London’s Child and Youth Network (CYN London) and the Elgin-St Thomas Coalition to End Poverty; is a member of Central Council of the London & Middlesex Local Immigration Partnership Project; and served as the project manager of London for All – A Roadmap to End Poverty for the City of London. All of this is underpinned by Roxanne’s belief that a strong community is one where everyone has a fair shot at a good life – and that everyone has capacity to make a difference. Roxanne’s professional experience is complemented by an Honours degree in Outdoor Recreation and Leisure Studies from Lakehead University, and a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of British Columbia. Outside of work, Roxanne enjoys reading, exploring thrift shops and spending time with her family.

Dr. Gillian Kernaghan 

Retired, President/CEO St. Joseph’s Health Care London 

Dr. Gillian Kernaghan served as the President and Chief Executive Officer of St. Joseph's Health Care London (St. Joseph’s) from 2010 to 2021. St. Joseph’s is a multi-sited, academic health care organization serving London and region. Prior to assuming this role, Dr. Kernaghan served for 17 years as the Vice President, Medical for various hospitals in London and led the medical staff during complex restructuring in which four hospitals merged to form St. Joseph’s and the roles of the London hospitals dramatically changed. 

After graduating from Western with honours, she completed her family medicine residency at St. Joseph’s Hospital in 1984 then joined the medical staff of St. Joseph's, Parkwood and Victoria Hospitals. She was awarded her Fellowship in 2000 and the CCPE in 2015. 

She is a member of the inaugural Board of Supply Ontario, a member of the Board of Ontario Health, past Board member of the Ontario Hospital Association Board, is the past Chair of the Catholic Health Association of Ontario Board. She was a member of the Premier’s Council on Improving Healthcare and Ending Hallway Medicine and past Co-Chair of the Southwestern Academic Health Network. Prior appointments include Co-Chair of the Canadian Health Leadership Network (2014-18) and President of the Canadian Society of Physician Executives (2011-13). 

Dr. Kernaghan was the recipient of the YMCA Women of Excellence Award in Health, Science and Technology in 2015, the Studer Group Fire Starter Hall of Fame Award 2017, and the Canadian Society of Physician Leaders Excellence in Medical Leadership Award, which she received in 2018. Dr. Kernaghan retired from her role as Associate Professor, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University in 2020. Currently she is on the faculty of CMA Joule providing leadership training nationally. 

Mr. Joe Dales 

Co-Founder, RH Accelerator Inc. 

Joe Dales has 35+ years of agriculture and food industry experience beginning his career in sales, marketing and management roles, working with leading life science companies such as Pfizer, Cyanamid Crop Protection (now BASF), First Line Seeds (now Monsanto), and Ciba Seeds (now Syngenta NK Seeds). In 1997, he co-founded AgCareers.com with his wife Sandra, one of the first agribusiness websites on the internet. In 1998, he co-founded Farms.com Ltd. which has grown to become a leading supplier of innovative solutions to farmers, agriculture and food companies around the globe.

In 2019, he co-founded RH Accelerator Inc. (RHA), a privately held investment firm and lends their value adding investments in the agriculture and food innovation and startup sector. Joe and RHA have made more than 25 investments and continue to support entrepreneurs with hands-on, experienced business coaching and support. Joe is passionate about bringing innovation to agriculture and helping farmers improve productivity. He has been involved in successfully launching over 40 agri technological innovations ranging from products (Pursuit, Odyssey, seed varieties, biologicals - HiStick), start-up companies like Farms.com and AgCareers.com and a range of software products and services.

Joe has gained extensive corporate governance board experience with several companies such as Canterra Seeds, Vive Crop Protection, Haggerty AgRobotics and Intelliculture. He actively volunteers his time to many community organizations such the Board of Governors for the Western Fair Association, several Fanshawe College Advisory Committees and has coached hockey, basketball and soccer teams over the years. Joe graduated with an Honours BSc in Chemistry from Western University and a Master’s in Business Administration from Wilfrid Laurier University. He lives in London, Ontario with his wife Sandra and two children, Michael and Rachel. 

Mr. Michael Sherlock 

President, Knighthunter.com 

Michael Sherlock is the owner and operator of Knighthunter.com, a leading local employment resource website that was founded in 2000. In 22 years of operation, Knighthunter.com has served thousands of local businesses and organizations, helping them attract talent needed to grow. Knighthunter has a strong community service component, providing services to job seekers at no cost, and donating recruiting services to a wide variety of London-area charitable organizations. Michael joined the volunteer Board of Directors at the London Small Business Centre in 2016 and is now completing his second year term as Board Chairperson. Michael has acted as a mentor to newcomer job seekers with Immploy. In 2019 Michael joined Mayor Ed Holder’s London Jobs Now Task Force that has worked to improve London’s Labour Participation rate.

Michael has always valued his relationship with Fanshawe College. Knighthunter.com has benefited from the work of the Lawrence Kinlin School of Business’ Community Consultants team. Michael has also volunteered as a judge for the Ontario Colleges’ Marketing Competition when it was held at Fanshawe, and acted as an advisor to Fanshawe’s Entrepreneurship Program's annual Program Advisory Committee. Michael grew up in the GTA, is a graduate from Western University and has lived in London and raised his family here ever since. 

Mr. Andrew Lewis 

Designer 

Andrew Lewis is an internationally recognized Canadian graphic artist acknowledged for his award-winning designs, posters and fine art. Artist, creative guru, teacher, mentor and lecturer, his clients include The Royal Canadian Mint, Canada Post, Perrier, Starbucks Coffee and VISA. Lewis’ exhibitions, design biennials and museum collections have been mounted world-wide in such cities as New York, Paris, Prague, Osaka, Mexico City and Buenos Aires. He lectures and teaches in Canada, the US, Mexico, South America, Asia and Europe. 

Mr. Jim Graham 

President/Owner, Try Recycling and Try Group of Companies 

Try Group is a 30-year-old diversified group of companies that provides recycling and composting services to various municipalities and businesses in Southwestern Ontario. Try is the largest recycler of construction and demolition materials in Ontario as well as the largest composter of leaf and yard waste materials in Southwest Ontario. After receiving his Honours Bachelor of Arts in History, and Bachelor of Education at Western University, Jim Graham moved into the corporate world as owner and CEO of Try Recycling. In his 25 years at Try’s helm, Mr. Graham has skillfully managed to maintain and grow various companies, while at the same time placing a clear focus on corporate social responsibility. Local and national awards for business ethics and achievement attest to Mr. Graham’s success in translating his business acumen into community service, creating both a social and an environmental impact in the London area and beyond. 

Under Jim’s leadership, Try provides environmental services to over 25 municipalities and has received numerous awards and accolades for environmental efforts including Ethics in Action, London Chamber of Commerce Business Environmental Achievement and the Chamber’s recognition as Small Business of the Year Award. Jim is a current Board Member and Past Chair of the Ontario Waste Management Association. He is the Chair of the Airshow London Board and Past Chair of London’s National Five Bloom Communities in Bloom Program. Mr. Graham lives in Komoka, Ontario, with his wife, Charmaine, and their two children, Macarthur (17) and Madeline (16).