Alumni Advisory Committee
Through their skills, experience and commitment to Algonquin College, its students and fellow alumni, the members of the Alumni Advisory Committee help guide the activities and direction of the Algonquin College Alumni & Friends Network.
We are thankful and fortunate to have such a dedicated group sharing their time and talent. The Alumni Advisory Committee meets four times per year and regularly represents the Algonquin College Alumni & Friends Network at college, networking and community events.
Richard Lee, Chair
Business Administration – Accounting – 1990
With more than two decades of business and tax management experience, Richard Lee has developed a sharp eye for how businesses get bloated with inefficiencies and miscommunication – and how they can retool for a sleeker, smoother, focused organization. As an entrepreneur who quickly built his own successful business and tax management company, he also empathetically helps other business owners produce a smart, effective plan to maximize wealth while minimizing the tax burden.
He is a believer in lifelong learning, not only within the business field but in a wide range of learning possibilities including ballroom dance, languages, and wine.
Jaiveer Singh Bawa
Green Architecture – 2015
Project Management – 2016
Jaiveer Singh Bawa is an Architect and Project Manager at Architecture49 Inc. Through his firm, Jai has been a part of planning, designing, managing and executing unique projects in both India and Canada. He is currently working on the Center Block Rehabilitation project at Parliament Hill, which is one of the largest rehabilitation projects ever undertaken in Canada.
As a student, Jai was keen in engaging activities across Algonquin College. He was an International Student Ambassador and was awarded the International Student Scholarship as well as the Special Recognition Award from the faculty of the Algonquin Centre for Construction Excellence.
He finds his passion in mentoring students and helping them explore the potential of their talents.
Rena Bowen
Nursing – 1977
With over 30 years of experience as a Director of Care and Executive Director in the Long Term Care sector, Rena has obtained a broad range of skills including human resource management, program development, policy implementation, streamlining procedures and finding innovative solutions to contemporary health care challenges.
Since 2015, Rena has been a valuable team member of the Inspection Branch with the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.
Rena taught part-time for several years in Health Sciences at Algonquin College and was on the Nursing Program Advisory Committee. Rena also served as a Director on the Algonquin College Alumni Board, was an Ontario Colleges Premier’s Award nominee in 2002, and received the Alumna of the Year award in 2007.
In 2012, Rena became the first-ever Chair of Algonquin College’s Alumni Advisory Committee. Rena was also a Director of the Algonquin College Foundation Board of Directors. Rena is looking forward to assisting the new Chair to realize the goals and objectives of the Alumni & Friends Network.
Gillian Cummings
Heritage Carpentry – 2018
Gillian Cummings is a graduate of Heritage Carpentry from Algonquin College, Perth Campus. She currently works as the coordinator of Grow Studios Woodshop, a woodworking studio that opens doors for people who have barriers to employment. As an employment training program, the woodshop provides a space to learn carpentry, job skills, and connect with people in the community. Gillian also holds two degrees from Western University in Women’s Studies and Media, Information and Technoculture.
In her spare time she plays ultimate frisbee and spends a lot of time reading.
Wendy Hewitt
Office Administration – Executive – 2017
Wendy Hewitt has a strong family connection to Algonquin College. In addition to being a graduate, two of her children have also completed programs at Algonquin, giving her a broad perspective on the impact a college education can have on people of all ages.
Since graduating, Wendy has worked in fundraising with the Pembroke Petawawa District Community Foundation, as a legal assistant at a law firm, and she is currently the clerical assistant to the Executive Director at Hospice Renfrew. She served almost a decade as Renfrew County District School Board Trustee until 2018. While she was studying at the Pembroke Campus in 2016, she became the chair of the school board, taking on a senior leadership role in public education within Renfrew County.