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Online educational games are big business, but also a fun way for children to learn about important issues. A recent competition hosted by the Ingenium Innovation Lab has greenlit the creativity and passion of a group of Algonquin College students to create a fun and educational product for young learners.

Their product, Artifice, is a climate action themed educational game, and was recently awarded $15,000 along with dedicated funding and mentorship to further develop the proof-of-concept into a marketable, educational product for youth. The game will be available to the public in 2024. Continue reading →

Two graduates from Algonquin College’s Paramedic program have received the inaugural Ontario Medal for Paramedic Bravery, which recognizes and honours exceptional courage in the line of duty.

Kimberley Fitzsimmons, a primary care paramedic with the Frontenac Paramedic Services, received the award in honour of her actions on Aug. 2, 2022. The off-duty Fitzsimmons had just finished a swim in Lake Ontario when she noticed another swimmer struggling to stay afloat. When the man sank beneath the water, Fitzsimmons dove 15 feet to rescue him from the bottom of the lake. She brought him back to shore and gave the man life-saving CPR, continuing to do so until help arrived.

Ottawa paramedic Maciej Wisniewski was honoured for his efforts following a plane crash near Carp Airport on Sept. 4, 2021. He was called to the scene after a passenger plane carrying two people crashed in a field after hitting a hydro pole. Alongside his partner and with the help of bystanders, Wisniewski worked to overturn the downed plane and free the trapped occupants, who were fuel-soaked and suffering extensive injuries. The rescued passengers were then sent to hospital to be treated for their injuries.

In both scenarios, the pivotal and timely efforts of Algonquin College graduates prevented terrible tragedies. The actions of Fitzsimmons and Wisniewski serve as a testament to both the rigorous and high-calibre training found in the AC Paramedic program and to the overall quality of Algonquin College. We are incredibly proud of these brave graduates and the courageous work being done by all AC alumni who work to preserve and strengthen public safety.

Algonquin College is pleased to recognize five of its alumni who were recently named to the Ottawa Business Journal’s prestigious 40 Under 40 List.

“Each of our recipients has shown tremendous professional and personal leadership abilities and strong commitment to our local community. Our objective is to support the growth of these local leaders who are helping to build a greener, healthier, happier, wealthier and more prosperous Canada from here in our nation’s capital,” wrote the publication.

Alumni included this year were:

Derick Cotnam

Culinary Management 2007

Owner, My Catering Group

Dave Hale

Business – Marketing 2010

CEO, Craft&Crew Corp.

Nitin K. Mehra

Culinary Management 2005

Executive Chef & COO, East India Company Restaurants

Kelly A. Rusk

Public Relations 2006

General Arts and Science – One Year 2004

President, Kelly Rusk Consulting Inc.

Adam D. Van Cleeff

Business Administration – Marketing 2008

VP Customer Success, Fullscript

Congratulations to this year’s recipients.