James (Jim) Taggart is a builder. In his 81 years, he’s been part of a successful
business, a large family, and many lasting relationships and connections throughout the Ottawa region. The father of three and grandfather of six is retired but still holds the title of Chairman of the Taggart Group of companies. He also chairs occasional meetings and goes into the office to keep himself appraised of the many endeavors his family, including Taggart Construction Limited, Doran Contractors Limited, Taggart Realty Management, Tartan Homes, Tamarack Homes and the Taggart Parkes Foundation. Continue reading
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Being a four-time World Cup champion, two-time U.S. Open champion figure
skater, Manley spent much of her life testing her limits, pushing past her breaking points and navigating the often complicated and challenging world of sport. Today, she uses her experience to compassionately support others in their life’s pursuits. Continue reading
For nearly 40 years, John Stewart has served as a pillar of the Perth 
community, a close friend of Algonquin College and a widely respected authority on heritage conservation. His commitment to history and the preservation of the past have led to the revitalization of countless historical sites both locally and beyond. Continue reading
While mom is her favourite role, Deirdre Freiheit leads one of Ottawa’s largest
organizations for individuals who are experiencing homelessness or are precariously housed. As the president and chief executive officer of Shepherds of Good Hope and the Shepherds of Good Hope Foundation, Freiheit strives to ensure appropriate services and housing options are available to adults with complex needs who are experiencing homelessness in our community. Continue reading
When it comes to serious issues like mental health and substance abuse, Mark
Barnes believes a little respect can go a long way.
The owner of the Ottawa-based Respect RX pharmacy, Barnes has made a career out of challenging the biases surrounding drug misuse and mental health issues. With compassion, understanding and care, he has spent years working in overdose prevention and harm reduction amid Canada’s ongoing opioid crisis. Continue reading
Claude Brulé, President and CEO, Algonquin College, announced today six names of regional community leaders who will be awarded honorary degrees at the College’s Spring Convocation ceremonies in Ottawa, Pembroke and Perth.
“We are proud to acknowledge and honour this group of community leaders for their achievements and contributions”, said President Brulé. “Their leadership in their individual fields have touched the lives of many and we are pleased to recognize their incredible accomplishments.”
Perth campus ceremonies will take place June 7, 2023 and Pembroke ceremonies will occur on June 9, 2023. Ottawa Campus and AC Online Campus ceremonies will take place between June 20, 2023 and June 22, 2023.
The honorees are:
- Perth Campus
John Stewart, former Chair, Perth Heritage Commission
- Pembroke Campus
Wendy Jocko, former First Nation Chief, Pikwakanagan
- School of Health Studies
Mark Barnes, Owner Respect Rx
- School of Hospitality
Deirdre Frerheit, President & CEO, Shepherds of Good Hope and Shepherds of Good Hope Foundation
- School of Wellness, Public Safety and Community Studies
Elizabeth Manley, Olympic Silver Medalist, Mental Health Advocate
- Algonquin Centre for Construction Excellence
James (Jim) Taggart, Chair Taggart Group
Algonquin College is making final preparations for its Ottawa 2022 Spring Convocation ceremonies,
which will include an in-person component for the first time in two years. The 11 ceremonies will take place over four days, commencing June 21, and will mark one of the largest graduation events in the College’s history.
Just over 10,500 graduates are eligible for the ceremonies in Ottawa next week. Ceremonies at Algonquin’s Pembroke and Perth campuses also took place earlier this month. The in-person Ottawa ceremonies will be held at the Canadian Tire Centre, and are open to graduates from Spring and Fall 2021 classes, and Winter 2022 graduates. Continue reading
Karen Spillane remembers what her oldest son said to her when she was considering going back to
school: “Just do it mom. You’re going to be older anyways. Be older with a diploma.”
The COVID-19 pandemic hit hard at Spillane’s previous company, with many employees temporarily laid off. As a human resources (HR) professional she particularly enjoyed the legal aspect of the role. The pandemic and economic uncertainty propelled her to apply to the Law Clerk program at Algonquin College.
In 2016, Kasia Gocal came to Canada for the first time, with plans of spending a short visit with a love
interest she had met back home in Poland. What started out as an ordinary visit turned out to be the leap of a lifetime.
“I wasn’t planning to emigrate. I had met someone at a social event in Poland and we kept in touch, at some point I decided to visit Canada and since then I just never went back,” she jokes. Continue reading
As a child growing up in a small town in Brazil, Danilo Furlani Audi Calobrizi was known through his
grandfather Osvaldo. Osvaldo was the principal of the local school and taught many members of the community.
“Everybody knew him and he taught everyone,” said Audi Calobrizi. “People would tell me they learned a lot from my grandfather. I avoided teaching in the beginning, but he was such an inspiration because he was in love with teaching.”