Public health champion, legendary music promoter, and Senator among this year’s recipients of Algonquin College honorary certifications

Algonquin College awards honorary degrees and diplomas to individuals for their lifetime achievement and service to the Ottawa Community.

(Ottawa, June 5, 2015) Their names are synonymous with achievement and excellence. And later this month, they will become permanent members of the Algonquin College Alumni community.

Algonquin College is pleased to announce the recipients of its honorary degrees and diplomas in anticipation of the June 2015 convocation ceremonies. The College awards honorary certifications to members of the Ottawa Community who display exemplary achievement in education, industry, community service, and other areas of leadership.

This year’s recipients include:

• Mr. Anthony Pollard, President of the Hotel Association of Canada. Mr. Pollard is a published expert for the travel and hotel industries in Canada, and has received many prestigious awards (Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, Hotelier Magazine’s Lifetime Achievement Award). Mr. Pollard will receive his honorary degree from the School of Hospitality and Tourism on Monday, June 22, at 9:30 a.m.
• Dr. Robert Cushman, Former CEO of the Champlain Local Health Integration Network. Dr. Cushman is a leader in the field of public health, having pushed for priority vaccine development, reducing surgical and diagnostic wait times, introducing smoke-free legislation, and opening over 200 local health services during his career. He is the recipient of the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the City of Ottawa. Dr. Cushman will receive his honorary degree from the School of Health and Community Studies on Tuesday, June 23, at 9:30 a.m.
• The Honourable Vernon White, Senator, Senate of Canada. Senator White has dedicated his life to policing, working on the frontlines of the RCMP, as the commanding officer of Nunavut, and as Chief of the Ottawa Police Service. Senator White is passionate about making communities safer by getting at the root causes of crime. With these motivations, he has worked to provide resources to youth with addiction problems, the homeless, and to help with positive mental health initiatives. Senator White will receive his honorary degree from the Police and Public Safety Institute on Tuesday, June 23, at 2:30 p.m.
• Shirley Westeinde, Chair of Westeinde Properties Ltd. Ms. Westeinde has dedicated herself to giving back to the community by bringing women into the trades, finding housing for the homeless, and promoting mental health. Throughout her career, Ms. Westeinde has held various leadership positions in local business and charitable organizations, and has received the Order of Canada, and the Queen’s Golden and Diamond Jubilee Awards. Ms. Westeinde will receive her honorary degree from the School of Advanced Technology on Wednesday, June 24, at 2:30 p.m.
• Harvey Glatt, award-winning music promoter, manager, broadcaster. Mr. Glatt opened the first standalone record and music store, The Treble Clef, in Ottawa in 1957. Throughout his career, Mr. Glatt built the music scene in Ottawa by founding the innovative radio station CHEZ-FM, and bringing greats such as Johnny Cash and The Rolling Stones to Ottawa. In 2007, Mr. Glatt was inducted into the Canadian Broadcast Hall of Fame. Mr. Glatt will receive his honorary diploma from the School of Media and Design on Wednesday, June 24, at 9:30 a.m.