Algonquin College to honour accomplished graduates at annual Alumni of Distinction Awards
Posted on Tuesday, September 24th, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OTTAWA (September 24, 2024) – Algonquin College will celebrate the achievements of 10 distinguished graduates and one top employer at the College’s annual Alumni of Distinction Awards in the Algonquin Commons Theatre on October 24, 2024.
The joyful evening will feature a live performance from Jamie Fine, an Ottawa-born singer, songwriter, artist and fellow Algonquin College alumna. Fine will bring her dynamic presence to the event with her series of singles, including “If Anything’s Left” (24.4M global streams) and her debut EP for Universal Music Canada, eight gardengate.
Complimentary tickets (limited quantity) are available via Ticketmaster. Secure your free tickets now!
Honorees include Geoffrey Darby, a visionary in broadcasting whose innovative work, including the co-creation of the iconic game show Double Dare, has left a lasting impact on the television industry. For his trailblazing contributions, Darby will be receiving the Alumnus of the Year Award.
Another honoree, Sheena Brady, founder of Tease Tea & Wellness Blends is recognized for her transformative impact on the business world and her commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs. From launching her business with just $500 to creating the world’s first biodegradable and refillable tea packaging, Brady will be receiving the Business Award.
Graham Spero, a champion for accessibility and inclusion, whose tireless volunteer efforts and outreach have made significant strides in ensuring everyone, regardless of their differences, is included and empowered to be who they want to be, without limitations. For his dedication and impact, Spero will be receiving the Rena Bowen Volunteer of the Year Award.
John-Philippe Smith, the Dominion Sculptor for the Government of Canada, has built a distinguished career blending art with heritage preservation. From his contributions to the restoration of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris to his work in shaping Canada’s cultural legacy, Smith’s artistic talents have earned him international recognition. For his extraordinary contributions to creative arts and design, Smith will be receiving the Creative Arts and Design Award.
“Algonquin College transforms the hopes and dreams of its learners into lifelong success,” said Mark Savenkoff, Algonquin College’s Vice President, Advancement and Strategy. “Our Alumni of Distinction honorees have achieved remarkable success in their fields, but their true legacy lies in the lasting impact they have had on the lives of others and the communities they serve.”
The 2024 Algonquin College Alumni of Distinction are:
- Apprenticeship Award: Moneca Kaiser – Founder and Principal Designer, Moneca Kaiser Design Build (Carpentry Apprenticeship – Class of 1996)
- Moneca Kaiser is a leader in sustainable design and construction. As the founder of Moneca Kaiser Design Build, she has revolutionized the skilled trades with her innovative approach to creating eco-friendly and community-focused living spaces. With a background in fine arts and a hands-on carpentry apprenticeship, Moneca combines design expertise with practical construction skills to develop homes that are as beneficial for the planet as they are for the people who live in them. Her commitment to sustainability, coupled with her advocacy for diversity in the trades, has earned her widespread recognition.
- Business Award: Sheena Brady – Founder of Tease Tea & Wellness Blends (Hospitality Management – Hotel and Restaurant – Class of 2009)
- Sheena Brady is a dynamic entrepreneur whose innovative approach to wellness and sustainability, combined with her commitment to supporting women entrepreneurs, has made her a respected leader in the business community. For launching Tease Tea with just $500 and creating the world’s first biodegradable and refillable tea packaging, her journey is a testament to tenacity, resilience, and a dedication to positive impact.
- Changing Lives Award: Alexandra Ford – Co-founder of Uprising, Founder of The Laughing Survivor, Anti-Human Trafficking Advocate (Community and Justice Services – Class of 2013)
- Alexandra Ford is a resilient advocate dedicated to driving change in the justice system. As a vocal advocate and changemaker, she works tirelessly to combat human trafficking and illuminate the hidden corners where abuse thrives. Her advocacy focuses on addressing the systemic failures she experienced, and her commitment to creating a safer, more empathetic society.
- Community Services Award: Janis Monture – CEO, Canadian Museums Association (Applied Museum Studies – Class of 2003)
- Janis Monture is a dedicated cultural steward and community leader, with a career rooted in her commitment to preserving and promoting Indigenous culture. Raised on the Six Nations of the Grand River, Monture has led significant initiatives in the museum sector, including repatriating Indigenous belongings and advocating for Indigenous representation. As the CEO of the Canadian Museum Association, she continues to drive change in the cultural sector, ensuring Indigenous voices are heard and respected.
- Creative Arts & Design Award: John-Philippe Smith – Dominion Sculptor of Canada (Masonry – Heritage and Traditional – Class of 2004; and Masonry Techniques – Class of 2003)
- John-Philippe Smith is a celebrated sculptor and artist whose journey from the Pontiac region of Quebec to becoming the Dominion Sculptor of Canada is proof of his dedication and passion for his craft. After discovering his love for masonry and artistic stone carving at Algonquin College, Smith honed his skills in France, working on historic sites like Le Palais Royale and the Prefecture de Paris across from Notre-Dame Cathedral. Today, as the Dominion Sculptor of Canada, Smith focuses on diversifying his team and collaborating with artists from various communities, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of sculpture.
- Health Sciences Award: Carl Bowker – Chief of Hastings Quinte Paramedic Services (Advanced Paramedic – Class of 2000; Aeromedical – Class of 1998; Paramedic – Class of 1998)
- Carl Bowker is a leader in emergency medical services. His career is marked by resilience and innovation, from developing community paramedic programs to leading initiatives that address the opioid crisis in the City of Belleville. Bowker’s dedication to transforming emergency services into comprehensive healthcare partnerships has made a significant impact in Hastings County and beyond.
- Brian Fraser Recent Graduate Award: Brian Mikula – Entrepreneur and Founder of Life Booster Tea (Business – Marketing – Class of 2020)
- Brian Mikula is a successful entrepreneur and marketing expert who has transformed his life through resilience and self-discovery. As the founder of Life Booster Tea, he has created a company dedicated to improving lives through natural health products. His journey from early challenges to business owner is a powerful example of the impact of education and determination.
- Rena Bowen Volunteer of the Year Award: Graham Spero – Accessibility Lead, Office of the Prime Minister and Privy Council (Public Relations – Class of 2016)
- Graham Spero is a passionate advocate for accessibility and inclusion, with a career dedicated to improving the built environment for people with disabilities. His volunteer work, particularly coaching children with different abilities in baseball through NubAbility in Florida and Illinois, has had a profound impact, helping others embrace their differences and build confidence. Spero’s efforts extend to social media, where his educational videos on TikTok have gone viral, raising awareness in a relatable and humourous way.
- Technology Award: Tanu Mohan Partner, Deloitte Digital (Bachelor of Information Technology, Computer Engineering Technology – Networking – Class of 2008)
- Mohan is a prominent figure in the corporate world, known for her resilience, curiosity, and commitment to service. Originally from India, Mohan’s journey to Canada as an international student marked the beginning of a transformative path in both her personal and professional life. After completing a dual-degree program at Algonquin College and Carleton University, she began her career at Deloitte, where she quickly rose through the ranks. Her experience working in the UK through Deloitte’s global mobility program further broadened her perspective, allowing her to gain invaluable insights across various industries. Mohan’s story is a testament to the power of adaptability, continuous learning, and the importance of cultural understanding in achieving success.
- Employer of the Year: The Beer Store Distribution Centre
- The Beer Store Distribution Centre is a thriving community where teamwork, innovation, and a commitment to excellence are at the core of their operations. With nearly 180 employees, the Centre has built a strong partnership with Algonquin College, offering Co-op students valuable experience in supply chain management and fostering a culture of inclusion and continuous improvement.
- Alumni of the Year: Geoffrey Darby – Visionary in Broadcasting, retired (Broadcasting – Radio and Television – Class of 1976)
- Geoffrey Darby is a visionary in broadcasting, best known for co-creating the iconic game show Double Dare. His innovative work has significantly shaped children’s television, and his leadership roles at major networks like Nickelodeon and CBS have earned him numerous accolades, including three Cable ACE Awards and a Peabody Award.
More details on the awards, recipients, and the October 24 awards night, including ticket purchases, are available on the alumni website.
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About Algonquin College
The mission of Algonquin College of Applied Arts and Technology is to transform hopes and dreams into lifelong success. Algonquin College, an Ontario public sector community college, does this by offering hands-on, digitally connected, experiential learning in more than 200 programs. Algonquin College is the largest polytechnic institute in Eastern Ontario, with campuses in Ottawa, Perth, Pembroke and AC Online.
For media inquiries:
Bruce Hickey
Manager of Communications, President’s Office
Algonquin College
hickeyb@algonquincollege.com
(613)727-4723 (7018)