In the span of a lifetime people wear many hats. In her long, distinguished and varied career Wendy Jocko has worn a hard hat, a helmet and a headdress. The former chief of the Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn First Nation, Jocko, 63 will be donning a ceremonial mortarboard this June when she is awarded an honorary degree from Algonquin College at its 2023 Spring Convocation. Continue reading Wendy Jocko awarded honorary degree from Algonquin College
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 James Taggart to receive honorary degree from Algonquin College
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 Elizabeth Manley to receive honorary degree from Algonquin College
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 John Stewart on learning from the past to benefit the future
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 Deirdre Freiheit to receive honorary degree from Algonquin College
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 Mark Barnes on respect, compassion and the future of healthcare
OTTAWA (May 16, 2023) – The Ontario government has announced that applications for the new Learn and Stay Grant — a provincial effort to incentivize study in various medical careers — are now open.
Learners who are entering their first year of study in nursing at Algonquin College’s Ottawa, Pembroke and Perth campuses will be eligible for the grant, which will include full funding for tuition, books and other educational costs like school supplies. Upon graduation from their program, learners who received the grant will be required to work in the region of their education for at least six months per year of funded study.
This agreement will serve to strengthen Algonquin College’s contributions to the healthcare system of Eastern Ontario and beyond while also providing a significant financial incentive for learners. The College’s various nursing programs offer exceptional lab facilities and high-quality instructors, which will give future students the skills needed to thrive in the regional healthcare field.
To be eligible for the grant, a student must be an Ontario resident and a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or protected person. The grant is currently only available to students who are entering their first year and is open until 60 days before the end of their study period. Students will also be able to apply to the Ontario Student Assistance Program to help pay for additional costs related to their education, such as rent and other living expenses.
“This new Learn and Stay Grant offers a wonderful opportunity for both our learners and the prosperity of Ontario,” said Algonquin College President and CEO Claude Brulé. “This gives us the unique opportunity to help strengthen the province’s healthcare services while also giving us a new tool in our mission to transform hopes and dreams into lifelong success.”
Application details and additional information can be found on the Learn and Stay webpage.
A student in Algonquin College’s Automotive Service Apprenticeship program took home a gold medal during the 2023 Skills Ontario Competition at the Toronto Congress Centre.
Learner Ferdinando Pluviati placed first in the Automotive Service Technician competition due largely to the skills he gained at Algonquin College. His detailed knowledge of steering suspension, drive train functions and engine, brake and fuel systems helped him excel in the competition.
In addition to Pluviati’s win, fellow Algonquin College students Trystin Gunraj (Cabinetmaking and Furniture Technician) and Duncan Thompson (Truck and Coach Apprenticeship) won silver and bronze, respectively.
A total of 13 AC students competed at the event, which was the first to be held in person in more than three years. Many past competitors from the College have gone on to nationals and even world-level competitions in their chosen fields.
“The accomplishments of our learners at the Skills Ontario Competition are a testament to the excellence of our skilled trades programs,” said Algonquin College President and CEO Claude Brulé. “We are immensely proud of all the wonderful students who participated in the event.”
The Skills Ontario Competition is an annual event that gives students the chance to shine in their respective fields, offering the chance to win medals, scholarships, job offers, prizes and the possibility to represent Team Ontario at Skills Canada’s National Competition.
Indigenous graduates from Ottawa-area post-secondary institutions, including Algonquin College, were celebrated on Saturday, April 29, during the Indigenous Graduate Honouring Ceremony (IGHC) at the Canadian Museum of History.
Students from Algonquin College, Carleton University, La Cité and the University of Ottawa gathered at the museum’s Grand Hall to celebrate their achievements in a ceremony which included Indigenous guest speakers, ceremonial drumming and musical performances.
Eric Johnson, Manager of the Mamidosewin Centre at Algonquin College, Claudette Commanda, Chancellor of the University of Ottawa, and Gina Wilson, Deputy Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Youth, were among the invited speakers. Kahente Horn-Miller and Darren Sutherland acted as the Masters of Ceremonies for the event.
The Eagle River Singers drum group provided an honour song for graduates as they entered the ceremony space. The evening also saw a performance by Inuk DJ Uyarakq.
Two graduates, Randy Kakegamick and Paula Macdonald, spoke about their academic and personal journeys during the ceremony. These speakers were community-nominated and selected.
“Inspiration may come from your peers, look beside you. Success is within you all,” said Kakegamick.
More than 100 graduates, 40 from Algonquin College, took centre stage among elders and other invited community representatives during the Honouring Ceremony to acknowledge their accomplishments. Algonquin College Indigenous Counsellor Jackie Tenute provided the closing prayer.
“Algonquin College takes immense pride in the successes of the Indigenous learners that walk through our doors,” said AC President and CEO Claude Brulé. “We are thrilled and deeply humbled to have played a small part in the lives of these wonderful students and the accomplishments that received recognition during the ceremony.”
Algonquin College thanks the IGHC organizing committee and its partner institutions, and acknowledges all the graduates, their families and all the work and support that helped make this ceremony possible.
April 24, 2023 OTTAWA – 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 Freiheit, 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
More information is available on the Algonquin College convocation page
varied career Wendy Jocko has worn a hard hat, a helmet and a headdress. The former chief of the Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn First Nation, Jocko, 63 will be donning a ceremonial mortarboard this June when she is awarded an honorary degree from Algonquin College at its 2023 Spring Convocation. Continue reading Wendy Jocko awarded honorary degree from Algonquin College
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. 
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. 
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. 
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. 
Barnes believes a little respect can go a long way. 
