The Premier’s Awards are an annual provincial awards program created by the government to acknowledge the important economic and social contribution college graduates make worldwide. The Premier’s Awards are administered by Colleges Ontario.
Any graduate of a college program may be nominated. The person must have demonstrated outstanding career success and be making a contribution to their community or society.
Colleges may nominate one graduate in each of the following categories:
- Creative Arts & Design
- Community Service
- Business
- Health Sciences
- Technology
- Recent Graduate
Do you know a Georgian graduate who should be recognized for their career achievements and successes?
The Alumni Office welcomes suggestions for nominations at any time. Please contact Kelly Pottage, Manager, Alumni and Stewardship, kpottage@georgianc.on.ca, 705-728-1968, ext. 1878 for further information.
Meet Georgian’s 2011 nominees
The 2011 Premier’s Awards will be given out on Nov. 28 at the Sheraton Centre in Toronto as part of the Higher Education Summit.
David Edgar
Category: Recent Graduate
Program: Police Studies, 2008
David Edgar is a recent graduate of the Bachelor of Human Services – Police Studies program at Georgian College’s University Partnership Centre. He is now a First Class Constable for the Barrie Police Service and was recently lauded for his heroic efforts in response to a call while on duty in 2009. David has received commendation from his police service, the Province of Ontario and the Canadian Police Association for his bravery while responding to a violent incident. David is an advocate of community policing and has recently been awarded a transfer to Barrie’s HEAT team, which proactively polices downtown Barrie.
Kathleen Yake
Category: Health Sciences
Program: Dental Hygiene, 1983
After 25 years working as a hygienist in a dental office, Kathleen Yake opened her own clinic as an independent dental hygienist. In 2007, the provincial government passed Bill 191 which allowed hygienists to become certified to practise independently. Kathleen was among the first cohort of hygienists to obtain her certification and shortly thereafter opened her clinic. Dedicated to independent practise, Kathleen became one of the founding members of the Dental Hygiene Practitioners of Ontario. With her own successful clinic and a demonstrated commitment to oral health, Kathleen is a leader in her field and an inspiration to young hygienists.
Geoffrey Stephens
Category: Business
Program: Business Administration, 1984
Geoffrey Stephens became president and controlling owner of Capital Paving Inc. at the age of 35 and has grown its revenue from $18 to $80 million in just over 10 years. He and his partners recently made a major ownership investment in Fowler Construction. In 2010, Capital was named one of Canada’s 50 Best Managed Companies and is an unprecedented three-time winner of the Ministry of Transportation’s Paver of the Year Award. Stephens was one of 40 Canadian entrepreneurs chosen for the 2010 Quantum Shift at Richard Ivey School of Business and he is active in the community, serving on numerous industry association boards.
Ted Vandevis
Category: Technology
Program: Civil Engineering, 1977
As president of the Electrical & Utilities Safety Association, Ted Vandevis made a monumental step in workplace health and safety in 1999 by adopting a vision of zero injuries by 2011. Ted led the association, its 1,100 member organizations and 50,000 workers through a cultural change and extensive training, achieving a year-over-year decrease in lost time injuries of 10.4 per cent – best in province. This represents 4,000 injuries prevented and a savings of $377 million. Ted has also authored books, is a sought out keynote speaker and guest lecturer and completed his MBA and PhD while working full time.
Jonathan Gushue
Category: Creative Arts & Design
Program: Hotel and Resort Management, 1993 and Culinary Management, 1994
After graduating from Georgian College’s Culinary Management program, Jonathan Gushue has quickly become one of the country’s top chefs. He has been widely recognized for his accomplished culinary skills, taking inspiration from field, farm and forest when creating classical dishes with a contemporary edge. In 2009, Jonathan was named Grand Chef by Relais & Chateaux, a designation that he shares with only 160 others across the globe. He is currently executive chef at Langdon Hall in Cambridge, Ontario, and is the recipient of the coveted CAA/AAA five diamond award.
