Georgian College Alumni Relations

When Rick Hopper decided to come to Georgian College in 1982, he brought with him a passion for two things he loved to do – woodworking and playing hockey. Fortunately Georgian was able to support Rick’s passion with both an Applied Arts furniture and building program, and a varsity hockey team. Both taught him practical skills along with valuable work ethic that he still uses today.

After Rick graduated as the program’s top student, he became the head coach of Georgian’s Grizzlies hockey team. From there many doors were open to Rick, and soon he was off to B.C. to become assistant coach and director of player personnel for the Victoria Cougars of the Western Hockey League.

But his love for woodworking was not forgotten and he decided to open up his own business, Country Woodworkers, in 1993. Although woodworking had its challenges at times, Rick took the vital knowledge that he was taught at Georgian and applied it to his business – making him and Country Woodworkers very successful to this day.

“The best thing I ever did was go to Georgian College. It was the best decision I ever made.”

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“Twenty-five ago I made a decision to seek higher education at Georgian.

Today, that decision is the foundation of my success as it gave me the skills and tools I needed to excel in the corporate workplace for over a quarter century. More so then ever, in a time of rapid globalization, Georgian plays a key role in connecting community, career and success.

“As a proud alumnus of Georgian living in Barrie, I’m extremely fortunate to now have children who can continue on the same pathway to success, through the hallways of Georgian College. My family truly is a Georgian family!”

Howie serves Georgian College in many capacities; he sits on the Campaign Cabinet for the Power of Education fundraising campaign, the Georgian College Development Committee and is Past Chair of the Alumni Association.

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Jennifer Sheremeto’s decision to join the Georgian family started in 1995 after completing her Bachelor degree from McMaster University. Accepting a spot in the Research Analyst Program, Jennifer never realized that this was just the beginning of her incredible journey at Georgian College!

Having worked in various marketing capacities upon graduation from RAP, Jennifer was honored to accept a full-time position as Marketing Recruitment Specialist for the Canadian Automotive Institute in October 2002. She currently markets, recruits, and acts as liaison with students, parents, high school staff, and the automotive industry. As well as working full-time in a wonderful environment day-to-day, Jennifer also teaches part-time in the RAP program that she was once a student in!

“It is funny how life takes you on a journey sometimes that brings you full-circle. It has been very rewarding being able to sit on many sides of the fence at Georgian, as a student, a marketer, and a part-time teacher for this fantastic College.”

Raised in a small town north of Barrie, Jennifer moved to Barrie eight years ago, and truly loves working and living in such a great city. Being a three time alumnus of Georgian College, Jennifer now holds a directors position on the Georgian College Alumni Association Board. She enjoys the great outdoors and currently is President of the non-profit organization, the Friends of Awenda Provincial Park.

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Mike is a Professional Golf Management graduate from the Orillia Campus 2003 and the Player Development & Golf in Schools Co-ordinator for the Golf Association of Ontario.

“My education at Georgian College coupled with my relationship with its Program Co-ordinator, Brad Doey and the Professional Golf Management program has proven to be the primary fuel for the passion I have in making a difference in students’ lives through the game of golf.”

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In 1998, I graduated from the Diploma Nursing Program at Georgian College, Owen Sound Campus. During my time at Georgian, I received a great education which fully prepared me for both the workplace and for ongoing learning.

The informal one-to-one time that I had with my nursing instructors was unexpected and created a situation where success was assured. Now, as a nurse leader in Ontario, I continue to see the same support and curriculum at Georgian. Georgian is continuing to keep pace with the changes in our health care environment and is implementing programs with a system wide focus and dedication to interprofessional education, a progressive strategy that will benefit our health care system for years to come. For that reason, I work to support the nursing programs at Georgian in whatever way I can.

Dianne is the Executive Director of the Registered Practical Nurses Association of Ontario. Dianne also remains connected to Georgian College; she is a Director on the Alumni Association Baord and a member of the Health and Wellness Cabinet for the Power of Education fundraising Campaign.

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I fully support the Georgian College Alumni Association because it allowed me to keep connected to all my friends at Georgian – staff and students. It has also allowed me to make new friends.

I like how the alumni magazine keeps me current on what is happening at the college and to graduates. I also get to hear about great discount opportunities to Theatre shows and Home/Auto Insurance. I get to stay in touch with my extended family.

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                                                                                                            “Exposure to the Canadian and international culture throughout my academic years at Georgian College, greatly helped me prepare for my career in the global field.”

Sataru Otai began working at Magna International as a co-op student and following his official graduation from Georgian College, he continued working in various Magna plants and divisions throughout Ontario and the United States.  In September 2009, Satoru secured a position at Magna International Japan as a sales Coordinator.

“Every day at work I feel the dynamism of global business and its challenges, but I consider this my personal growth opportunity.

Georgian is a leading co-op college in Canada and they proved it by helping me get to where I am now.  Many thanks to Georgian College!”

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