Volume 12 | Issue 7 | August 2021
A time of reflection and celebration
Arjun Batra climbing on mountain
Greetings!

It’s hard to believe that August is upon us, and before we know it, a new academic year will begin at Georgian. I hope you are all finding an opportunity to enjoy your summer.

Our August issue of The Loop is filled with moments of reflection and celebration, including the announcement of our 2021 Premier’s Award nominees. Take a moment to read about the fantastic work each of these seven proud Georgian alumni are doing in their respective fields, as well as the important changes they are helping to bring to the world.

I was recently in Alberta on vacation and with the natural beauty of Mt. Norquay surrounding me, I was reminded how it feels to make a difference in the world. As we push forward toward our dreams, we will impact our communities in remarkable ways.

With the Olympics well underway, and the Paralympics beginning Aug. 24, we’re happy to share the story of a Georgian alumna who is also a past Paralympian in two sports.

There are several upcoming events with the Henry Bernick Entrepreneurship Centre that you may find valuable, and be sure to check out the other professional development opportunities currently on offer at your alma mater.

Remember, too, we’re looking for Georgian alumni to become proud social media influencers. It’s simple! All you need to do is follow us on the Georgian Alumni Network and our social media channels, and share our content with your followers using the hashtag #ProudGeorgianGrad. Every share will enter you into our monthly draw for great prizes.

On behalf of everyone here at Georgian, and our proud alumni community of more than 90,000 graduates around the world, stay safe, and enjoy the rest of your summer.
Arjun Batra (class of 2007)
Chair, AAEC
Perseverance leads to Paralympics
Darda Sales (class of 2006)
Read about Darda Sales, alumna from Georgian's Therapeutic Recreation program (class of 2006), Paralympian gold and silver medalist and World Champion swimmer and wheelchair basketball player. Darda was Georgian’s 2019 Premier’s Awards nominee in the Health Sciences category, for her work as a recreational therapist and for positively moving sports forward for individuals with a disability.
What's new
Keep updated on some of the biggest news at your alma mater, including these recent developments:
We’re proud of you. Below are stories of success we’ve read about:
Jana Bickell (class of 1989 and 1994)
Library technician finds satisfaction in helping students succeed. Read more
John Shaw (class of 2016)
“There’s not too many games where grandparents and parents and grandkids can all play together,” said John Shaw, founder of Muskoka Cornhole. Read more
Sachin Sharma (class of 2019)
How many food truck owners have an advanced diploma in aviation management? Sachin Sharma, the young, creative force behind FoodiezBarrie, can claim that distinction. Read more
Allison Couch (class of 2012)
Allison left her job as a flight attendant to follow her dream of becoming a pilot. Read more
Do you have some good news to share?
Please email us or post your updates and achievements in the Georgian Alumni Network.
Premier's Awards nominees chosen
Each year, Ontario’s 24 colleges nominate alumni in seven categories for Premier’s Awards that honour the important social and economic contributions college graduates make to Ontario and throughout the world.

Georgian nominees are selected through a vigorous research and vetting process that includes receiving feedback and recommendations from Georgian’s alumni community, college faculty and staff as well as the community at large. Candidate pools are generated and scrutinized through a series of evaluation processes, before final nominees are approved and endorsed by the Georgian College Alumni Association Executive Council.

"Our alumni are an impressive family of more than 90,000 graduates around the world, and the Premier’s Awards are one more way to celebrate their tremendous accomplishments and the impact they’re having on their industries and communities," says Jamie Campbell, Manager, Alumni Engagement, Annual and Legacy Giving. "Getting down to just one nominee in each category is never easy as there are so many deserving graduates."

Colleges can only nominate one graduate for each category. The following Georgian alumni have been nominated for the 2021 awards. Winners will be announced at a ceremony on Nov. 29:
  • Andrew Cywink (class of 2011) - Apprenticeship
  • Glenn Vollebregt (class of 1983) - Business
  • Jane Kovarikova (class of 2004) - Community Services
  • Jonathan Andrews (class of 2016) - Recent Graduate
  • Lisa Marie Naponse (class of 2004) - Health Sciences
  • Nadia George (class of 2009) - Creative Arts and Design
  • Seann ODonoughue (class of 1997) - Technology

Congratulations to each of the 2021 nominees! Visit our website to read more about each of these proud Georgian alumni.
Lifelong learning
Are you thinking of going back to school? There's so much to consider as you make postsecondary choices this year. That's why Georgian is once again offering virtual Get to Know Georgian sessions. You may think you know your alma mater, but these sessions offer helpful information, so you can get answers to the questions that matter most to you. Each online event includes a Q&A session with friendly and knowledgeable staff experts. You'll also learn how to apply for free!
The following resources, workshops and webinars are brought to you by Georgian's Career and Employment Community Services

This is an opportunity for you to have your questions answered, get some extra help with job searching, résumés, second career and apprenticeship information, and review Employment Ontario services. Click on a workshop to see a complete description.

Check out our Virtual Resource Centre for more tips, and tools for your job search!
Upcoming events
The Henry Bernick Entrepreneurship Centre (HBEC) assists entrepreneurs in four main areas: training, connections, funding and mentorship. Here are some upcoming events.
HBEC Further Faster Business Program
Wednesday, Sept. 29
Xcelerate Summit
Tuesday, Oct. 19 to Friday, Oct. 22
Take advantage of alumni PERKS
Get discounts on your next visit! Canada’s Wonderland offers thrills and family fun with 200 world-class attractions. Experience over 70 rides including 17 roller coasters, highlighted by Yukon Striker – the tallest, fastest, and longest dive coaster in the world. Experience Wonder Mountain’s Guardian – an interactive 4D dark ride.  Families can spend the perfect day together in Planet Snoopy and KidZville play areas filled with kid-sized rides and your admission includes Splash Works – a 20-acre water park. 
Alumni preferred rates
Charitable Registration 11893 7283 RR0001