Volume 15 | Issue 11 | November 2024

December 3 is Giving Tuesday
Ensure ambition and determination define a student's future not financial constraints
Donate to help students thrive

Join us to raise $25,000 to support students.

Gifts matched by belairdirect up to $12,500!

As a graduate, you may remember the struggle to make ends meet while pursuing your education. Today, more Georgian students than ever rely on financial aid to stay in school and achieve their goals.

This Giving Tuesday, a global day of generosity, make a lasting impact on the lives of students by donating to help those who need it most.

Choose how to support students:

The Alumni Bursary Fund provides critical financial relief for ten students per semester through a $500 bursary. Help us increase the number of students we support as the need has grown quickly alongside the cost of living.
The Georgian FoodLocker is a confidential emergency student food bank on campus, which continues to see an increase in requests for help every semester. Your support can help ensure no student goes hungry.

Double your impact
Give now and belairdirect will match your gift up to five thousand dollars

Every dollar you donate will be matched up to $12,500 by our partner belairdirect, doubling your impact! Help us reach our $25,000 goal as your generosity today can help a student tomorrow.

Grizzlies who give back transform lives!

Donate now

A celebration of our exceptional alumni

Seven outstanding graduates were recognized for their achievements at the annual Colleges Ontario Premier's Awards that took place on Nov. 25.

Above, from left to right (front), Zein Dhanidina (class of 2006), Lisa Bertram (class of 1989 and 1990) and Markie Tuckett (class of 2013). Back, left to right, Holly Martin (class of 2014), Solomon King (class of 2018) and Andrew Ojamae (class of 2001). Missing from the photo is Jama Maxie (class of 2020).

Madison Charman (class of 2020), Organizational Researcher with the Barrie Police Service, will assist two Georgian professors, Drs. Eleanor Gittens and Isabelle Deschamps, on a research project that will advance inclusion and anti-oppression police training. Read the full story.

“I love that I can help contribute to the advancement of knowledge and help translate research findings into products with real-world impacts," says Madison. "Watching the professionals from Georgian in action and learning from their expertise has been an invaluable part of the process."

New alumnus surprised at convocation

Liam Coles (class of 2024) got a huge surprise as he crossed the stage at a Georgian convocation ceremony in October. The Pre-service Firefighter Education and Training alumnus looked into the crowd and not only saw family members, but also more than a dozen firefighters in uniform, each of whom worked with his dad, who passed away earlier this year. Read about the heartwarming reunion.

Join our Alumni Roadshow and share your success!

This month, our Alumni Roadshow took us to Butter Bay Pastry House, founded by Sarah Mahoney (class of 2023). Butter Bay is a pastry shop, serving melt-in-your-mouth pastries every day from the newly opened shop in Barrie. Be sure to drop in to enjoy sweet treats made by Sarah and her team. By supporting fellow grads, we’re growing a community that’s built on success, ambition, and alumni pride.

Do you have a graduate-owned business you'd like to share? Whether you're just starting out or already an industry leader, we'd love to visit you and celebrate your achievements! Reach out to schedule a visit and stay tuned to see where we stop next.

We're proud of you!

Below are success stories that we’ve read about:

Aradhana Julie Kumar (class of 2007) is recognized as Simcoe County’s Immigrant Mentor Award recipient. Read more.

Greg Markiton (class of 2022) owner of Precision Dynamics, CNC machine shop, is proudly recognized by the Economic Development Corporation of North Simcoe (ECDNS). Read more.

Rebecca Bartley (class of 2016), founder and owner of Trooper Pet Veterinary Nursing, won the Small Business of the Year award at the 2024 Barrie Chamber of Commerce Business Awards. Read more.

Jeanette Volkmann (class of 2015) is the 2024 Barrie Chamber of Commerce Business Award recipient for Young Entrepreneur of the Year. Read more.

Upcoming Alumni Speaker Series

Turning challenges into opportunities: Lessons from small business trailblazers

Live webinar: Wednesday, Dec. 18 from noon to 1 p.m.

Are you ready to be inspired by real-world stories of grit, innovation, and success? Join us as we delve into the lived experiences of alumni entrepreneurs who have turned their ideas into ventures and challenges into opportunities. In this session, our speakers share their journeys, including lessons learned and the strategies that helped them overcome obstacles and achieve their goals, and dive into what it takes to transform your business ideas into action. Register here.

Speakers:

Markie Tuckett (class of 2013)

Owner, Operator, and Designer, Timber + Plumb Inc.

Becky Bartley (class of 2016)

RVT, CCMT, CEO, Trooper Pet Mobile Veterinary Nursing

With moderator:

Dr. Mira Ray, Ph.D., M.B.A.

Executive Director, Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Georgian College

Hockey Night with Georgian returns

Hockey Night with Georgian in Barrie and Owen Sound is back by popular demand and tickets are on sale now. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to connect with your fellow Grizzlies and make it a night that’s fun for the whole family.

The Alumni Association is proud to host these events and offer exclusive ticket rates to Georgian alumni, students, staff, and faculty.

Barrie Colts vs. Ottawa 67s

Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025, at 7 p.m.

Tickets offered at an exclusive rate of $20 (taxes included) and include Alumni Association swag.

Purchase tickets

Owen Sound Attack vs. Ottawa 67s

Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, at 4 p.m.

Tickets offered at an exclusive rate of $15 (taxes included) and include a popcorn and drink combo.

Purchase tickets

We're looking for distinguished alumni

Nominations for the 2025 Board of Governors' Awards of Distinction are now open until Feb. 14, 2025! Georgian alumni are consistently making an impact around the world and are continuous changemakers in their prospective industries and communities. Learn more about the nomination process.

Recognize a fellow grad's achievements and contributions by submitting a nomination for one of two Distinguished Alumni Award categories: Changemaker and Progress and Achievement.

International research participants needed

Georgian College and Seneca Polytechnic are looking for international graduates who:

started their program on or after September 2020 and graduated on or before December 2023;
studied at least 50 per cent of their program online, outside Canada; and
currently reside in Canada.

If you are interested in participating in this voluntary and confidential study on studying from your home country during the COVID-19 pandemic, contact the research team. All participants will receive a $20 gift card.

The interviews are part of research that has been approved by Georgian College and the Seneca Polytechnic Research Ethics Board.

WinterFest has begun at Canada’s Wonderland

We are thrilled to bring members of the Georgian Alumni Association access to exclusive savings through our Perks Partnership with Canada’s Wonderland! Members of the Georgian Alumni Network can save on tickets to WinterFest, taking place from Nov. 16 to Jan. 4, 2025. If you aren’t a member, sign up to take advantage of all the benefits.

Alumni preferred rates

All-season vs. winter tires: what is the best option of you?

If you live in Canada, you know that winter is no joke. Conditions can be harsh and unpredictable, which is why choosing the right tires for your vehicle is crucial. With snow, ice, and freezing temperatures as the norm during the colder months (brr!), having the right tires is a must for your car's safety and performance. Read the full story.

Get my quote

Have questions? Email alumni@georgiancollege.ca