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Volume 13 | Issue 3 | March 2022
Introducing your Alumni Executive
Greetings!

It is my honour to represent our Alumni Association Executive Council in our March issue of The Loop! My journey as a Georgian alumna began in 2011 when I completed the Practical Nursing program, and it is an honour to be a representative for the voice of our alumni community today. Like many of you, I graduated from Georgian feeling prepared for my career and I choose to stay involved with our alumni association as a way of helping to support the next generation of students who follow us.
 
Let me open this month’s newsletter by offering the support of our executive council to the people of Ukraine, and in particular – to the Ukrainian graduates who remain an important part of our alumni family. Please know that our Georgian family is standing in solidarity with you, and praying for a peaceful resolution. 

We have some exciting news to share that was released just this morning. As a follow up to Dr. MaryLynn West-Moynes announcement that she will retire this coming June, the Chair of Georgian's Board of Governors Ali Khonsari (class of 1997) announced that Kevin Weaver has been named as the college's next President and CEO. Kevin will be a familiar face to many. He’s currently Georgian's Vice President - Academic, and brings experience and an unwavering commitment to our college and students. Read the full announcement, below.
 
In this month’s issue of The Loop, we’ve taken a moment to honour International Women’s Day, which included a special fundraising appeal that was signed by fellow graduate Maria Artuso (class of 2001). Funds raised from this appeal will help support our female students through Women’s inTUITION – a program designed to help female students with financial challenges to pursue their education. It is an important initiative, perhaps now more than ever, and I encourage you to consider donating if you have not yet done so. 
   
I also encourage you to stay connected with your college. Georgian and our alumni association is here to support you in whatever ways we can. We also want to hear what you’ve been up to! Share your successes, stories and updates. Email alumni@georgiancollege.ca or log on to our exclusive alumni network, GeorgianAlumni.ca.
 
Wishing you the very best for the year ahead.
 
Lisa Buchanan (class of 2011)
Member, AAEC
About Lisa Buchanan
Lisa is currently the Director, Clinics and Placement Office in the Sadlon Centre for Health, Wellness and Sciences at Georgian College. In addition to her credential from Georgian College, Lisa has a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Food Science from the University of Guelph and a Master’s Degree in Health Studies with a teaching focus from Athabasca University. She is the proud mother of two teenage boys – one of whom is currently enrolled in Georgian’s Marine Engineering Technology program at Georgian’s Owen Sound campus.
Georgian announces next college President and CEO
Georgian President and CEO
Georgian College has announced that Kevin Weaver, Vice President - Academic, has been chosen to be the college’s next President and CEO.

Since joining the college in 2014 as Dean of Technology and Visual Arts, Kevin has held increasing positions of responsibility, including as Vice President, International, Workforce Development and Partnerships. Read the full announcement.
Georgian’s inspirational women
To celebrate International Women’s Day, we look at inspiring alumnae, students, faculty and staff at Georgian. Pictured is Georgian grad Megan Edgerton (class of 2009) in the welding shop at the Muskoka Campus.
Georgian alumnus represents Canada at Paralympics
We are cheering on Georgian alumnus and Midland, Ontario native, Adam Dixon (class of 2011), who is one of 20 players chosen by Hockey Canada to represent Canada on the National Para Hockey Team. Read about his outstanding accomplishments. Adam is pictured here, on the ice at Pyeongchang Paralympics in 2018.
Author’s purpose is to help others
If you are struggling with a serious medical issue, Becky Lacroix wants you to know that you’re not alone. She encourages you to trust your body, reach out for help, and educate yourself about the health challenges you have.

Becky, an alumna of the Law and Security Admin program at Georgian (class of 2009) recently self-published a book called, Unbalanced Journey: Life with 3 rare diseases and colostomy that outlines her health struggles and offers hope and resources to others on their own wellbeing journey.
"My hope is that they reach out and accept help or support whether it be therapy, a support group, family or friends," she says. "Facebook has many support groups and with rare diseases such as mine, it’s impossible to find people close by so don’t be alone."
Becky was born with ataxia but not diagnosed until 2018. She also lives with hidradenitis suppurativa (painful bumps that develop under the skin), spasmodic dysphonia (a neurological voice disorder that prevents her from talking properly, with no known cause), and a has had a colostomy since 2016.

So far, feedback for the book has been positive. "People with my medical diagnosis and others have read it and say it’s straightforward and written well," she shares.
Interested in joining our team?
Our Advancement and Alumni Relations team is hiring for an experienced Annual and Legacy Giving Officer to support our fundraising efforts. If you have a passion for fundraising, have experience in annual or legacy giving programs, have completed the necessary training and are looking for new ways to support the next generation of students who will study at Georgian – this might be the right opportunity for you. Georgian offers a competitive salary and benefits package, a flexible work environment and the opportunity to help bring dreams to life. Check it out! Job Description - Annual and Legacy Giving Officer (31-22) (taleo.net)
Lifelong learning
Get to Know Georgian sessions are your opportunity to connect with our friendly staff about all things Georgian. Whether you’re thinking about attending Georgian yourself or you are a parent or supporter of a future student, these events are for you! The next session is on March 15. Learn more and RSVP today!
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:
Jason Helm (class of 2012)
When Jason, who has cystic fibrosis, was told his liver was failing, he reached out on social media looking for a donor. Jason was overwhelmed when his co-worker, Cory Fernando, both special constables in Owen Sound, agreed to be his donor. Read more

Aron Winterstein (class of 2004)
Aron, Manager of the Kingston Airport, knew from his early years he wanted to manage an airport. Read more
 
Chris Ballantyne (class of 2017)
What’s it like being a security guard? Read more

Bob Bellamy (class of 1982)
Bob started what would become the Barrie Molson Dart League — the precursor of the current league — on Valentine’s Day in 1982. Read more

Jason Moxam (class of 2005)
Jason is joining Cabot Cape Breton as head professional at Cabot Cliffs. Read more

Carly Bartoletti (class of 2013)
If you’re a regular customer at the Collingwood McDonald’s on First Street, you might recognize Carly's smiling face. Read more

Marco Dias (class of 2006)
Realtor Marco Dias comes from humble beginnings and is striving to make a difference in people’s lives by inspiring future generations. Read more

Katelynn Best (class of 2015)
Digitization coordinator Katelynn Best will be taking the audience on an intriguing investigation into the history of medicines as part of The Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum’s Virtual Lecture Series.

Mark Smither (class of 2012)
Professional boxer 'Marvellous' Mark Smither is gearing up for what will be the biggest fight of his career to date. Read more

Nick Manouris (class of 2009)
Nick was recently sworn in as a South Simcoe Police Service constable, after serving on the front lines of the Toronto Police Service. Read more

Muckpaloo Ipeelie (class of 2018)
Collingwood woman with roots in Nunavut has overcome a lot in her life to get
her where she is today, and is working to make Collingwood a more inclusive place for First Nations and Inuit people. Read more
Do you have some good news to share?
Please email us or post your updates and achievements in the Georgian Alumni Network.
Georgian's Career and Employment Community Services has a number of resources, workshops and webinars to help you land that perfect job.

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

Check out their 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.

HBEC Further Faster Business Program
Starts Wednesday, May 16
Past events
Reflections of a six-time Paralympian
We sat down with World and Paralympic Champion Brad Bowden for a conversation about his relationship with Georgian, and to reflect on his experiences as a member of Team Canada. Prepare to be inspired!
Take advantage of alumni PERKS
Bitten by the travel bug?
Our Perks Partners are here to ensure all your bases are covered, from great resorts to car rentals and insurance. Be sure to sign up to be a Georgian Alumni Network member to receive deals from these partners and so many more.
Alumni preferred rates
Charitable Registration 11893 7283 RR0001