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Volume 14 | Issue 4| April 2023
Pow Wow returns to Georgian
On March 11, after a four-year absence, Georgian College annual traditional Pow Wow returned to the Barrie campus. The theme, as chosen by students, was Honouring the Cycle of Life.

The largest recorded attendance to date, close to 2,000 students, alumni, staff members, Elders, and members of the public took part in the celebration and learned about Indigenous culture, crafts, food, song and dance.

Brilliant dancers, thunderous drummers, and meticulous crafters all returned making this a particularly special occasion.
Inaugural Get READY to Graduate launches
As part of supporting students on their graduation journey, Team Georgian showcased a range of programs and initiatives at the inaugural Get READY to Graduate.

A feature of the event was the alumni insights panel. Georgian alumni Avery Konda (class of 2017 and 2018), Vidhi Sodvadiya (class of 2021), and Edwin Sarfo (class of 2018 and 2019) shared their experiences and tips for success in the world beyond the classroom. President and CEO, Kevin Weaver also addressed the crowd, and shared his career discovery, career pivots, and career journey that brought him to Georgian.

Following the panel, Alumni Engagement and Co-operative Education and Career Success teams encouraged students to network and connect with services available to them before and after graduation. From mental health and financial aid, to continuing education, alumni engagement opportunities, and career success, Georgian staff are always available to help a fellow Grizzly.
Automotive Business School of Canada (ABSC)
Alumni of the Year
Congratulations to Grant Patterson (class of 2007 and 2020) on being named the 2022 ABSC Alumni of the Year! Grant serves as the Regional Executive Director, Central Region, Subaru Canada, working across the automotive sector. Grant was back on campus recently for the ABSC Awards Celebration where he took part in an alumni panel focused on buying and selling dealerships.

Pictured Left: ABSC Executive Director Jason Dale presents the Alumni Award of Excellence to Grant Patterson
Pictured Right: Grant Patterson and President and CEO of Georgian College Kevin Weaver at the ABSC Alumni Reception in Toronto.
Upcoming events - don't miss out
Convert brand identity into business opportunities

Wednesday, April 19
4:30 p.m.
Presentation begins at 5 p.m.

More than likes, retweets, and filters, social media has transformed the world and created new opportunities for buyers and vendors alike. Join Edwin Sarfo as he leads a dynamic talk and discussion about learning to get comfortable being uncomfortable; and how to capitalize by transforming brand identity into business opportunity. Open to alumni and students alike, join us in person or virtually.
Edwin Sarfo (class of 2018 and 2019)
There is still time to update and win!
Winning an iPad is as easy as click, complete, and submit!

We want make sure you are getting the best information and discounts relevant to you. What better way to stay in touch than to give away an iPad?

Click the image above, or this link, and head over to our form and update your contact information. Once you've completed the form, all you have to do is hit submit and you'll be automatically entered for the iPad. One entry per form received. Contest closes April 28.

It's literally that easy!
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:
Leah Dyck (class of 2011)
Fresh Food Weekly has been operating out of Barrie since June 2021 and received charitable status in July 2022. With many of the charity’s volunteers and food suppliers hailing from Innisfil, as well as its proximity to Barrie, the town was a natural next step for Fresh Food Weekly’s expansion. Read more

Michael Braithwaite (class of 2013)
Blue Door CEO Michael Braithwaite was thrilled by the community support for the Coldest Night of the Year fundraiser, but it came with a downside for him – having to eat one of the stinkiest fish in the world! Read more

Erin McCuaig (class of 1998)
The McCuaig sisters — Amy and Erin —have launched their own business, called Sisters Seeds, growing and selling a variety of different micro-greens. Read more

Iniyan Vijay (class of 2013)
As the executive chef at Hockley Valley Resort and Adamo Estate Winery, Iniyan Vijay combines his love of fresh ingredients with a wish to savour traditional Italian cuisine. Read more

Lorri-Ann Champagne (class of 1996)
“The Common Threads”, a new historical fiction book is set to capture your heart. The book is about failures, fate, and success; and will surely serve its readers loads of inspiration. Read more

Michael Braithwaite (class of 2013)
Road Home is a regular monthly column by Michael Braithwaite, CEO of Blue Door, York Region’s largest emergency housing provider. Michael is a renowned leader and expert in the housing and homelessness sector and is a tireless advocate for people experiencing homelessness. Read more

Promise Lafrance (class of 2020)
Promise Lafrance felt adrift in high school, terrified to commit to a post-high school career. That was, until she signed up for a dual credit program and donned a welder’s helmet for the first time in high school. She graduated from the welding program at Georgian College in 2020 and now works as a welder making high-end chandeliers for restaurants and hotel lobbies. Read more

Anne Morin (class of 1998)
Anne, a graduate of Georgian’s Automotive Marketing program, has been managing Belron Canada’s Canada-wide fleet since 2019. Read more

Sheryl Sutton (class of 1988)
Insp. Sheryl Sutton, an accomplished and dedicated officer who has served in a wide variety of leadership and mentorship roles during her 34-year policing career, has been appointed as the new deputy chief of South Simcoe Police Service. Read more
Do you have some good news to share?
Please email us or post your updates and achievements in the Georgian Alumni Network.
Help shape the alumni experience
Georgian Alumni Association Executive Council (AAEC) recruitment is underway for the next slate of council members to serve the 2023-24 term, beginning this September. Up to six AAEC positions are open, and the AAEC is actively recruiting applications from all interested alumni, particularly alumni living and working internationally, and alumni who graduated between 1970 and 1990.

Committed to an unrivaled experience for alumni, the AAEC mission is to inspire innovation, transform lives and connect communities through the power of education. Further still, the vision is to inspire lifelong connections through accelerated success, meaningful collaboration, inspired innovation and strong foundations. As a member of the AAEC, you will help shape the alumni experience.

The AAEC is strongly committed to diversity and encourages applications from members of groups with historical and/or current barriers to equity, including but not limited to persons of Indigenous ancestry, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, women and members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community, and others who may contributed to the further diversification of ideas.
 
Visit us online to learn more about joining the council and to download an application.
The deadline to apply is May 12. If you would like to speak to a current AAEC member about their volunteer experience, email alumni@georgiancollege.ca.
Lifelong learning
Considering upgrading your education? Be it adding to your academic toolkit with a micro-credential, or pivoting your career and learning something entirely new, the best way to imagine yourself at Georgian is to visit us in person, on campus.

Campus Experience Week is your opportunity to take a guided campus tour, check out our exceptional facilities and student services, and apply to Georgian for FREE!

Join us for Campus Experience Week from April 24 to 29 at all Georgian campuses. Dates and times vary by campus.
Continuing Education and Part-time Studies at Georgian

The Continuing Education and Corporate Training department at Georgian is focused on meeting community and industry needs by developing and delivering high quality continuing education and corporate training courses and programs.

In Continuing Education, we focus on professional development courses designed to enhance career success, and also offer some personal interest courses designed to help people develop a hobby or personal skill set.

Learn how to enhance your career on your own terms. We offer flexible educational pathways for everyone, no matter your learning style, age, industry or current skill level. Check out the Continuing Education guide.
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, résumés, second career and apprenticeship information, and review Employment Ontario services. View supports for job seekers and browse the calendar of workshops and events online.

Check out their Virtual Resource Centre for more tips and tools for your job search!
Take advantage of alumni PERKS
Check out our Perks Partners!

The Georgian College Alumni Association is proud to partner with more than 50 brands to provide association members with valuable discounts and benefits across Canada and around the world.

Register your profile in the Georgian Alumni Network to access the promotional and discount codes from these partners and so many more.
Alumni preferred rates
Charitable Registration 11893 7283 RR0001