Local restaurateur and Georgian alumni Kent Smith (class of 1987 and 1988) and Krista Smith (class of 1991) are dishing out opportunities for the next generation of hospitality entrepreneurs where their own journey began...at Georgian College.

The couple, who own popular Barrie restaurants Michael & Marion’s and The Side Door, as well as The Loft @89, recently returned to campus to visit the Georgian Dining Room, a live culinary learning lab – where they provided a generous $26,000 gift to establish a new permanent student success endowment to benefit aspiring professionals.

Their support is helping future trailblazers, fostering a continued sense of community, empowering others to succeed, and demonstrating the power of alumni giving back to alumni.

Help us shape the future

We’ve received so many responses to the 2025 Alumni Engagement Survey that we want to keep it open a little longer so even more grads have a chance to have their say!

The invitation to complete the survey was sent to your inbox last month on Jan. 28 and includes a survey link that is unique to you. It serves as the key to unlocking your chance to be entered into our prize draw to win an iPad Pro (valued at $1,300), generously provided by our Alumni Association partner, belairdirect.

The new extended deadline to complete the survey is Friday, March 14. And more good news - we have added additional prize draws for Georgian alumni swag. Three lucky survey participants will be selected randomly to win newly released Georgian alumni sweatshirts.

Your feedback and insights are invaluable as we work together to inspire meaningful connections and create memorable experiences within our alumni community. Didn't receive your invite to participate in the survey? Connect with our team.

Celebrating our ABSC Alumni of the Year

The bustling Automotive Business School of Canada (ABSC) alumni reception before the Toronto Auto Show on Feb. 13 was a testament to the lifelong connections that are built in the classroom. The much-anticipated annual gathering included celebrating Brent Ravelle (class of 1992), pictured sixth from left, who was named ABSC Alumni of the Year. The class of '92 even joined him on stage – proof of the incredibly strong long-lasting bonds this school creates. Congratulations Brent!

Want to support the automotive business leaders of tomorrow? See how students are bringing classroom learning to life at the Georgian College Auto Show – Canada’s largest outdoor student-run auto show – rolling out at the Barrie Campus June 6 to 8.

The Alumni Engagement team is on the road connecting with our incredible alumni community! This month we popped into Molded Precision Components (MPC) and Fleurish Botanical Goodness to learn more about what our alumni have been up to since graduation.

Molded Precision Components is home to over 20 exceptional Georgian grads who are driving innovation in engineering, product development and precision injection molding. Special thanks to MPC’s Darryl Gratrix (class of 1998) for hosting us and championing alumni engagement!

Fleurish Botanical Goodness is a remarkable floral shop and non-profit social enterprise owned by graduate Emily Day (class of 2008). This inspiring business isn't just about creating stunning floral arrangements, they're also dedicated to making a positive impact in our community by providing opportunities to help women overcome barriers to building employability skills. Fleurish is one of the Alumni Association's newest perks partners – check the Georgian Alumni Network for a code to receive a discount on your next bouquet.

Are you an employer or business owner who hires Georgian grads? Invite our team to visit your workplace for a future stop on our tour!

Looking for ways to mark Black History Month? Want to support diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging by developing empathy and allyship through reading? Expand your understanding of Black history with this well-curated collection of library books at Georgian that honour Black authors and creators.

Here are a number of other ways you can honour the legacy of Black Canadians and their communities and recommit to your own learning this month – and every day. 

Earn your next credential fully online

Georgian’s fully online programs are designed for your busy schedule. Enhance your career on your terms and study anytime, anywhere! See what's next for you – explore our more than 15 online certificates, diplomas, graduate certificates and degrees.  

Why study online?

• Online synchronous learning allows you flexibility and convenience.
• Study from any location at times that fit your schedule.
• Online learning is perfect for balancing full-time jobs with studies.
• Learn at your own pace without the hassle of commuting. 

You're invited to celebrate and learn about Indigenous languages, cultures, songs and dances at the Annual Georgian College Traditional Pow Wow. Organized by Georgian's Indigenous Services students and employees, it takes place in the Barrie Campus Athletic Centre March 8.

Want to show off your school spirit? Georgian Stores is excited to introduce new “Living that Alumni Life” swag – perfect for repping your alma mater. Whether you’re sipping your morning coffee from a mug or rocking a comfy t-shirt or sweatshirt, these pieces are all about staying connected to the memories and experiences of your college years. Georgian Stores is an Alumni Association Perks Partner, which means graduates get 20 per cent off their order on select alumni items. Get the promo code on the Georgian Alumni Network under the perks partners tab.

Alumni, it's your time to give back! Join us for Georgian’s 2025 charity Gala, Flourish: uniting for student success, co-chaired by alumni Ali Khonsari (class of 1997 and hon. degree 2024) and Addison Wallwin (class of 2015 and 2019), and help make a lasting impact on the future of Georgian students. With over $1.4 million raised since 2006, your involvement – whether through donating auction items, sponsoring the event, or purchasing tickets – will provide crucial support to students facing financial barriers. Together, we can help them thrive and ensure they have the opportunity to flourish, just as you once did. Email Jessica Finos for more information about this special event taking place on Friday, Nov. 7 at Casino Rama Resort.

Below are success stories that we've read about:

Sheryl Sutton (class of 1988) is retiring as the deputy chief of the South Simcoe Police Service next month. She's been described as a "true trailblazer" throughout her career. Read more.

Katrina Ells-Benoit (class of 2021) is advocating for new moms and championing mental health in her quest for the Miss Regional Canada crown. Read more.

Life is full of ups and downs, but with Manulife alumni health and dental insurance, you can embrace every moment with confidence. In just two simple steps, you can receive a real-time quote and select from four affordable and comprehensive plan options that cater to your unique needs. Plus, your coverage comes with a 30-day satisfaction guarantee! 

Have questions? Email alumni@georgiancollege.ca