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Awards & Honorary Degrees

Browse the list of amazing individuals who have received Humber Polytechnic's Valedictorian Awards or Honorary Degrees

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Honorary Degree Recipient Archives

Waneek Horn-Miller headshot

Waneek Horn-Miller

Fall 2024

Waneek Horn-Miller is a Mohawk Bear clan mother of three from the communities of Kahnawake and Ohsweken...
She is a trailblazing figure in Indigenous advocacy and sport. With a deep commitment to community and wellness, she has become a powerful voice for Indigenous leadership and empowerment. Waneek is completing her Masters in Kinesiology at the University of British Columbia, while also preparing to release her first book.

As an Olympian, Waneek made history as one of Canada’s few Indigenous athletes to compete at the international level. Her experiences in sport have fueled her passion for fostering leadership and community building through wellness and fitness initiatives. As a motivational speaker, she has traveled extensively throughout North America, inspiring Indigenous and non-Indigenous audiences alike to prioritize sport and wellness as tools for healing and growth.

Waneek has also made significant contributions through her role as a sports commentator for CBC and APTN, bringing attention to the power of sport in uniting communities. In addition to her work in media, she has held key leadership positions, including Director of Community Engagement for the National Inquiry into Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women and Girls. Her business involvement extends to Manitobah Mukluks, an Indigenous-founded footwear company, and Indigenous Financial Solutions, a consulting company. Her extensive work background reflects her dedication to advocating for Indigenous voices in various sectors, making her a respected leader and role model.

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Fall 2024 Recipient Videos

Waneek Horn-Miller holding a ball

Meet Waneek Horn-Miller

Jacqueline Edwards headshot

Jacqueline Edwards

Spring 2024

As a federal employee with the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) for 29 years Jacqueline has risen through the organization assuming roles with increased responsibility....
Her work experience includes frontline roles as well as Assistant Warden, Management Services at a maximum-security institution for men. Jacqueline been championing change in the areas of Equity, Inclusion and Diversity and more recently Anti-Racism.

Her involvement with the Association of Black Law Enforcers (A.B.L.E.) dates back 1993 and has personal meaning for her and her family. As a student at Humber College, Jacqueline was the very proud and privileged recipient of the first A.B.L.E Award, in recognition of academic excellence and service to the community. This introduction and her subsequent involvement in various capacities as a member of the association has impacted her in profound ways. Thirty years later, her life’s work has culminated, and she has the honour of being part of the leadership team who dared, cared and challenged systemic racism, unfair treatment and the inequitable delivery of services. She has fully embraced that same sense of responsibility and has acted in the spirit of improving the image of law enforcement to create a public safety system that reflects the principles of equity and justice for all.

Although progress has been made, a significant amount of work and healing is still required at all levels and in every sector of the criminal justice system. Jacqueline is committed to goals and values of healthy, welcoming, diverse and respectful workplaces and engagement with various equity deserving communities.

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Tareq Hadhad headshot

Tareq Hadhad

Spring 2024

Tareq Hadhad is a Syrian refugee and now living his new life with his entrepreneurial family in Canada....
As the founder and CEO of Peace by Chocolate, he has been the recipient of awards including one of the Top 25 Immigrants in The Maritimes since his arrival on Canada’s East Coast in 2015.

In 2012, the Hadhad’s home and chocolate-making factory were destroyed forcing them to seek safety. A former medical student at Damascus University and peacekeeping advocate, Tareq joined medical relief efforts after arriving in Lebanon. A new life began when his family was welcomed to Canada on a community-based sponsorship where his family relaunched the business to recreate the chocolates they once exported across the Middle East.

Their focus has been on job creation, utilizing community members and refugees from across Nova Scotia and Canada. In January 2020, Tareq received his Canadian Citizenship which was one of the greatest accomplishments of his life. A feature film, Peace by Chocolate, also based on the family’s story premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival and launched in Cineplex theaters in the spring of 2022.

Tareq has spoken at many events, has delivered keynote presentations and has done over 500 interviews with different news teams across the globe including meeting with many world leaders. Tareq speaks on the compelling story of his family, the positive impact of newcomers, and the spirit of resiliency, entrepreneurship and giving back.

He was recently awarded Atlantic Business Magazine’s 30 under 30 Innovators.

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Deepa Mattoo headshot

Deepa Mattoo

Spring 2024

Deepa Mattoo is an award-winning lawyer and intersectional feminist whose work is rooted in equity, and anti-oppressive and anti-racist practice....
As the Executive Director of the Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic, Deepa provides leadership to the various departments and for the Clinic’s intervention and advocacy work and has appeared before the Supreme Court of Canada, Parliamentary committees and UN civil society meetings on a wide range of social justice and human rights issues.

Deepa has trained thousands of service providers to work with forced marriage survivors, racialized non-status women, and immigration law clients. Since 2017, she has shared these insights as an Adjunct Professor at Osgoode Hall Law School, and through the countless speaking engagements and interviews she grants throughout the year. In 2015, Deepa was awarded the Spirit of Schlifer Award and she was the Law Foundation of Ontario's 2017 Community Leadership in Justice Fellow at Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work at the University of Toronto.

In 2022, Deepa was the recipient of the Law Society medal and the Women of Distinction Award for her contribution to access to justice and advocacy work. She was also appointed as a member of the Domestic Violence Death Review Committee (DVDRC) that same year. In 2023, Deepa was the recipient of the Ontario Bar Association Award for Excellence in the Promotion of Women's Equality and also received the Desi Achiever’s Award for her exceptional contributions to human rights and access to justice.

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Duncan McCue headshot

Duncan McCue

Spring 2024

Award-winning broadcaster, author and professor, Duncan McCue is a masterful storyteller and celebrated leader...
in teaching Canadians, journalists and schools of journalism about Indigenous perspectives.

Canadians know Duncan’s compassionate voice from his distinguished career with CBC News. His documentaries on climate change to violence against women have garnered accolades and he was the driving force behind Kuper Island, an investigative podcast on Indian residential schools.

A Professor of Indigenous Journalism and (Story)telling, Duncan has developed an innovative online resource, Reporting in Indigenous Communities, which inspired his latest work, Decolonizing Journalism: A Guide to Reporting in Indigenous Communities. The Canadian Association of Journalists presented Duncan with the Charles Bury Award, for his “efforts to inspire change in how Canadian journalism covers Indigenous stories.”

Duncan is also the author of Shoe Boy: A Trapline Memoir, based on his experience as a boy from the city living with a James Bay Cree family in a one-room hunting cabin in northern Quebec. His education includes a Knight Fellowship at Stanford University and a Southam Fellowship at Massey College/University. Before becoming a journalist, Duncan studied English at the University of King’s College, then completed his law degree at UBC. He was called to the bar in British Columbia in 1998. Duncan is Anishinaabe, a member of the Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation in southern Ontario, and proud father of two children.

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Kaetlyn Osmond headshot

Kaetlyn Osmond

Spring 2024

Kaetlyn Osmond is a remarkable retired Canadian Olympic Figure Skater....
With an exceptional career that spanned over two decades and across the country from Newfoundland to Alberta, she became Canada's most decorated female figure skater. She has three Olympic medals and two World medals, including gold in 2018 at both the Olympic Games in PyeongChang, Korea, and the World Championships in Milan, Italy, just a month later. In 2019, she was inducted into the Edmonton Sports Hall of Fame and named a recipient of the Order of Newfoundland.

But Kaetlyn's accomplishments don't end there. Since retiring from competitive figure skating, she has continued to leave her mark on the world. She has taken her talent and passion for the sport worldwide, performing in shows like Stars On Ice and Art on Ice. Additionally, she has transitioned into sports broadcasting, serving as a sports analyst for CBC during the Beijing Winter Olympics and working with Skate Canada to livestream their national and international events.

At the University of Alberta, Kaetlyn is a full-time student pursuing a degree in media studies and creative writing while also coaching students of all ages to achieve their figure skating goals. She is a proud dog mom to three adorable, playful puppies, Roxy, Rasquette, and Mack.

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Spring 2024 Recipient Videos

Duncan Mccue sitting during interview

Meet Duncan McCue

Jacqueline Edwards being interviewed

Meet Jacqueline Edwards

Tareq Hadhad being interviewed

Meet Tareq Hadhad

Deepa Matoo sitting during interview

Meet Deepa Matoo

Kaetlyn Osmond being interviewed

Meet Kaetlyn Osmond

Sara Diamond headshot

Sara Diamond

Spring 2023

Computer scientist and historian Dr. Sara Diamond, C.M., Order of Ontario, RAC, ICD.D is President Emerita of OCAD University....
She led OCAD U’s transition to full university status as a creative practice and research institution with capacities in digital futures, Indigenous knowledge and decolonization, inclusive design, design for health, and diversity. Diamond was an award-winning artist and documentary producer who explored social histories. At The Banff Centre (1992 – 2005) she founded the Banff New Media Institute, an international think tank, incubation and production hub and led Media and Visual Arts and Research. She is an Expert Panelist with the Canadian Centre for the Purpose of the Corporation and Associate Consultant and Thought Leader with Lord Cultural Services.

Diamond served as Vice-Chair of the Council of Ontario Universities and participated on various boards. Diamond pursues funded research in data analytics and visualization applied to urban and cultural planning and is designing qualitative analysis tools to assess the ability of screen media to foster wellness, diversity and inclusion. Additional recognitions include a Doctor of Science, honoris causa, Simon Fraser University, 2020; the 2020 Exceptional Woman of Excellence, Women’s Economic Forum; two Media Pioneer awards; Inspiring 50: Advancement of Diversity in STEM and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal for significant contributions to Canada. She holds degrees from the University of East London, the University of the Arts London and Simon Fraser University.

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Jim Estill headshot

Jim Estill

Spring 2023

Jim Estill has been an entrepreneur for his entire life. He grew a technology distribution business from the trunk of a car to more than $2 billion in sales....
Currently, Jim is owner and CEO of Danby Appliances, a company he purchased in 2017, which is now selling over 2,000,000 appliances per year!

Jim is an investor, advisor, and board member to many technology businesses. He’s also the author of two books. One on time management called “Time Leadership: Using the Secrets of Leadership for Time Management,” and “Zero to $2 Billion: The Marketing and Branding Story Behind the Growth,” which led to Jim being invited to deliver a TEDx Talk called "Zero to $2 Billion" in New York City in April 2013.

Above all, Jim is a Humanitarian. 

In 2015 he committed to sponsoring the resettling of 50 Syrian refugee families in Canada. From this start, he has now helped almost 1,000 refugees.  He rallied the support of hundreds of volunteers, along with numerous church and community groups to help these families resettle. Most recently, he has been very active with Afghans and Ukrainians.  He set up Circle Home furniture bank to provide furniture and housewares to those in need.

In recognition of his philanthropic efforts and business accomplishments, Jim received the Order of Ontario in 2017 and was named to the Order of Canada in July 2018. He also received an Everyday Heroes Award from the Global Hope Coalition in 2017.  He was awarded EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2019.

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Chantal Kreviazuk headshot

Chantal Kreviazuk

Spring 2023

Chantal Kreviazuk is a Grammy and Juno award-winning singer/songwriter/creative and activist from Winnipeg Manitoba....
A member of the Order of Canada, Chantal has throughout her storied career which includes 10 albums, (one of those recently done with her husband Raine Maida), and her writing of hits for other high-profile artists from Kendrick Lamar and Drake to Christina Aguilera and Gwen Stefani, has sought a greater meaning to life and her career via her support for and interest in causes associated with the environment/displaced people and cycles of war.

She is passionate about family and couple models and mental health and is an advocate for stopping cycles of violence. Currently, she is actively helping in the war effort through Unite with Ukraine, which will take her to Kyiv in October whilst continuing to help Warchild with the programs in place for those suffering the chronic effects of war in regions like Sudan and Yemen.  She is also an ambassador to the Jane Goodall Institute for which she will be hosting a donor trip to Uganda later in June.

Chantal and her husband live between Toronto and Los Angeles and together have a family of three boys, Rowan 19, Lucca, 18 and Sal, 15… and of course their pups Stella and Luna.

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Michael Linklater headshot

Michael Linklater

Spring 2023

Michael Linklater is a proud Nehiyaw father from Thunderchild First Nation....
He won the first ever National Championship for both the University of Saskatchewan and Saskatchewan Rattlers. Michael is a recipient of numerous awards which include Inductee into the Saskatoon Sports Hall of Fame and the North American Indigenous Athletics Hall of Fame, and the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal. Michael is a community leader and advocate for Indigenous youth. He is the Founder of the International Campaign Boys with Braids. Michael was invited by Dr. Jill Biden to attend the first ever reception at the White House that celebrated Native American Heritage month. He is Co-chair of the Early Learning. Equal Start. campaign, which aims to raise $20M for early childhood education and he serves as a member of multiple advisory boards and task forces.

Michael is a professional speaker and has delivered keynote addresses to youth and adults across the globe, including events by the international Olympic Committee and Canadian Olympic Committee. As a father, he is deeply committed to modelling a healthy lifestyle for his children and encouraging youth to live drug and alcohol-free.

Michael is the co-founder of Sohkisiwin Solutions, where he shares his wealth of knowledge and experience to help bridge the gap between non-Indigenous and Indigenous groups. With his numerous athletic, community, and advocacy achievements, Michael Linklater is a true leader and role model for all.

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Anthony Longo headshot

Anthony Longo

Spring 2023

Anthony Longo has been the President and Chief Executive Officer of Longo Brothers Fruit Markets Inc....
Longo's was founded in 1956 by brothers Gus, Joe, and Tommy Longo. Anthony is renowned in the grocery industry for his exceptional leadership skills and his commitment to lifelong learning. He has served on several boards, including charitable organizations such as ProAction Cops and Kids, and not-for-profit businesses like Salt and Light Catholic Media Foundation. Additionally, he has held positions on industry-related boards, such as the Flanagan Foodservice Advisory Board and the Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers (CFIG). Anthony also served as the Board Chair at Humber College. Currently, he remains an active member of the board of the Grocery Foundation.

In recognition of his contribution to the industry, Anthony was awarded the Spirit of the Independent Award by the Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers in 2012, followed by the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal by the government of Canada in 2013. In 2017, he received the Retail Council of Canada's Canadian Grand Prix Lifetime Achievement Award. Most recently, in 2019, Anthony was named Canada’s Most Admired CEO in the Enterprise Category by Waterstone Human Capital.

Anthony Longo grew up in Toronto and graduated with a Business Administration Diploma from Humber College. He and his wife, Gay, have three children and five grandchildren whom he loves and cherishes. Anthony Longo's passion for the grocery industry and the community has led to his many achievements, earning him the respect of his peers as a dedicated CEO in Ontario.

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Elder Albert D. Marshall headshot

Elder Albert D. Marshall

Spring 2023

Elder Albert D. Marshall, Honorary Doctor of Letters, and Mi'kmaw Spiritual Leader is from the Moose Clan of the Mi'kmaq Nation....
He lives in the community of Eskasoni - where the fir trees are plenty  in Unama'ki  land of the fog (Cape Breton), the Traditional Territory of the Mi’kma’ki.  He was married to the late Murdena Marshall. They have six children, 14 grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. Their energy, wisdom, and knowledge helped create the innovative Integrative Science academic program at Cape Breton University.

The residential school experience led Elder Marshall on a lifelong quest to connect with and understand both the culture he was removed from, and the culture he was forced into ... and to help these cultures find ways to live in mutual respect of each other's strengths and ways.

He coined the phrase Etuaptmumk/ Two-Eyed Seeing as a guiding principle which encourages learning to see from one eye with the strengths of Indigenous knowledge and ways of knowing and from the other eye with the strengths of non-Indigenous knowledge and ways of knowing to use both these eyes together, for the benefit of all. Elder Marshall has been working to bring forward the concept of Etuaptmumk, the gift of multiple perspectives in the Mi’kmaw language. Elder Marshall has been working with the faculty on the course Two-Eyed Land-Based Play and Co-Learning. He co-wrote the children's book 'Walking Together’ with Louise Zimanyi. Elder Marshall is the recipient of numerous awards.

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Andrew Monkhouse headshot

Andrew Monkhouse

Spring 2023

Andrew Monkhouse is the President and Managing Partner of Monkhouse Law, one of Toronto's top boutique employment law firms....
Andrew, along with a team of experienced lawyers, specializes in wrongful dismissal, employee rights, long-term disability actions, and class actions.

Andrew has grown Monkhouse Law firm, ranking as the fastest-growing law firm in Canada in 2019 according to the Globe and Mail, the Financial Times' top growing law firm in North America in 2020, and the top growing law firm in Ontario in 2020 again according to the Globe and Mail. Monkhouse Law has been selected as a finalist for the "Labour & Employment Law Boutique of the Year" by the Canadian HR Awards three times (2018, 2019, 2020) and was the silver winner of the "University of Waterloo Award for Next Generation Employment Innovation" in 2020.

He has promoted employment class actions in Canada, with Monkhouse Law currently having the most employment class actions of any other Canadian law firm. Monkhouse Law was also the first class counsel to initiate misclassification and unpaid vacation pay class actions. As a trial lawyer, Andrew has litigated over 50 contested trials, motions, appeals or hearings.

Andrew is the Past Chair of the Ontario Bar Association Labour & Employment Law Section, Vice Chair of the Canadian Bar Association Labour and Employment Section and the founding president of the Employment Lawyers Association of Ontario. He is also the organizer of the National Undergraduate Mooting Competition known as the Osgoode Cup, which is Canada's largest mooting competition.

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Lana Payne headshot

Lana Payne

Spring 2023

Lana Payne was elected National President of Unifor in 2022, becoming the first woman to hold this leadership office....
Before being elected as President, Payne served the union as Secretary-Treasurer from 2019-2022.

Payne has brought three decades of inspired leadership to workers, while in this position in addition to her work in her previous position as Atlantic Regional Director. A proud feminist and activist, she found her home in the labour movement in 1991 with FFAW/CAW. A former journalist, Payne wrote a newspaper column for more than 20 years and was named one of Canada’s 23 Bold Women of Vision.

As President of the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Labour, she utilized her media experience to raise the profile of the labour movement and successfully achieved significant changes to minimum wage and labour laws. Since Unifor’s founding, Payne has advocated for stronger union and workers’ rights, helped usher in paid leave for victims of domestic violence in the Atlantic Region and was a leader in the fightback against Nova Scotia’s unprecedented attack on workers.

In her former role as Unifor Secretary-Treasurer, she co-ordinated Unifor’s pandemic response, including the fight for paid sick days and stronger Employment Insurance, and navigated the union through a financial crisis.

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Spring 2023 Recipient Videos

Sara Diamond sitting during interview

Meet Sara Diamond

Michael Linklater sitting during interview

Meet Michael Linklater

Anthony Longo sitting during interview

Meet Anthony Longo

Lana Payne talking during interview

Meet Lana Payne

Andrew Monkhouse sitting at table during interview

Meet Andrew Monkhouse

Elder Albert Marshall sitting during interview

Meet Elder Albert Marshall

Chantal Kreviazuk sitting on piano bench

Meet Chantal Kreviazuk

Jim Estill sitting during interview

Meet Jim Estill

Frank Siracusa headshot

Frank Siracusa

Spring 2022

After graduating Humber College Film and Television program in 1984, Siracusa’s journey began as a Production Assistant in what was then a fledgling Industry in Canada....
Because of his entrepreneurial spirit and passion for the Arts, Siracusa founded Whizbang Films in 1999, and produced entertaining and award winning programs that garnered him Golden Globe and Emmy Awards.

As an independent boutique producer, Whizbang Films has navigated today’s evolving television landscape to produce and sell entertainment, meeting changing audience demands and delivery platforms. His ability to produce at the highest standards has formed TV production partnerships with many of the large US studios; MGM, CBS, NBC and most recently producing for streaming platforms on various productions. Canadian Content production is also an important aspect of Whizbang Films directive.

With the eye to further expansion of the Canadian industry, Siracusa oversaw the design, build and launch of the CBS Stages Canada, a 260,000-square-foot production facility in Mississauga. In 2020 Siracusa launched his second facility, the Plymouth Studios Stages in Oakville and a third Augmented Reality Facility called Wilkinson Stages, the largest AR volume in Canada.

The evolution of Whizbang Films and Siracusa’s endeavors continue to grow, producing over 400 million dollars in production spending in Ontario alone in just 18 months. As a proud Alumni, Siracusa and Whizbang Films owe their success in part due to encouragement, training and hope he was offered at Humber College Film and Television program.

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Christiane Germain headshot

Christiane Germain

Spring 2022

Dedicated and passionate about the hotel industry since forever, Christiane Germain has held the reins of Germain Hotels next to her brother Jean-Yves Germain for more than 30 years....
At the head of a successful Quebec company, it goes without saying that Christiane’s entrepreneurial qualities allow her to stand out both professionally and personally. Her dynamism, tenacity and inventiveness have all been honored on several occasions by the business world as well as by Canada’s tourism community.

Christiane is proud to co-lead a company that promotes the great values of the Germain family and to offer careers within a growing company. Having the economic vitality of the country at heart, Christiane attaches great importance to Canadian talent, which she supports in particular through the local procurement policy implemented by the company. In addition to presiding over the destinies of a growing company, Christiane Germain is president of the board of directors of the Musée National des Beaux-Arts du Québec and is involved in numerous charitable causes.

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Marci Ien headshot

Marci Ien

Fall 2019

Marci Ien is the newest Co-host of CTV’s THE SOCIAL, joining the daily show in 2017....
Prior to joining THE SOCIAL, Marci was the News Anchor and Co-Host on CTV’s CANADA AM for more than 13 years and received a 2016 Canadian Screen Award nomination for Best Host in a Variety, Lifestyle, Reality/Competition, or Talk Program or Series.

A graduate of Ryerson University, Ien was previously appointed distinguished visiting professor at Ryerson University’s Radio & Television Arts (RTA) program. In that role, Ien lead guest lectures and participated in workshops, and presentations with students and faculty offering insight on the latest developments in television. In November 2016, Ien was appointed to Ryerson University’s Board of Governors.

In 2014, Ryerson University Radio and Television Arts (RTA) bestowed upon Ien the distinction of having an award co-named in her honour by the RTA School of Media. The Marci Ien and Dwight Drummond Award celebrates students from under-represented and marginalized communities who show great potential in any three of RTA's programs. In 2013, Ien was inducted into the RTA Wall of Fame for her significant contributions to the field of media.

Her career in television spans over three decades and has taken Ien from Halifax to Vancouver. Ien’s work in media has been recognized with multiple awards, including a 1995 Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA) Award for News Serial for “Journey To Freedom: A Look at the Underground Railroad,” the 2008 BBPA Harry Jerome Award, 2014 Planet Africa Award, the 2016 African Canadian Achievement Award for Excellence in Media, and listed among the Women’s Executive Network Top 100 Most Powerful Women in Canada in 2018.

Ien’s charity work has seen her travel the globe. In 2008, she travelled to Sierra Leone on behalf of Journalists for Human Rights, where she met with reporters and led training workshops. She also works with World Vision for whom she traveled to Sri Lanka to report on the situation following the 2004 Tsunami. Ien is also a member of Children First Canada’s Council of Champions and is a mentor with Trust15, an afterschool program based in Etobicoke, Ontario that offers mentorship and life skills to young men and women.

Ien currently resides in Toronto with her family.

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Dr. Daniel C. Andreae headshot

Dr. Daniel C. Andreae

Spring 2019

Dr. Daniel C. Andreae is an award winning academic, Executive Director, volunteer, and advocate....
His remarkable career has seen him as the first Executive Director of the Alzheimer Society of Toronto. Recently he was chosen Global Visionary for his work in advocacy in neurodegenerative disease by the Top 100 Registry in New York.

Dan is the Honorary Patron of Brain Injury Canada and a member of the International Board of The Weizmann Institute of Science where he has a neuroscience lab named in his honour. As a respected academic Dr. Andreae has taught 45 different subjects and has twice received the Professor of the Year award at the University of Guelph-Humber. He also received the Distinguished Teaching Award at the University of Waterloo.

He recently received the Professor of the Decade Award from IAOTP in New York. Dr. Andreae received his Master of Social Work (Clinical Specialization) from Wilfrid Laurier University of Waterloo where he is a Fellow of Renison College and recently received the 100 Alumni of the Century for achievement over the past century.

Dr. Andreae’s has received Lifetime Achievement Awards among others from Brain Injuries, Canada, National Eating Disorder Information Centre (NEDIC), the Ontario Association of Social Workers (OSAW) and Laurentian University.

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Jennifer Baichwal headshot

Jennifer Baichwal

Spring 2019

Jennifer Baichwal has been directing and producing documentaries for over 20 years....
Among other films, installations and lens-based projects, Jennifer has made ten feature documentaries which have played all over the world and won multiple awards nationally and internationally. Some of the works include: Let It Come Down: The Life of Paul Bowles, The Holier It Gets, Manufactured Landscapes, Act of God, Payback, and Watermark.

Most recently, Baichwal and de Pencier were co-directors of Long Time Running, a feature documentary on the Tragically Hip’s 2016 summer tour. The documentary, premiered at TIFF 2017, and was subsequently released by Elevation Pictures. The Anthropocene Project, Baichwal’s most recent collaboration with de Pencier and Edward Burtynsky, debuted simultaneously at the Art Gallery of Ontario and National Gallery of Canada, a feature documentary film which premiered at TIFF 2018 before playing Sundance and Berlinale, an art book published by Steidl, and an educational program in partnership with the Royal Canadian Geographical Society.

Baichwal sits on the board of Swim Drink Fish Canada, and is a member of the Ryerson University School of Image Arts Advisory Council. She has been a Director of the Board of the Toronto International Film Festival since 2016, and is passionate ambassador of their Share Her Journey campaign, a five-year commitment to increasing participation, skills, and opportunities for women behind and in front of the camera.

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Robert K. Barrett headshot

Robert K. Barrett

Spring 2019

Robert K. (Bob) Barrett is President and CEO of Polytainers Inc., a leading plastic packaging manufacturer....
Influenced by his father’s business acumen and commitment to excellence, Bob has led and seen the company grow to employing more than 700 team members.

Also influenced by his father’s philanthropy, Bob learned about the importance of generosity, selflessness and giving. In 2013, The Barrett Family Foundation was created and is dedicated to supporting education, the environment, humanitarian causes, health and the arts.

Bob and his family believe that education is critical to the success of youth in Canada and around the globe. Some of the Foundation’s notable investments include scholarships to the children of Polytainers’ employees, funding Sustainable Food Engineering and Research Programs, and establishing a partnership with World Vision Canada to fund education for at-risk youth in Central America.

Bob has seen the evolution of technology firsthand and knows there continues to be a need for students to learn advanced skills that provide opportunities for career enhancement. As a result, the Barrett Family Foundation’s $10-million investment in Humber College was the catalyst for the Barrett Centre for Technology Innovation.

Bob graduated from the University of Massachusetts – Amherst with a BA in Economics. In support of his alma mater, in 2018, he funded a Chair in Polymer Science, alongside a Chair funded by his father in 1987. In 2013, Bob received the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee award. In his spare time, Bob enjoys time away from the office to be with his daughters and grand-children, and traveling and playing golf with Francine.

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Jason Harrow headshot

Jason Harrow

Spring 2019

A Scarborough born rapper, record producer and now music executive, Kardinal Offishall has been lauded for spearheading the hip-hop music scene in Canada going Worldwide....
He is known as one of Canada's hip hop ambassadors and best known for his reggae and dancehall influenced style of hip hop. He’s claimed the international music stage with collaborations alongside some of the best in the industry including the likes of Rihanna, Lady Gaga, TPain, Drake, Stephen Marley, Stephan Moccio and his own single Dangerous, peaked at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100, making him the first rapper in Canadian history to do so.

Kardinal has been nominated for more than 15 Juno Awards, multiple ASCAP Awards and a Socan award. He never stops perfecting his craft as an artist, entertainer, and businessman. When performing Kardinal treats his fans to his distinctive, high energy, mash-up performances. He’s paved the way for a new wave of Canadian superstars including Drake, who credited Kardinal with opening the door for Canadian music worldwide.

In 2017, he launched a new creative collective, The Celebrity Marauders, which is comprised of DJ’s, producers, actors, videographers and emcees. Combining philanthropy wit urban based entertainment, Kardinal also currently serves as the Senior Director of Urban A&R and Artist Relations at Universal Music. With his global network and solidified legacy, he is poised to release his incredible new signings on the label by the end of 2019. With all these great accomplishments, plus things in the works, some say Kardinal has taken over from James Brown as the hardest working man in showbiz!

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Gary Ho headshot

Gary Ho

Spring 2019

Gary Ho, Founder and CEO of Tzu Chi Foundation Canada, holds a longstanding friendship with Humber College....
He was a champion for the establishment of the first ever publicly funded Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) program in Ontario. Mr. Ho extended his commitment to Humber College through the establishment of 50 thousand dollars in retention scholarships for the Traditional Chinese Medicine program students. Through his efforts, Humber College and the Tzu Chi Foundation Canada partnered to open Canada’s first on-campus Traditional Chinese Medicine clinic. Gary Ho has been a valued and dedicated partner of Humber's Traditional Chinese Medicine department, even before Humber was approved to offer the program.

Mr. Ho is known for spreading the good works of Tzu Chi through missions of charity, medicine, education, culture, international relief and environmental care. He is recognized locally, nationally, and internationally as a committed volunteer with the Tzu Chi Foundation, and has served on medical missions for over 20 natural disasters.

Gary Ho has achieved noted accomplishments throughout his career and his noted accomplishments include: 1991: Served as Head of Tzu Chi Honorary Directors and Coordinator for Mainland China Disaster Relief 1992 present: Served as Chief Executive Officer of Tzu Chi Foundation Canada 1994: Joint Coordinator for "Art and Compassion" Charity Auction 1998: Joined author of "Still Thoughts: Word of the master" 1999: Published" Compassion Without Borders" Published Challenges in 2000, English version in 2009 and Bahasa version in 2012 2012: Awarded Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal by Prime Minister Harper

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Chef Jason Parsons headshot

Chef Jason Parsons

Spring 2019

As one of Canada’s prominent Chefs, Chef Jason Parsons’ restaurant at Peller Estates Winery has gained recognition as being one of the definitive wine and food destinations in North America....
Jason is inspired by the bounty of Niagara’s region and takes pride in blending the harvest of local farms and Peller Estates Award winning wines.

Chef Parsons career has included work in the world’s most celebrated restaurants, Parsons’ resume boasts six Relais & Chateaux properties, two Michelin Star restaurants and numerous Leading Hotels of the World Destinations. He was part of the opening brigade at Langdon Hall Hotel and then he headed overseas to the Chewton Glen and Cliveden one of Britain’s most luxurious hotels.

Jason has become a familiar face in homes across Canada and America. For the past 15 years Jason has been a Guest Expert on the popular TV show Cityline, inspiring viewers to cook from the heart. This inspired Jason to co-author a collaborative cookbook “3 Chef: The Kitchen Men” with fellow chefs Massimo Capra and Michael Bonacini; which upon release won cookbook of the year.

Today, Chef Parsons continues to work closely with Peller Estates’ Winemaker Katie Dickieson, creating wine inspired cuisine gaining Peller Estates numerous culinary accolades such as 4-Star rating and is been invited to cook in New York at the legendary James Beard Foundation not once but twice. Now Jason is in his 15th year at Peller Estates and is continuing to focus on awakening the palates of those that dine in his restaurant.

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Terry Mundell headshot

Terry Mundell

Fall 2018

Terry Mundell was appointed President and CEO of the Greater Toronto Hotel Association (GTHA) in January 2007....
The GTHA is the largest city hotel association in Canada, with 170 members, representing approximately 36,000 guest rooms and 32,000 employees. During his tenure with the GTHA, Mr. Mundell has played an active role representing the hotel industry to all levels of government on issues of public policy to raise the profile of the hotel sector as a vital economic contributor to the Greater Toronto Area's, Ontario's and Canada's economy.

Mr. Mundell has held senior positions in both the public and private sectors, and has served on numerous national and provincial Boards of Directors, task forces and committees including Tourism Toronto, the Ontario Restaurant Hotel & Motel Association, the Hotel Association of Canada, the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation and the Business Tax Review Panel. He served two terms as President of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, acted as the municipal lead in the $13B provincial municipal role realignment, and spent 17 years in municipal politics. His private sector experience was gained by directing and managing the activities of a fourth generation, family-owned retail business.

Terry Mundell has contributed to Humber College directly. His organization funded the development and three year delivery of our $100,000 Leadership Training Program, which funnels successful Humber graduates into the industry and helps them achieve higher management positions. He has also provided Humber students with internships, placements and learning opportunities over the years. Mr. Mundell has ensured that future hotel professionals are supported and funded throughout their education by sponsoring Humber Hotel Management awards and scholarships through the GTHA.

Mr. Mundell has contributed to the hospitality industry and community in many ways - one notable contribution is the Spirit Awards, which recognize the hard work, good working relationships, customer service and reliability of non-management employees in the hotel industry. This award serves to motivate and express gratitude for everyone who contributes to the industry, regardless of status.

His life's work has bridged the gap between hospitality/tourism and the growth of the Canadian economy, and has succeeded in raising the profile of related careers for generations to come.

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Adrienne Arsenault headshot

Adrienne Arsenault

Spring 2018

Emmy Award-winning journalist Adrienne Arsenault is a senior correspondent for CBC’s The National....
Since 1999 she has covered some of the biggest breaking news and investigative stories in Canada and around the world. Arsenault hosts The National alongside Rosemary Barton, Andrew Chang and Ian Hanomansing.

Arsenault covers disasters, conflicts, politics, sports and human dramas. She won a 2015 International Emmy for her work reporting on the Ebola crisis. She covered the Olympics in Sydney, Salt Lake, Beijing, Sochi and Rio, as well as the World Cup in South Africa. She has also pursued terror stories across the globe. Arsenault began her career at CBC in 1991, as an editorial assistant for The National. Over the years she’s been posted in Vancouver, Washington, Jerusalem and London.

Arsenault was named the Commonwealth Broadcasting Association's Journalist of the Year. She has won two Gracie awards for outstanding female correspondent, a Monte Carlo Festival award for her coverage of the Zimbabwe election and several Gemini and Canadian Screen Awards.

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Brent Choi headshot

Brent Choi

Spring 2018

As a ‘creative’ guy, for years Brent hid the fact he had graduated from Ivey Business School at Western University and that he used to be an account guy who won numerous math competitions....
Today as both President and Chief Creative Officer, Brent’s unconventional path is the foundation of what’s made him successful. His work has led to over 20 Cannes Lions, and in fact in 2017, JWT NY had their best year at Cannes ever, resulting in being ranked #4 in the Gunn Report for NY agencies. To top it all off, in 2013, Brent was the #2 ranked Chief Creative Officer in the World for his digital work.

Brent’s work transcends the ad world, being featured in publications such as New York Times, Forbes, Sports Illustrated. Brent’s also been a speaker at Cannes, Facebook and Google, and one of only 11 worldwide winners of the inaugural Fast Company Innovation by Design Award.

At home Brent transforms into a proud dad, insane NFL fan, and loving husband. His wife would add “In that order.”

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Robert Lengyel headshot

Robert Lengyel

Spring 2018

Robert Lengyel is a graduate of Humber’s Electronics Engineering Technology Diploma program....
He has enhanced the college's reputation by competing and winning gold medals at Skills Ontario and Skills Canada. Lengyel has made a significant contribution to society through his self-driving car innovations.

His innovative LaneCruise™ product is described as the “first ever truly universal self-driving add-on kit.” This aftermarket solution, developed with X-Matik Inc., is contributing to the widespread adoption of affordable and accessible self-driving technology.

Lengyel and his business partner Nima Ashtari recently appeared on the show Dragons’ Den, where they reached a business deal with the Dragons and received national exposure for their product. Lengyel is recognized as a key player in the innovation of the auto industry. As a Humber graduate, he helps showcase the college as a leading provider of education that blends theoretical and real-world skills.

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Andy MacDonald headshot

Andy MacDonald

Spring 2018

As a ‘creative’ guy, for years Brent hid the fact he had graduated from Ivey Business School at Western University and that he used to be an account guy who won numerous math competitions....
Today as both President and Chief Creative Officer, Brent’s unconventional path is the foundation of what’s made him successful. His work has led to over 20 Cannes Lions, and in fact in 2017, JWT NY had their best year at Cannes ever, resulting in being ranked #4 in the Gunn Report for NY agencies. To top it all off, in 2013, Brent was the #2 ranked Chief Creative Officer in the World for his digital work.

Brent’s work transcends the ad world, being featured in publications such as New York Times, Forbes, Sports Illustrated. Brent’s also been a speaker at Cannes, Facebook and Google, and one of only 11 worldwide winners of the inaugural Fast Company Innovation by Design Award.

At home Brent transforms into a proud dad, insane NFL fan, and loving husband. His wife would add “In that order.”

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Don Montgomery headshot

Don Montgomery

Spring 2018

The impact and contribution that Don (Monty) Montgomery has made starts at Humber and extends globally....
He has provided opportunities for Humber students’ involvement in charitable and service learning trips, including:
  • Soup kitchen in El Limonal for families living at the Chinandega Garbage Dump
  • Wildlife Conservation Turtle Hatchery
  • Mangrove reforestation
  • Villa Nueva Esperanza Housing Development in Jiquilillo
  • Community Recreation programs with Field of Hope
  • Medical Clinic and Vocational school for Jiquilillo and surrounding villages
  • Recreational activities and new skilled trades program and the building of a baseball diamond and pottery kiln for children. Montgomery donated his own property for these initiatives.

Montgomery has spoken to hundreds of Humber students, including at the recent Sustainability in Tourism Event. He continues to act as a resource for students and faculty who want to learn how to contribute internationally and practice sustainable ecotourism in their own careers.

Montgomery has contributed to Humber College, the fields of ecotourism and service learning, sustainability, sport and recreation, animal welfare and education in Nicaragua and Toronto, and has positively influenced the lives of countless individuals.

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Lorna Montgomery headshot

Lorna Montgomery

Spring 2018

Lorna Montgomery began her career as an Occupational Therapist and Physiotherapist and quickly moved into a leadership role as Manager of the Mississauga Infant Stimulation Program in 1976....
She also helped develop the Humber-Guelph Infant Stimulation Program. These two programs merged in 1978 and became Infant and Child Development Services Peel (ICDSP), which Montgomery managed for nearly 40 years until she retired in 2017.

Montgomery is recognized locally, nationally and internationally as a pioneer in the field of early intervention. In 1980, she helped found the Ontario Association for Infant and Child Development (OAICD). In 1994, under her leadership, the OAICD established best practice guidelines for the province. Montgomery recognized the innovative work being done in Ontario and presented at Early Intervention Conferences across Canada, International FASD Conferences, Zero to Three, and conferences hosted by the International Society of Early Intervention.

She was a valued partner in Humber’s Early Childhood Education department for more than 30 years, and a member and chair of the Program Advisory Committee from 2000 to 2015. She’s been recognized for her accomplishments with the Community Caring Award, the Mary Neville Award and the OAICD Long Standing Service Recognition Award, among others.

Montgomery led the creation of the Preterm Care Pathways, Preterm Substance Exposure framework and the Peel diagnostic FASD team. When she retired at the age of 70, the Early Childhood Education field lost a precedent-setting advocate for infant and child development early intervention services.

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Mark Rowswell headshot

Mark Rowswell "Dashan"

Spring 2018

Dashan (aka Mark Henry Rowswell) has been called “the most famous foreigner in China,” where he has worked as a media personality and cultural ambassador for more than 25 years....
Born and raised in Canada, Rowswell began studying Chinese in the mid-1980s. While in Beijing, he became interested in xiangsheng [she-ang shung], a revered form of traditional comedic dialogue, and was soon appearing on national television under the stage name Dashan.

Repeated television performances turned Dashan into a household name across China. His media career expanded from comedy to dramatic acting, to hosting cultural, diplomatic, educational and commercial programs and live events. Over time, Dashan came to be seen as a cultural ambassador between China and the West and as a symbol of finding common ground between cultures, “a foreigner but not an outsider” according to the People’s Daily newspaper. Dashan is the only non-Chinese performer to appear four times on the CCTV Spring Festival Gala, China’s largest annual television extravaganza.

Dashan served as Canada’s Team Attaché during the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, and as Canada’s Commissioner General for Expo 2010 in Shanghai. In 2006 he was inducted into the Order of Canada, the country’s highest civilian honour. In 2012 Dashan was named Goodwill Ambassador to China by Canada’s Prime Minister.

In recent years Dashan has returned to his comedic roots, combining traditional Chinese comedy with Western stand-up in a groundbreaking solo show, Dashan Live, in which he shares hilarious stories of his 30 years between east and west.

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Kay Blair headshot

Kay Blair

Spring 2017

Kay Blair was a tireless advocate for social justice and committed her life to improving the lives of others, particularly women....
She immigrated to Canada in 1976 and began working at the Emily Stowe Shelter for Women, and was instrumental in establishing the Shirley Samaroo House, the first shelter for abused immigrant women. In 1988, Blair began work at Community MicroSkills Development Centre, serving as Executive Director, a position she would hold for 28 years. Blair built a reputation as a passionate community leader with an unparalleled commitment to diversity and inclusion. From 1997 -2008 she served as President of the National Visible Minority Council on Labour Force Development.

Blair was the recipient of numerous awards, including Canada's Most Powerful Women Top 100 - Trailblazer Award and Champions Award, YWCA Women of Distinction - Community Leadership, The Premier's Award - Community and Social Services, Innovation Canada - Entrepreneur of the year Award, Frances Lankin Community Service Award, OCASI - Award of Excellence, United Way Spirit Award, Province of Ontario - Recipient of the Golden Jubilee medal, and the Outstanding Achievement Award - Jamaican Canadian Association. Blair will be forever remembered for her compassion, guidance and kindness, along with her ability to quickly build deep connections with everyone she met.

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Bill Davis headshot

Bill Davis

Spring 2017

Bill Davis was premier of Ontario from 1971 to 1985, serving as a member of the Ontario Legislature from 1959 to his retirement in 1985, representing Peel, Peel North and Brampton....
He was instrumental in creating Ontario’s college system, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.

As premier, Davis combined a business-like approach to the running of government with a sensitive understanding of the needs and aspirations of the people it serves. On May 6, 1987, Davis was among the first of 20 citizens to be honoured with an investiture in The Order of Ontario.

Davis was born in Brampton on July 30, 1929. After attending the University of Toronto and Osgoode Hall, he was called to the bar in 1955.

Davis has been awarded honorary degrees by a dozen Ontario universities. In 2007, the 40th year of the community college system in Ontario, Mr. Davis was honoured to receive honorary diplomas from George Brown College, Fanshawe College and Humber College.

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Peter Dundas headshot

Peter Dundas

Spring 2017

Peter’s experience in paramedics dates back close to 38 years. In his early years, Peter worked with Lee’s and Halton-Mississauga Ambulance Services as a paramedic, road supervisor, district supervisor and duty manager....
In 1999, Peter moved to Durham Region and became an assistant director of Paramedic Services, successfully transitioning them to a regionally operated service on January 1, 2000.

An honours graduate from Humber College’s Ambulance & Emergency Program, Peter has forged a long and distinguished career that includes recognition from the Governor General of Canada and from his peers, who recently awarded him the Richard J. Armstrong Leadership Award. Peter was also nominated by Humber College in 2016 for the Premier’s Award in Health Sciences for Outstanding College Graduate.

As a recognized authority in paramedicine, Peter has been invited to guest lecture at various colleges and universities. Additionally, he is an active industry member serving as first vice-president, Ontario Association of Paramedic Chiefs, as well as a member of the Paramedic Chiefs of Canada.

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Farrah Khan headshot

Farrah Khan

Spring 2017

Farrah Khan picked up a microphone to speak out about sexual assault as a teenager and has not put it down since....
She has spent two decades working diligently to raise awareness of the connection between equity and gender-based violence, through art creation, education counselling. Khan mentors young feminist groups including We Give Consent, Project Slut and femifesto. With femifesto, Khan researched and created Use the Right Words: Media Reporting on Sexual Violence for journalists. Use the Right Words has been used widely across North America by journalists, educators and translated into multiple languages.

In 2015, Khan was named the co-chair of Ontario’s first permanent provincial Roundtable on Violence Against Women. In 2016, she was also appointed to the Government of Canada's Federal Strategy Against Gender-based Violence advisory council. Khan regularly contributes to national media, including CBC’s The National, the Toronto Star and the Globe and Mail. She is the inaugural Sexual Violence Support and Education Coordinator at Ryerson University. Khan is the recipient of numerous awards including the Toronto Community Foundation’s Vital People Award.

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Alex Usher

Spring 2017

Alex Usher is president of Higher Education Strategy Associates (HESA), a consulting firm that advises governments, institutions and corporations in the higher education sector on policy and strategy....
In addition to being Canada’s most recognized expert on student financial aid, his policy work spans issues such as access to education, higher education finance and measurement of institutional performance.

Overseas, his work spans six continents, and he works frequently for the European Commission, World Bank and other development agencies in Asia and Africa. Usher is also a fellow-in-residence at the CD Howe Institute, and writes a popular daily commentary on Canadian higher education called One Thought to Start Your Day.

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Lawrence Hill headshot

Lawrence Hill

Fall 2016

Lawrence Hill is the author of ten books, including The Illegal and The Book of Negroes, winner of various awards including The Commonwealth Writers’ Prize, the Rogers Writers’ Trust Fiction Prize, and CBC Radio’s Canada Reads....
Hill delivered the 2013 Massey Lectures, based on his non-fiction book Blood: The Stuff of Life. He co-wrote the adaptation for the six-part television miniseries The Book of Negroes, which attracted millions of viewers in the United States and Canada. He is currently writing a new novel and a children’s book, and co-writing a television miniseries adaptation of The Illegal for Conquering Lion Pictures.

He holds honorary doctorates from five Canadian universities and in 2015 was appointed a Member of the Order of Canada, received the Governor General’s History Award and was inducted into Canada’s Walk of Fame. In 2016, his novel The Illegal won CBC Canada Reads after a spirited defense by Olympian and philanthropist Clara Hughes. Also in 2016, Hill (along with co-writer Clement Virgo) won the best writing award from the Canadian Screen Awards for the TV miniseries adaptation of The Book of Negroes, which won CSA awards in a total of eleven categories including best TV movie/miniseries, director, actress, actor and supporting actress.

Hill volunteers with Crossroads International, the Black Loyalist Heritage Society and Project Bookmark Canada, and lives with his family in Hamilton, ON. In 2016, Hill served as chair of the jury of the 2016 Scotiabank Giller Prize and became a professor of creative writing at the University of Guelph.

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Saäd Rafi

Spring 2016

Mark Saunders

Spring 2016

Vince Savoia

Spring 2016

Jennifer Turliuk

Spring 2016

Dwight Drummond

Fall 2015

Cathy Corsetti

Spring 2015

Russ Ford

Spring 2015

Walter Rhoddy

Spring 2015

Jim Grieve

Spring 2015

Jacques Seguin

Spring 2015

Danny Vogler

Spring 2015

Greg Wells

Spring 2015

Craig Alexander

Fall 2014

Terry O'Reilly

Fall 2014

Rosalie Silberman Abella

Spring 2014

Sarah Fulford

Spring 2014

Dr. Paul Hawkins

Spring 2014

Andy Kikites

Spring 2014

Robert Lunney

Spring 2014

Mike Myers

Spring 2014

Bo Pelech

Spring 2014

Robert E. (Bob) Adams

Fall 2013

Joseph Boyden

Fall 2013

Rudy Blair

Spring 2013

Lloyd Bryant

Spring 2013

Michael "Pinball" Clemons

Spring 2013

Michele McKenzie

Spring 2013

Honourable R. Roy McMurty

Spring 2013

Jane Ash Poitras

Spring 2013

Lynne Sinclair

Spring 2013

Morris Zbar

Spring 2013