Excited is how Jessica Rotolo feels each time she comes back to Humber Polytechnic. 

Rotolo, who graduated from the Community Integration Through Co-operative Education program in 2021, loves coming back to her alma mater. She’s been extra excited, however, on her latest returns as she has four banners featuring her likeness and name on display at North Campus and two at the Lakeshore Campus. 

The banners are part of Humber’s Unlimited Campaign that features notable alumni. Rotolo is the first alumni living with an intellectual and developmental disability (IDD) to be included on one at Humber.  

“I feel so proud to have a banner at Humber,” said Rotolo, who lives with Down syndrome. “I would definitely like it to inspire other people and show everyone that they can do what I can do.” 

“I’m really proud to be a Humber alumni,” she continued. 

“Our Unlimited Campaign banners represent the diversity and calibre of our programs and people and we’re proud to include Jessica,” said Aaron Mark, manager, Alumni Engagement with Advancement and Alumni at Humber. “Her ongoing work and advocacy for the Down syndrome community is inspiring and certainly deserving of recognition.” 

Rotolo is a tireless advocate for those with Down syndrome and has been featured in a number of PSAs and news stories, including the Canadian Down Syndrome Society's Welcome to "Inployable." 

As well, she’s a Canadian and International ambassador for Best Buddies, an organization that offers school programs to create friendships between people with and without an IDD. Rotolo was co-president of the Best Buddies Toronto Metropolitan University chapter and, during her time at Humber, she was also one of the founders and co-president of the Best Buddies Humber North Campus chapter. 

Rotolo was joined by her mother, Dorlean Lieghfars-Rotolo, and her father, Joe Rotolo, as well as other supporters and her champions at Humber for a special gathering recognizing the honour. During the event, she was presented with certificates of recognition from Stephen Lecce, the current Ontario Minister of Energy and Mines who previously served as Education Minister, and Ontario Premier Doug Ford as well as MPP for Beaches–East York Mary-Margaret McMahon. She also received congratulations emails from MPP Steven Clark and MP Nathaniel Erskine-Smith. 

“Jessica you’re such a star and a great role model,” said Gina Antonacci, senior vice-president, Academic at Humber. “You’re so well-known here at Humber that we don’t even need your last name – we just say Jessica, and everyone knows who we’re talking about.” 

Alvina Cassiani, senior dean of the Longo Faculty of Business and acting vice-president, Marketing, Communications and Advancement also spoke. Cassiani has followed Rotolo’s career since she was a student at Humber and remains an ongoing champion and supporter. 

Rotolo was also presented with Humber-branded gifts and apparel that she ensured to sport proudly whenever she gets the chance. 

“Thank you to Humber for recognizing that those with IDD can contribute and be a part of the community,” said Rotolo.  

Find out more by visiting the Unlimited Campaign webpage. 

For more information about Rotolo visit her Linktree site.