Conestoga news

October 14, 2016 4:20 PM

Conestoga honours outstanding graduates

Ten Conestoga graduates joined the ranks of the college’s Alumni of Distinction at a ceremony held on October 11 at the Waterloo Region Museum.

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Conestoga College Alumni of Distinction were recognized on October 11, 2016.

The Alumni of Distinction award recognizes outstanding graduates who have made significant contributions to their profession and their community. Almost 200 graduates have been recognized since the award was established in 1997.

In recognition of their career achievements and contributions to the community, Conestoga’s 2016 Alumni of Distinction honorees are:

Bob Bell (Business Administration, 1980), recent retiree from CIBC who held numerous senior leadership positions over his 36-year career.

Mandy Bujold (General Business, 2007), trailblazer in women’s boxing who recently competed for Team Canada in Rio.

Anne Campbell (Nursing, 1977), Vice President of Partnerships and Patient Experience at the Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance.

Kirk Dudtschak (General Business, 1986), Executive Vice President of Personal and Commercial Banking at RBC.

James “the Hacksmith” Hobson (Mechanical Systems Engineering, 2012), a backyard engineer whose working prototypes of superhero technology have attracted world-wide media attention.

Julie Knowles (Graphic Design & Advertising, 1997), co-founder of The Blondes, a Kitchener-based graphic design firm committed to mentoring young designers and supporting local organizations.

Johanne Leveille-Schirm (Nursing, 1988), Vice President of Customer Services at Karos Health.

Jolene MacDonald (Graphic Design, 1999), co-founder of The Blondes, a Kitchener-based graphic design firm committed to mentoring young designers and supporting local organizations.

Darren Stewart (Business Administration-Materials Management, 1996), Assistant General Manager-Operations, Magna International.

Barry Zehr (Law and Security Administration, 1987), Superintendent, Neighbourhood Policing Command, Waterloo Regional Police Service.

“We’re proud to recognize this year’s Alumni of Distinction recipients,” said President John Tibbits. “Conestoga’s reputation for excellence is built in large part on the success of our graduates and the tremendous contributions they make to business, industry and the local community.”

The Welcome Home Awards for students with a parent or guardian who is a Conestoga graduate and the Alumni Association School Awards were also presented at the ceremony.