Fourteen of Conestoga’s outstanding alumni have been recognized for contributions to their professions and their communities, and will be recognized at an awards celebration later this fall.
Fourteen of Conestoga’s outstanding alumni have been recognized for contributions to their professions and their communities, and will be recognized at an awards celebration later this fall.
The annual Alumni of Distinction awards celebrate the achievements and impact of Conestoga’s graduates as well as their commitment to excellence. Chosen by a nomination process, honourees demonstrate professional success, achieve public recognition, or contribute to their industry or community. This year’s recipients reside in communities close to Conestoga campuses, as well as in the United States and Switzerland.
“The achievements of the 2022 Alumni of Distinction recipients demonstrate leadership, dedication and creativity in various fields. Their achievements serve as an inspiration to current students and future graduates,” said Alumni manager Melissa Kelly. “What’s also unique this year is that many of our Alumni of Distinction have connections to the college through family, which speaks to the quality of our programming and deep roots in the community since 1967.”
This year, two Alumni of Distinction honourees are father and son. Four recipients are the children of Conestoga graduates. Three recipients have children that are Conestoga graduates. One recipient has a child who is a current student, and one recipient graduated from the same program, in the same year, as his parent.
“We know the college touches many individuals who contribute their skills and talents to our communities, but now we can see how Conestoga plays a unique role for a number of families through these connections,” added Kelly. “Conestoga is making an impact that spans generations.”
Conestoga’s 2022 Alumni of Distinction are:
- Angela Onuora, Broadcasting Performance and Digital Media, 2019
- Bohdana Tyshchenko, IT Innovation and Design, 2022
- Brett McQueen, Quality Assurance, 2008; Mechanical Technician - Tool & Die Maker, 2008; Industrial Engineering - Basic, 2009
- Chris Kotseff, Business Administration - Marketing, 2006
- Dima Aldera, General Arts and Science: English Language Studies, 2019; Graphic Design, 2022
- Donny Runstedler, General Arts and Science - Health, 2011; Paramedic, 2014
- George Vezza, Business Administration - Marketing, 1983
- Jennifer Suckert, Computer Applications, 2010; WIST General Carpenter Pre-Apprentice, 2020; General Carpenter (Apprenticeship), 2023
- Jonathan Mansilla, Business - Marketing, 2015
- Andrew Whiteside, Culinary Skills - Chef Training, 2005
- Scott Freiburger, Environmental Engineering Applications, 1998
- Larry Freiburger, Construction Engineering Technology, 1971
- Mary Radyk, Nursing, 1986; Intravenous Therapy, 1998
- Tandiwe (Tandi) Magama, Occupational Therapist Assistant & Physiotherapist Assistant, 2016; , Culinary Management, 2022
Conestoga’s more than 180,000 graduates are known around the world and in our community for their drive, talent and entrepreneurial spirit. Visit the Alumni website for more information and full profiles of the 2022 Alumni of Distinction recipients.