Twelve of Conestoga’s outstanding alumni were recognized for their contributions to their professions and their community at the college’s Alumni of Distinction Awards event held virtually on May 12.
Twelve Conestoga graduates were recently recognized as Alumni of Distinction.
“Thank you all for giving us inspiring stories to share and celebrate. We wouldn’t have this event if it wasn’t for you,” said Erin Caldwell, manager, Alumni, as she announced award winners. “You are the people that shape our community. You touch our lives every day and Conestoga alumni like you make a difference in your community and industries, and we are proud that you are part of the Conestoga family of graduates.”
Chosen by a nomination process, recipients demonstrate professional success, achieve public recognition or contribute to their industry or community.
The 2021 Alumni of Distinction award recipients are:
Luke Antonio
- Project Manager, Prosperi Co. Ltd.
- Founder, PLA (Aboriginal project construction company)
- Member, Canadian Council of Aboriginal Businesses
- Bachelor Applied Technology - Architecture, Project & Facility Management, 2012
Mark Duchesne
- Head of Global Manufacturing, Nikola Motor Company
- Electrician Construction & Maintenance, 1986
Brandi Ferenc
- HVACr Mechanic, Southlake Hospital
- Women in Skilled Trades Pre-apprenticeship Carpentry, 2005
Justin Frenette
- Co-Founder, Technical Director, Him&Her
- Software Engineering Technology - Co-op, 2011
Nick Heibein
- Global Operations Officer, JLL
- Bachelor of Applied Technology - Architecture, Project & Facility Management, 2007
Chad Jakeman
- CEO, Jakeman Maple Products
- Business Administration - Accounting, 2011
John A. Kay
- Principal Engineer, retired
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering, 1976
Laurie Lafleur
- Professor, Bachelor of Health Information Sciences Program, Conestoga College
- Computer Programmer Analyst - Co-op, 2003
Erin Martin
- Co-founder, Creative Director, Him&Her
- Graphic Design, 2009
Rachel Radyk Waabanokwe
- Program Manager of Indigenous Health, Registered Nurses Association of Ontario
- General Arts & Science - Health Option, 2016
Jehan Salim
- Building Management Officer, Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe
- Bachelor of Applied Technology - Architecture, Project & Facility Management, 2013
Margaret Tavares
- Business Development & Operations Manager, Vehikl
- Computer Programmer Analyst, 2019
View profiles of each recipient at Alumni of Distinction.
Conestoga’s Alumni of Distinction Awards event was sponsored by Johnson Insurance, a Conestoga supporter for more than 20 years. During the awards ceremony, Johnson Insurance presented a cheque to the college for more than $144,000 to support alumni programming and student scholarship and bursary programs.