Colleges Ontario 2009 Conference

William G. Davis Community Volunteer - Garry Cubitt, Durham College
Garry Cubitt, the chief administrative officer for Durham Region and a member of Durham College’s Board of Governors, has a 35-year association with the college. He has played a leading role in the development of partnerships that make it easier for students to transfer between colleges and universities. He also played a part in arrangements that have allowed York and Trent universities to offer classes at Durham.

Distinguished Service - Norm Fenton, Durham College

A professor at Durham College, Norm Fenton has spent almost three decades training apprentices in the industrial mechanical millwright program. He was instrumental in establishing online learning at the college’s Whitby campus, which has allowed apprentices in Ontario’s remote northern communities to receive practical training.

Community/Corporate Partnership - Hydro One

Hydro One worked collaboratively with Algonquin, Georgian, Mohawk and Northern colleges on a strategy to produce greater numbers of Engineering Technology graduates. Hydro One is investing $3 million in scholarships and bursaries, curriculum development and equipment for students.

Collaborative Educators - College Mathematics Project, Seneca College

Seneca College initiated the College Mathematics Project in 2004-05 to address low success rates in first-year college mathematics. The project determined many students were struggling because they hadn’t studied the appropriate courses in high school. The project has provided feedback to high schools and school boards to help them in their work with students.

Student Leadership - Jennifer Howarth, Cambrian College

As president of Cambrian’s Students’ Administrative Council, Howarth is very active in her college. She has volunteered as a residence don, is now in her second term as Students’ Administrative Council president, and is the current president of the provincial advocacy organization, the College Student Alliance. She also works with the Cambrian Student Food Bank, the United Way, and blood donor clinics.

Student Innovation - Student Mentors in the Learning Disability Summer Transition and Orientation Program, Canadore College

Student mentors in the Learning Disability Summer Transition and Orientation program help students with learning disabilities make the transition to college life. Since the inception of the program, the retention rate of students with learning disabilities has been at 86 per cent, and there have been improvements in their grades and graduation rates.

Innovation - Martin Smith and the Niagara Environmental Corps, Niagara College

Martin Smith, the environmental technician coordinator at Niagara College, created the Niagara Environmental Corps. (NEC) in 2006 to improve environmental awareness at the college. The NEC’s goal is to help students proactively solve environmental issues and build healthy communities.

Joan Homer Student Leadership Award - Donald S. Klaehn, Conestoga College

The Joan Homer Student Leadership Award recognizes the achievements and influences of a current student at an Ontario college who fosters leadership, growth in others and whose accomplishments assist students or the college to advance their goals. Donald Klaehn is a second-year student in the Primary Care Paramedic Program at Conestoga College.