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(Sault Ste. Marie, ON August 4, 2021) –  Each year, ˽��ӰԺ proudly nominates remarkable ˽��ӰԺ alumni for the prestigious Ontario Colleges Premier’s Awards. Presented annually, the Premier’s Awards recognize graduates in the following seven categories: Apprenticeship, Business, Community Services, Creative Arts and Design, Health Sciences, Recent Graduate, and Technology.

Honouring the important social and economic contributions that college graduates make to Ontario and throughout the world, the awards were launched in 1992 and are administered by Colleges Ontario.

“Our alumni are an important part of our ˽��ӰԺ community and we are thrilled to have a means to recognize those who have had significant impacts in the seven award categories,” said Dr. Ron Common, President ˽��ӰԺ. “This year, we chose to nominate and celebrate four alumni who have amazing success stories. We take great pleasure in sharing their stories and are honoured to have helped to provide the foundation of their professional lives and journeys.”

“The Ontario Colleges Premier’s Awards are an annual celebration of the amazing potential and contributions of Ontario’s college graduates. ˽��ӰԺ is proud to once again showcase the achievements of four accomplished alumni. These incredible individuals are true role models and we are honoured to be represented by them at this year’s awards,” said Tyler Epp, Manager, Alumni Relations and Events, ˽��ӰԺ.

Please join ˽��ӰԺ in congratulating the following four Premier’s Awards nominees who have made outstanding contributions to their communities, peers and professions:

Community Services – Jonathan Boyer-Nolan (Social Service Worker Indigenous Specialization, 2018)
Jonathan Boyer-Nolan is a proud Anishnaabe from Mississauga First Nation whose role in Indigenous advocacy, through the development of holistic and culturally informed policy making, has led to his involvement on a multitude of regional and provincial working groups, volunteer boards and non-profit organizations. Through his work as a Family Services Clinician and through his own consulting practice, Jonathan's advocacy and policy work within Ontario's Education and Labour systems have and will continue to open doors for Indigenous learners and workers across the province by working to resolve systemic issues.

Health Sciences – Mathew Wilson (Pre-Health Sciences 2008, Collaborative Bachelor of Science in Nursing 2012)
Serving as a Nursing Officer with the Canadian Armed Forces, Captain Mathew Wilson has participated in multiple peacekeeping missions globally since graduating from the Collaborative Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program in 2012. Captain Wilson has served in international peacekeeping missions as part of an Aeromedical Evacuation team in Mali and Canadian Armed Forces stabilization efforts in Iraq, as well as being deployed with Canadian Armed Forces operations domestically and abroad providing essential critical nursing care to sensitive populations in need due to emergency situations.

Technology – Stacey Jackson (Aviation-Flight Technology, 2005)
An internationally recognized "Elsie Award" winning Airline Pilot, Crash Site Investigator and Women In Aviation Advocate, Stacey Jackson has made a career out of her passion for flying and the study of Human Factors as they pertain to the aviation industry.

Whether flying UN evacuation missions, starting her own consulting firm, or chartering the Upper Canada chapter of Women in Aviation International, Stacey earns the highest accolades of her industry and brings a passion for the development and support of her peers to every aspect of her career.

Recent Graduate – Katrina Francella (Fitness and Health Promotion, 2018)
“Koach” Katrina Francella’s career has already had a profound impact on the Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex and asexual youth in the community.

Katrina’s The KLUB has, in a few short years, transformed from an inclusive fitness centre for women and 2SLGBTQ+, to a non-profit community centre and a hub for BIPOC, newcomers, those affected by mental illness and substance use, those with intellectual and physical disabilities and any others experiencing systemic oppression. Katrina provides her community with workshops, keynote speakers, mental health chats, and community outreach with a focus on delivering an inclusive safe space for fitness, wellness, and events.

Colleges Ontario will announce the recipients of the 2021 Ontario Colleges Premier’s Awards in November.

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