Alumni Awards

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The accomplishments and achievements of Algoma University’s alumni are recognized through two annual awards, the: Alumni Achievement Award and Distinguished Alumni Award.

To submit a nomination for either of the Alumni Awards, please complete our online nomination form or download the Alumni Awards Form (PDF) and return to the Alumni Office.

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Hilary Prouse

Alumni and Events Coordinator

705-949-2301, Ext. 3129

Office: SH 304

[email protected]

Alumni Achievement Award

The Algoma University Alumni Achievement Award acknowledges the professional, civic, and personal accomplishments of an Algoma U Alumni who has graduated within the last 10 years.

Recipients of this award will have successfully demonstrated:

Achievement in their chosen field;
Leadership abilities; and/or
A commitment to their community through active involvement.

Recipients of the Alumni Achievement Award are individuals who have truly distinguished themselves since graduating from Algoma University, and who have become a source of pride and/or inspiration to the Algoma University community

List of Recipients

2023 - Dr. Jenna Congdon - BSc Psychology ‘13

[BODY] Dr. Jenna Congdon completed her Honours Bachelor of Science, Psychology (Cum Laude) in 2013, earning her place on the Dean’s Honour List each of her four years at Algoma University. Dr. Congdon’s time at Algoma University sparked her interest in academics and propelled her to the University of Alberta where she studied songbird communication, and later desert ant navigation. Dr. Congdon defended and earned her Master’s of Science in Psychology in 2015 and her Ph.D. in Psychology, specializing in Comparative Cognition & Behaviour in 2019. Most notably, she subsequently completed a postdoctoral fellowship at York University and the Toronto Zoo, training in artificial intelligence to monitor the welfare of orangutans.

Dr. Congdon is now an Assistant Professor at Concordia University of Edmonton, has 26 publications and is known to convey the excitement of scientific discovery to her students, igniting in them a passion for psychology.

Dr. Congdon has earned a number of awards, including, but not limited to:

Algoma University Award of Excellence (Silver) each of her four years at Algoma
NSERC Undergraduate Summer Research Award (2013)
NSERC Canada Graduate Scholarship-Master’s Program (2014)
President’s Doctoral Prize of Distinction (Three times from 2016-2018)
University of Alberta’s Department of Psychology Teaching Honor Roll with Distinction (Fall 2017)
NSERC Alexander Graham Bell Canada Graduate Scholarship-Doctoral Program (2016-2019)
Mitacs Accelerate Industrial Postdoc Fellowship (2021-2022)
NSERC Postdoctoral Fellowship (2021-2022) to continue her work at York University
Two Internal Grants from Concordia University of Edmonton to initiate her research collaboration with Edmonton Valley Zoo

2022 - Rhaelyn Gillespie - BBA Marketing & HR ‘17

Rhaelyn Gillespie graduated from Algoma University in 2017 from the Bachelor of Business Administration program, with a minor in Marketing and Human Resources. Rhaelyn prides herself on her work ethic while searching for meaningful ways to positively impact those around her, and as such entered the world of entrepreneurship and co-founded Mintier, the world’s first oil-based breath mint, with her business partner Jessica Sheppard.

Once they developed their product, they applied and successfully got into Dragons Den’s Arlene Dickinson’s accelerator program, VenturePark Labs, where they refined their business strategy to grow the brand even more. Since launching, the brand has been featured in Taste Toronto, Girlboss, Breakfast Television, the Business Anecdote, and Start-Up HERE Toronto, to name a few. Mintier can now be found in over 100 stores across Canada, such as Sobeys and Pusateries, and in the United States.

2021 - Joanne Robertson, Misko Anungo Kwe (Red Star Woman) - BFA '10

Joanne Joanne Robertson, Misko Anungo Kwe (Red Star Woman) is a member of Atikameksheng Anishnawbek, and is of the Bald Eagle clan. She was adopted as a baby and raised by her French/German parents on a farm in Essex County in Southern Ontario. She was reunited with her Anishinaabe family in her 20’s.

Joanne graduated in 2010 from Algoma University and Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig, with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree and a Certificate in Interdisciplinary Aboriginal Learning.

Joanne would go on to edit a documentary, titled “Paquataskimik is Home”, as part of the Paquataskimik Project created by the NORDIK Institute. The film documented traditional Indigenous life along the Albany River.

A talented Anishinaabe author and illustrator, Joanne has been awarded numerous awards for her children’s book, “The Water Walker”, a story which follows the journey of Nokomis (Grandmother) Biidaasigeba, Josephine-ba Mandamin, an Elder and environmental activist known for her work in the preservation, healing and advocacy of water.

These awards include:

Indigenous Voices Awards (2019), Finalist, Most Significant Work of Prose in English by an Emerging Indigenous Writer,
Periodical Marketers of Canada and First Nation Communities, “Indigenous Literature Award (2018)
Ontario Library Association, Best Bets in Junior Non-Fiction category (2018),
Listed on the Quill & Quire Books of the Year List, Bookseller’s Kidlit, selected by A Different Booklist (2017)
American Indians in Children’s Literature, Best Books List (2017)

Joanne assisted Josephine-ba Mandamin with a number of her water walks, from the four oceans to Lake Superior, including Josephine-ba’s final walk from Lake Superior to the Atlantic Ocean. Joanne introduced GPS tracking to the water walks in 2011, and continues to track the water vessels water walkers carry in both Canada and the US.

In 2020 Joanne’s second book, “Nibi is Water, Nibi Aawon Nbiish” was released. This children’s book, published in English and Anishinaabemowin, talks about ways children interact with water.

2019 - Josephine-ba Mandamin (BA Anishinaabemowin ‘12)

Nokimis (Gramma) Bidasige Josephine-ba Mandamin was an Elder and an environmental activist from Wikwemikong Unceded Territory. She was well known for her work in the preservation of water, the healing of water and the advocacy of water.

She is an alumna of Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig and Algoma University, graduating in 2012 with a degree in Anishinaabemowin. Gramma Bidasige was a kind and generous Anishinaabe Kwe, one who embraced all that this good life had to offer her. Josephine-ba passed away in 2019 but her legacy lives on through the water walks that she has inspired and passed down to the next generation.

2018 - Mitch Case, BA 2015

Mitch Case has been described as, “Wise beyond his years” and a “Changemaker”.

A graduate of Algoma University/Shingwauk Kinomaage Gamig, in 2015 with a degree in History, and a certificate in Anishinaabemowin, Mitch has already been recognized extensively for his work to “guide and mentor Mètis youth, encouraging them to better understand, promote and participate in their Mètis culture. He believes that education of Indigenous peoples includes education about Indigenous peoples.

Mitch is a Metis and an Ojibwe of the Buffalo clan from Goulais River and Sault Ste. Marie. He currently works at Shingwak Kinomaage Gamig as the Director of Student Services – Outreach and Resources.

In the community, Mitch is actively involved with the Métis Nation of Ontario. He began volunteering with the MNO Youth Council at the age of 14. Two years later he took on the role of youth representative, working as a liaison between his community and local school boards.

He has been a member of the Provisional Council of the Mètis Nation of Ontario, the Mètis National Council, President of the Mètis Nation of Ontario Youth Council, and a member of the Premier’s Council of Youth Opportunities, to which the Premier of Ontario appointed Mitch to serve in this role as an advisor to 18 government ministries on issues affecting youth in Ontario.

Mitch has also been involved with the Infinite Reach Métis Student Support Network both at the local and provincial level, served on the Board of Governors for the Métis Nation of Ontario, has been a delegate to the Métis National Council and was chosen in 2012 as the representative to the Senate Committee on the Métis Nation Affairs.

During his time as a student at Algoma University/SKG, Mitch was a member of the Shingwauk Anishinaabe Students’ Association, and served on a number of university committees, including Senate, the Anishinaabe People’s Council and the Indigenous Learning Committee.

2017 - Arlene Pitts, BA 2007

Arlene Pitts is a long-time activist, both within Sault Ste. Marie and Toronto, where she is currently living. Her commitment to meaningful social change has made significant contributions to the communities in which she has lived. Arlene’s strong social and political consciousness has propelled her into success and led to the improvement and empowerment of some of the most marginalized people within our society.

She has worked tirelessly to improve sex workers’ rights, and advocate for people struggling with drug use. She focuses her activism on how public policy systemically affects the lives of marginalized and at risk people.

More recently, Arlene has worked as a Case Manager at St. Stephen’s Community House and as a Coordinator with the Women’s Harm Reduction Program at South Riverdale Community Health Centre, working with people struggling with addictions. Here, she has found ways to partner with various community groups and created various programs to better aid those she worked for. Her deep commitment to her clients led her to champion innovative and critical initiatives.

For her work at St. Stephen’s Community House, Arlene was awarded Toronto’s Vital People Award. The award honours exceptional community leaders and provides funds for training and development opportunities.

She graduated from York University’s prestigious Master’s of Public Policy, Administration and Law program in 2015.

Arlene graduated from Algoma U in 2007 with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. As a student she was very involved on campus, including having served on the Algoma University Students’ Union as VP External and was a founding member of the Algoma University Student Food Bank, a student-led initiative which began to combat hunger amongst the student population.

2016 - Kareem Roberts, BBA 2008

Kareem Roberts, is the Founder & President of K-Robs Social Enterprise, a non-profit consultancy organization that partners with local NGOS, and organizations with similar missions, to seek opportunities to overcome challenges and barriers that prevent children in developing countries from accessing quality education.

Kareem grew up in Brampton and New York City. He obtained his Bachelor of Business Administration (Marketing) from Algoma University in 2008 and continued on to obtain a MBA from Laurentian University. Kareem is currently completing his Doctorate in Business Administration from Herriot-Watt University in the UK, with the goal of becoming a university professor.

Kareem began his career working as a financial planner for Scotiabank, and Alterna Savings Credit Union. Three years ago, Kareem began seeking out ways in which to add deeper substance to his life experiences and career ambitions. He packed up and traveled to over a dozen nations; seeing the effects of contemporary world dynamics, and deeply empathizing with global disparity. This awakening experience created the momentum, and was the catalyst for K-ROBS Social Enterprise.

In 2013 Kareem Roberts spent a month in Tanzania, devoting most of his time to volunteering at Gloryland Prep School. He began by teaching in one of the classes, but changed roles to help with accounting, budgeting and project management. After two years of helping with project management at Gloryland, the previous project manager,Susan McDonald, passed her position onto Kareem. Shortly after that, Kareem founded K-ROBS Social Enterprise.

Kareem and his team are actively engaged in establishing an all-girls school in Arusha, Tanzania. The All-Girl School Project is based on the fact that within the Tanzanian community girls have a high dropout rate, and many elders and adults do not fully understand the importance of educating girls. Through this project they aim to increase the number of girls enrolled in, and graduating from, all levels of schooling which will have a number of beneficial outcomes for the girls themselves as well as the community at large.

Kareem is currently working with Algoma University Business Students (AUBS) on a volunteer work project that will allow the students to exercise their business skills/knowledge while also utilizing their critical thinking, personal relations, and communications skills, as they volunteer their time to work on a project with the Gloryland Prep School.

2015 - Shirley Horn, BFA 2009

A path of lifelong learning bonds Shirley Horn to Algoma U. She first attended the actual site of what is now known as Algoma University at age six, when it was Shingwauk Indian Residential School. Shirley returned to Algoma University in 2005 and graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Hon) in the spring of 2009.

When asked why she chose Algoma University, Shirley said: “I was always interested in art, and recognized I had some talent, but wanted to get the formal education. Algoma University was the right choice for me. I believe it was my destiny to revisit it. It has a lot to offer.”

Drawn to sculpture with natural materials, Shirley saw her future creative work focusing on producing art that reflected her residential school experiences. Her desire was to take her art into the communities to speak about how she addressed her feelings, and how people can move forward in a positive, non-destructive manner. She said, “It’s important that the truth is told – and no one can tell it for us.”

Shirley is one of the founders of the Children of Shingwauk Alumni Association and the National Residential School Survivor Society. She understands the importance of the healing process and says: “I have a history here. This place is an incredible part of my journey and it has led me to where I am today.”

2014 - Andrew Ross, BBA 2004

Andrew graduated in 2004 from the Bachelor of Business Administration (Honours) program. As a student, Andrew was very involved in student politics. He served as the first President of the Algoma University Student Union, when it changed from being a student association to a student union.

An avid golfer, Andrew began his career combining his love for the sport with his job working as the General Manager for a local golf course. He later joined the Sault Youth Association as the Editor in Chief/Project Lead, overseeing the publication staff.

Andrew took his years of retail experience, his entrepreneurial skills, and talent for leading a dynamic team to the Enterprise Centre in January of 2007. As the General Manager of Enterprise Centre, Andrew is responsible for cultivating small business and developing new small businesses within the Algoma District. He and his staff deliver programs for the Ministry of Small Business and Consumer Services in the Algoma District and Chapleau, as well as promoting programs for the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation.

Despite his busy schedule Andrew made time to be involved with his alma mater. He joined the Algoma U Alumni Council in 2007, and has held the positions of member, Chair and Past Chair, and continues to serve on the Council today. Andrew also represented the Alumni Council on the Algoma U Foundation Board, later taking on the roles of Vice Chair and becoming Chair in 2010.

Andrew continues to be involved with Algoma University, participating in the annual Northern Ontario Business Case Competition, where he has served as a judge and shares his business and entrepreneurial expertise with 4th year BBA students. He continues to serve on a number of Boards and Committees throughout the community, including the Sault Community Career Centre, Algoma Workforce Investment Corporation, Chamber of Commerce Awards Committee and Buskerfest.

2013: Jamie Coccimiglio - BBA (Marketing) 2007

Jamie graduated in 2007 from the Bachelor of Business Administration program, with a specialization in Marketing. Jamie continued his education and pursued his dream of becoming a real estate agent. In 2007 he graduated from the Ontario Real Estate College and began embarking on what would soon become a very successful career with EXIT Realty Lake Superior.

It didn’t take long for Jamie’s hard work and passion for what “he loves to do”, to begin to be recognized. By 2009 he had already won the Top Producer award for EXIT Realty Lake Superior – an award that he continued to receive for 2010, 2011 and 2012.

Jamie became part of the EXIT Realty Lake Superior “Million Dollar Club” for earning over one million dollars in gross commissions since joining the firm. He has also received Provincial and International awards including; “Top 50 in North America” in 2011/2012 for “Closed Transactions” and “Gross Closed Commissions”, # 3 in Ontario for “Gross Commissions Earned” and “Number of Ends Sold” and # 5 in Ontario for “Listings Taken”.

Jamie has become a member of the EXIT Realty International “Sapphire Circle Designation”, for closing over 250 transactions since beginning his career with EXIT Realty – a very impressive achievement so early in his career.

2012: Team Jacobs: Brad Jacobs - BA (Geography) 2007, E. J. Harnden - BBA (Marketing) 2006, Ryan Harnden - Algoma U Student, Scott Seabrook - BA (Accounting) 2007

Team Jacobs have taken their love of curling to new heights. For the last two years, this group of men has represented Northern Ontario at the Tim Horton’s Brier. This success is especially impressive as the rink was the youngest team in the tournament in 2010 and made history as their standing marked the first time a Northern Ontario rink had made the playoffs in the Brier since 1993.

Earlier this year the team earned their right to move onto the Brier with a victory over Sudbury’s Tim Phillips when the team scored an extremely rare eight-ender in the sixth end of play – virtually an unimaginable feat at the highest level of curling.

Curling has been a passion and family tradition for this team. Collectively they have had 13 combined Canadian Curling championship appearances.

As individuals, each of these men has carved out very successful careers for themselves and they continue to make Algoma University proud of their accomplishments.

2011: Fred Pelletier - BA (Fine Arts) 2006

Fred Pelletier returned to the classroom to pursue a career in education after a drastic change in health forced him to leave a career he loved and had held for close to two decades. After taking some time to regain his health, Fred enrolled in the Fine Arts program at Algoma U in 2004, beginning a new path that he describes as both enlightening and lifesaving.

Fred successfully completed his program, graduating with a BA (Fine Arts) degree in 2006. Focused on his goal of becoming a teacher Fred continued onto the next phase, achieving his B.Ed from the University of Western in June 2007. His outstanding academic efforts were acknowledged when he was selected out of a class of 850 students as the recipient of Western’s Top Teaching Award – D. Carlton Williams Gold Medal in Education. The award recognizes a student who has achieved the highest degree of excellence in academic and professional subjects and has made an outstanding contribution to the activities of Western’s Faculty of Education.

Fred said, “Algoma U afforded me the best possible education and I was able to remain in my home town. But it wasn’t until I attended a much larger university that I came to realize just how unique and vital Algoma U is. When speaking to students who had spent their post-secondary years in classes that were as much as fifty times larger than the ones I attended at Algoma U, the quality of my education became immediately clear. The lessons I learned in Professor Wallace’s English course stood up amongst the congregation of students from all over the country studying at Western’s Faculty of Education”.

Fred returned to Sault Ste Marie and accepted a position with the Algoma District School Board where he has taught Visual Arts and Media Studies. He continues to enjoy his other passion, music. An avid drummer, Fred plays in four bands, the Reptiles, FlipSide, Northern Jazz Ensemble and the Comedics. The Comedics have performed at benefit concerts in the last 11 years and have raised more than $1.5 million dollars for local charities.

2010: Tausha Esquega - BA (CESD) 2008

Tausha Esquega is a true role model in the Anishinaabe community. As a mother to three young children, her desire to better the world in which we live continues to be a driving force. Her commitment to her family, friends, and community are truly remarkable. She thrives to achieve excellence in all that she does. With her Community Economic and Social Development degree in hand, Tausha has initiated her Masters in Native Studies.

Tausha is a true leader and her dedication to the Anishinaabe community began when she was a student. She was an active member of the Shingwauk Anishinaabe Students Association as the Cultural Events Coordinator and she dedicated her time to social and cultural programming for Anishinaabe students. The annual Youth Symposium which was originally initiated by Tausha continues to be one of Algoma University’s most valuable events.

Tausha graduated from the Community Economic Social Development program in 2008. Since then, she has continued to be an active member of the Anishinaabe community. Upon graduation, the Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig recruited Tausha to be an assistant to the well-known teacher and leader Eddie Benton-Benai. In the spring of 2009, she was approached by the Chief of Gully Bay First Nation, her home community. She learned about the economic ventures that the first nation was initiating and wanted her input; she is now employed full-time as the Economic Development Officer for the Gull Bay First Nation. The skills that she acquired in the CESD program ensured that she had the necessary skills to assist the first nation in attaining those goals.

Algoma University is proud to have a graduate of such calibre and is confident that Tausha will continue to work tirelessly for Anishinaabe people.

2009: Nevin Buconjic - BA (Computer Science) 2001

Nevin is a mentor, entrepreneur, educator and businessman. Currently, he is a Strategic Business Advisor with the Ministry of Natural Resources. He has a BA (Computer Science) from Laurentian University/Algoma U, a B.Sc. in Marketing and Management and a MBA (Lake Superior State University), a Certificate in Internet Marketing (University of British Columbia) and in 2007 completed his Economic Developer’s Certification through the Economic Development Association of Canada.

While working on his Accelerated Degree in Computer Science in 2001 at Algoma U, Nevin was tutoring at a local elementary school. Struck by the lack of enthusiasm that students had for computers, Nevin set out to change their attitudes and interests by teaching young people skills in web design and video game design.

His passion for computers and entrepreneurship lead Nevin to create Adventures in Computing summer camps, now in their 9th year on campus. Nevin went on to co-found a local web design firm, before starting his own internet market and consulting company from which he created a scholarship for students entering into the Computer Science program here at Algoma U.

Over the years, Nevin has committed to being an advocate for youth in our community, taking part in the original Sault Youth Task Force where he spearheaded the Saultyouth.com portal. He has mentored, taught and worked with hundreds of students and young people on the topics of entrepreneurship, computers and technology. He currently writes a technology column for Fresh Magazine and teaches both computer and business courses at Algoma U and Sault College. In 2006 he was a finalist for the Osprey Media/Ontera Northern Ontario Youth Entrepreneur Award for Sault Ste. Marie and Area.

2008: Dr. Laurie Bloomfield - BA (Psychology) 2000

Dr. Bloomfield’s honours thesis project was entitled, Temperature Effects on Foraging Behaviour in Black-capped Chickadees.

In September of 2000 she began work on her Master’s degree at Queen’s University with Dr. Ronald Weisman. She would go on to receive the Canadian Psychological Association Award for Academic Excellence for her thesis project entitled, Production and Perception of Chickadee Calls: A Comparative Analysis.

After completing her Masters, Dr. Bloomfield was awarded an NSERC scholarship and an Alberta Ingenuity Studentship to work at the University of Alberta with Dr. Christopher Sturdy.

Following the completion of her Ph.D. in June 2007 Dr. Bloomfield moved back to the Soo to begin her position of Assistant Professor at Algoma University.

2007: Jody Rebek - BBA 1997

After graduating from Algoma U, Ms. Rebek continued her education at the Royal Roads University, in Victoria BC where she was awarded the Canada Graduate Scholarship from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada to complete her Masters of Arts degree in Leadership and Training.

Ms. Rebek is the Managing Director of Destiny Sault Ste Marie, a position she has held since 2006. Prior to joining Destiny Sault Ste Marie, Ms. Rebek was the Executive Director for Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI).

There she spear-headed community partnerships and established relationships with various government and private sector leaders to engage in the development of continuous quality improvement for Sault Ste. Marie and area.

Ms. Rebek has researched and published a number of reports and publications including the Community Resilience Project of Sault Ste Marie, The Blossom’s Project, Vision 20/20 and Healthy Youth Needs Assessment. She is actively involved in the community through her service was organizations such as the Lake Superior Conservancy and Watershed Council, Sault Ste. Marie Best For Kids Committee and the Sault Ste. Marie and Area Physician Recruitment.

Distinguished Alumni Award

The Algoma University Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes the accomplishments of an Algoma University Alumni who has reached a pinnacle of personal and professional achievement in their chosen field.

Recipients of the Distinguished Alumni Award will have successfully demonstrated outstanding leadership abilities in business and industry, community service, or public life. They will have brought distinction to Algoma University through endeavors which have been heralded within their profession or community, or even beyond it.

Supporting documentation may include:

Notable achievements in other fields of endeavor;
Degrees and honours previously bestowed by Algoma University or other bodies;
Other information deemed helpful to the Selection Committee.

List of Recipients

2023 - Meaghan Kent - BA History & English ‘11

Meaghan Kent completed her Honours Bachelor of Art, History & English (Cum Laude) in 2011. Following her time at Algoma University, Meaghan earned her Master of Arts in History from Western University in 2012. A firm believer that a degree in English and History has endless opportunities, Meaghan used the skills she learned at her post-secondary education to become a successful entrepreneur. It was her love for Art History that inspired her to pick up a camera and ultimately led her to become a self-taught photographer. Today, she owns Meaghan Kent Photography INC., one of the leading photography businesses in the Algoma region.

Meaghan completes 500-600 photo sessions annually, which take her all over Canada and across the globe. This past year, Meaghan worked on her largest project to date for Algoma Country and Superior Country to highlight the 2SLGBTQ+ communities in the North, photographing couples and families taking part in tourist activities along Lake Superior. While photographing, Meaghan had the opportunity to discuss how to make the North safer and more attractive for 2SLGBTQ+ members, as well as what photographers can do to help make them feel safer.

Meaghan is a big believer in community over competition and is a mentor to other regional photographers. She has given many presentations on her work and on her trajectory to becoming an award-winning photographer. She also holds numerous fundraisers, including her most successful fundraiser for the Sault Area Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. To date, she has donated over $7,400 to the local NICU through various photo initiatives. Due to her love for history, she is also a proud supporter of the Canadian Armed Forces and holds an annual free portrait initiative for past and present servicemen and women each Remembrance Day. She has photographed those who have served in World War II, the Korean War, the Iraq War, and both Afghanistan conflicts through this project of heart.

Meaghan has earned a number of accolades, including, but not limited to:

Best Photographer by the Sault Star from 2019 – 2022
Best Photographer by Community Votes in 2020 and 2022
Three awards by Strive 2021 and 2022, including the (1) Arts, Culture, and Music Industry Award, (2) Excellence in Entrepreneurship Award, and (3) Leadership Award
Photography featured in global publications Women’s World and Maclean’s
Client base includes David Suzuki’s Blue Dot Movement, Metro, and the equivalent of Finland’s Bachelor

2022 - Lil Silvano - BBA Accounting ‘96

Lil Silvano graduated from Algoma University in 1996 with a Bachelors of Business Administration, specializing in Accounting. Through a co-operative program, Lil articled at BDO and went on to complete her CPA in 1998.

Lil would go on to start her career at the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation here in Sault Ste. Marie in financial planning and analysis, operational accounting and reporting, and strategic planning. She became the Director, Gaming Financial Planning and Analysis for four years.

After a 14 year career at OLG, Lil moved onto the Sault Area Hospital where she has held high level positions such as Director, Finance and Director, Clinical Care and Cardiology before becoming the Vice President and Chief Financial Officer in September of 2018. In this role, Lil is accountable for finance, information technology, and facility services. As a key member of the senior management team, Lil actively participates and leads the development, execution and monitoring of hospital strategic and operational plans.

Outside of her career, Lil sits on several boards and associations in Sault Ste. Marie, including being the current President of the Sault Ste. Marie Chartered Professional Accountants Association, and board member of Algoma Family Services, and Nurse Practitioner Led Clinic.

Lil’s experience in the Government and Health sector along with her involvement in the community have shown her reputation for financial, business and strategic acumen.

2021 - Elise Ahenkorah - BA '08

As an Algoma University student, Elise Ahenkorah was actively involved in the Student Union. Elise was instrumental in initiating the first Black History Month celebration at Algoma U in 2004. She also established a Diversity Advisory Committee, comprised of students, staff, faculty and Board members supported by past Algoma University President, Dr. Celia Ross. Elise graduated from Algoma University in 2008 with a BA in Law & Justice and has completed a Post Graduate Certificate from Cornell University in Diversity and Inclusion Strategic Planning & Risk Mitigation. She is currently completing her MBA at Aston University.

Elise has covered diverse ground in progressively senior roles in crisis communications, marketing, stakeholder engagement, strategic planning, and DE&I for public and private sector organizations in her career. She worked in some notable roles as a Business Development Coordinator for Halton Region, Communications Supervisor for a global oil and gas company. Also, as a Program Manager for the University of Calgary, leading and designing the first university female-entrepreneurship program and pitch competition for female-identifying students across all levels and faculties.

As an entrepreneur and Inclusion Strategist for inclusion FACTOR, she designs data-driven strategies to build inclusive workplaces and communities for public and private sector-based clients across North America and the UK. Her clients include IBM, Saje Natural Wellness, Hootsuite, Calgary Police Commission, Alberta Theatre Projects, Calgary International Film Festival, University of Texas, City of Toronto, HRD International, University of Calgary, IABC, Law Society of Saskatchewan, Alberta Urban Municipalities Association – to name a few.

Building on her past career experiences and as a prominent local community builder, Ahenkorah founded #shemeets four years ago and hasn’t looked back since. Her goal was to build a supportive resource for women of colour (WOC) entrepreneurs across the country while offering valuable experiences, mentorship, resources, and guidance.

She has recently been named a 2021 L’Oréal Paris Canada Women of Worth Honouree due to her contributions in supporting the next generation of women of colour and racialized entrepreneurs and DE&I subject matter expertise.

2019 - Adam Carpenter (BBA Accounting ‘07)

Adam Carpenter’s ties to Algoma University and his community run deep and remain strongly rooted today. He has built a lifelong commitment to his alma mater since the first day he stepped onto campus as a freshman. Adam joined the Algoma University Alumni Council in 2013. He has served in a variety of roles, including member, Chair and Past Chair of the Alumni Council.

He continues to be actively involved with the Alumni Council and serves on a variety of committees, including; the Thunderbird Wall of Fame, Awards Committee, Homecoming, Alumni Strategic Planning Committee, as well as being a member of the Algoma U Classic Golf Tournament Planning Committee, raising money for post-secondary student scholarships.

2018 - James Caicco, BBA 1995

James Caicco began his career path into the world of business after graduating with a Bachelor of Business Administration (Hons) degree from Algoma University College in 1995. Even then he had his sights set on building community, as he continued his education through the Appraisal Institute of Canada, and trained as a residential appraiser. That same year, James began his career as a full-time realtor.

To say that James has built a very successful career in an understatement. His success in the industry has propelled him from a Realtor, to a Broker of Record and Owner. Today James proudly leads a team of realtors and appraisers in his own businesses: Century 21 Choice Realty, Property One Management and Centrum Mortgage Approval Centre.

Building community has meant more than building successful businesses. James prides himself on community involvement and he is committed to serving Sault Ste. Marie and the greater community of Northern Ontario. He believes that the key to a full life is a strong community – an environment that creates opportunities for all to succeed and thrive. To that end, James has been very involved in his community.

He served as a City Counsellor for Ward One residents from 2000 – 2010. During his time on City Council he served on a number of committees, including; the Olympic Torch Committee, Sault Ste. Marie Economic and Development Corporation, International Relations Committee, and was the driving force behind several initiatives, including the building of the Essar Centre (soon to be the GFL Memorial Gardens), and the Physician Recruitment Program.

James has extensive experience with Government agencies, and business and community partners. He has served on numerous committees and boards, including, the Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, PUC Board of Directors, Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation, Algoma University Board of Governors and the John Rhodes Scholarship Dinner Committee, Sault College Board of Governors and in 2015 took on the role of Chair of the United Way of Sault Ste. Marie & District campaign.

Dr. John Willinsky

Dr. John Willinsky is the founder of the Public Knowledge Project, more commonly known as the PKP. The PKP makes research available to all by creating a sophisticated open-source scholarly publishing system. The PKP is used by more journals today than any other system in the world. With over 2.3 million articles published, the PKP continues to facilitate the global sharing of scholarly research and data.

In 2016, Dr. Willinsky was awarded with the prestigious Connection Award from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada for his work with the PKP. With a prize of $50,000, the Connection Award acknowledges those who facilitate the exchange of research knowledge, and creating intellectual, cultural, social, and economic impact.

Today, Dr. Willinsky is a Khosla Family Professor of Education at Stanford University and directs the Program in Science, Technology, and Society, as well as the Honours in Education Program. He is also a part-time Professor in the School of Publishing at Simon Fraser University where he directs the PKP in partnership with Simon Fraser’s Library.

Dr. Willinsky graduated from Algoma University College in 1976 with a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature. He earned his Master’s of Education from the University of Toronto in 1979 and his PhD in Education Foundation from Dalhousie University in 1982.

Unfortunately, Dr. Willinsky could not be with us to receive his award but he wanted to share his reflections with the Class of 2017 today. He expresses his deepest thanks and honour for receiving this award. Dr. Willinsky gives some of the credit for founding the PKP to the Sundays spent browsing scholarly journals in the Arthur A. Wishart Library in the 1970s.

He says, “I fell into the habit of visiting the Wishart Library on weekends. I’d sit among stacks of journals and periodicals, going from one intriguing study or review to another. Two decades later, with the arrival of the Internet, I saw a chance to offer that Wishart experience to a wider world. Fortunately, I was not alone in thinking that it was time for scholarship to be more public… Today, another two decades on, and nearly half the recently published research and scholarship is freely available online. My hope is that the graduating class will use some of that literature, at least when they can’t make it back to Wishart. Either way, I heartily congratulate the students on their well-earned degrees. I’m here to assure them that an education at Algoma is warranted for life.”

2016 - Justice Charles H. Vaillancourt, BA

Charles Vaillancourt began his career as an elementary school teacher. He studied part-time at Algoma University College, while he continued to teach, earning a BA in Geography/History. He continued his studies, attending Law School at Western University.

Charles Vaillancourt practiced criminal law in Sault Ste. Marie for 16 years, and team-taught criminal jurisprudence at Algoma University College and Lake Superior State University from 1980 to 1990 with Judge James Greco.

Justice Vaillancourt was a small-claims court judge in Sault Ste Marie before being appointed to the Ontario Court of Justice in 1990.

During his 25 year career, Justice Vaillancourt has heard more than his fair share of interesting cases in the courts.

In 1998, Justice Vaillancourt was assigned to hear R. V. Powley, a highly publicized and landmark case that took place in Sault Ste. Marie, involving Metis hunting and fishing rights that went all the way to the Supreme Court of Canada.

In 2014, Justice Vaillancourt came up with a compromise solution for a niqab-wearing woman who was a complainant in a sexual assault case, allowing only the back of her head to be shown to most of the courtroom, while the accused, Crown lawyers, court staff and judge saw her without a veil.
Most recently Justice Vaillancourt was assigned to the case that attracted national attention, the Senator Mike Duffy trial.

He has been described as, “Bold. Not being affected by public sentiment. He plays no favourites in the courtroom. Very patient. Balanced with no shortage of common sense”.

Justice Vaillancourt responds by saying, “To say that I enjoy my current career immensely would be a gross understatement. I can say that there is never a dull moment and I have been fortunate to have more than my fair share of interesting cases. Judges are not in the happiness business”.

Justice Vaillancourt maintains his teaching connections by lecturing for the Law Society of Upper Canada, the Criminal Lawyers Association, and Osgoode Hall Law School.

2015 - Greg Punch, BA 1975

Greg Punch received his BA (Economics) in 1975 from Algoma University College.

Now a private consultant specializing in primary healthcare, business and program development, governance and strategic planning, Greg has enjoyed a long and rewarding career in both the public and private sectors. He was Senior Financial Officer with the North Regional Office of the Ministry of Community and Social Services, and Manager of Accounting for Bailey Hoogovens Canada.

Greg went on to join the Group Health Centre and for the next 23 years served in a variety of capacities including: Director of Corporate Development, Director of the Comprehensive Health Organization Feasibility Study, Director of Finance and Administration and Chief Operating Officer. He retired in 2012 as the President and CEO of the Group Health Centre.

A longtime resident of Sault Ste. Marie, Greg is very involved in the community. He is a member and Past President of the Sault Ste. Marie Economic Development Corporation, and President and Board Chair of Algoma University’s Health Informatics Institute. Previously, he held the positions of Director of the Group Health Centre Trust Fund, Director of the Group Health Centre Scholarship Fund, President and Chair of the Board of Algoma Child and Youth Services, Vice-chair of the Algoma District Network (Adnet), Chair of the Fundraising Committee for the Algoma Residential Community Hospice, and Treasurer of Lakeshore Kiwanis.

2014 - Terry Rainone, BA 1973

Terry Rainone received his BA (Economics) in 1973 from Algoma University College. He later went on to complete his Master of Business Administration degree from Lake Superior State University in May 1992.

A well-known and respected businessman and developer, Terry is the President of Palmer Group which is comprised of four companies in the construction, development and aggregate sectors. He is also the President of Rain-One Investments and Secretary-Treasurer of McRain Developments Inc.

Active in the community, Terry served as President of the Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce, Vice-Chairman of the Sault Ste. Marie General Hospital, Chairman of Finance of the Sault Ste. Marie General Hospital and Chairman of the Planning Committee of the Sault Ste. Marie General Hospital. He also served as Secretary of Sault Ste. Marie Homebuilders’ Association. Terry served as Executive Director of the Community Development Corporation from October 1995 until April 1996 and was recently appointed to the Sault Ste Marie Economic and Development Corporation Board of Directors.

Terry was awarded the Sault Ste Marie Chamber of Commerce President’s Award in 1993. This award recognizes someone who makes an exceptional effort, which goes above and beyond the call of duty in any area of business and community development. In 2013 the Chamber of Commerce awarded Palmer Construction Group with the Safe Work, Sound Business Award. This award recognizes a business that uses a safe work management system, participates in workplace and/or community injury prevention programs and has exceptionally good injury frequency and injury severity performance.

A strong supporter of post-secondary education, Terry has supported both Algoma University and Sault College with very generous gifts to their respective capital campaigns. Terry cites both institutions as being essential to the growth and development of Sault Ste Marie and believes that it is important to give back to the community. Palmer Construction Group has also been a sponsor of the Algoma U Classic Golf Tournament, which helps students by raising funds for the Algoma University Scholarships & Bursaries Program.

2013 - Terence Bos, BBA 1997

Terry graduated from the Bachelor of Business Administration program in 1997.

Currently the CEO of the Sault Ste. Marie Airport Development Corporation, Terry began his career back in February of 1999 when he was hired as an Intern. With a one year contract in his hand, his job was to assist in the preparation of the Business and Land Use Master Plan. After the completion of his contract he was retained in a marketing position until being promoted to the Manager of Finance and Administration in 2002, Airport Manager in 2004, and later to the position of CEO in July 2010.

Terry attained his Airport Administration and Services certificate from Sault College in 2003. He was bestowed the title of Certified Member (CM) designation from the International Association of Airport Executive (IAAE) in 2009 and is currently writing his thesis paper in the process of attaining the Accredited Airport Executive status with the IAAE.

Terry is active in his community, having volunteered his time with the Sault Ste Marie and District Scouts Canada, as well as serving in the capacity of assistant coach with a number of Sault Minor Baseball teams.

Terry is a member of the Airport Management Council of Ontario (AMCO). He was elected President of AMCO in 2010 and re-elected as President for a second consecutive term in 2011. Terry is also involved with the SSMADC Board as CEO.

2012 - Robert Key, BBA 2000

Robert graduated in 2000 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree (Accounting Specialization). His stellar achievements were acknowledged by being awarded the Gold Medal Business Award (for graduating with the highest grade in the business program) and the BBA Accounting Gold Medal Award (for graduating with the highest grade in the accounting program).

Robert’s talents were quickly recognized and he was hired in July 2000 by DuPont Canada Inc., a position that he held for 3 years. During this time he began working on his Certified Management Accountant (CMA) designation which he achieved in 2004. Continuing with his pursuit for higher education, he went on to receive his Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation in 2005 and the Certified Treasury Professional (CTP) designation in 2006.

Since graduating from Algoma U, Robert’s career has taken him to an array of large companies in industry sectors ranging from Manufacturing and Chemicals, Financial Services, Retail, to his current position as the Director, Treasury Operations at Research In Motion, a company that he has worked for since 2006.

Robert is a Director on the Association for Financial Professionals Canada (AFP Canada) and a Board Member with the Bank of America CashPro Advisory Board. He has been invited to share his knowledge on various financial topics at a number of speaking engagements including the EuroFinance conference in Miami and the AFP of Canada Treasurers forum in Toronto.

2011 - Michael Cachagee, BA 1994

Mike Cachagee was forced to attend three Indian Residential Schools – St John in Chapleau, Bishop Horden in Moose Factory and Shingwauk as a child.

After having worked in the automotive sector for 30 years, he returned to Shingwauk Hall in the 1980’s and enrolled at Algoma U to complete his dream of obtaining his university degree in Political Science.

After graduating, Mike became a Native Student Advisor at Algoma U, helping to increase First Nations enrolment to over 100 students. Mike moved to Thunder Bay where he became Dean of Native Education at Confederation College, administering programs and services for 600 students at several campuses.

“Leadership roles at all levels have dominated Mike’s life for 25 years. He was Chief of his community, the Chapleau Cree First Nation and was subsequently appointed to important roles as Treaty negotiator and political advisor to the Grand Chief of Nishnawbe Aski Nation”.

Mike was instrumental in establishing the Children of Shingwauk Alumni Association and has been President of the National Residential School Survivors’ Society since 2003. He has served on the Algoma U Board of Governors, as the Children of Shingwauk Alumni Association representative.

In 2006 Mike helped to secure the landmark Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement.

On June 11, 2008, Mike Cachagee was one of several dignitaries present on the floor in the House of Commons to hear the historic apology to all former students of Indian Residential School delivered by Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

2010 - Lieutenant Colonel Eric Groulx, BA 1986

Eric Groulx graduated from Algoma U in 1986 with a BA in Psychology. He went on to obtain his BA Honours in Public Policy Administration from York University in 1988.

Upon completion of his studies, Eric began his career working for the Ministry of Community and Social Services and over the next 20 years he held a number of positions within the Provincial Government including serving as a Policy Analyst, Caseworker, Technology Services Manager and later as a Liquor Inspector with the Alcohol and Gaming Commission.

While a student at Algoma U, Eric joined the Royal Canadian Artillery 49th Field Regiment (Reserve) in Sault Ste Marie. His career with the military which began part time has spanned 26 years.

In 2002, after rising to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, Eric became the Commanding Officer of the 49th Field Regiment, a position he held for five years. In 2007, LCol Groulx left to serve with the International Security Assistance Force headquartered in Kabul, Afghanistan as a Liaison Officer. LCol Groulx served as SooToday.com’s Special Correspondent in Afghanistan, providing updates back home about the work that Canadian soldiers were doing in Afghanistan.

Since completing his first mission, LCol Groulx has returned to Afghanistan two more times. His missions involved developing courses and exercises to train the Afghan Army and Police Officers to work in active operational headquarters. While there has been significant development since his first tour, LCol Groulx believes that training the Afghan National Security Forces to be able to maintain security throughout the country is key to ending the need for Coalition Forces.

2009 - Les Dunbar, BA 1980

Les graduated from Algoma U with BA (Economics) in 1980, while working full-time at Algoma Steel. He continued his studies at Lake Superior State University, earning his MBA.

Changing careers in the early 1990’s, Les entered the world of finance as an Investment Advisor. He became Edward Jones’ first Limited Partner in Canada in 1995 and was one of 20 people selected (out of 9000 candidates) to receive Edward Jones’ Extraordinaire Mentor Award.

A strong community volunteer, Les believes in giving back to his community. Les has been actively involved with many organizations including the Canadian National Institute for the Blind, Downtown Rotary Club, and the United Way. His volunteer activity has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Trillium National Award and the City of Sault Ste. Marie Mayor’s Award.

After attending an alumni event in 2004, Les joined the Algoma U Alumni Council and was instrumental in rebuilding the Alumni Council. He helped to organize the Algoma U Reunion in 2005 and has been deeply committed to the University ever since. Les currently sits on the Algoma U Foundation Board of Directors, the Algoma U Board of Governors, Chair of the Finance Committee and Chair of the annual Foundation Dinner Planning Committee.

2008 - Dave Jones, BA 1989

David Jones is the founder of Turtle Concepts. He is presently an entrepreneur, researcher and motivational speaker.

Dave strongly believes in his traditional Aboriginal teachings. Since 1999, Turtle Concepts has traveled worldwide with the message that “you have a right to feel good about yourself” and to “celebrate your successes”

Dave holds a degree in sociology from Algoma U and a degree in Education that empowers him to speak confidently. He is currently applying to be a Ph.D. candidate with a plan to research the effects of gaining confidence and how difficult that may be, especially for Aboriginal People.

Dave is a founding member and moderator for the Youth Panel for the Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers, The Director for the Canadian Aboriginal Fashion Show, a Board member of the National Aboriginal Music Awards and a former elected member of the Garden River First National Council.

2007 - Diane Marshall, BA 1974

Diane Marshall is well known for her outstanding service and career with the Algoma District School Board. As an educator, Mrs. Marshall developed programs for special needs and gifted children. She later became the Administrator of Special Education with the ADSB and was first female Superintendent.

Diane continues to be active in the community, serving with such organizations as the Rotary Club of Sault Ste. Marie, Christmas Cheer program, Sault Area Hospital Board, Canadian Cancer Society, United Way, Algoma University College Foundation, and the Central United Church.