Fleming College Alumni Nominated For Premier’s Awards

Six Fleming College alumni have been selected as nominees for the this year’s Premier’s Awards.

The Premier Awards were founded in 1992. Photo courtesy of Fleming College.

Colleges Ontario administers the Premier’s Awards, the advocacy voice for Ontario’s 24 colleges.

This annual celebration recognizes college graduates' significant social and economic contributions on a provincial and global scale.

Colleges can nominate alumni in seven categories: Skilled Trades, Business, Community Services, Creative Arts and Design, Health Sciences, Recent Graduate and Science, Technology and Engineering.

The Fleming College nominees for 2024 are:

Skilled Trades
Dylan Stadtke: Mechanical Techniques Plumbing (2016), HVAC Technician (2018)
The co-owner of Pristine Plumbing Peterborough, Dylan’s business is thriving, reflecting his dedication to high professional standards and community involvement. In addition to two Fleming diplomas, Dylan completed the Construction Leadership Program at Fleming in 2022, demonstrating his commitment to leadership and excellence in his field. Beyond his professional achievements, Dylan is deeply committed to men’s mental health and is a strong proponent of promoting women in trades. His dedication to these important issues underscores his role as a leader and innovator in his industry.

Health Sciences
Francine Sam: Practical Nursing (2024)
Francine Sam began her nursing career while living in Australia where she was enrolled in university for nursing. She ended up moving to a rural village in northern Uganda where she did humanitarian work for seven years alongside her young family, caring for vulnerable children and their communities. It was through her experiences there that compelled her to further her education at Fleming College. Francine recently graduated as a Practical Nurse and was the Valedictorian of the School of Health and Community Services and is now working as a Registered Practical Nurse in the Emergency Department at her local hospital.

Community Services
Heather George: Museum Management and Curatorship (2008)
Heather George is an influential leader in the Canadian museum sector. As Executive Director of the Woodland Cultural Centre, she advocates for Indigenous perspectives and creates opportunities for Indigenous artists and curators. As the Past President of the Canadian Museum Association and current Vice President for the Indigenous Heritage Circle, Heather advances the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action #67, urging museums to engage in reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. In 2021, she led a national review of museum policies in relation to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). This review involved Indigenous communities and museum professionals, culminating in recommendations to change sector standards and develop federal repatriation laws.

Science, Technology and Engineering
Matthew Wilson: Conservation Biology (2024)
In 2022, Matthew Wilson made a significant decision to leave his career in the shipping industry and return to school. He was driven by a desire to pursue a more meaningful path, he chose to focus on addressing the pressing environmental and natural world challenges facing our planet today. Matt has always had a deep passion for animals and nature. Over the years, he has worn many hats, including biologist, arboricultural field technician, and research assistant. Recently, Matt enrolled in the Conservation Biology Program at Fleming College, where he graduated as Valedictorian of the School of Environmental and Natural Resources. Driven by a strong desire to make a positive impact on our climate, Matt is committed to preserving our natural legacy for future generations.

Recent Graduate
Jacques Graveline: Business Administration-Marketing (2022)
Jacques Graveline was a Student Ambassador for Fleming Indigenous Student Services and Fleming Student Administrative Council. He graduated from Fleming College with an Advanced Diploma in Marketing in 2022 and has been extremely involved in the College since. Elected as Board Chair at Fleming SAC in 2023, he passionately advocates for students to ensure an exceptional college experience. Jacques is a leader in the Peterborough community, supporting the United Way homeless initiative and Dragon Boat Races for Breast Cancer, while creating and implementing marketing strategies as the Marketing Assistant at Bridges Peterborough. Jacques is currently the Governance and Advocacy Coordinator with the Fleming Student Administrative Council.

Creative Arts and Design
Aaron Robitaille: Graphic Design-Visual Communication Advanced Diploma (2020)
A 2020 graduate of Fleming College’s Graphic Design (GDV) program and recipient of the Muriel Cooper Award for Design Excellence, Aaron launched “Aaron Robitaille Design” and developed notable branding for Haven Brewing Company. Her expertise spans large-scope murals, websites, and mentoring local artists, with work featured across Ontario. She is currently an instructor at Fleming College and acts as Vice Chair and member on Artspace’s Board of Directors, Peterborough’s only artist-run centre. The GDV program’s comprehensive training and community partnerships were pivotal in her success, fostering a blend of art and design that continues to drive her career and contributions to the local arts community.

The Premier’s Award nominees will be recognized at a gala event in Toronto on Nov. 25 where the winners will be announced.

To nominate a deserving Fleming graduate for a 2025 Premier’s Award, please contact the Advancement and Alumni Relations Office at 705-749-5530 ext. 1197 or email alumni@flemingcollege.ca.

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Fleming College Receives $360,000 to Fight "Canada's Worst Invasive Plant"

The money will go to fighting a highly prevalent aggressive reed commonly known as invasive phragmites.

FLEMING COLLEGE PHOTO

Fleming is getting the funding from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada’s (NSERC) College and Community Social Innovation Fund (CCSIF).

Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of National Revenue, on behalf of François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry made the announcement last week.  

Fleming will partner with Nature Conservancy Canada, Ducks Unlimited Canada, and Saiwa Inc. to innovate the fight against what’s being billed as “Canada’s worst invasive plant”.

“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to help Nature Conservancy of Canada and Ducks Unlimited Canada with their important conservation work,” said Fleming president Maureen Adamson. “Together, we will provide conservationists and resource managers with valuable tools to effectively combat the spread of invasive plants that threaten our native vegetation.” 

The 3 year project is led by the researchers from Fleming’s Centre for Applied Machine Intelligence and Integration Technologies (CAMIIT) and School of Environmental & Natural Resource Sciences (SENRS).

It aims to advance automation in the detection and surveillance of the invasive plant using machine vision algorithms, remote sensing data, and innovative drone technologies.

CAMIIT’s Dr. Fereydoon Diba, in collaboration with Saiwa Inc., will develop a specialized drone with machine vision capability to recognize the invasive plant.

SENRS professor, Dr. Josh Feltham, along with Nature Conservancy Canada and Ducks Unlimited Canada will collect drone surveillance data.

Fleming students will assist with the project’s data collection and hardware development.

“This collaboration highlights the capabilities that technology and innovation can bring to natural resources, and the real-world problems that can be solved through applied research,” added Adamson. “It’s promising to see CAMIIT and SENRS combining forces with such highly respected national conservation organizations.”

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100 Women Peterborough Raises More Than $10,000 for Hearts 4 Joy

On Sept. 17, 100 Women Peterborough gathered at Fleming College to support individuals with intellectual exceptionalities (21+).

Photo by 100 women peterborough.

The event, hosted by the Advancement and Alumni Relations Office, benefited Hearts 4 Joy, a group that has been advocating for and enhancing the lives of young adults with Down Syndrome, Autism, or Learning Disabilities since 2020.

The initiative began in the backyard of one of Hearts 4 Joy’s co-founders and current board member, Norma Christensen.

“We are proud to nurture the talents of individuals with Down Syndrome, Autism, and Learning Disabilities,” said Christensen. “With the generous support from 100 Women Peterborough, we hope to purchase a new kiln and expand our product line.”

“I am incredibly proud of our group for donating over $10,000 to this remarkable organization,” said Rosalea Terry, a founding member of 100 Women Peterborough. “It’s a testament to the power of collective giving and the impact we can have when we come together.”

Hearts 4 Joy has seen its program membership expand to include 14 artists with intellectual exceptionalities, who have found a dedicated space to create and sell their work in the Charlotte Mews, called the Hearts 4 Joy Artisan Shoppe.

“We are overjoyed and thankful for this support,” said Debbie Quinlan, Hearts 4 Joy co-founder. “These funds will help us hire a web designer to create, launch, and maintain our first Hearts 4 Joy website, showcasing our unique products, raising awareness for upcoming events, and facilitating monthly donations.”

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Fleming College Expands Health Care Programming In Lindsay With New Mobile Laboratory This Winter

Fleming College is bringing its Personal Support Worker program to Lindsay’s Frost Campus this winter with a state-of-the-art mobile laboratory to help expand health care in the City of Kawartha Lakes, announced on Monday.

Photo courtesy of FLeming College.

According to a press release, Fleming says there is a tremendous need for qualified personal support workers across the province. It continues to state that the province estimates that it will need up to 24,000 qualified personal support workers by 2026.

The new mobile lab will train 64 potential personal support workers with state-of-the-art equipment. The course is over two semesters with 400 hours of theory, hands-on laboratory experience and 300 hours of real-life training.

“This mobile laboratory allows us to conveniently bring health care training into the heart of Lindsay and the surrounding regions,” said Maureen Adamson, Fleming College. “These students will offer health care support to the local community during their placements and upon graduation.”

“I am thrilled to see Fleming College taking such a proactive approach in addressing the healthcare needs of our region,” said Laurie Scott, Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock MPP. The introduction of this mobile PSW lab is a game-changer for our community, providing accessible and high-quality training right here in Lindsay. This initiative will not only equip our students with valuable skills but it will ultimately enhance the overall healthcare services available locally.”

The mobile lab allows the college to deliver PSW training without renovating a physical space. The PSW program will be located at the Frost Campus in the winter of next year. Fleming says there is potential to expand to other communities within the region as stated in a press release.

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Fleming College Awarded Research Infrastructure Grant of Over $227,000 From Federal Government

Fleming College has been awarded a College Fund research infrastructure grant from the Canada Foundation for Innovation of $227,753, announced on Wednesday.

Photo courtesy of Fleming College.

This investment combined with other secured grants, will cover the costs for Fleming to purchase a state-of-the-art laser machining technology according to a press release.

At roughly half a million dollars, the technology will be used to design and produce complex printed circuit boards (PCBs). The boards are essential components in nearly all electronic products, including household appliances, automotive systems, healthcare devices and more.

“This CFI College Fund grant is a game-changer for Fleming College,” said Maureen Adamson, Fleming president. “CAMIIT’s new laser machining technology will fill a significant gap in our region’s innovation ecosystem, empowering our researchers and students to engage in cutting-edge research and development projects. It’s a transformative step for our institution and the broader community.”

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Fleming Phoenix Name New Varsity Soccer Coaches For Men's and Women's Teams

Fleming College has named two local residents Victor Waselenko and David Brown as head coaches for the men’s and women’s varsity soccer programs, respectively.

Photo courtesy of Fleming College.

Waselenko has been a faculty member at Fleming College since 2013 with the School of Business and has also owned Soccer Plus, a soccer sporting goods store in Peterborough.

His prior soccer leadership experience includes being president and technical coaching director of the Peterborough Youth Soccer Club, director of coaching for the Peterborough City Soccer Association and coaching at various levels from U9-U21. Victor is currently the coach of Peterborough City U15 Boys Soccer.

Brown is currently the head coach of varsity girls at Trinity College School in Port Hope. His prior experience also includes being the director of coaching with Maple Leaf Cavan FC, head coach, Varsity Girls Soccer in Belgium at St. John’s International School and volunteer assistant coach with the Men’s varsity soccer program at Trent University.

Brown has also been the co-technical director of the Northumberland Soccer Club, Port Hope and held head coach positions for soccer teams at Lakefield College School, Brentwood College School and international schools in Belgium.

The school’s priority for the program will be to strengthen the relationship between Fleming Phoenix and local soccer leagues to increase awareness and interest for local players to take their game to the next level with the team according to a press release.

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Over 3,500 Graduates Ready to Hit the Workforce After Fleming College's 2024 Convocation

More than 3,500 students from Fleming’s three campuses celebrated graduation for Fleming College’s 2024 Convocation held in six separate ceremonies at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on June 11 and June 12.

Photo courtesy of Fleming College.

Students came from the School of Health and Community Services, School of Trades and Technology, School of Business and Information Technology, School of Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences, School of General Arts and Sciences and the Haliburton School of Art + Design.

Matthew Wilson was named valedictorian and studied School of Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences. He quit his day job in shipping to return to school because, he explained, he wanted to help make the world a better place.

“The path ahead will present challenges, it is in these moments that your true strength and commitment will shine,” said Wilson. “Embrace the opportunities to innovate, educate, and inspire. Let the beauty and fragility of our ecosystems fuel your determination to make a difference.”

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Three Fleming College Skilled Trades Students Bring Home the Hardware From Annual Skills Ontario Competition

Three Fleming College’s Skilled Trades students took home hardware during the annual Skills Ontario competition from May 6 to May 8 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

Photo courtesy of Fleming College.

Skills Ontario takes trades and technology students in the province in a competition in multiple skilled trade categories encompassing everything from aesthetics to plumbing.

Seventeen Fleming students competed and three made it to the podium:

• Carpentry student Dylan Waddle brought home the gold medal in the Individual Carpentry competition.

• Liam Sands captured a gold medal in the Arborist category.

• Welding student Joseph Brownson nabbed a bronze medal in the Welding category.

Fleming’s students were not only recognized for their hard work and creativity at Skills Ontario. Their high-traffic booth received a third-place nod for its creativity, interactive displays, focus on trades and technology and educational value for the many prospective students who stopped by to see what Fleming College offers.

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Fleming College Recognized As One of Canada’s Greenest Employers

Fleming College's awareness of the environment was evident as it landed a spot on Canada’s Top Green Employers list for 2024.

Photo courtesy of Fleming College.

The college was able to integrate sustainable practices across its campuses and curriculum to appear on the list.

Employers were graded on several factors: unique environmental initiatives or programs, success in reducing their environmental footprint, employee involvement with green programs and whether those environmental initiatives have become linked to the employer’s public identity, attracting new employees.

Fleming was the only Peterborough organization to crack the list.

A full list can be found online.

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Fleming College Makes Changes to Program Offerings Amid International Student Cap

Changes to Fleming College’s program offerings for Fall 2024 were approved by the Board of Governors on Tuesday morning.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

“As a result of the recent federal cap on international students coming to Ontario and the elimination of educational private partnerships, we have made difficult, but necessary, evidence-based decisions about program continuation and suspensions,” according to a statement made by Fleming.

Current students are not affected by these decisions. Fleming says their priority will be to enable program completion of any student who is currently enrolled in any of the suspended programs.

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