Celebrating the 2023 AC Cooperative Education Awards of Excellence
The annual Algonquin College Cooperative Education Awards of Excellence celebrates students and employer partners who participate in work-integrated experiences and contribute to the College’s culture of excellence and innovation. Student recipients were acknowledged for their remarkable achievements and contributions during their work terms, while employers were recognized for providing students with high-quality work opportunities.
Mary Grammatikakis, Director of Experiential Learning, welcomed attendees and highlighted the value that work-integrated learning brings to the College community.
“With the unwavering support of our industry and community partners, Algonquin College is able to provide our students with the high-quality work-integrated learning experiences that are critical for their growth and success. It is these connections and collaborations that truly enrich the educational journey of our students and empower them to excel in their chosen fields,” she said.
Kristine Dawson, Associate Vice President Experiential Learning & Innovation, addressed the importance of co-op education for career success in an evolving Canadian economy.
“Our learners are not merely seeking a good education; they are also aspiring to develop their skills and find career success and fulfillment,” said Dawson. “In fact, our mission – to transform hopes and dreams into lifelong success – is really never more tangible than when our students are engaged in learning and working within their field.”
This year, the College had the special privilege of honouring recent graduate Jayde Medland, recipient of the prestigious Co-op Student of the Year Award from Experiential & Work-Integrated Learning Ontario (EWO) at the provincial level and from Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning (CEWIL) Canada at the national level. This is the first year a student from Algonquin College has received this award.
“This outstanding accomplishment is a testament to Jayde's unwavering commitment to work-integrated learning. Throughout her co-op term, she consistently exceeded expectations, demonstrating a proactive attitude, a thirst for knowledge and adaptability in a fast-paced work environment,” said Chris Janzen, Senior Vice President, Academic. “We extend our sincerest gratitude to Natural Resources Canada, Jayde's supportive employer, for providing her with challenging opportunities to excel.”
Congratulations to all 2023 award recipients:
CEWIL & EWO Student of the Year and Outstanding Student Contribution to Algonquin College
Jayde Medland, Natural Resources Canada
Outstanding Student Contribution to Algonquin College Cooperative Education Awards
Tayla Somerville, Public Safety Canada (Bachelor of Public Safety program)
Miriam Mills, Kenauk Institute (Biotechnology Advanced program)
Annalyse Broumpton, Carp Garden Services (Horticultural Industries program)
Emmett Deevey, MASV (Web Development and Internet Applications program)
Igor Da Silva Costa, Ministry of Finance, Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (Marketing Research and Analysis program)
Outstanding Employer Contribution to Algonquin College Cooperative Education Award
Nicholas DeFazio, Public Information Officer at Ottawa Fire Services
Sue McCallum and Francine Garneau, OC Transpo
Haitao Zhang, Megaverse Geomatics Ltd.
Naji Otell, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Helmut Fritzsche and Jayeshkumar Patel, Canadian Nuclear Laboratories
Alan Charlton, DistillerSR