St. Lawrence College (SLC) is thrilled to announce its Honorary Diploma recipients for 2025. They will be conferred at convocation ceremonies beginning Friday, June 6 in Brockville.
Brockville
The first Honorary Diploma recipient awarded will be presented to Brett Christopher, Managing Director, Thousand Islands Playhouse. Brett has shown exceptional commitment to arts development and education in the region, particularly through initiatives like the Playhouse's Young Company a for-credit partnership with Upper Canada District School Board where high school students learn various theatrical disciplines under professional mentorship and through collaboration with St. Lawrence College's Music Theatre Performance program, where the Playhouse provides professional technical support for student productions and mentoring that prepares emerging artists with practical industry experience. Brett will receive his Honorary Diploma on Friday, June 6 at the 11 a.m. ceremony.
Cornwall
SLC's Cornwall recipient is Kenny Arruda, National Maintenance Director, WITRON. Kenny has been a steadfast supporter of SLC's training initiatives since he arrived in the Cornwall area in 2021 as a valued member of the WITRON team. From the outset, Kenny has demonstrated a deep commitment to advancing skills training, upskilling, and custom training initiatives. His dedication to these causes has been instrumental in fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional development within our community. Kenny's advocacy has ensured that SLC's programs are effective and impactful. He has forged a strong partnership with St. Lawrence College (SLC), which has opened numerous employment opportunities for graduates where they apply their skills in real-world settings and secure meaningful employment. Kenny will receive his Honorary Diploma on Friday, June 13 at the 10 a.m. ceremony.
Kingston
In Kingston, two Honorary Diplomas will be awarded. The first one will be given to Julie Tompkins, (Retired) Vice-President, Corporate Services and Chief Communications Officer, Empire Life.
An SLC Business graduate, Julie has built an impressive career spanning both public and private sectors, including roles in radio, television, public health, and culminating in a series of senior management roles at Empire Life. She has maintained strong ties to the College, chairing the SLC Foundation twice and serving on the Uncommon Campaign Cabinet for eight years. Demonstrating the impact SLC graduates have in their communities, Julie has also served in volunteer leadership roles with numerous Kingston organizations including H'art School of Smiles, Pathways to Education Canada, Downtown Kingston!, University Hospitals Kingston Foundation and, most recently, the Providence Village Inc. Board of Directors. Julie will be awarded her Honorary Diploma on Thursday, June 19 at 6 pm.
The second Honorary Diploma in Kingston will go to Dr. Jagdeep Singh Walia. Since arriving in Canada from India in 2003 and settling in Kingston in 2012, Dr. Walia has been a visionary leader whose contributions have profoundly impacted health care, education, entrepreneurship, and community building in Kingston and beyond. His past roles have included Head of the Medical Genetics Division and Director of Research of Pediatrics at Queen's University. Dr. Walia is currently a Professor of Pediatrics at Queen's, partner of the Medical Tree Clinic, President of Kingston Sikh Cultural Association, and founding Vice-Chair of Kingston Interfaith Community, among many other roles. With these leadership roles, Dr. Walia contributed to advancing medical research, creating economic and professional opportunities, creating interfaith harmony, and mentoring students, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds. Dr. Walia will accept his award on Friday, June 20 at 10 a.m.
"It gives us great pleasure to present these Honorary Diplomas to such exceptional individuals from across Eastern Ontario," said Glenn Vollebregt, SLC President and CEO. "Having them share their remarkable journeys and motivational messages to our graduating class during our Convocation ceremonies is moving and inspirational. I extend my sincere congratulations to each recipient on behalf of SLC and our Board of Governors."
Click here to read a full Q and A with our recipients. Click here for complete details on SLC's spring Convocation ceremonies.
