On Nov. 5, 2026, Algonquin College held a special award ceremony for its 2026 Alumni of Distinction graduates and a community partner whose leadership, excellence, and compassion are shaping industries, empowering people, and strengthening communities.
Hannah Thibedeau, the 2025 Alumna of the Year, emceed this year's event. Thibedeau is an award-winning communications executive, former national news anchor, sought-after political analyst, moderator, keynote speaker, and strategic advisor to senior leaders.
The recipients of this year's Alumni of Distinction Awards are:
- Alumna of the Year: Kim Hiscott
- Employer of the Year: Department of National Defence
- Brian Fraser Recent Graduate Award: Hannah Hempinstall
- Business Award: Owen Welsh
- Changing Lives Award: Jenny Tenasco
- Community Services Award: Travis Mellema
- Creative Arts & Design Award: Marc Lépine
- Health Sciences Award: Jennifer White
- Rena Bowen Volunteer of the Year: Holl Ellingwood
- Science, Technology and Engineering Award: Kurtis Funai
- Skilled Trades Award: Shawn Turcotte
Algonquin College Alumni of Distinction Award recipients "demonstrate that the impact of an Algonquin College education doesn't end at graduation it grows as our alumni take their skills, their knowledge and their values to the workplace," said Claude Brulé, President and CEO of Algonquin College. "Our College values of caring, learning, integrity and respect are more than just words. Tonight's recipients show us what those values look like when they're put into practice."
Discover the 2026 Algonquin College Alumni of Distinction recipients.
For more information
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