Latest news with #GeorgeBrownCollege
Malaysian Reserve
a day ago
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
Construction Trailblazer Geoff Smith Appointed Chancellor of George Brown College
Former EllisDon CEO brings decades of industry leadership and a bold vision to Toronto's premier college, helping shape the future of education and the workforce. TORONTO, June 9, 2025 /CNW/ – George Brown College proudly announces the appointment of Geoff Smith, former President and CEO of EllisDon, as its new Chancellor. A transformative figure in Canada's construction industry and a vocal champion of innovation, Smith will be officially installed during George Brown's Convocation Week, June 9 to 13th, 2025, at Meridian Hall. Smith brings a wealth of experience from a career spent leading one of Canada's largest construction services and technology companies through major industry shifts, from advancement of technology to a stronger focus on sustainability. In his new role, he aims to help students navigate these changes by promoting adaptability, continuous learning, and strong interpersonal skills. Smith's longstanding connection to the college spans years and includes hiring graduates, supporting student placements, contributing philanthropically, and supporting senior leadership in overseeing the construction of George Brown's first Waterfront Campus facility. Under his previous leadership, EllisDon became a fully employee-owned company and a recognized force for progressive change in the industry. 'It brings me great honour to be given this opportunity to be George Brown College's incoming Chancellor,' said Geoff Smith, Executive Chairman of EllisDon's Board of Directors. 'This role is one I do not take lightly and truly hope to inspire current students and graduates to learn, grow, be agile, and be inspired to make a positive impact in our community.' 'Geoff's commitment to innovation, inclusion, and excellence aligns perfectly with our values,' said George Brown College President Dr. Gervan Fearon. 'As Chancellor, his perspective will help us better equip students with the skills, mindset, and adaptability needed to thrive in a changing world, and to drive economic growth in Toronto and beyond. We're excited to welcome him and to collaborate on the impact he'll bring to our community.' Smith follows in the footsteps of Noella Milne (2019–2025) and Sally Horsfall Eaton (2012–2018), continuing a tradition of distinguished leadership at George Brown College. About George Brown College Toronto's George Brown College is located on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and other Indigenous peoples. George Brown prepares innovative, adaptable graduates with the skills to thrive in a rapidly changing job market. With three campuses in the downtown core, the college blends theory with experiential learning, research and entrepreneurship opportunities. George Brown offers 175 full-time programs and 182 continuing education certificates/designations across a wide variety of professions to more than 30,100 full-time students and receives more than 53,900 continuing education registrations annually. Students can earn certificates, diplomas, graduate certificates, apprenticeships, and degrees. About EllisDon Corporation EllisDon is an employee-owned global construction services and technology company with a purpose to redefine the construction industry. EllisDon is focused on innovation and sustainability while delivering the future of construction by empowering people to push beyond traditional construction boundaries. With thousands of salaried and hourly employees across fifteen national and international offices, EllisDon has become a leader in every sector and nearly every facet of the construction industry. For more information, please visit
Cision Canada
a day ago
- Business
- Cision Canada
Construction Trailblazer Geoff Smith Appointed Chancellor of George Brown College
Former EllisDon CEO brings decades of industry leadership and a bold vision to Toronto's premier college, helping shape the future of education and the workforce. TORONTO, June 9, 2025 /CNW/ - George Brown College proudly announces the appointment of Geoff Smith, former President and CEO of EllisDon, as its new Chancellor. A transformative figure in Canada's construction industry and a vocal champion of innovation, Smith will be officially installed during George Brown's Convocation Week, June 9 to 13 th, 2025, at Meridian Hall. Smith brings a wealth of experience from a career spent leading one of Canada's largest construction services and technology companies through major industry shifts, from advancement of technology to a stronger focus on sustainability. In his new role, he aims to help students navigate these changes by promoting adaptability, continuous learning, and strong interpersonal skills. Smith's longstanding connection to the college spans years and includes hiring graduates, supporting student placements, contributing philanthropically, and supporting senior leadership in overseeing the construction of George Brown's first Waterfront Campus facility. Under his previous leadership, EllisDon became a fully employee-owned company and a recognized force for progressive change in the industry. "It brings me great honour to be given this opportunity to be George Brown College's incoming Chancellor," said Geoff Smith, Executive Chairman of EllisDon's Board of Directors. "This role is one I do not take lightly and truly hope to inspire current students and graduates to learn, grow, be agile, and be inspired to make a positive impact in our community." "Geoff's commitment to innovation, inclusion, and excellence aligns perfectly with our values," said George Brown College President Dr. Gervan Fearon. "As Chancellor, his perspective will help us better equip students with the skills, mindset, and adaptability needed to thrive in a changing world, and to drive economic growth in Toronto and beyond. We're excited to welcome him and to collaborate on the impact he'll bring to our community." Smith follows in the footsteps of Noella Milne (2019–2025) and Sally Horsfall Eaton (2012–2018), continuing a tradition of distinguished leadership at George Brown College. About George Brown College Toronto's George Brown College is located on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and other Indigenous peoples. George Brown prepares innovative, adaptable graduates with the skills to thrive in a rapidly changing job market. With three campuses in the downtown core, the college blends theory with experiential learning, research and entrepreneurship opportunities. George Brown offers 175 full-time programs and 182 continuing education certificates/designations across a wide variety of professions to more than 30,100 full-time students and receives more than 53,900 continuing education registrations annually. Students can earn certificates, diplomas, graduate certificates, apprenticeships, and degrees. About EllisDon Corporation EllisDon is an employee-owned global construction services and technology company with a purpose to redefine the construction industry. EllisDon is focused on innovation and sustainability while delivering the future of construction by empowering people to push beyond traditional construction boundaries. With thousands of salaried and hourly employees across fifteen national and international offices, EllisDon has become a leader in every sector and nearly every facet of the construction industry. For more information, please visit SOURCE George Brown College
Cision Canada
02-06-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
Brains and Builders: Congress 2025 Spotlights the Powerful Fusion of Humanities and Skilled Trades
At the 94th Congress of Humanities and Social Sciences, academic leaders from George Brown College hosted a panel at the event that challenged outdated stereotypes and made a compelling call to action for the future of work. TORONTO, June 2, 2025 /CNW/ - What if the most resilient and fulfilling careers of the future weren't found solely in coding bootcamps but in combining training in the humanities and social sciences with practical skills in plumbing and electrical work? That provocative question was at the heart of The Bridge Between Humanities and the Skilled Trades, a May 30 panel hosted by George Brown College (GBC) during the 94th annual Congress of the Humanities and Social Sciences. GBC has made history as the first college to host a Congress event in its 90+ year history. This year's event showcases the school's state-of-the-art facilities, research, and expertise through displays, events, and panels. The May 30 panel, The Bridge Between Humanities and the Skilled Trades, heard from George Brown College's Vice President of Facilities and Sustainability, Michelle McCollum, School of Marketing Professor Dr. Jon Callegher, and Dr. Adel Essayed, Dean for the college's Centre for Construction and Engineering Technologies, who facilitated the discussion. All three spoke of the need to find ways to overcome long-held misconceptions that the work of electricians, carpenters, plumbers, and others in the construction trades is underpaid, undervalued, and unsafe. 'The trades are not what you think.' That was the clear message from Dr. Jon Callegher, a professor in the School of Marketing, who debunked persistent myths about life in skilled trades. He noted that skilled tradespeople earn significantly higher wages and do so earlier in their careers. They can also find significant fulfillment in the often artisanal work they accomplish and enjoy a greater work-life balance than their university-educated white-collar counterparts. Most significantly, these jobs can offer job security compared to many white-collar paths that have become more precarious with the advent and growth of artificial intelligence in the workplace. From the Workshop to Net-Zero Innovation Michelle McCollum, George Brown's Vice President of Facilities and Sustainability – who is also a former tradeswoman herself – pointed to Limberlost Place, the college's groundbreaking new 10-storey timber-frame, net-zero emissions facility, as proof of what skilled trades can accomplish. She noted that the building is years ahead of its time in reaching sustainability goals, which could not have been achieved without the highly skilled work of tradespeople to assemble, finish, and maintain the building. Limberlost Place also includes some of the largest mass-timber columns and cross-laminated slab bands in North America. Finally, its construction required changes to national and provincial building codes as previous mass-timber buildings have only been built to 6-storeys within Canada. The Power of a Dual Path Both McCollum and Callegher emphasized the emerging value of combining technical training with the critical thinking and cultural literacy offered by the humanities and social sciences. A tradesperson with a liberal arts lens, they argued, is more adaptable, more insightful, and often better equipped for leadership. Callegher went further, making a financial argument for pursuing education in reverse: starting with a skilled trade, building savings, and then pursuing a university education. This model flips the traditional script and could help alleviate the burden of student debt. Doing so, he said, can make a difference not only financially but also in the overall quality of life. A Looming Shortage, a Critical Moment With a looming wave of retirements among Canada's skilled trades workforce, panelists urged educators, policymakers, and budding learners to reframe the narrative around skilled trades. The trades aren't a fallback; they're a foundation, they argued. When you combine them with the humanities, you don't just build careers; you build a stronger society. George Brown College continues to lead this effort through its Centre for Construction and Engineering Technologies, offering multiple entry points for learners who want to be part of Canada's next skilled and thoughtful workforce. For journalists: Congress 2025 at George Brown offers a unique angle on post-secondary education, workforce readiness, and the future of learning that challenges conventional divides between rigorous academic training and applied. Learn more at Images from the event are available upon request. About George Brown College Toronto's George Brown College is located on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and other Indigenous peoples. George Brown prepares innovative, adaptable graduates with the skills to thrive in a rapidly changing job market. With three campuses in the downtown core, the college blends theory with experiential learning, applied research, and entrepreneurship opportunities. George Brown offers 175 full-time programs and 182 continuing education certificates/designations across a wide variety of professions to more than 30,100 full-time students and receives more than 53,900 continuing education registrations annually. Students can earn certificates, diplomas, graduate certificates, apprenticeships, and degrees.
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Brains and Builders: Congress 2025 Spotlights the Powerful Fusion of Humanities and Skilled Trades
At the 94th Congress of Humanities and Social Sciences, academic leaders from George Brown College hosted a panel at the event that challenged outdated stereotypes and made a compelling call to action for the future of work. TORONTO, June 2, 2025 /CNW/ - What if the most resilient and fulfilling careers of the future weren't found solely in coding bootcamps but in combining training in the humanities and social sciences with practical skills in plumbing and electrical work? That provocative question was at the heart of The Bridge Between Humanities and the Skilled Trades, a May 30 panel hosted by George Brown College (GBC) during the 94th annual Congress of the Humanities and Social Sciences. GBC has made history as the first college to host a Congress event in its 90+ year history. This year's event showcases the school's state-of-the-art facilities, research, and expertise through displays, events, and panels. The May 30 panel, The Bridge Between Humanities and the Skilled Trades, heard from George Brown College's Vice President of Facilities and Sustainability, Michelle McCollum, School of Marketing Professor Dr. Jon Callegher, and Dr. Adel Essayed, Dean for the college's Centre for Construction and Engineering Technologies, who facilitated the discussion. All three spoke of the need to find ways to overcome long-held misconceptions that the work of electricians, carpenters, plumbers, and others in the construction trades is underpaid, undervalued, and unsafe. 'The trades are not what you think.' That was the clear message from Dr. Jon Callegher, a professor in the School of Marketing, who debunked persistent myths about life in skilled trades. He noted that skilled tradespeople earn significantly higher wages and do so earlier in their careers. They can also find significant fulfillment in the often artisanal work they accomplish and enjoy a greater work-life balance than their university-educated white-collar counterparts. Most significantly, these jobs can offer job security compared to many white-collar paths that have become more precarious with the advent and growth of artificial intelligence in the workplace. From the Workshop to Net-Zero Innovation Michelle McCollum, George Brown's Vice President of Facilities and Sustainability – who is also a former tradeswoman herself – pointed to Limberlost Place, the college's groundbreaking new 10-storey timber-frame, net-zero emissions facility, as proof of what skilled trades can accomplish. She noted that the building is years ahead of its time in reaching sustainability goals, which could not have been achieved without the highly skilled work of tradespeople to assemble, finish, and maintain the building. Limberlost Place also includes some of the largest mass-timber columns and cross-laminated slab bands in North America. Finally, its construction required changes to national and provincial building codes as previous mass-timber buildings have only been built to 6-storeys within Canada. The Power of a Dual Path Both McCollum and Callegher emphasized the emerging value of combining technical training with the critical thinking and cultural literacy offered by the humanities and social sciences. A tradesperson with a liberal arts lens, they argued, is more adaptable, more insightful, and often better equipped for leadership. Callegher went further, making a financial argument for pursuing education in reverse: starting with a skilled trade, building savings, and then pursuing a university education. This model flips the traditional script and could help alleviate the burden of student debt. Doing so, he said, can make a difference not only financially but also in the overall quality of life. A Looming Shortage, a Critical Moment With a looming wave of retirements among Canada's skilled trades workforce, panelists urged educators, policymakers, and budding learners to reframe the narrative around skilled trades. The trades aren't a fallback; they're a foundation, they argued. When you combine them with the humanities, you don't just build careers; you build a stronger society. George Brown College continues to lead this effort through its Centre for Construction and Engineering Technologies, offering multiple entry points for learners who want to be part of Canada's next skilled and thoughtful workforce. For journalists: Congress 2025 at George Brown offers a unique angle on post-secondary education, workforce readiness, and the future of learning that challenges conventional divides between rigorous academic training and applied. Learn more at Images from the event are available upon request. About George Brown College Toronto's George Brown College is located on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and other Indigenous peoples. George Brown prepares innovative, adaptable graduates with the skills to thrive in a rapidly changing job market. With three campuses in the downtown core, the college blends theory with experiential learning, applied research, and entrepreneurship opportunities. George Brown offers 175 full-time programs and 182 continuing education certificates/designations across a wide variety of professions to more than 30,100 full-time students and receives more than 53,900 continuing education registrations annually. Students can earn certificates, diplomas, graduate certificates, apprenticeships, and degrees. SOURCE George Brown College View original content: Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Cision Canada
21-05-2025
- Health
- Cision Canada
Step by Step: GTA Walkathon Tackles Prostate Cancer in Black Communities
June is Men's Health Month: A Call for Men and Boys to Prioritize Their Well-Being BRAMPTON, ON, May 21, 2025 /CNW/ - The Walnut Foundation (TWF) is proud to announce the 2025 Walk the Path Walkathon on June 7, 2025, to raise awareness and funds for prostate cancer prevention and Black men's health. This annual event brings together individuals, families, and advocates to highlight the importance of early detection, health education, and community support. Prostate cancer remains a critical health issue for Black men, who are 76% more likely to be diagnosed and twice as likely to die from the disease compared to other groups. Despite these alarming statistics, early screening and lifestyle changes can significantly improve outcomes. "The statistics are alarming, but knowledge and early action can save lives," said Anthony Henry, President, The Walnut Foundation. "Through this campaign, we're calling on the community to walk with us figuratively and literally in the fight against prostate cancer." Dr. Gervan Fearon, Honorary Chair of the Walkathon, shared his personal experience: "I know firsthand how vital early detection is. When I was diagnosed, I had little to no symptoms and maybe worse – I was unaware of what the actual symptoms were, so it was just a routine screening that likely saved my life. That is why I am passionate about raising awareness, especially for Black men who are at greater risk. If sharing my story encourages even one person to get checked, it's worth it. Let's walk this path together and take charge of our health." The walk is taking place on Saturday, June 7, 2025, from 8AM – 12PM at the Paul Palleschi Recreation Centre, 30 Loafer's Lake Lane, Brampton, ON. To register or learn more, visit The Walnut Foundation. About The Walnut Foundation The Walnut Foundation is a Black men's health and prostate cancer support group committed to improving health outcomes for men and their families. Founded in 2007 by Dr. Winston Isaac and Simon Samuel, the Foundation provides safe, supportive spaces where men can openly discuss health issues, access culturally relevant resources, and connect with others facing similar challenges. With a strong focus on prostate cancer awareness and early detection, The Walnut Foundation offers free PSA testing clinics to encourage regular screening and reduce the risk of late-stage diagnosis. These clinics are part of the Foundation's broader mission to address the disproportionate impact of prostate cancer on Black men through education, outreach, peer support, and advocacy. By working in partnership with healthcare professionals and community leaders, The Walnut Foundation is helping to break down stigma, advance health equity, and save lives. About George Brown College Toronto's George Brown College is located on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and other Indigenous peoples. George Brown prepares innovative, adaptable graduates with the skills to thrive in a rapidly changing job market. With three campuses in the downtown core, the college blends theory with experiential learning, applied research, and entrepreneurship opportunities. George Brown offers 175 full-time programs and 182 continuing education certificates/designations across a wide variety of professions to more than 30,100 full-time students and receives more than 53,900 continuing education registrations annually. Students can earn certificates, diplomas, graduate certificates, apprenticeships, and degrees.
