Georgian’s top 10 good news stories of 2024
Dec. 26, 2024
In reality, our list of good news stories is much longer than 10, but here’s a look back at some of our favourite ones from throughout this year.
Bring on 2025!
New Georgian partnerships take Indigenous language VR program across Canada
Jan. 9 – Students in Ontario and Saskatchewan can now explore Indigenous language and cultures using virtual reality (VR) as part of their school curriculums thanks to a partnership with Georgian College involving its immersive learning technology. With this new teaching tool, students are learning about Indigenous cultures and treaties, and helping to revitalize and preserve Indigenous languages.
Mom builds new life and career in electrical engineering
Jan. 25 – Sandy Khanjaro recognized she wasn’t achieving her full potential, so she enrolled in Georgian’s Electrical Engineering Technology program to pursue her dream career. After her family was forced to flee their home in Iraq in 2020, Sandy was determined to build a better life for her children in Canada.
Georgian reveals major healthcare renovation and revolutionary technology
Feb. 13 – With a nearly $3-million investment,15,000 square feet of space in Georgian’s Sadlon Centre for Health, Wellness and Sciences was transformed, including a state-of-the-art simulation environment that’s the only one of its kind in Ontario higher education. In addition to 10 renovated labs, Georgian is now also home to HAL S5301, the world’s most advanced interdisciplinary patient simulator.
Georgian College offers new RPN-to-RN nursing degree program
Feb. 21 – Georgian is the only postsecondary institution in Central Ontario to offer a brand-new bridge program from registered practical nurse (RPN) to registered nurse (RN). Students benefit from more industry connections, hands-on practise, and one-on-one training with small class sizes taught by expert faculty.
Georgian student first in Ontario to receive new RN prescribing credential
Feb. 28 – Registered Nurse Cyril Lee Turley completed a new online course at Georgian College that allows him to prescribe certain medications and communicate diagnoses in his remote community, helping to save time for his patients. Georgian is one of only four postsecondary institutions to provide this education with the goal of expanding the capabilities of registered nurses.
Ten Georgian students win big at ‘Olympics of the trades’ Skills Ontario competition
May 9 – The Skills Ontario competition welcomes the best skilled trades and technologies students from Ontario colleges, offering a unique opportunity for competitors to showcase their expertise in their fields. This year, 10 Georgian students won a variety of gold, silver and bronze medals. Two students later placed on the podium at the Skills Canada competition in Québec City, and one represented Georgian on the global stage in France.
Georgian unveils 1972 VW Westfalia students retrofitted as electric vehicle
June 11 – As part of Georgian’s commitment to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, more than 30 students from various academic areas and faculty collaborated to retrofit a 1972 Volkswagen Westfalia camper van as an electric vehicle. With a vintage blue and green plaid design, the van can also drive 100 kilometres on a single charge.
Georgian College expands presence downtown Barrie
June 20 – Georgian will be expanding its presence in 2025 and renewing its commitment to downtown Barrie in an iconic location – directly across from City Hall in the Barrie City Centre. The new space will hold up to 800 students and provide increased opportunities for hands-on learning, collaborative partnerships, and immersive, unrivaled experiences.
Firefighters surprise student at convocation in dad’s memory
Nov. 4 – Liam Coles always wanted to be a firefighter like his dad, who was a Toronto Fire Services captain. When he crossed the stage at his convocation, he looked out into the crowd to see a large group of firefighters all in uniform cheering him on, each of whom had worked with his dad, who passed away earlier this year.
Georgian alumna and community members honoured with Newcomer Recognition Awards
Nov. 22 – Georgian College is proud of its diverse community and the incredible accomplishments of students, employees and alumni. One alumna and three members of the Georgian community were recently honoured at the 12th annual Simcoe County Newcomer Recognition Awards.
…and a bonus story, because we couldn’t choose just 10!
Georgian’s research, social innovation leadership earns two Mayor’s Innovation Awards
Dec. 9 – Georgian was honoured with two Mayor’s Innovation Awards for excellence in research, innovation and creative community collaboration. Along with recognition for the college, a recent Georgian graduate of the Electromechanical Engineering Technology – Mechatronics program won the Youth Innovator award.