Jon Montgomery recognized with Honorary Degree at Barrie Campus convocation

June 19, 2015

Olympian, Georgian alumnus and host of The Amazing Race Canada – Jon Montgomery has an astounding resumé. Now, he can add an honorary degree from Georgian College to the list.
Georgian College President and CEO MaryLynn West-Moynes presented Montgomery with the Georgian College Board of Governors’ Honorary Bachelor of Applied Studies degree during convocation ceremonies at the Barrie Campus on June 18.
This morning, Montgomery will speak at a sold -out session of the President’s Thought Leadership Series at the Barrie Campus.
The honorary degree is presented to a recipient who has enhanced or promoted the college’s image and reputation in Ontario or elsewhere; made a significant contribution to society; and achieved noted accomplishments in a particular field of study or applied education.
Montgomery graduated from Georgian’s Business Administration – Automotive Marketing program in 2000. It was during his time at Georgian that he first heard the Olympics would be coming to Canada in 2010. Montgomery decided then that he wanted to attend as a competitor. The fact that he was not involved in any eligible winter sport or Olympic training program did not dissuade him from his dream.
Over the years that followed, Jon chose skeleton racing and jumped into the sport with zest and determination. On Feb. 19, 2010 Montgomery tore down the skeleton track in Whistler, BC to win a gold medal for Canada
Montgomery credits his experience with the Georgian College Auto Show for giving him the skills to succeed in the automotive industry, in Olympic sport and, more recently, as the popular host of CTV’s The Amazing Race Canada. Jon says his education gave him the confidence to market himself, to communicate effectively, and to work well with others.
This spring, Montgomery became a key figure in Georgian’s current student recruitment campaign in which he talks of how he has “Been Here, Did This.”
As one of his nominators for this honorary degree wrote, “Jon exemplifies the qualities desired for our students: Intelligence without condescension; self-assurance without arrogance; and wit without brashness.”
Also honoured at convocation ceremonies on June 18 were Elizabeth Erwin and Brandon Lander.
Erwin was presented with the Board of Governor’s Professor Emerita Award. She began her career at the college in the mid-80s and held various faculty and administrative roles over the years. She retired from the role of associate dean, health and wellness, in 2012.
Erwin was recognized for her leadership in health education at Georgian College, including her overriding commitment to students. Her passion as a program champion is a large reason why Georgian will launch the first advanced Acupuncture diploma program in the Ontario college system this fall.
Lander, recipient of the Board of Governors’ Vice President Emeritus Award, began his career at Georgian in 1984 and retired in December 2013. He was recognized for his extensive contributions to the growth of the college and the role he played in development at all seven Georgian campuses.
Lander was also known for his generosity in sharing administrative expertise through committee work that spanned the entire Ontario college system.