Alumna/Alumnus of the Year
Algonquin College – Alumna/Alumnus of the Year Award
In 2003, Algonquin College began recognizing exceptional accomplishments by its graduates on an annual basis through the Alumnus/a of the Year Award. This prestigious award recognizes one Algonquin College graduate each year who demonstrates proven leadership skills, exceptional achievements in business or industry, outstanding contributions to the community and a history of support for Algonquin College.
Alumna/Alumnus of the Year Award Winners:
Ricardo Larrivée – 2019
Television Broadcasting – 1990
There can be few more readily recognized brands in Canada’s competitive food scene than Ricardo.
Ricardo is a magazine, retail stores, restaurants, website and an online boutique. The name has graced thousands of cooking shows for both French- and English-speaking audiences. In excess of 700,000 copies of nine French and five English cookbooks have sold under the Ricardo brand, which also commands an enormous online following. Ricardocuisine.com has attracted more than 3.8 million unique visitors and the company has 600,000-plus fans on social media.
Prominently featured in every media and related venture is the genial face of the man behind the brand: Ricardo Larrivée, who, with his wife Brigitte Coutu, a nutritionist and President of Ricardo Media Inc., heads up the Saint-Lambert, Quebec company located on the south shore of the St. Lawrence River opposite Montreal.
Ricardo came to Algonquin College after studying hotel management at the Institut de tourisme et d’hôtellerie du Québec. Interesting as that was, he realized the prospect of being in a restaurant or hotel office for the rest of his life was not for him. He didn’t want to go to university for further studies — “I wanted something practical, something I could touch and feel” — and found what he was looking for at Algonquin. “I knew I wanted to do something in media, but what? Was it TV? Radio? Do I want to be a technician? The College allowed me to work at everything.”
Much of his success has come in recent years from Ricardo’s (and Ricardo Inc.’s) focus on food and the family. In 2006, after three children, the youngest of whom was not quite two years of age at the time, Coutu was diagnosed with cancer. In the wake of that terrifying moment, she and Ricardo set out on a professional mission that sustains them to this day: to serve families much like theirs by highlighting healthy, flavourful meals that can be prepared with minimal fuss and enjoyed together.
In addition, Ricardo has for more than a decade been the spokesperson for La Tablée des chefs, an organization devoted to feeding needy families and teaching young people to cook and be self-sufficient.
Ricardo has received numerous awards and honours for his work. He is a Member of the Ordre national du Québec and a Member of the Order of Canada. He received an honoris causa diploma from the Institute de tourisme et d’hôtellerie du Québec and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for his devotion to youth. He and Coutu were both awarded honourary doctorates in nutrition from Université Laval.
Donna Dooher– 2018
Culinary Arts, Cook Training – 1983
With over 30 years of professional experience in the kitchen, Chef Donna has established herself as a prominent figure in the hospitality community. Having owned several successful hospitality businesses including Mildred’s Temple Kitchen, she has been credited as the reason brunch became a culinary trend in Canada.
Donna graduated from Algonquin College’s culinary program in 1983. She was among the small percentage of women who began a career as a professional chef. She still remembers her first culinary experience in the kitchen at the Ritz Restaurant in Ottawa. Donna experienced the challenge of being a woman in the hospitality business, and now works to support women in the industry to ensure they have the same opportunities as men.
In addition to her successful business endeavours, Donna has published two best-selling cookbooks (Market to Table and Out to Brunch with Mildred Pierce) and has been the food editor for Wish Magazine. She also produced The Cookworks with Donna Dooher, which broadcasted on the Food Network and was seen in over 60 countries.
Donna presented her cooking at the 2010 Winter Olympics as part of the Brand Canada program and has traveled to Japan, Colombia and the UK to promote Canadian cuisine and agriculture. After serving as the Chair of the Board of Directors, in 2014, Donna became President and CEO of Restaurants Canada, which represents over 80,000 restaurants across the country. Currently she sits at the National Chair of Taste Canada | Les Lauréats des Saveurs du Canada, the Canadian culinary writing awards.
Jerry Popowich – 2017
Animation-Television Program – 1992
Jerry Popowich is the Chief Creative Officer and one of the managing partners in Canada’s most reognized independent animation company, Mercury Filmworks. During his career he has played a key role in many of the most memorable modern animated television properties including Tangled, Mickey Mouse Shorts, Lion Guard, Wander Over Yonder, Star vs. the Forces of Evil, Jake & the Neverland Pirates, Fish Hooks, Toot & Puddle, Jimmy Two Shoes, Gerald McBoing Boing, The Simpsons, Woody Woodpecker, Undergrads, The Ever Ending Story, and Pink Panther.
In his roles as either an artist or a studio executive, his work has garnered almost every television animation nomination or award in North American including Emmy’s, Annies, and Pixies. As a former Algonquin College graduate he has also been honoured with a place in the Algonquin College Hall of Fame.
Eli Fathi – 2015
Electronics Engineering Technology Program – 1976
A successful and respected Ottawa technology entrepreneur and, impassioned community champion, Eli Fathi continues to break ground and raise awareness in both business and civic life. He has shared his knowledge, experience and leadership through the many organizations he has been active in, including the Canadian Advanced Technology Alliance and the Centre for Innovation in Waterloo.
He’s given his time to charities and groups such as the Community Foundation of Ottawa and the Citizens Academy. For five years, Eli also chaired the Corporate and Community Social Responsibility conferences at Algonquin College.
Eli Fathi was co-founder and co-CEO of Fluidware Corporation, which was a bootstrapped company that has grown from two people in 2008 to over 70 employees in Canada and over 15 staff overseas. The company’s FluidSurveys product has become the leading online survey provider in Canada and is taught in several universities and colleges including Algonquin College – other clients include Coca-Cola, Groupon, Starwood Hotels, MIT, Harvard, McAfee and Intel.
Jason Blaine – 2014
Small Business Program – 2002
Country music sensation Jason Blaine turned out three Top 10 singles and won Single of the Year at Canadian Country Music Association’s awards in 2012. He went on to win the Country Music Association of Ontario’s Songwriter of the Year in 2013.
Jason established the Jason Blaine Charitable Fund and Celebrity Charity Golf Tournament to support local charities in the Pembroke area. A spokesperson for World Vision and advocate for the Child Poverty Action Network, Jason performs benefit concerts for worthy causes, and has made major contributions to both Algonquin College’s Perth campus and the waterfront development in Pembroke.
Peter Tilley – 2013
Business Administration Management Program – 1984
Peter Tilley began as a driver and worked his way up to be Executive Director of the Ottawa Food Bank a not for profit organization that distributes $16 million in food annually and feeds 45,000 people each month—including 16,000 children.
In the 10 years of his leadership, food distribution increased by 250 per cent, 67 food programs grew to 140, revenues increased from $1.1 million to $3.5 million, and many of his ground-breaking initiatives were adopted at provincial and national levels. Peter also changed the nature of the food itself, emphasizing wholesome fresh products. Peter is a Board Member at both Canadians for Access to Professional Education and the Newgate180 Addictions Program.
In June of 2013 Peter Tilley was named Executive Director of the Ottawa Mission.
John Fenik – 2012
Child Care Worker Program – 1981
When John Fenik graduated from the Child Care Worker program at Algonquin College in 1981, he began a remarkable journey of caring. After two decades of work in child protection and an entry into municipal politics, John became the Mayor of Perth in 2006, and Warden of Lanark County in 2010.
John serves as an extraordinary champion for his community, ensuring that no one goes hungry and that young people have access to education and counselling. He has worked to create a flourishing “green community,” through dramatic waste reduction programs and solar farm initiatives, and was a dedicated, driving force behind Algonquin College’s new $10 million Heritage Institute in Perth.
Watch John Fenik’s address and acceptance of the Alumni of the Year Award at the 2012 Algonquin College Convocation
Jeff Turner – 2011
Horticulture and Landscape Design Program – 1977
Jeff Turner is currently the Vice-President and Chief Development Officer for Kind Canada, a not-for-profit dedicated to promoting and inspiring kindness across Canada. Jeff is a well-respected leader in the community who worked tirelessly for ten years raising funds for United Way/Centraide Ottawa as their Senior Director, Partnership Development.
Jeff has also impacted countless lives in the Ottawa region through his volunteer work with the Bruce Denniston Bone Marrow Society, Ottawa Chapter, and National Board, Arthritis Society of Ottawa, The Bronson Centre, Project North and the Algonquin College Foundation to name a few.
Jeff is a proud graduate of Algonquin College’s Horticulture and Landscape Design program.
Stephen Beckta – 2010
Sommelier Certificate Program 1997
Stephen’s passion for his career has been his driving force ever since he graduated with Honours from Algonquin College’s Sommelier certificate program in 1997. Although he took the introductory wine course on a whim, mostly to accompany a friend, he was hooked after the first class and has never looked back.
After working in New York City for four years under the top players in Manhattan’s culinary scene, Stephen returned back home to Ottawa to open his first of three restaurants; Beckta Dining and Wine. It was an instant success, quickly becoming the destination of choice for dignitaries and politicians, and bolstered by glowing accolades in the media, including The New York Times, The Globe and Mail, the Montreal Gazette and the Ottawa Citizen. Just two weeks after its doors opened, Beckta Dining and Wine was rated the fourth Best New Restaurant in Canada by EnRoute magazine, and took third place in the Best New Winelist category.
Stephen Beckta has been widely recognized for his significant achievements. Beckta Dining and Wine was awarded Ottawa Magazine’s number one Restaurant Award three times in a row from 2006 through to 2008, four consecutive CAA/AAA 4-Diamond Awards, the Epicurious Award’s Gold Medal – Best Fine Dining Restaurant (2003 through 2007) and Gold Medal – Best Service (2003, 2006), as well as a 2008 Fodor’s Choice Award. Stephen has been recognized as one of Ottawa’s Top 40 under 40 in the Ottawa Business Journal, as well as named in Ottawa Life Magazine’s Top 50 People.
Steve Barkhouse – 2008
Business Administration Program – 1988
Steve Barkhouse, founder and president of Amsted Construction, leads one of Ottawa’s most successful and respected construction companies. Founded in 1989, Amsted Construction has been named Ottawa’s renovation company of the year multiple times by the Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association.
Steve’s contributions to the community include countless hours spent working with apprentices, as well as sitting on numerous industry groups and committees at Algonquin College. He has also supported local community organizations such as Boys and Girls Club of Ottawa, Habitat for Humanity, Hospice Care Ottawa and was on the campaign cabinet for the successful Algonquin Centre for Construction Excellence (ACCE) Campaign.
Rena Bowen – 2007
Nursing Program -1977
Over 30 years of experience as a Director of Care and Executive Director in the Long Term Care field, has enabled Rena Bowen to obtain a broad range of skills including the management of human resources, program development, policy implementation, simplifying procedures and finding innovative solutions to contemporary health care challenges.
Rena has taught for several years part-time in the Health Sciences Program at Algonquin College and sits on the Nursing Program Advisory Committee.
Rena has also sat as a Director on the Algonquin College Alumni Board in 2004 then as President in 2008 until present. In 2012, Rena became the first-ever Chair of the Algonquin College’s Alumni Advisory Committee and is a member of the Algonquin College Foundation Board of Directors.
Peter O’Leary – 2006
Business Program – 1983
Peter is a proud graduate and has always stayed connected to Algonquin College, bringing zest and passion to everything he does.
Peter has worked in a variety of roles in senior management in organizations around Ottawa, as Vice President Advertising, Ottawa Citizen, and Chief Operating Officer, Performance Group, to his current role as the Chief Marketing Officer and Vice President of Ticketing with the Ottawa Senators Hockey Club.
Peter has served on numerous Boards of Directors in the Ottawa area including the Snowsuit Fund, West Ottawa Board of Trade and the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario. Peter was also on the board of the Algonquin College Foundation for seven years including two years as Chair of the board.
Michelle Valberg – 2005
Photography Program – 1987
Michelle Valberg is a Canadian NIKON Ambassador, owner of Valberg Imaging and a globally recognized and celebrated Ottawa photographer. Michelle’s renowned photographic genius has been featured in a solo exhibit at the prestigious Canadian Museum of Nature, as well as on the covers numerous national magazines.
Canada’s federal government displays her large-format photos in embassies and residences worldwide, while another of her photographs graces the tail of a 737 passenger jet.
Michelle has four self-published books and has received numerous accolades and awards over the years, recognizing her business acumen and commitment to the community.
Michelle contributes her expertise and skills to numerous boards and charities and is passionate about Project North—an organization she founded to provide opportunities for Nunavut youth.
Orazio LaManna – 2004
Chef Apprentice Program – 1982
Executive Chef Orazio LaManna, graduated in 1982 from the Chef Apprenticeship program at Algonquin College with a Merit Award for highest scholastic achievement and the distinction of Top Apprentice Chef.
Orazio served on the Algonquin College Alumni Board of Directors before he moved to Atlanta to accept the position of Executive Chef for ARAMARK at Turner Field, home of the Atlanta Braves Baseball Team.
Orazio is now the Regional Executive Chef for Legends Hospitality, a pioneering Sports, Entertainment and Media company owned by the Dallas Cowboys, New York Yankees and the Checketts Partners Investment Fund
“Stuntman Stu” Schwartz – 2003
Broadcasting (Radio) Program – 1993
Stuart Schwartz has leveraged his position as one of Ottawa’s most popular media personalities to make his community a better place. Throughout his 20-year career, Stu has shared his talent with countless charitable causes and in 2011 launched the #NoMoreBullies program speaking each year to thousands of students on the negative impacts of bullying.
In early 2016, Stu bravely made his own battle with Leukemia very public, raising awareness and funds for cancer research through his #StuStrong Campaign.
Stu was the Ottawa Senators game announcer from 2006-2018. He was also a hockey announcer at Winter Olympic in both Vancouver and Sochi.
Larry O’Brien – 2002
Physics Technology Program – 1972
Larry O’Brien is the former mayor of Ottawa and founder and former Chair and CEO of Calian Technologies Ltd. Larry has been a Canadian leader in business and politics for his entire career. A graduate of Algonquin’s Technology program, Larry gravitated to business after ten years of working in the technology development sector.
During his time as mayor, Larry was responsible for three major city building projects including LRT (light rail transportation), the revitalization of Lansdowne Park, and building a new downtown Conference Centre. After retiring from politics in 2010, Larry wrote Ethical Entrepreneurship, a Canadian bestseller that outlines the values required for making sound choices while building a disruptive company.
He was named 1996 Business Person of the Year; was the winner of the Premier’s Technology Award in 1997; and was honoured as the United Way’s Person of the Year in 2006.He lives with his wife in Ottawa. Asked if he grew up in Ottawa, O’Brien answers “Not yet, but it could happen.”
Larry is currently part of a team building his next disruptive service business – Calina Asset Protection Ltd. (CAP-L) that will provide “asset protection services” to business and governments. The company’s vision is to become the leader in the digital forensics, cyber security, fraud investigations, open source Intelligence, and alternate service deliver sector.
*There was no award presented in 2009 or 2016.