Words

A Different Kind of Pageant Winner

Geraldine Trapper, the current Miss Eeyou Eenou IskwaauPageants aren’t what they used to be, and for that today’s young women and those who respect their skills and values have reason to be grateful.

Take the Miss Eeyou Eenou Iskwaau (MEEI) pageant organized by the Cree Women of Eeyou Istchee Association to celebrate the young women of the Cree Nation. According to the pageant website, “one of the goals of the pageant is to empower young women in Eeyou Istchee, to help them grow as a person, come out of their shell, and shine bright for all to see how beautiful and sacred they are inside and out.” Continue reading →

Prestigious Award the Latest Success for CTO of Dynamic Ottawa Tech Firm

Kurtis FunaiKurtis Funai is a 100-per-cent Ottawa success story, someone who grew up in Orleans, followed his passion for computers into studies at Algonquin College, and today is the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Fullscript, one of the city’s fastest-growing technology companies.

For his accomplishments, Funai was recently named a recipient of Ottawa’s Forty Under 40 Award for 2021, the region’s most prestigious business award for people under 40. The award, which was also presented this year to fellow Algonquin alumni Nick McRae, President of Roxborough Bus Lines, and Christopher Redmond, Director, Distant Red Pictures, is a joint initiative of the Ottawa Business Journal and the Ottawa Board of Trade.

“I’m someone who loves technology and simply pursued that passion,” Funai says when asked about the secret to his success. “The majority of my career growth and my success has come from caring about people and what I do. That’s it. There’s no secret beyond putting forward that effort.”

Continue reading →

Meet your Valedictorians – Part 1

Spring Convocation is coming up right around the corner! As we prepare for the upcoming celebration, meet some of your valedictorians who will be speaking to their respective classes during their ceremonies!

Fiona McCarthy KennedyFiona McCarthy Kennedy

Bachelor of Hospitality and Tourism Management degree, School of Hospitality and Tourism

What is your favourite memory from your time at Algonquin College? 
Algonquin College has provided me with many opportunities that have allowed me to grow in ways I could never have imagined. My favourite memory from my time at Algonquin College is going to the TIAC’s annual Tourism Congress. Being given the opportunity to network with students and industry leaders enriched my overall learning experience. I am forever grateful for the opportunity. 

What advice do you have for fellow graduates? 
The world has changed significantly since our first year at Algonquin. Although we may fear uncertainty in our careers, we are well equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in our fields – don’t forget that. Continue reading →