George Brown Polytechnic is located on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and other Indigenous peoples who have lived here over time. We are grateful to share this land as treaty people who learn, work and live in the community with each other.
The 2025 Alumni Recognition Award winners highlight a theme of "full-circle" contributions, with many recipients now leading the very industries they once studied.
Throughout their messages, the 2025 winners emphasize that George Brown provided more than just technical skills; it instilled a "sense of home" and the "urgency to innovate," empowering them to lead with purpose across the GTA and globally.
Alumni Recognition Awards 2025 Winners
Congratulations to all winners!
You've been selected for the Alumni Recognition Awards. Alumni Relations is thrilled to celebrate your achievements and contributions!
Natasha Burtenshaw-deVries
Category: Alumni Mentor Award
Program and Grad Year: Digital Media Marketing (Postgraduate), 2018
Message:
I truly would not be where I am in my career and in my life without my time at George Brown. Mentoring is a rewarding way to give back not only to the college but also to the marketing industry as a whole by supporting our next generation of talent.
Louis Busch
Category: Alumni Impact Award
Program and Grad Year: Behavioral Science Technology, 2008
Message:
I've always considered George Brown Polytechnic home. It's where I fell in love with learning. To be recognized by the community that set me on my path is both humbling and deeply meaningful. Kinanâskomitin (Thank you)"
Jackie Dalimonte
Category: Alumni Innovation Award
Program and Grad Year:
Culinary Management, 2010
Culinary Arts, 2011
Message:
George Brown Polytechnic didn’t just teach me how to cook—it taught me how to think. The training, mentorship, and friendships I gained laid the foundation for everything I’ve built. My drive for innovation and relentless pace in business? That urgency was sparked at GBC. Being recognized with this award feels like coming full circle—and it means the world to be honoured by the place where it all began.
Sandra Damota
Category: Alumni Leadership Award
Program and Grad Year: Assaulted Women and Children's Counsellor Advocate, 2006
Message:
When I entered the AWCCA program at George Brown Polytechnic as a mature student in 2004, I had to navigate being a full-time student, part time employee and my role as a single mother to my son. Studying at GBC equipped me with the education to match my life experience. Since then, my work has taken me to several communities across Toronto and the Greater Toronto area, and many other cities in 8 different countries in 4 different continents.
Being recognized in the category of Leadership in not only a true honour, but a powerful reminder of the impact one can have when we choose to lead with purpose, integrity and heart.
Michael Jacobsen
Category: Alumni Mentor Award
Program and Grad Year: Digital Media Marketing (Postgraduate), 2016
Message:
It’s a tremendous honour to receive this award. The Mentorship Award, to me, is a powerful reminder that anyone can have a positive impact on someone’s life. I want to thank George Brown Polytechnic. Ten years ago, I took a leap of faith and moved to Toronto, and GBC was there at a pivotal point in my life. It helped shape not just my path, but the person I’ve become. I also want to thank my team at YP, past colleagues, family, and friends. The truth is, no one gets anywhere alone. Thank you for everything. To be a great mentor, you must always believe in others and continue making a difference. Being trusted by someone on their journey to success — and being called a mentor — is an award in itself.
Shemar Jordan
Category: Alumni Impact Award
Program and Grad Year: Business Administration - International Business, 2022
Message:
Receiving the Alumni Impact Award from George Brown Polytechnic is more than just an honour—it’s a full circle moment. This college believed in me when I was still finding my voice, and now I get to use that voice to uplift my community. George Brown gave me the foundation to lead with purpose, and this recognition reminds me that impact begins with intention, and real change starts at home.
Michael Lam
Category: Alumni Entrepreneur Award
Program and Grad Year: Culinary Management - Nutrition, 2012
Message:
I’m honoured to receive this recognition. It’s a milestone worth celebrating, and motivation for everything still ahead! I can’t wait to use this as a reminder to keep building with purpose!
Victor Lima
Category: Alumni Innovation Award
Program and Grad Year: Architectural Technology, 2017
Message:
Receiving the Alumni Innovation Award from George Brown Polytechnic is an incredible honour. As Director of Digital Practice at Diamond Schmitt Architects, I’ve always believed in the transformative power of technology and design working together to shape the future of architecture. This recognition is not just a reflection of my work, but also a testament to the foundation laid during my time at George Brown — a place that fostered creativity, curiosity, and a drive to innovate. I’m proud to be part of an alumni community that values pushing boundaries and leading change. This award inspires me to continue exploring, evolving, and contributing to a more forward-thinking and sustainable built environment.
Rachel Ott
Category: Alumni Entrepreneur Award
Program and Grad Year: Graphic Design, 1989
Message:
It’s an honour to be recognized by the college that sparked my design journey. The 2025 Alumni Entrepreneur Award means the world — especially knowing it celebrates the blend of creativity, grit, and hustle it takes to build something meaningful.
Bennett Stableforth
Category: Alumni Leadership Award
Program and Grad Year: Bachelor of Technology Program (Construction Management), 2013
Message:
Receiving this leadership award from GBC, where my journey began, is truly an honour. It serves as a reminder of the strong foundation built by inspiring teachers and supportive colleagues. Being involved in the construction of GBC - Limberlost Place represents a full circle for me. I am proud to represent PCL and pledge to lead with the same passion and integrity that GBC instilled in me.