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 2024 Alumni Recognition Award winners embody the diverse success and community-minded spirit of George Brown Polytechnic graduates. Spanning decades—from the class of 1991 to 2021—these recipients represent excellence in Entrepreneurship, Innovation, Leadership, Mentorship, and Volunteerism.
Common themes across their stories include a deep sense of gratitude for George Brown's "foundational" training and a powerful commitment to "paying it forward" to the next generation. These winners demonstrate that a George Brown education is a springboard for both professional greatness and significant social impact.
Alumni Recognition Awards 2024 Winners
Congratulations to all winners!
You've been selected for the Alumni Recognition Awards. Alumni Relations is thrilled to celebrate your achievements and contributions!
Jose Hadad
Category: Alumni Entrepreneur Award
Program and Grad Year: Culinary Management Program, 2002
Message:
I came to George Brown hoping that I could get the papers that would allow me to work at a high responsibility position. I not only got that; I got great mentors, tutors, and friends that I have to this day. It also expanded my perspective of food and wine, baking to a level, where I knew what I needed to do next, and for that I will eternally be grateful.
Gabriele Guiducci
Category: Alumni Entrepreneur Award
Program and Grad Year: Architectural Technician Program, 2005
Message:
This award means so much to me. It represents me as a Professional and an Alumni, because it summarizes my life and career since the beginning of my studies. It represents the challenges I overcome, and all the people I was fortunate to meet through this past 25 years, including my loved ones at home.
Joey Ma
Category: Alumni Impact/Volunteer Award
Program and Grad Year: Food and Beverage Program, 1995
Message:
Never give up!
Thank you, GBC, for teaching me all the industrial skills, giving me opportunity for my professional development. It’s time for me to contribute back to you.
Denise B. McLeod
Category: Alumni Impact/Volunteer Award
Program and Grad Year: Assaulted Women's and Children's Counsellor/Advocate Program, 2006
Message:
“How am I going to be a good ancestor?”
This statement is the driving force in the work I do and how I walk in the world.
I was a young mom when I started at GBC in 2004, I wanted to build a better life for my daughters and I. The AWCCA program changed my life and how I look at the world. Being able to use the knowledge gained in the program, gave me opportunities to be able to work in my community and create space to be able to celebrate Indigenous joy and brilliance.
Urvish Patel
Category: Alumni Innovation Award
Program and Grad Year: Computer Programmer Analyst Program, 2021
Message:
This award is not just a recognition of my journey but a tribute to the collective spirit that propels us all toward excellence.
Eric Kukucka
Category: Alumni Innovation Award
Program and Grad Year: Denturism Program, 2010
Message:
Never forget where you came from! A solid foundation in fundamentals is the building block for future success, advancement, and innovation. Ask yourself every day: What could I have done better? Practice that mantra and you’ll always be chasing greatness. Without George Brown, I wouldn’t be where I am today - working for Aspen Dental - the largest branded DSO in the world. Be open-minded, listen to those who have experience, keep learning, and stay connected!
Chris Campbell
Category: Alumni Leadership Award
Program and Grad Year: Carpenter General Apprentice Certificate, 1991
Message:
Persevere. Live your dreams. Pay forward your success to the next generation.
George Brown Polytechnic played a huge part in getting me started in the construction industry. Thank you, GBC, for assisting thousands of people to get started and growing their career.
Ray Williams
Category: Alumni Leadership Award
Program and Grad Year: Culinary Skills Program, 2011
Message:
Always thrilled to be recognized for my association with George Brown Polytechnic for which I am consistently thankful.
Aadhar Mehta
Category: Alumni Mentor Award
Program and Grad Year: Digital Media Marketing Program, 2021
Message:
Being recognized with this award is not just an acknowledgment of my contributions, but it symbolizes the impact I've had on others' lives. It's a testament to the connections forged, the knowledge shared, and the growth witnessed.
For me, the Alumni Mentor Award is a reminder of the power of mentorship. It's a recognition of the importance of giving back to the community that nurtured me and helped shape who I am today. It reinforces the belief that true success is not measured solely by personal achievements but by the positive influence we have on others.
Receiving this award reaffirms my commitment to mentorship and inspires me to continue being a guiding light for those who come after me. It's a privilege and an honor to be recognized in this way, and I am deeply humbled by it.
Silvia Rodrigues
Category: Alumni Mentor Award
Program and Grad Year: Business Program, 2021
Message:
This award is a recognition of our Mentor's effort to support the George Brown Polytechnic's Community.
If we can help, why not? Glad to be part of this team