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.
How can you help?
Stephen Lappin grew up in Richmond Hill, Ontario. Stephen was a free spirit who always had a passion for cooking. As a child, he would spend hours sitting around the kitchen table, laughing and joking. Although he loved cooking, he did not know if he could make it a reality. He studied business and computers and quickly realized that if he wanted to truly be happy, he had to follow his heart. That is when he enrolled at George Brown Polytechnic’s Culinary School to become a chef. His journey first took him to Eagles Nest Golf Club in Maple and eventually led him to Sarpa in Richmond Hill. Stephen’s free spirit needed room to grow and opportunities brought him up to Blue Mountain, where he worked in the village at Rusty’s. He loved small-town life and enjoyed the busy ski season and the beautiful summers he spent hiking trails and on the water. He kept travelling north, up to Thornbury, where he worked at the Corner Cafe. He eventually made the move to the Mark McEwan restaurant Fabbrica where he was so excited to learn and grow.
Stephen had a love for life, adventure, and people. He was known as a compassionate and generous person who always went above and beyond for others. In such a busy and hectic industry, he was always there to cover a shift, lend a helping hand, and be there when people needed him. Stephen truly had a passion for cooking; it was one of the many ways in which he showed his love for people. Whether it was through big family meals during the holidays or whipping together a quick meal for friends after a busy workday, he poured his heart out into his food.
In memory of Stephen, his family and friends are pleased to establish The Stephen Lappin Memorial Scholarship that will be awarded to students who share Stephen’s passion for cooking. In this way, generations after us will take Stephen into their kitchen, and they too can spread Stephen’s love through their cooking.
All of your donation will go directly to student scholarships and you will also be issued a charitable tax receipt. For additional information, please contact Gabriella Goutam at the George Brown College Foundation at gabriella.goutam@georgebrown.ca or 416-415-5000 x 3289.
Thanks for supporting student success at George Brown Polytechnic.