Alumni of Distinction
This honour is awarded to an alumnus who attains outstanding career success and professional achievement and has been nominated for a Premier’s Award in the previous year. The award is presented at one of the convocation ceremonies in June.
2023 Alumnus of Distinction
Mai Dong
Culinary Management 2022
In just one year since graduating, Mai has built a thriving career in the restaurant industry, with her flagship restaurant Rare Restaurant + Bar in Peterborough earning critical acclaim and rave reviews from food lovers.
Rare Restaurant was established by Tyler Scott, who graduated from Fleming College's Co-op Diploma Apprenticeship, Culinary program in 2011 and was recognized as the Alumnus of Distinction in 2022. Mai took over the restaurant on her 23rd birthday, along with her business partner Chef Andrew Lewin.
Mai’s passion for food and dedication to quality has earned her a reputation as a leading chef in the region. She has been recognized with numerous awards and accolades, including winning a gold medal at the Skills Ontario Competition and a silver medal at the Skills Canada National Competition.
2014 Alumnus of Distinction
Murray Hall
Fish and Wildlife Technician, 1980
Murray Hall is renowned as a Canadian innovator, founding Halltech Environmental Inc. and Halltech Aquatic Research. He designed and produced countless custom fresh water sampling apparatus, integrated the first GPS receivers with rugged computers for georeferencing large data sets in remote locations, and developed the first Canadian-made Backpack Electrofishing System. Murray is a pioneer in precision in the agricultural sector, breaking ground with the first high-precision autopilot system on a tractor using GPS. This technology is now widely spread within the industry to allow farmers the ability to greatly reduce the amount of fertilizers and herbicides used. Murray became the first to successfully transport 200,000 live mink breeding stock to Dalian Province, China, and reduced mortality rates from 10% to 0% over five shipments. Murray’s many distinguished awards from industry partners include the Ontario Global Trader’s Award for Innovation and the Award for Market Expansion.
2022 Alumnus of Distinction
Tyler Scott
Co-op Diploma Apprenticeship, Culinary graduate from the class of 2011
Fleming College is pleased to announce that Tyler Scott, a Co-op Diploma Apprenticeship, Culinary graduate from the class of 2011, is the recipient of the 2022 Alumnus of Distinction Award. This prestigious award is presented to an alumnus who attains outstanding career success and professional achievement.
Scott was the owner and executive chef of Rare Restaurant located in Peterborough, Ontario. In a time where the COVID-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc on the restaurant industry, Tyler and his team at Rare worked hard to pivot through various closures.
In April 2022, Tyler and his wife Kassy, announced the news of an exciting new chapter and will be selling Rare Restaurant and launching Rare Escape: Outdoor Guided Culinary Experiences. The pair have a passion for the outdoors and are excited to offer this unique culinary experience in Peterborough & The Kawarthas.
2021 Alumnus of Distinction
Ryan Bullock
Business Administration - Marketing, 2006
Ryan Bullock is the newly appointed President of The Burger's Priest, a classic cheeseburger joint with 25 corporate locations across Canada, including 23 in Southern Ontario and 2 in Edmonton, Alberta. In 2013 prior to his current position, Ryan began working as the Director of Marketing with The Keg. He transitioned to several positions, eventually being promoted to Chief Marketing Officer responsible for the development of brand vision, strategy, planning, and implementation of marketing and sales driving programs. Recognizing Ryan's significant success since graduating, Ryan was a Premier's Award nominee in the category of recent graduate in 2011. The Premier's Awards are administered by Colleges Ontario and honour the important social and economic contribution that college graduates make to Ontario and the world.
2020 Alumnus of Distinction
Philip Heard
Business, 1970
As a distinguished senior executive, Philip Heard is trailblazing with international events and economic development in Vancouver. In 2010, Heard established two firms: Heard Consulting and Heard Productions. His business acumen in operations, community betterment, marketing, and government relations made him an influential leader across Canada. Career highlights include championing a $20-Million merger between Hastings Racecourse and Woodbine's Hastings Racecourse and Great Canadian Casinos, managing Molson Indy that attracted 160,000 people, developing a remarkable 2010 Olympic business program and annually producing the Vancouver International Auto Show for the New Car Dealers Association of British Columbia featuring all worldwide major brands.
2019 Alumnus of Distinction
Tim McClure
Recreation Merchandising, 1986
Tim McClure is a seasoned marketing professional with over 25 years of senior management experience. Tim has successfully managed teams to record-breaking results throughout his storied career. Early on in his career, Tim rose to the top of the professional sports marketing business as the Vice President of Starter Corporation - the world's leading supplier of licensed apparel. He helped to ensure the brand became a household name throughout North America.
Much of Tim's success has come from his ability to electrify teams and develop them into highly respected, winning organizations. In 2005, Tim join Luxottica Group, the dominating giant of the fashion eyewear industry. He was quickly promoted to Senior Director, North America in early 2006 and moved to New York to manage the United States sales team.
Currently, Tim is a highly sought-after motivational speaker, and business and brand consultant at Tim McClure & Partners. In 2013, Tim was awarded the prestigious Scotiabank Game Changers Award, and in 2014 he was presented with the BMW Hero Award. In November 2018, Tim was honoured as a Premier's Award nominee (business category) for outstanding college graduates.
2018 Alumnus of Distinction
Michael VanDerHerberg
Geomatics Technician, 2005
Michael VanDerHerberg is a compelling advocate for causes in social housing, refugee settlement, and community development, in both his professional and personal endeavors. Michael’s work with New Canadian Centre (NCC) began in 2009 and saw a tremendous amount of growth, beginning as an Employment Counsellor, then becoming an Employment Services Coordinator and later becoming a Refugee Resettlement Coordinator.
Michael has faced the refugee crisis first hand having spent a week along Syrian and Iraq borders. It was this experience that led to such a strong motivation to take refugee settlement to new and significantly higher levels. Michael has helped more than 125 newcomers find and retain work in Peterborough. Resettlement goals over the past year and a half had set out to help 36 Government Assisted Refugee (GAR) families. Michael surpassed that goal, helping 43 families.
Along with his wife Andrea, Michael owns and operates Silver Bean Café, a community-style restaurant they established in 2004. It is a popular community hub of buzz, ideas and infectious spirit that patrons call the “waterfront cottage in the city”.
2017 Alumnus of Distinction
Tracey Randall
Tourism and Transportation, 1988
As the General Manager of Musicfest Peterborough, Randall's vibrant personality, passion for community development, and commitment to excellence joins community friends and tourists together for free summer concerts in Del Crary Park, Peterborough. Under Randall's leadership, Festivals and Events Ontario recognized Peterborough Musicfest as a Top 100 Festival in 2015 and the 2016 Economic Impact Study revealed that Musicfest provides a $4.2 million boost to the region through hotels, restaurants and shopping, with 125,000 attendees each year.
2016 Alumnus of Distinction
Robert Jameson C.E.T., Fellow OACETT
Electro-Mechanical Engineering Technology-Robotics, 1982
Bob Jameson is the dynamic President and CEO of Canadian Instrumentation Services Group. He commissioned both the largest hydro generator in Canada and the largest water volume pump storage unit in the United States. Bob credits his success to providing a rewarding and happy environment for customers and employees (60% are Fleming College graduates), emphasizing that customer and employee satisfaction is never sacrificed to gain a profit. At Tetra-Pak, Bob increased milk sales exponentially with the development of Moo-to-Win milk cartons. Through lead volunteer roles with OACETT and Fleming College, Bob strongly encourages college education for skilled trades and technology careers.
2015 Alumnus of Distinction
Lorrie Baird
Early Childhood Education, 1985
An expert in pedagogical leadership with 30 years of experience, Lorrie educates and cares for our youngest citizens. She spent many years exploring the Reggio approach to learning, and applied this pedagogy and engagement in reflected practice to transform early childhood education. She is the Associate Executive Director for Kawartha Child Care Services in Peterborough, where she championed the implementation of Reggio Inspired Emergent curriculum into 25 sites (when this innovative approach was rarely considered). Lorrie is a contributing author in Ministry of Education documents that support early learning and shares her expertise worldwide, most recently inspiring Ontario’s First Nations communities.
2014 Alumnus of Distinction
Murray Hall
Fish and Wildlife Technician, 1980
Murray Hall is renowned as a Canadian innovator, founding Halltech Environmental Inc. and Halltech Aquatic Research. He designed and produced countless custom fresh water sampling apparatus, integrated the first GPS receivers with rugged computers for georeferencing large data sets in remote locations, and developed the first Canadian-made Backpack Electrofishing System. Murray is a pioneer in precision in the agricultural sector, breaking ground with the first high-precision autopilot system on a tractor using GPS. This technology is now widely spread within the industry to allow farmers the ability to greatly reduce the amount of fertilizers and herbicides used. Murray became the first to successfully transport 200,000 live mink breeding stock to Dalian Province, China, and reduced mortality rates from 10% to 0% over five shipments. Murray’s many distinguished awards from industry partners include the Ontario Global Trader’s Award for Innovation and the Award for Market Expansion.
2022 Alumnus of Distinction
Tyler Scott
Co-op Diploma Apprenticeship, Culinary graduate from the class of 2011
Fleming College is pleased to announce that Tyler Scott, a Co-op Diploma Apprenticeship, Culinary graduate from the class of 2011, is the recipient of the 2022 Alumnus of Distinction Award. This prestigious award is presented to an alumnus who attains outstanding career success and professional achievement.
Scott was the owner and executive chef of Rare Restaurant located in Peterborough, Ontario. In a time where the COVID-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc on the restaurant industry, Tyler and his team at Rare worked hard to pivot through various closures.
In April 2022, Tyler and his wife Kassy, announced the news of an exciting new chapter and will be selling Rare Restaurant and launching Rare Escape: Outdoor Guided Culinary Experiences. The pair have a passion for the outdoors and are excited to offer this unique culinary experience in Peterborough & The Kawarthas.
2021 Alumnus of Distinction
Ryan Bullock
Business Administration - Marketing, 2006
Ryan Bullock is the newly appointed President of The Burger's Priest, a classic cheeseburger joint with 25 corporate locations across Canada, including 23 in Southern Ontario and 2 in Edmonton, Alberta. In 2013 prior to his current position, Ryan began working as the Director of Marketing with The Keg. He transitioned to several positions, eventually being promoted to Chief Marketing Officer responsible for the development of brand vision, strategy, planning, and implementation of marketing and sales driving programs. Recognizing Ryan's significant success since graduating, Ryan was a Premier's Award nominee in the category of recent graduate in 2011. The Premier's Awards are administered by Colleges Ontario and honour the important social and economic contribution that college graduates make to Ontario and the world.
2020 Alumnus of Distinction
Philip Heard
Business, 1970
As a distinguished senior executive, Philip Heard is trailblazing with international events and economic development in Vancouver. In 2010, Heard established two firms: Heard Consulting and Heard Productions. His business acumen in operations, community betterment, marketing, and government relations made him an influential leader across Canada. Career highlights include championing a $20-Million merger between Hastings Racecourse and Woodbine's Hastings Racecourse and Great Canadian Casinos, managing Molson Indy that attracted 160,000 people, developing a remarkable 2010 Olympic business program and annually producing the Vancouver International Auto Show for the New Car Dealers Association of British Columbia featuring all worldwide major brands.
2019 Alumnus of Distinction
Tim McClure
Recreation Merchandising, 1986
Tim McClure is a seasoned marketing professional with over 25 years of senior management experience. Tim has successfully managed teams to record-breaking results throughout his storied career. Early on in his career, Tim rose to the top of the professional sports marketing business as the Vice President of Starter Corporation - the world's leading supplier of licensed apparel. He helped to ensure the brand became a household name throughout North America.
Much of Tim's success has come from his ability to electrify teams and develop them into highly respected, winning organizations. In 2005, Tim join Luxottica Group, the dominating giant of the fashion eyewear industry. He was quickly promoted to Senior Director, North America in early 2006 and moved to New York to manage the United States sales team.
Currently, Tim is a highly sought-after motivational speaker, and business and brand consultant at Tim McClure & Partners. In 2013, Tim was awarded the prestigious Scotiabank Game Changers Award, and in 2014 he was presented with the BMW Hero Award. In November 2018, Tim was honoured as a Premier's Award nominee (business category) for outstanding college graduates.
2018 Alumnus of Distinction
Michael VanDerHerberg
Geomatics Technician, 2005
Michael VanDerHerberg is a compelling advocate for causes in social housing, refugee settlement, and community development, in both his professional and personal endeavors. Michael’s work with New Canadian Centre (NCC) began in 2009 and saw a tremendous amount of growth, beginning as an Employment Counsellor, then becoming an Employment Services Coordinator and later becoming a Refugee Resettlement Coordinator.
Michael has faced the refugee crisis first hand having spent a week along Syrian and Iraq borders. It was this experience that led to such a strong motivation to take refugee settlement to new and significantly higher levels. Michael has helped more than 125 newcomers find and retain work in Peterborough. Resettlement goals over the past year and a half had set out to help 36 Government Assisted Refugee (GAR) families. Michael surpassed that goal, helping 43 families.
Along with his wife Andrea, Michael owns and operates Silver Bean Café, a community-style restaurant they established in 2004. It is a popular community hub of buzz, ideas and infectious spirit that patrons call the “waterfront cottage in the city”.
2017 Alumnus of Distinction
Tracey Randall
Tourism and Transportation, 1988
As the General Manager of Musicfest Peterborough, Randall's vibrant personality, passion for community development, and commitment to excellence joins community friends and tourists together for free summer concerts in Del Crary Park, Peterborough. Under Randall's leadership, Festivals and Events Ontario recognized Peterborough Musicfest as a Top 100 Festival in 2015 and the 2016 Economic Impact Study revealed that Musicfest provides a $4.2 million boost to the region through hotels, restaurants and shopping, with 125,000 attendees each year.
2016 Alumnus of Distinction
Robert Jameson C.E.T., Fellow OACETT
Electro-Mechanical Engineering Technology-Robotics, 1982
Bob Jameson is the dynamic President and CEO of Canadian Instrumentation Services Group. He commissioned both the largest hydro generator in Canada and the largest water volume pump storage unit in the United States. Bob credits his success to providing a rewarding and happy environment for customers and employees (60% are Fleming College graduates), emphasizing that customer and employee satisfaction is never sacrificed to gain a profit. At Tetra-Pak, Bob increased milk sales exponentially with the development of Moo-to-Win milk cartons. Through lead volunteer roles with OACETT and Fleming College, Bob strongly encourages college education for skilled trades and technology careers.
2015 Alumnus of Distinction
Lorrie Baird
Early Childhood Education, 1985
An expert in pedagogical leadership with 30 years of experience, Lorrie educates and cares for our youngest citizens. She spent many years exploring the Reggio approach to learning, and applied this pedagogy and engagement in reflected practice to transform early childhood education. She is the Associate Executive Director for Kawartha Child Care Services in Peterborough, where she championed the implementation of Reggio Inspired Emergent curriculum into 25 sites (when this innovative approach was rarely considered). Lorrie is a contributing author in Ministry of Education documents that support early learning and shares her expertise worldwide, most recently inspiring Ontario’s First Nations communities.
2014 Alumnus of Distinction
Murray Hall
Fish and Wildlife Technician, 1980
Murray Hall is renowned as a Canadian innovator, founding Halltech Environmental Inc. and Halltech Aquatic Research. He designed and produced countless custom fresh water sampling apparatus, integrated the first GPS receivers with rugged computers for georeferencing large data sets in remote locations, and developed the first Canadian-made Backpack Electrofishing System. Murray is a pioneer in precision in the agricultural sector, breaking ground with the first high-precision autopilot system on a tractor using GPS. This technology is now widely spread within the industry to allow farmers the ability to greatly reduce the amount of fertilizers and herbicides used. Murray became the first to successfully transport 200,000 live mink breeding stock to Dalian Province, China, and reduced mortality rates from 10% to 0% over five shipments. Murray’s many distinguished awards from industry partners include the Ontario Global Trader’s Award for Innovation and the Award for Market Expansion.