Fleming College

Peterborough ON – (Nov. 29, 2017) – Fleming College alumnus Duane Parnham has received a Premier’s Award in the Business category for his achievements and significant contributions he’s made here at home and around the world.

Mr. Parnham, a 1985 graduate of Frost Campus (Mineral Engineering Technology/Geological Technician), is President and CEO of Broadway Gold Mining Ltd. He is a prominent entrepreneur who was named one of the top 100 most influential people in Africa’s mining history by The MSA Group. Since 1996, his companies have created hundreds of jobs and generated over $1.2 billion in shareholder value. In 2011, he and his family established the Parnham Foundation to support underprivileged, impoverished or otherwise disadvantaged students from Namibia to pursue a diploma at Fleming College.

In 2011, Mr. Parnham and his family made a $1 million donation to Fleming’s Frost Campus to create the Parnham Training Centre for Resources Drilling Technician students. A portion of the donation went toward new drilling equipment and created an endowed fund to provide financial assistance for students.

“I have and will continue to dedicate my life to using the skills that I have gained in my education and career to strengthen business development and, more importantly, to give back and ensure less fortunate students are afforded that same chance to access a top-notch education that our great Canadian institutions strive to deliver,” said Mr. Parnham during his acceptance speech. “It is very humbling to know that all the steps that I have made in my life – big and small, professionally and personally – really make a difference and are recognized.”

More recently, Mr. Parnham has been actively involved in the College’s campaign to raise funds for the new GeoCentre at Frost Campus. The campaign is aiming to raise $1.5 million toward the renovation project that will create new, state-of-the-art geology labs and classrooms in areas of the campus that were original to the building’s construction nearly 50 years ago. Funds raised will also go toward programs and student financial assistance.

“We are extremely proud of Duane and his achievements,” said Fleming College President Tony Tilly. “His success in business is matched by his generosity and support for the next generation of students in the natural resources sector.”

Mr. Parnham received his award at the Premier’s Awards Gala, held Nov. 27 in Toronto. Fleming College nominated five additional outstanding alumni for the Premier’s Awards. They are:

• Community Services — Michael VanDerHerberg (Geomatics Technician, 2005)
• Creative Arts and Design — Glenn Ogden (Museum Management and Curatorship, 2002)
• Health Sciences — Heather Lee, RN, BScN (Nursing, 1987)
• Recent Graduate — Thomas Wilkins (Business Administration-Marketing, 2015)
• Technology — Al Stinson (Forestry Technician, 1977)

About the Premier’s Awards
The Premier’s Awards for College Graduates recognizes college graduates across six categories who have made significant social and economic contributions to society. Award recipients are chosen from nominations submitted by Ontario’s 24 public colleges. The recipients must demonstrate outstanding achievement related to their college experience and have made a significant contribution to their communities. On the 25th anniversary of these awards, it is more important than ever to recognize the talented and innovative leaders who are graduating from Ontario’s colleges, and whose outstanding contributions are supporting the economy and improving lives.

About Fleming College
Located in the heart of Central Ontario, Fleming College has campus locations in Peterborough, Lindsay, Cobourg and Haliburton. Named for famous Canadian inventor and engineer Sir Sandford Fleming, the college features more than 100 full-time programs in Arts and Heritage, Business, Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences, General Arts and Sciences, Health and Wellness, Justice and Community Development, Skilled Trades and Technology, and Continuing Education. Fleming College has more than 6,200 full-time and 10,000 part-time students, and 74,000 alumni.

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Members of the media, for more information please contact:
Laura Copeland
Communications Officer
laura.copeland@flemingcollege.ca
705.749.5530 x 1370