Congratulations to our 2025 Premier's Award nominees!

SLC is pleased to introduce this year’s nominees for Colleges Ontario’s annual Premier’s Awards. The awards recognize outstanding contributions to society from graduates of Ontario colleges. Winners will be announced later this fall, and awards will be presented at an event held in Toronto on November 24, 2025. 　
 
The nominees are:  

Entrepreneurship and Economic Development

Tiffani Westerman (Advertising, 2007) Chief Executive Officer, GRC Concierge, Chief Executive Officer, Wesley Clover Services, North America  
 
Tiffani is an intrepid self-starter and trailblazing leader who has moved swiftly up the ranks in the tech industry and won awards for her strong business skills and community involvement. She has a keen entrepreneurial spirit and has launched several businesses, developed new products and applications, grown teams and created jobs, and become CEO of two tech companies, WCS North America and GRC Concierge. All the while, she lifts up and mentors colleagues and students, particularly girls and women, and works hard to promote an inclusive and diverse culture in the companies she leads. 

Community Advancement 

Bradley Box (Project Management, 2022, International Business Management, 2023) Real Property Management Services, Defence Construction Canada 

Bradley’s dedication to advancing Indigenous initiatives in Kingston took root as a college student and has since led to significant breakthroughs for the entire region. Through his volunteer work, he mentors students as an alumnus of the Indigenous Education Council at his alma mater. He also serves as Secretary of the Board of Directors for Tipi Moza, an Indigenous-centered housing provider, where he helps spearhead several successful housing initiatives. In recognition of his community work, Bradley was recognized and celebrated by his employer, Defence Construction Canada, with a Regional Diversity and Inclusion Award. 
 
Health Care and Community Well-Being 

Kathy Ganz (Medical Laboratory Technology, 1982) Stem Cells, Canadian Blood Services (retired 2025) 
 
Kathy’s exceptional 43-year career reflects her lifelong commitment to advancing her sector, and the health of patients and communities. Kathy was hired out of college by Canadian Blood Services as a medical laboratory technologist—and never left. As director of CBS’ renowned Stem Cells program, Kathy was a passionate promoter of the stem cell registry, which matches patients and donors, and of health equity for under-represented communities. A powerful catalyst for change, Kathy significantly improved access, services and infrastructure for patients who require lifesaving stem cell therapy, both in Canada and internationally. 

Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Innovation 

Audil Virk (Computer Engineering Technology, 2000) President, Huron Digital Pathology 
 
Audil, President of Huron Digital Pathology, is leading digital transformation in laboratory medicine, improving the future of pathology through innovative digital technology, and driving digital revolution in the healthcare sector. His cutting-edge work to engineer and commercialize digital scanners that convert glass pathology slides into high-resolution digital images frees pathologists, researchers and educators around the world to share images of tissue samples and collaborate easily, leading to more accurate diagnoses and improved treatment plans for patients. Under Audil’s direction, his St. Jacob’s-based company has quickly become a pioneering, global leader in digital imaging technology and software that’s modernizing pathology. 

Workforce and Skilled Trades Advancement 

Patrick Moore (Carpenter - Advanced – Apprenticeship, 2009) Program Manager, Amor Construction, Founder, Owner and Professor - Professional School of Practical Stereotomy 
 
Patrick is an internationally acclaimed craftsman who has dedicated his career to learning and promoting historic carpentry techniques and sharing his knowledge with the next generation of tradespeople. After receiving trade diplomas and an apprenticeship through Ontario colleges, Patrick became the first English speaker to complete the prestigious Masters in Carpentry program in France, where he learned the ancient techniques of stereotomy. With his unique knowledge and skills, he teaches internationally, has won several significant awards, is an industry-leading construction manager working on complex heritage projects in Canada, and runs his own school dedicated to teaching stereotomy.