Camosun College

Alumni award winners

Distinguished alumni award winners

Camosun’s Distinguished Alumni Award is presented annually to alumni who have graduated more than 10 years ago and who have made outstanding contributions in their fields and in service to community. Each of the recipients were nominated and selected for their ongoing and exceptional dedication, success and commitment to their profession. They represent unique educational career paths, and each has donated selflessly to improve the lives of others. Nomination form (pdf)

November 2009

Nella NelsonTeacher. Counsellor. Advisor. Mentor. Nella Nelson is a 1972 graduate of Camosun’s University Transfer program, and is the deserving recipient of this fall’s Distinguished Alumni Award.

Ms Nelson is a member of the Tsawataineuk Band of the Kwakwaka'wakw Nation, and is originally from the N’amgis Nation of Alert Bay, BC. She attended Camosun College in 1972 and went on to complete her degrees in anthropology/sociology and secondary education at the University of Victoria.

Married for 37 years, Nella is a mother and grandmother. Over the years, she and her husband, Alex, have cared for 28 First Nations young people from their home communities.

Life-long education begins in the home

Nella is receiving the Camosun College Distinguished Alumni award in recognition of her contribution to her field, her commitment to lifelong education and her remarkable dedication to community service. While honoured to receive the Distinguished Alumni award, Nella says her 37-year long pathway would not have been possible without the support of her husband Alex and her parents, George and Ruth Cook. “My parents always championed education in our family, and they are now part of the Elders’ voices at Camosun College and UVic, where they continue to support other Indigenous students.” The Award represents an educational journey and Nella credits Camosun College for providing the springboard to pursue education at the University of Victoria. She says, “I saw my people represented at the college and I knew that First Nations people could create change through post secondary education.”

Making the world a better place

Many community educators and leaders offered tributes to commend and honour Nella. Janice Simcoe, Chair of Aboriginal Education and Community Connections at Camosun, says, “Nella is one of the hardest workers I have ever met. In addition to her full-time work, she is always involved with at least four boards. Through her community work she supports children, people in need of housing, post-secondary education, sexually exploited youth, and diversity. Nella is always interested in making the world a better place. Nella has indeed changed the world, one learner, and one organization at a time. She sees how everything is connected and does everything she can to put things in balance, to promote healing, and to promote broader vision for us all.”

Onowa McIvor, Director of Indigenous Education at UVic’s Faculty of Education says, “Nella’s dedication to education is evident in all aspects of her life, and we are constantly inspired by all she does for that cause. Nella continues to be a constant activist around suicide prevention, racism and educational issues. Her years of experience and wisdom hold our education students in rapt attention. The UVic Faculty of Education feels deeply privileged and grateful for all she does to further the cause of education in our community.”

Greater Victoria School District superintendant, John Gaiptman, says, “In my thirty-two years in public education, I can think of no other educator who has contributed so much to the improvement or practise of educational systems for Aboriginal students. Nella inspires and motivates staff and community members alike as she strives to ensure that her students are receiving every opportunity available. In truth, Nella is an advocate for all students, staff and the Greater Victoria School District. She defines excellence within the school system, the community, with urban Aboriginal students as swell as those who live on the Nations.”

A snapshot of Nella’s community contribution:

Camosun College congratulates Nella Nelson as an outstanding 2009 Distinguished Alumni Award recipient.

June 2009

Dr. Brad NelsonDr. Brad Nelson is the founding Director and Senior Research Scientist at the Trev and Joyce Deeley Research Centre, a Camosun College student from the early ‘80s, and a recipient of Camosun’s Distinguished Alumni Award.
An expert on the immune system, Brad and his research team are developing novel strategies to enhance the immune response against cancer as a new form of treatment. The Deeley Centre now plays a significant role in preventing, diagnosing and treating cancer, and is helping Victoria emerge as an international centre for leading-edge cancer research.

Brad was born in New Westminster and grew up in Vancouver. He completed his undergraduate studies at Camosun College, UVic and UBC. From there, he pursued a Ph.D. at the University of California at Berkeley. He held a postdoctoral fellowship at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Centre (FHCRC) in Seattle and faculty appointments at FHCRC, the Department of Immunology at the University of Washington and the Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason, all in Seattle.

In addition to his work as a cancer researcher, Brad is committed to education—as demonstrated by the High School Internship Program he developed at the Deeley Research Centre. He is an Associate Professor in the Department of Medical Genetics at the University of British Columbia, as well as an Adjunct Associate Professor in the Departments of Biology and Biochemistry/Microbiology at the University of Victoria, where he teaches within the graduate program, the Island Medical Program and the Centre for Biomedical Research.

Brad’s story speaks volumes to our graduating students, who are about to launch new academic or professional journeys. He says, “Camosun is where I found out how much I love biology and science in general. It began with a tide pooling trip to Ogden Point in Biology 100, and grew into a career trying to understand how the immune system responds to cancer.” His story demonstrates how much can be accomplished with an inquisitive nature, a personal passion and a great education.

June 2008

Rob FlemingRob Fleming is a University Transfer in Arts graduate from 1995. He was involved in the Camosun College Student Society, where he served as communications coordinator. Rob then attained his Bachelor of Arts degree in History at the University of Victoria. At the age of 28 years, Rob served two terms on Victoria City Council where he was the Chair of the City’s Finance and Personnel Committee and the Council Liaison to the Advisory Transportation Committee. Rob held the City’s youth portfolio, was Chair of the CRD Health Facilities Planning Committee, and Commissioner for the CRD Water Commission. As Vice-Chair of the Capital District Housing Corporation, Rob helped establish the region’s first affordable housing trust fund and created a similar fund at the City of Victoria. Now a full-time elected MLA, Rob chairs the select Standing Committee on Public Accounts and serves on the Select Standing Committee for Education and the Select Standing Committee on Parliamentary Reform, Ethical Conduct and Private bills.

June 2007

Distinguished Alumni Award winner Heather MitchellHeather Mitchell graduated with a Long Term Care Aide Certificate in 1979 and an Associate of Arts Diploma in Nursing in 1983. She is a Registered Nurse and a member of the Canadian Burn Nurses Association, practicing in the Royal Jubilee Hospital’s Burn Unit since 1993. As a volunteer with the Burn Survivor Support Group, Heather implemented the SOAR program at the Jubilee – Survivors Offering Assistance in Recovery – helping burn survivors after they leave the hospital. Her patients and colleagues find her a “sincere, unselfish, professional, committed and compassionate nurse.”

Distinguished Alumni Award winner MaryLynne RimerMaryLynne Rimer graduated from Camosun most recently with an Associate of Arts degree in Human Services in 1984, continuing on to complete her BA and MA at UVic in 1990 and 1998 respectively. Prior to her Associate of Arts Degree, she also completed an Early Childhood Care & Education and an Under Age Three Group Day Care Certificate at Camosun. MaryLynne is currently the Managing Director of Wave Consulting Ltd., a company that provides project management, organizational development, strategic planning and research services for community organizations and government agencies in the social services and health care sectors. From 1996 to 2002 she was the Deputy Children’s Commissioner for the Ministry of Attorney General. There she was responsible for policy, legislation and program development activities having an impact on government services to children and youth. In 1996 she was the Team Coordinator BC Transition Commission for Child and Youth Services in the Office of the Premier. MaryLynne is described as “bringing a singular passion and commitment to her work on behalf of children, women and all those people in our society that face a steep climb to the bottom line – the ones who need a second chance; the ones who never even get a first chance.”

Distinguished Alumni Award winner Wayne SolomonWayne Solomon graduated from Camosun with a Business Administration Diploma in Accounting, 1995 and followed up with a BBA from Open University. Wayne is currently acting as Senior Finance Officer (SFO) with the Nunavut Planning Commission helping to establish planning policies, objectives and goals for the Nunavut Settlement Area. He has also worked for the Kitnuna Corporation as their CFO. He serves on the Board of Directors for the Qulliq Energy Corporation (formerly Nunavut Power Corp) as Chair of the Audit Committee. Wayne has served as CFO for the Fort Nelson First Nation and taught introductory accounting at Northern Lights College. He is currently working on two Masters degrees in Construction Management and a joint MBA/Master of Commercial Law. While in Victoria, Wayne worked for AIDS Vancouver Island as the Coordinator of Administrative Services. He encourages graduates to “tackle the jobs no one else wants to do...you will learn important things about yourself and you will see the world from new perspectives.”

Distinguished Alumni Award winner Lew WilliamsLew Williams is an Electrical Apprenticeship graduate from 1972 (one of the College’s first graduating classes). He is a holder of the Canadian Construction Association Gold Seal Certificate of Superintendent in Electrical Contracting and currently the Service and Project Manager for Houle Electric Ltd. in Victoria, where he has worked for the past 29 years. Lew has continued his education through courses at Camosun, the electrical union and other industry organizations and been active in organizing opportunities for specialized training, health & safety and continuing education among his co-workers and other trades people. Last year he was nominated for the Lt. Governor’s Award for Safety by the Chief Electrical Inspector for the City of Victoria. Lew serves on the Electrical Program Advisory Committee at Camosun and his community involvement also includes countless hours devoted to Habitat for Humanity where he has coordinated crews on three homes over the last few years. He has volunteered as President of the Victoria West Soccer Association for more than 20 seasons and has been involved in the local soccer community for the past 30 years. Lew has inspired his three children, all Camosun grads, with a love of lifelong learning. He says “it’s all about what you feel inside, not the pat on the back.”

June 2006

June 2005

June 2004

June 2003

June 2002

Promising Alumni Award Winners

Camosun’s Distinguished Alumni Award is presented annually to alumni who have graduated less than 10 years ago and who bring inspiration to other alumni and current Camosun students. Each recipient was nominated and selected for their ongoing commitment to others through community service and career accomplishments with a clear prediction of future successes in their respective field. Nomination form (pdf)

November 2008

This year's winners included Dorothea Harris and Kyle Weston.

Dorothea Harris; 2008 Promising AlumniDorothea Harris

A 2007 graduate from the First Nations Family Support Worker program, Dorothea often quotes instructor Robert Wells who says, “Education is therapy and therapy is education.”

A bright and inquisitive young mother of five with a drive to make the world a better place for marginalized people, Dorothea began her post secondary education by taking one course at a time. Her strong orientation to social justice led her to Camosun’s First Nations Family Support Worker program. Although she is not aboriginal, she was raised in, and later married into, an aboriginal family and was the first non-aboriginal student in the program, graduating last year with an “A” average. Dorothea says, “I learned with my head and my heart. My teachers were phenomenal, bringing personal wisdom and life experience to the table.”

Upon graduation, she was accepted into UVic’s School of Social Work and also hired as Specialty Program Coordinator and Aboriginal Liaison with Reverend Al Tysick and Our Place Society, where her goals include more involvement in social justice issues.

Although Dorothea graduated only one year ago, she is already affecting change for the marginalized and homeless population of Victoria. She continues to raise her family, attend university and follow through on her commitment to make the world a better place.

Kyle Weston

With his sights set on a university degree in engineering, Kyle began his academic journey by first enrolling in Camosun’s Electronics Engineering Technology diploma program. He graduated in 2003 with an “A” average and worked for a while in local industry before returning to the College to complete the Engineering Bridge program. He then transferred to UVic to complete his engineering degree.

Kyle’s accomplishments are many and far-reaching, including: a first place award for the design of a digital transceiver to locate skiers buried in avalanches; the Dean’s Regional Entrance Scholarship at UVic; and most recently, a Principal Graduate Fellowship at McGill University.

He has been active in his church for many years, working for two years as a missionary in the south of France. During this time, Kyle taught English and volunteered for the Red Cross and Restaurant du Coeur, a charitable organization that distributes food packages and hot meals to the needy. While in Victoria, Kyle offered respite to parents of adult children with special needs.

When he completes his master’s degree in Intelligent Systems at McGill, he plans to return to the west coast to pursue a job in robotics or industrial automation.

October 2007

October 2006

October 2005

October 2004

October 2003

October 2002

Last updated: 14-Dec-2009 10:11 am