Three George Brown College (GBC) faculty members are the recipients of one of Canada's most prestigious awards: the King Charles III Coronation Medal.
Our very own Dr. Jenelle Rouse, Elio Riggillo and Debra Russell have been recognized for their work as educators and the contributions they have made to the Deaf and Deafblind communities here in Canada. Rouse, Riggillo and Russell were among 25 recipients of the award.
Dr. Jenelle Rouse, Canada's first Black Deaf Ph.D., is an educator, researcher, and artist who has made a name for herself advocating for sign language access and Deaf education.
"As a Black Deaf sign language person growing up in the audio-centric speaking society, I sacrificed a lot to obtain my doctorate," explains Rouse. "In that journey, I had to find ways to illustrate how intelligent Deaf human beings strategize their acquisition of signed language and other language(s) in various familial, societal, and community contexts. I will not stop advocating for the innovational growth of accessible sign language resources 'behind the scenes!'"
Elio Riggillo, a George Brown College instructor and Deafblind advocate, was recognized for empowering others through intervention services and leadership training.
"As a Deafblind individual, I am deeply honoured and grateful to receive this award," said Riggillo. "It is truly a humbling experience to be recognized. I want to thank everyone who has supported and encouraged me in my advocacy work. I look forward to continuing to advocate for intervention services and Deafblind individuals."
Dr. Debra Russell, an educator and international leader, received her medal for advanced sign language interpreting through research, training, and advocacy.
"I am incredibly humbled to have been recognized in this way," said Russell. "It has been such a wonderful experience working with and learning from the Canadian Deaf communities and having the opportunities granted to me."
Congrats to our three Coronation Medal winners!
The King Charles III Coronation Medal was established to commemorate the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III and is awarded to Canadians who have made remarkable contributions to their communities. The medal features His Majesty King Charles III and serves as a symbol of honour and recognition.
