HOLLAND COLLEGE
Holland College Foundation announces 2025 Distinguished Alumni Awards recipients

The Holland College Foundation has named Dr. Michael Gauthier and Yvonne Duivenvoorden as recipients of the 2025 Distinguished Alumni Awards.

Acting Foundation Board Chair Peter McLaughlin praised their accomplishments and dedication to their professions. 

"Our 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award honourees continue to demonstrate the remarkable impact Holland College graduates have in communities near and far. Each recipient reflects the innovation, leadership, and impact that define a Holland College graduate."

Dr. Michael Gauthier

Child and Youth Care Worker, 1994; Police Science (Cadet), 1998

• Author - "Restorying Your Story: Reclaiming Your Voice in the Face of Past Injustice"
• Indigenous Community Development Officer, Correctional Services Canada
• Crown Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada, Specific Claims Branch
• Managing Partner, Life Circle Consulting  

Dr. Michael Gauthier graduated from Holland College's Child and Youth Care Worker program in 1994 and the Atlantic Police Academy's Police Science (Cadet) program in 1998. Since then, he has built a remarkable career as a scholar, advocate, educator, and leader in the field of Indigenous justice and community healing.

Michael's professional journey spans over three decades of service to Indigenous communities across Canada. He has held roles as a police officer, correctional officer, parole officer, Indigenous Community Development Officer, and claims negotiator. These experiences, combined with his academic achievements (including two undergraduate degrees, a Master's in Education, and a PhD in Cultural Studies from Queen's University) have shaped his unique approach to reconciliation and empowerment. As Managing Partner of Life-Circle Consulting, Michael leads the development of culturally grounded education programs that blend lived experience with academic insight. His "Medicine Tipi Wheel" framework integrates Indigenous teachings with modern communication strategies, offering transformative tools for healing and growth.

Michael's work is deeply rooted in the principle of "restorying", a process he developed to help individuals reclaim their narratives and move forward with strength and purpose. His doctoral research, which focused on Indigenous people connected with the criminal justice system, pioneered a methodology that honors lived experience as a source of critical knowledge. Through Restorying Circles and his recently published book, Restorying Your Story: Reclaiming Your Voice in the Face of Past Injustice, Michael has created spaces for reflection, resilience, and renewal.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Michael is a mentor, father, husband, and tireless advocate for decolonization and social justice. He has contributed to legislative efforts focused on Indigenous child well-being and continues to inspire change through his writing, consulting, and community engagement. His ability to transform personal adversity into a philosophy of empowerment makes him a powerful role model for students. Michael's journey demonstrates how education can be a tool for reclaiming identity, fostering hope, and building a more equitable future.

Dr. Gauthier's life and work exemplify the values of Holland College leadership, compassion, and commitment to community.

Yvonne Duivenvoorden

Photography, 1988

• Owner - Yvonne Duivenvoorden (Photography) Inc.
• Owner - Alley Street Clay Club 

Yvonne Duivenvoorden is one of Canada's leading food and lifestyle photographers, known for imagery that is evocative, elegant, and rich with natural light. Her work invites viewers into a world of beauty and authenticity, where thoughtful composition and a refined aesthetic tell compelling visual stories.

A graduate of Holland College's Photography program in 1988, Yvonne went on to earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photographic Studies from Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University). While still a student, she apprenticed in commercial photography studios, gaining hands-on experience that laid the foundation for her career. In 1994, she launched her own commercial photography business, quickly establishing herself as a trusted and sought-after professional.

Her impressive client roster features leading national brands such as Loblaws, Sobeys, LCBO (Liquor Control Board of Ontario), Kraft, Kellogg's, Iögo, Foodland Ontario, Longo's, and HomeSense. Her work is widely published, appearing in top editorial titles such as Canadian Living, Chatelaine, Style at Home, Gardening Life, and Canadian House & Home Magazine. Additionally, her photography is showcased in high-profile regional, national, and international advertising assignments, including multiple PEI Tourism campaigns. Throughout her career, she has also produced imagery for numerous acclaimed national and international cookbooks.

Beyond her commercial success, Yvonne is deeply committed to community and industry leadership. She served on the Toronto Board of Directors for the Canadian Association of Professional Image Creators (CAPIC), including a term as President, and led numerous food drives in support of Toronto's Daily Bread Food Bank. A passionate advocate for sustainability, she minimizes food waste in her studio and donates unused food to local shelters.

Since returning to Prince Edward Island in 2020, Yvonne has continued to expand her creative and entrepreneurial pursuits. In 2025, she founded The Alley Street Clay Club in Charlottetown, a welcoming pottery studio dedicated to creativity and community. After just one year in business, the studio has been embraced enthusiastically, with enrolment and engagement exceeding all expectations.  

Yvonne remains closely connected to Holland College, supporting the Photography and Videography program through alumni panels and equipment donations. Her career reflects perseverance, innovation, and artistic excellence, embodying the spirit of a Holland College graduate creative, driven, and committed to meaningful impact.

Through her photography, mentorship, and community leadership, Yvonne Duivenvoorden continues to inspire the next generation of artists and entrepreneurs.

This is the 18^th year for the awards. Dr. Gauthier and Duivenvoorden join over 50 Distinguished Alumni.

Jo-Ann Campbell-Boutilier, Executive Director, Foundation and Alumni, said that recognizing and celebrating the achievements of its graduates is a top priority for Holland College.

"We are immensely proud of our alumni making an impact around the globe," said Campbell-Boutilier. "We look forward to celebrating our 2025 honourees and recognizing their exceptional achievements and contributions.".

A celebration and dinner will be held at The Culinary Institute of Canada on April 1^st. For more information, contact the Alumni Office at 902-566-9303.

Learn more about nominating an alumnus of Holland College for a Distinguished Alumni Award by visiting hollandcollege.com/alumni. Nominations are accepted year-round.