GEORGIAN COLLEGE
Georgian to celebrate graduates and recognize exceptional leaders at Spring Convocation

Georgian College will celebrate its newest graduates during Spring Convocation ceremonies from June 22 to 24 at Gateway Entertainment Centre in Rama. 

The ceremonies will recognize August 2025, December 2025 and April 2026 graduates, while also honouring three exceptional leaders whose service, generosity and commitment to community reflect the values Georgian seeks to inspire in its graduates. 

Fred Hacker will receive the Board of Governors' Honorary Bachelor of Business Administration on June 22, Lisette (Lee) McDonald will receive the Board of Governors' Honorary Honours Bachelor of Science - Nursing on June 23, and Stephen (Steve) Loftus will be posthumously named the 18th Fellow of Georgian College on June 24. The Fellow designation is Georgian College's highest honour, reserved for individuals whose leadership, community engagement, innovation and commitment to student success have made an enduring impact. 

"Through their inspiring leadership and exceptional generosity, Fred and Lee have both left an indelible mark on our region and beyond. Georgian is proud to recognize their impressive contributions and to celebrate the lasting impact they continue to make through their work and unwavering commitment to community," said Kevin Weaver, President and CEO. 

Fred and Lee will be recognized for leadership that spans business, health care, culture, philanthropy and community service. 

"Fred and Lee's careers are a powerful testament to what can be achieved through a deep commitment to service and genuine drive to improve the lives of others. The Board of Governors is honoured to recognize their achievements and profound difference they make - grounded in excellence, compassion and partnership," said Kimberley Greenwood, Chair, Georgian College Board of Governors. 

Fred Hacker

Fred Hacker is a distinguished community leader, philanthropist, cultural advocate and lifelong champion of education. For more than 50 years, he has supported cultural awareness, education and social equity, including as Founding Chair of the Midland Cultural Centre. His service also extends through leadership with the Rotary Club of Midland, The Weber Foundation, Life4Kids Canada and Kids4Life Kenya.

"It is an honour to be recognized by Georgian College in this way. Georgian has played such a pivotal role in post secondary education in Simcoe County, including the Robbert Hartog Campus of Georgian College which brought post secondary education to our Midland community. Georgian has enriched the lives of many, including one of my daughters who was a valedictorian in 1993. I am humbled by this prestigious recognition and grateful to Georgian for this and for the opportunities Georgian has provided to our community."

Lisette (Lee) McDonald

Lee McDonald is a visionary entrepreneur, philanthropist and community leader whose work has transformed health care and created opportunities for others. A former critical care nurse, Lee founded Southmedic Inc. in 1983 with a focus on improving patient care through innovation, growing it into a globally respected medical device manufacturer operating in more than 80 countries.

"I am deeply honoured and grateful to Georgian College for this recognition. For over 40 years, I have been driven by the belief that there is always a better way to serve patients, support health care professionals and strengthen the communities we live in. Georgian shares that same conviction, and seeing it reflected in the graduates who walk across the stage is truly inspiring. Being invited to share in their celebration is a privilege. Congratulations to the Class of 2026." 

Georgian will also posthumously recognize Stephen (Steve) Loftus as the 18th Fellow of Georgian College, the college's highest honour, reserved for individuals whose leadership, service, vision and commitment to student success have made an enduring and transformative impact.

"Steve was an extraordinary leader whose vision, generosity and unwavering belief in student success left a profound and lasting impact on Georgian and our community. He understood the transformative power of education and worked tirelessly to strengthen the connection between industry and learning, creating opportunities that will benefit students for generations to come. Steve led with humility, compassion and optimism, and his legacy will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside him," said Weaver.

Steve's connection to Georgian was deeply rooted in service, partnership and a shared belief in the power of experiential learning.

"Steve exemplified the very meaning of leadership in service to others. As Vice Chair of the Board of Governors, dedicated volunteer, and passionate advocate for students, he brought wisdom, integrity and heart to every conversation and initiative. His commitment to innovation, collaboration and community-building strengthened Georgian in immeasurable ways. On behalf of the Board of Governors, we're honoured to recognize Steve's extraordinary contributions and celebrate the enduring legacy he leaves behind," said Greenwood.

Stephen (Steve) Loftus

Steve was a respected business leader, innovator, mentor and community builder. As founding partner of Innovative Automation Inc. and The Innovative Group of Companies, he helped build a company recognized for innovation and excellence while fostering a strong commitment to student work-integrated learning and career readiness. He joined Georgian's Board of Governors in 2021 and was serving as Vice Chair at the time of his passing.

"Steve would have been deeply humbled by this recognition. He believed in doing things with purpose, in contributing in a way that truly mattered, and in lifting others up along the way. Those who knew him understood his quiet determination, his integrity and his generosity of spirit. He never sought the spotlight, yet his impact endures in ways he may never have fully known. On behalf of our family, we are profoundly grateful to Georgian College for honouring his memory. His legacy lives on through the students, alumni, tradespeople and innovators Georgian continues to shape, and that is precisely the kind of impact he would have wanted."