ALGONQUIN COLLEGE
Algonquin establishes Susan Pridmore Award for women in Event Management program

Algonquin College has announced the creation of a new annual award for women in the Event Management program. The Susan Pridmore Award will recognize a female student who demonstrates leadership within their field of study and community and who embodies the values of perseverance, tolerance and kindness.

The award honours Susan Pridmore, a dedicated events manager at Algonquin College who embodied a high standard of excellence and worked tirelessly to organize outstanding events. Susan sadly passed away in February 2024.

"It's truly fitting that Susan's spirit will live on through an award that reflects her unwavering commitment to our learners," said Tracy McDougall, Director, President's Office and Communications at Algonquin College. "She always believed with her whole heart that everything we do here is to empower our students to succeed, and her incredible passion for that purpose inspired every one of us."

The Susan Pridmore Award was established and endowed by her family, including her partner Saam Askari, mother Cheryl Blake and sister Kimberly Robichaud. Susan's family created the award to acknowledge the role Algonquin College played in her life, as a student and instructor in the School of Business and Hospitality, as well as a longstanding member of the Event Management team in the President's Office.

"The Algonquin College community was dear to Susan. It only seemed fitting that when the opportunity was made available to extend her place in the community beyond her years that we do so," said Askari. "In particular, Susan placed a lot of importance on mentoring the young women she worked with. The chance to continue contributing to developing women leaders in the community would be something she would be incredibly proud of."

In recognition of Susan's collaboration through her roles as learner and employee, the Algonquin Students' Association will also be contributing to this award, ensuring her passion for supporting student success continues to inspire students for generations to come. 

"Susan was a true partner in building the relationships that allow us to support our students in countless ways. She embodied our mission to create an environment that inspires a passion for student success," said Ben Dinh, General Manager and CEO of the Algonquin Students' Association. "This initiative by Susan's family is a powerful tribute to her legacy and the values she lived by, ensuring that future students will continue to benefit from her impact." 

The first annual Susan Pridmore Award will be disbursed in the winter of 2025. Members of the public may donate towards this award via the Susan Pridmore Award page on the Algonquin College website.