Lambton College Presents the 2024 Premier’s Awards Nominees

Lambton College Presents the 2024 Premier’s Awards Nominees

SARNIA, November 21, 2024 – Lambton College is proud to honour seven outstanding alumni who have been nominated for this year’s Colleges Ontario Premier’s Awards.

On Monday, November 25, the College will celebrate a select group of notable alumni during the annual Premier’s Awards ceremony in Toronto. This year, the Lambton College Alumni Association is pleased to nominate seven graduates across six categories: Dave Brown, Ryan Lindsay, Tracy MacDonald, Helen and Matt Smith, Lisa Brush, and Thomas Chona.

“It’s an incredible honour to celebrate the impact our alumni have in their chosen professions,” says Rob Kardas, President & CEO, Lambton College. “In addition to their professional success, skills and work ethic, this year’s nominees have also demonstrated an unwavering commitment to creating meaningful change in the industries and communities they serve. They have set an outstanding example for our current students and are extraordinary ambassadors of Lambton College. My congratulations to all of them on their well-deserved nominations.”

The Premier’s Awards are hosted by Colleges Ontario in honour of the important social and economic contributions that graduates make to Ontario and around the world. Nominees are selected by each college based on their ongoing contributions to their fields and communities. The Premier’s Awards recognize one winner across seven categories.

This year, Lambton College is proud to nominate the following alumni:

Helen and Matt Smith, Business

Helen and Matthew Smith are the founders of Roo & You, a children's play company established in 2020 focused on providing affordable, high-quality children’s products that grow with children’s needs. Partnering with brands like Harry Potter and Barbie, and leveraging a strong social media presence, they've achieved significant sales with consistent annual growth. The Smiths stay ahead of competitors by developing products with both child and parent experiences in mind. Committed to innovation and philanthropy, their goal is to offer quality products while giving back to the community.

Ryan Lindsay, Creative Arts and Design

Ryan Lindsay is an innovative force in the film and TV industry, driving his business, Kontent House, to new heights. He has recently collaborated with Canadian comedy series Trailer Park Boys and Bell Media to create “The Trades,” a witty portrayal of blue-collar life, which Lindsay penned and produced. Lindsay also co-founded the Culture Capture Project, which repatriates Indigenous artifacts through innovative 3D printing techniques, showcasing his dedication to storytelling and cultural preservation. Lindsay continues to push creative boundaries to make a lasting impact on both the entertainment industry and cultural heritage.

Dave Brown, Community Services

Dave Brown is a trailblazer in community impact, marked by his 40-year journey at United Way Sarnia-Lambton. Bringing this organization from a deficit to a surplus, he has pioneered various innovative programs and initiatives that have significantly impacted his community. As Executive Director, he has led substantial fundraising efforts for the community. A graduate of Radio, Television and Journalism Arts, Brown’s storytelling prowess and media relations skills amplified United Way's outreach. As he enters retirement, his legacy as Canada's youngest and longest-serving United Way Executive Director endures.

Lisa Brush, Health Sciences

With over 30 years of experience, Lisa Brush is a prominent figure in the senior housing industry. As the Founder and CEO of Symphony Senior Living Inc & Blue Lotus Living LP, Lisa manages senior living facilities across Canada and the U.S., offering independent, assisted living and dementia care. Her career began with various leadership roles in health care where she led significant growth and development. She is dedicated to enhancing senior care, particularly dementia care, focusing on providing customer-driven service, supportive care and housing affordability.

Tracy MacDonald, Recent Graduate

Tracy MacDonald is an advocate for social welfare. After graduating with her social service worker diploma, she spearheaded two programs focused on empowering at-risk youth to live independent lives. In addition to working full-time as a Housing Support Worker for Sarnia-Lambton Rebound, she established United We Stand, raising funds for social services within her community. MacDonald’s commitment to helping others makes her a thought-leader in her sector.

Thomas Chona, Science, Technology and Engineering

Thomas Chona is a dedicated renewable energy advocate and COO of Zacstar Zambia Ltd, bringing renewable energy to Zambia. He spearheads initiatives to install systems, educate communities and expand electricity access, promoting sustainable solutions to address deforestation. Through research and advocacy, Chona is making a lasting impact in the renewable energy sector and improving the lives of communities in Zambia.

For more information on this year’s nominees and the annual Premier’s Awards ceremony, go to co-awards.org.

Lambton College is always looking to honour notable alumni. If you know of a graduate who has an inspiring story to share, please contact the Lambton College Alumni Association at alumni@lambtoncollege.ca.

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