Ottawa, April 23, 2026 — Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) is proud to announce the recipients of its 2026 Awards of Excellence, the most prestigious national awards recognizing leadership, innovation, and impact across Canada’s public college and institute system.
Presented during the 2026 CICan Connections Conference, this year’s awards highlight individuals, teams, initiatives, and institutions whose achievements exemplify the sector’s vital role in building strong colleges, strong communities, and a strong Canada – the guiding vision of CICan’s newly launched Roadmap to 2030.
“Across Canada, public college, institute, CEGEP, polytechnic, and Indigenous Institute of Education excellence drives solutions to some of the country’s most urgent national priorities, from workforce development and productivity, to reconciliation, and community resilience,” said Pari Johnston, President and CEO of CICan. “This year’s award recipients embody the ambition and impact of our sector. Their leadership and achievements demonstrate how excellence at the local level strengthens Canada as a whole.”
“These awards shine a light on the remarkable people and programs that power our system,” said Pierre Zundel, Chair of the CICan Board of Directors and President and CEO of the Collège communautaire du Nouveau-Brunswick (CCNB). “Their work reflects the deep commitment our institutions have to their communities, and it shows how the strengths of local leadership translate into national impact. As we launch our sector’s Roadmap to 2030, these leaders exemplify the collaboration, innovation, and purpose that will move our country forward.”
Beyond recognizing individual achievement, the Awards of Excellence also celebrate the entire pan-Canadian network of colleges and institutes, built on shared purpose and community‑driven innovation. The Awards reinforce the sector’s identity as a coordinated national force – a cornerstone of Canada’s future workforce, productivity, and community resilience.
2026 CICan Awards of Excellence Recipients:
Leadership Excellence Award for Faculty
Gold: Charlene Bonnar, Lakeland College
With a 22-year career marked by innovation, inclusion, and commitment to student success, Charlene has played a key role in bringing the Aboriginal Teacher Education Program (ATEP) to Lakeland, expanding opportunities for Indigenous and non-Indigenous students while strengthening community impact and reconciliation efforts. Charlene also promotes inclusive learning through experiential courses, accessible teaching practices, and initiatives like her podcast exploring Indigenous knowledge.
Silver: Holldrid Odreman, Niagara College
Bronze: Ray Murphy, Holland College
Leadership Excellence Award for Managerial Staff
Gold: Spencer Wood, Humber Polytechnic
Over more than 20 years, Spencer Wood has led a large team and delivered over 50 sustainability projects, resulting in significant cost savings and reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. His innovative approach integrates strategy, operations, and sustainability, transforming Humber’s campus into a model for environmentally focused collaboration and learning.
Silver: Maxine Semple, Niagara College
Bronze: Mariano Arriaga, Mohawk College
Leadership Excellence Award for Non‑Managerial Staff
Gold: The SIM Lab Team, Humber Polytechnic
Within Humber’s Faculty of Social & Community Services, the SIM Lab team enhances student confidence and decision-making through immersive simulations, while earning praise from faculty for their creativity and adaptability. By expanding into technologies like virtual reality, tele-simulation, and gamification, they have significantly increased their reach and impact.
Silver: Abby Taylor, Mohawk College
Bronze: Ali Ryder, Niagara College
Program Excellence Award
Gold: Applied Research and Innovation, Durham College
Over the past five years, Durham College’s Applied Research and Innovation team has driven significant growth across five research centres, earning national recognition and fostering strong industry partnerships. Key initiatives like the AI Hub, Centre for Cybersecurity Innovation, and Mixed Reality Capture Studio showcase cutting-edge work in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and virtual production. Together, these efforts position the college as a national leader in innovation while supporting students, businesses, and communities.
Silver: Centre for Emerging Research Initiatives, Mohawk College
Bronze: Kwey Language Series, Algonquin College
Leadership Excellence Award for Students
Gold: Samara Ocansey, Humber Polytechnic
A fourth-year student in Humber Polytechnic’s Sustainable Building Engineering, Samara Ocansey has earned multiple scholarships for her achievements. Samara founded and leads the Women in Engineering Club, while also serving as a tutor, mentor, and ambassador, actively supporting and inspiring her peers. Her dedication, initiative, and impact make her a highly deserving recipient of this award.
Silver: Marielle Angelica (Mayie) Esteria, NorQuest College
Bronze: Onoriode Francis Osifo, Humber Polytechnic
CICan gratefully acknowledges TD Insurance as the exclusive sponsor of the CICan Awards of Excellence, whose longstanding support helps celebrate and elevate excellence across Canada’s college and institute sector.
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About the CICan Awards of Excellence
CICan’s Awards of Excellence recognize individuals and institutions that demonstrate exceptional leadership, collaboration, and impact within Canada’s largest postsecondary network. Recipients are selected by a national committee of leaders from CICan member institutions, reflecting the sector’s shared commitment to innovation, excellence, and community‑driven solutions.
The Awards celebrate excellence across the sector, contributing to our collective story of stronger communities and a strong Canada, empowered by strong colleges.
About Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan)
CICan is the national and international voice of Canada’s public colleges, institutes, CEGEPs, and polytechnics. We convene, mobilize, and champion the sector to strengthen communities, build Canada’s workforce, and drive inclusive economic growth. With more than 95% of Canadians living within 50 km of a member institution, CICan represents one of the most accessible, connected, and impactful postsecondary networks in the world.
We respectfully acknowledge that CICan’s offices in Ottawa are located on the traditional and unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabe Nation.
Media Contact:
Matthew Smith
Director, Communications
Colleges and Institutes Canada
Email: msmith@cican.org
Twitter: @CollegeCan