Georgian College to celebrate graduates and recognize exceptional leaders at Spring Convocation
June 19, 2026
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.
“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.
Kimberley Greenwood, Chair, Georgian College Board of Governors.
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.
Kevin Weaver, Georgian College President and CEO
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.
Fred Hacker
Board of Governors’ Honorary Bachelor of Business Administration
Fred Hacker will receive the Board of Governors’ Honorary Bachelor of Business Administration in recognition of a lifetime of leadership, service and community-building across Simcoe County and beyond.
A respected community leader, philanthropist and cultural advocate, Fred has spent more than 50 years supporting causes connected to education, social equity, the arts and global citizenship. His work has helped strengthen communities locally and internationally, reflecting a deep belief in the power of education, culture and service to improve lives.
Fred is perhaps best known in the Midland area for his leadership as Founding Chair of the Midland Cultural Centre, helping create a space where arts, learning and community connection could thrive. His contributions also extend through his involvement with the Rotary Club of Midland, The Weber Foundation, Life4Kids Canada and Kids4Life Kenya.
Throughout his career and volunteer work, Fred has demonstrated a lasting commitment to opening doors for others. His connection to Georgian is also personal, rooted in the college’s role in bringing postsecondary education to the Midland community through the Robbert Hartog Midland Campus, and in the experience of his own family as part of Georgian’s alumni community.
His recognition reflects a lifetime of service, generosity and belief in the value of learning as a force for personal and community transformation.
Lisette (Lee) McDonald
Board of Governors’ Honorary Honours Bachelor of Science – Nursing
Lee’s career reflects the powerful connection between clinical experience, compassion and creative problem-solving. Her work has helped advance patient care while creating opportunities for employees, health-care providers and communities.
Beyond her business leadership, Lee is also recognized as a philanthropist and community builder whose impact reaches far beyond the walls of her company. Her success is grounded in a belief that there is always a better way to serve others, a value closely aligned with Georgian’s commitment to hands-on learning, innovation and preparing graduates to make a meaningful difference in their fields.
Her recognition at convocation is especially fitting as Georgian celebrates future nurses, health-care professionals and changemakers preparing to step into careers where compassion, skill and leadership matter every day.
Stephen (Steve) Loftus
18th Fellow of Georgian College, awarded posthumously
Stephen (Steve) Loftus will be posthumously recognized as the 18th Fellow of Georgian College, the college’s highest honour.
A respected business leader, innovator, mentor and community builder, Steve made a lasting impact through his leadership in industry, his commitment to students and his deep belief in the value of experiential learning. As founding partner of Innovative Automation Inc. and The Innovative Group of Companies, he helped build an organization known for innovation, excellence and strong connections between education and industry.
Steve’s relationship with Georgian was rooted in service, partnership and a shared commitment to student success. He joined Georgian’s Board of Governors in 2021 and was serving as Vice Chair at the time of his passing. In that role, he brought thoughtful leadership, integrity and a genuine desire to strengthen the college and create opportunities for students.
His impact was also felt through his support for work-integrated learning and career readiness. Steve understood that when students are given meaningful opportunities to connect classroom learning with real industry experience, they gain the confidence, skills and perspective needed to thrive.
Being named a Fellow of Georgian recognizes the depth of Steve’s contributions and the enduring legacy he leaves behind. His leadership, generosity and commitment to innovation continue to reflect the values Georgian seeks to inspire in its graduates: service, humility, purpose and a lasting commitment to community.