Alumnus or Alumna of the Year Award

Established in 2002, the Alumnus or Alumna of the Year Award recognizes an Algonquin Alumni Association member who demonstrates proven leadership skills, exceptional achievements in business or industry, and outstanding contributions to the community with a history of support for Algonquin College.

Meet this year’s Alumnus of the Year: Jeff Turner

Over a hundred Algonquin College graduates gathered on the Woodroffe Campus for the Alumni Association’s Annual General Meeting and to celebrate a Horticulture and Landscape Design program graduate, Jeff Turner, who was named the Alumnus of the Year.

“I am truly honoured that I was selected for this award, especially since there are so many great alumni,” says Jeff Turner, Sr. Director Partnership Development and Sponsorship, United Way/Centraide Ottawa and Vice President Eastern Canada, Bruce Denniston Bone Marrow Society, and 2011 Algonquin College Alumnus of the Year. “Algonquin College has always been a big part of my life and professional career and I’m proud to say I’m still closely connected to it.”
After starting and running his own business as President of Turner Design Built, he went onto work on several Boards including the Board of Trustees at the Canadian Museum of Nature. Mr. Turner moved into fund raising as Vice President Eastern Canada for the Bruce Denniston Bone Marrow Society, then Sr. Director, Partnership Development and Sponsorship with United Way/Centraide Ottawa.

“Mr. Turner’s professional and personal excellence and community involvement makes him the perfect recipient for this award,” says Rena Bowen, President of the Algonquin College Alumni Association. “His hard work and dedication to Algonquin College and the Ottawa community have never gone unnoticed, and we were excited to present him with this award.”

Mr. Turner has been with United Way for over eight years. He has supported corporations with their Corporate Social Responsibility messaging and engagement at many levels. He has also been responsible for the sponsorship portfolio and relationship management with all key accounts. Turner remains a central figure in Ottawa’s philanthropic community. He has had many memberships including the Canadian Club, Association of Fundraising Professionals and Ottawa Chamber of Commerce.

The Alumnus or Alumna of the Year Award is presented annually to an Algonquin College Alumni Association member for his or her outstanding contributions to Algonquin College and society.

Past award winners:
• Stephen Beckta (2010)
• no award in (2009)
• Steve Barkhouse (2008)
• Rena Bowen (2007)
• Peter O’Leary (2006)
• Michelle Valberg (2005)
• Orazio LaManna (2004)
• Stuntman Stu (2003)
• Larry O’Brien (2002)