The former president of Northern College is one of four recipients of the Minister’s Lifetime Achievement Award from the provincial government.
On Monday, Nov. 29, Jill Dunlop, Minister of Colleges and Universities, presented the award to Fred Gibbons, the former president and CEO of Northern College. The award is presented to individuals who have made lasting and meaningful differences to the college system.
Gibbons has worked in the Ontario community college system for 25 years. As president and CEO of Northern, he oversaw extensive expansion in college facilities, programs and partnerships to provide opportunities to students while pursuing initiatives that would strengthen enrolment and ensure sustainability
His work included the creation of a 35,000-square-foot Trades and Technology facility, a 40,000-square-foot Integrated Emergency Services Complex and a veterinary sciences building and residence complex.
Gibbons also supported the development of a clinic that delivers care to 1,500 community residents in Timmins’ East End.
He also led the creation of several joint-venture partnerships with colleges and universities in China and worked closely with post-secondary institutions in Ontario to create partnership pathways for graduates, including with Queen’s University and
“I would like to extend my deepest congratulations to these leaders who have shown commitment and promoted excellence to advance Ontario’s world-class college system,” Dunlop said. “When individuals act as ambassadors in this way, they not only support students, colleges and local communities, but the economic strength of the entire province.”
