Featured
alumni speaker
#ProudGeorgianGrad
CONVOCATION 2025 | GeorgianCollege.ca 41
Featured alumni speaker (3 p.m.)
Kent Smith
|
Culinary Arts (class of 1987) and Resort Operations and Administration (class of 1988), dedicated chef and hospitality
professional with a passion for food, service and community.
He first studied Culinary Arts and then attended Georgian for Resort Operations and
Administration.
Over the years, he competed in national and international culinary competitions, refining
his craft as a journeyman chef in some of Ontario's top dining rooms.
In 1990, Kent purchased a small dining room, Michael and Marion's, which recently
celebrated its 35th anniversary as one of Barrie's most acclaimed dining establishments.
In 1994, he expanded the business by opening the Side Door Bar, further establishing his
reputation for excellence.
Kent later returned to Georgian as a culinary and hospitality instructor, sharing his knowledge.
A proud member of the Barrie business community, he's also committed to local development
and recently supported future leaders in his sector by establishing the Kent and Krista Smith
Alumni Fund endowment to provide annual awards for students in the Hotel and Resort
Operations Management or Culinary Management programs studying at the Barrie Campus
at Georgian College.
Above all, he's a proud Georgian alumnus, devoted husband, and father who values family,
integrity and hard work.
