Georgian College

As Georgian's Aboriginal Special Events and Promotions Co-ordinator from 2007 until October 2012, Christina Ruddy used the traditional Aboriginal values of community, partnership and education that she learned in her studies to grow Georgian's Aboriginal- focused events, programs and student population. Georgian's annual Pow Wow was always her biggest task, and the project she is most proud of. Going into its eighth year, the event has grown to become one of Georgian Bay's best pow wows. Since Ruddy began to lead it in its third year, she always emphasized the student component. "It is an educational pow wow that the students take ownership of. For example, we have a youth drum play alongside the host drum as a way to pass on traditions and for students to learn what is expected of them culturally." The educational cycle is important to Ruddy who dedicated herself to giving students the same kind of opportunities and mentorship that Georgian faculty Terry Heittola gave her. She first met Heittola when, after dropping out of high school, she responded to an ad about the Futures program, which gave youth the chance to work and earn money while completing their high school diploma. Heittola, who is also a Georgian alumnus, was her assessment councillor and recommended a work placement at the Barrie Native Friendship Centre. "I've always felt that Terry is one of the biggest reasons I am here in my role in the Aboriginal community," says Ruddy. While working at the Friendship Centre, Ruddy met Brian Charles, a Georgian Recruitment Specialist who encouraged her to enrol in the Shki- Miikan (New Roads) program. She did and subsequently took the Native Community and Social Development program, graduating in 1998. Ruddy had been working in various roles in the Aboriginal community for 10 years, building her reputation as an event planner, when an opportunity presented itself at the college. When she interviewed with Maryann Fifield, Dean of Aboriginal Studies, Apprenticeship and Community and Government Programs, she couldn't ignore how much Georgian felt like home. Fifield had taught Ruddy a general education course, Heittola passed her in the hall en route to the interview and she knew she'd get to work with Charles. She took the job, hoping to make a positive impact on others during their college experiences. "Had others not shown me the path to a better life, including a post-secondary education, I would not have had all the wonderful experiences I've had being a student, alumni and employee of Georgian College," says Ruddy. Meet Georgian's 2012 distinguished alumni award winners Each year, Georgian College's Board of Governors recognizes an alumnus, or multiple alumni, who has made a significant contribution to his or her chosen field while continuing to be involved with the college. Christina Ruddy, Shki-Miikan '96 and Native Community and Social Development '98 with mentor and fellow alumnus Terry Heittola. "Had others not shown me the path to a better life, including a post-secondary education, I would not have had all the wonderful experiences I've had being a student, alumni and employee of Georgian College." 18 | GeorgianView 2012/13

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