Annual Donor Impact Report 2024

DONOR
IMPACT
REPORT
Celebrating the impact of your generosity
Annual Report for 2023/2024
This report highlights the impact of donors at Centennial College,
showcasing their roles in funding priorities, removing financial
barriers for students and fostering a culture of philanthropy.

A message from
Dr. Craig Stephenson
Dr. Craig Stephenson
President and CEO
Centennial College
A message from
Sandra Harris
Sandra Harris,
Executive Director
Office of Development
Centennial College
Centennial’s vision of transforming
lives and communities through
learning is brought to life every day
of the week via: the work of faculty
and staff; our partnerships with
employers and; with yourselves,
our donors.
Thanks to your contributions to
the Giving Tuesday Campaign,
the Student Emergency Fund
has ensured 600 students have
remained to pursue their academic
goals, where they may have
otherwise dropped out. And as
a result of your sterling efforts…
drum roll please… our endowment
As we reflect on the 2023-2024
academic year, I am filled with
deep appreciation for the incredible
support we have received from the
Centennial College community.
Thanks to the enduring generosity of
community members, foundations,
and corporate partners, our donorfunded
scholarship and award
program continues to grow, making a
meaningful difference in the lives of
our students.
This year, we are especially proud
to continue supporting skilled
trades students and those pursuing
sustainability-focused programs—
efforts that are shaping the future of
our industries, communities, and our
world.
has reached $51.2 million. A
remarkable leap from $400,000
just two decades ago! Your support
has enabled us to award over $1.5
million in donor-funded scholarships
and awards, supporting more than
1,400 students; the largest total to
date!
This enduring legacy will continue
to enable student success, fund
special projects, and address urgent
needs for generations to come.
Thank you... thank you for investing
in this gem of an institution and for
getting firmly behind our students
and their future.
Thanks to your unwavering support,
we have also been able to fund key
organizational priorities and provide
student emergency support during
times of crisis.
On behalf of the entire Centennial
College community, I extend my
heartfelt thanks. Your generosity
empowers students to achieve
their dreams and make lasting
contributions to society. Your
support, no matter the size, is
transforming lives, and we are deeply
grateful for everything you do.
Warm regards,
Sandra
Student Awards Night
Student Awards Night is a yearly celebration that honours students for their academic and personal
accomplishments, while also acknowledging the generous support of Centennial’s donors. This special event
provides students with the chance to connect with and express their gratitude to the donors who have contributed
to their educational success
Thank you for
your generosity
and unwavering
support of our
students!
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Celebrating your impact
DONOR BREAKDOWN
Pride Bursary
$60,245
Giving Tuesday for Student
Emergency Fund $60,452
SUPPORTING YOUR COMMUNITY
*Funds raised in 23-24 academic year
Centennial Associations
Individuals
Corporations
and Organizations
Foundations
Scholarships $37,850
Ka-naadmaadmi Bursary
$52,940
BUILDING A STRONGER FOUNDATION
$50,000,000
$45,000,000
Thank you to those who invested their donations
into endowment funds. These funds build a strong
foundation for generations of students.
March 2025 forecast
$52,658,094
$40,000,000
Centennial College Endowment 2004-2025
$1.5 million
$35,000,000
$30,000,000
$25,000,000
in donor funded student awards in
the 2023-2024 academic year
$20,000,000
$15,000,000
$10,000,000
$5,000,000
$0.00
2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024

Centennial receives Canada’s Greenest
Employers award for the first time!
Centennial College has been recognized
as one of Canada’s Greenest Employers
for the first time, and we are so proud!
The award is presented by Mediacorp
Canada Inc., organizer of Canada’s Top
100 Employers.
The award comes as no surprise, since
Centennial has been ramping up its
sustainability programs and initiatives
related to conservation, waste reduction,
transportation, sustainable food, energy
and water, green buildings and green
innovations over the past few years. Centennial’s
commitment to increasing sustainability efforts has
been unwavering. The goals have been realistic,
actionable and attainable. And the results have been
remarkable.
Since 2020, the College has invested in expanding
our network of pollinator gardens and native species
planting, along with our very own apiary, recognizing
that we can contribute towards strengthening urban
wildlife and habitats. In 2023 alone, Centennial planted
more than 1,000 native species of trees, shrubs and
perennials in a restoration project made possible with
the help of staff and student volunteers.
Our commitment towards environmental stewardship
has continued to shape the way we operate our
learning facilities, and get employees and students
involved every step of the way. Over the last few years,
several innovative waste diversion programs have been
introduced to tackle the amount of material being sent
to landfill. Through the collection and recycling of PPE,
coffee cups, batteries, e-waste recycling and organics
for composting, we are making gains to work towards a
landfill-free campus!
This commitment has also extended towards our
campus buildings, where we continue to grow with
the least negative environmental impact. Recently,
our A-Building expansion at Progress Campus was
awarded the Ontario Association of Architects 2024
Design Excellence Award. Not only is it aesthetically
magnificent in its stature, but the A-Building is
Canada’s first zero carbon, WELL-certified, LEED Gold,
mass timber higher education facility, emphasizing
sustainability, as well as Indigenous ways of knowing
and being and paying tribute to the landscape,
historical treaties Nations and of the geographic area
surrounding Centennial College.
As we look toward the future, we acknowledge the role
we play as leaders in addressing the climate crisis.
Centennial is currently in the midst of creating its
Decarbonization Strategy and Implementation Plan,
setting our roadmap to significantly reduce greenhouse
gas emissions across our campuses. In addition, as
members of the Association for the Advancement of
Sustainability in Higher Education, we are working
on submitting the Sustainability, Tracking and Rating
System (STARS) to provide a deeper understanding
of how we are integrating sustainability across our
organization.
Empowering the success
of Canada’s future bakers
The 2023-2024 academic year ushered in a special
milestone for Centennial’s Baking and Pastry Arts
Management program: the ten-year anniversary of
a major scholarship endowment established by the
Ontario Chapter of the Baking Association of Canada
(BAC) in 2013.
A decade ago, the Ontario Chapter of BAC created
two one-time scholarships for students learning the
skills they would need to become the baking leaders
of tomorrow. Within just a few months, after learning
about the profound impact of these scholarships
on the lives of the inaugural recipients, the Ontario
Chapter took its support even further by creating a
permanent endowment fund for both awards. While the
national office administers the fund, it was the hard
work and fundraising efforts of the Ontario Chapter
that made this contribution possible.
Martin Barnett, Executive Director of the BAC, says that
these endowments, which will provide critical financial
support to students for generations to come, are an
investment in the future of one of the world’s oldest
professions.
“Baking is one of the foundations of civilization,
and the future of Canadian baking lies with every
new generation of students,” he says.
Over the past ten years, the BAC
has witnessed countless success
stories among the recipients of its two
endowed scholarships.
“We have seen students join great
baking teams, open their own
bakeries and even travel the world
as they find international work in
fine baking,” says Barnett. “Seeing
‘the future’ become ‘the present’ of
young bakers highlights the incredible
impact of philanthropy.”
Beyond the scholarships’ role in strengthening the baking
profession, the BAC’s generosity is also making a crucial
day-to-day difference for students experiencing financial
barriers to education.
“
Our scholarships allow
students to spend more
time studying and less
time worrying about their
finances,” says Barnett.
“When students are
encouraged and supported,
they are inspired to not
only develop their skills, but
”
to bring their passion and
commitment to the field.
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At Centennial College, we believe in the transformative power of education.
Thanks to the unwavering support of our generous donors, students like
Nigara Shaheen can not only pursue their academic ambitions but also
take bold steps toward realizing their dreams—on the global stage.
Nigara, a recent graduate of Centennial’s
International Development post-graduate
program, exemplifies the extraordinary
potential that can be unlocked through both
education and opportunity. In June 2024,
Nigara earned her diploma and, just a
month later, competed in the Paris Summer
Olympics as a member of the Refugee
Olympic Team.
Nigara’s story is a powerful example of
what is possible when students are given
the chance to pursue their dreams. Thanks
to the continued support of our donors,
Centennial College will remain a place
where students can turn their ambitions into
reality—whether in the classroom, on the
Olympic stage, or in their communities.
Born in Afghanistan, Nigara’s early life
was shaped by the challenges of being
a refugee. She and her family moved to
Peshawar, Pakistan, where she turned to
judo as a means of self-defense against
the harassment she and other children
experienced in their refugee community.
What started as a way to protect herself
soon became a passion that would carry
her beyond borders, ultimately leading her
to become a member of the International
Olympic Committee’s Refugee Olympic
Team.
BREAKING BARRIERS
Nigara Shaheen’s journey from
Centennial College to the Paris Olympics
Nigara’s journey to the Olympics
is a testament to her resilience,
dedication, and the support
systems that helped shape
her path. While she’s been
training and studying in
Toronto for the past year and
a half, Nigara has been part of
the IOC’s Refugee Team for years,
participating in events such as the
Düsseldorf Grand Slam in 2020 and
the Kazan Grand Slam in 2021. Her
selection to compete at the Tokyo 2020
Games was a significant milestone, and this
year, her participation in the Paris 2024
Olympics proved that her journey is only just
beginning.
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Empowering futures: Scarborough Rotary’s
Exceptional generosity fuels student success
Cheque presentation to Centennial College for the Scarborough Rotary Scholarship Endowment Fund of
$100,000 Mary Tomassini (President RCoSCF), Dr. Craig Stephenson (President Centennial College), Michael
Cooksey (Rotarian and Board of Governors – Centennial), Sandra Harris (Office of Development – Centennial),
John Barrett (President – RcoS) August 27, 2024
We are thrilled to recognize the Scarborough Rotary for their exceptional generosity towards Centennial’s
students. Through their generous pledge of $100,000 to the Rotary Club of Scarborough Scholarship
Endowment fund, they have not only shown their commitment to education but have also demonstrated
remarkable dedication by fulfilling their pledge two years ahead of schedule. This early fulfillment ensures
that their endowment will have an immediate impact, enabling more students to pursue their educational
aspirations at Centennial College without delay.
The Rotary Club of Scarborough Charitable Foundation Entrance Scholarship, established through their
support, provides invaluable opportunities for recent Scarborough high school graduates embarking on
their first post-secondary journey. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Scarborough Rotary for their
ongoing support and dedication to empowering students through education.
Investing in student
success for generations to come
As a longstanding education
partner of Centennial College,
CIFFA — Canada’s trade and
logistics education experts — has
provided curriculum support for
key business courses in logistics
and freight forwarding at the
College for many years.
That’s why, when the COVID-19
pandemic began seriously
impacting the lives of Centennial
students in 2020, the industry
association didn’t hesitate to take
action. Recognizing the urgent
need to provide financial support
to struggling students, it quickly
established the CIFFA Scholarships
— annual scholarships for business
students learning about supply
chain management.
And in 2023, CIFFA took its
commitment to Centennial
students even further by
establishing a major new
scholarship endowment fund
through CIFFA Cares — a gift
that will uplift the potential of
generations of future business
leaders.
“We hope this support will provide
students with peace of mind so
they can focus on their learning
and eventually build successful
careers as supply chain experts,”
says Julia Kuzeljevich, CIFFA’s
Director of Policy and Regulatory
Affairs and President of CIFFA
Cares.
Kuzeljevich also says that CIFFA
Cares’ scholarship endowment
is a meaningful way to help
make a difference during a
time of uncertainty. “As we deal
with international trade issues,
ongoing geopolitical strife
and environmental concerns,
philanthropy is a chance to offer
help and make the world a better
place.”
The CIFFA Endowment
Scholarships are awarded
annually in perpetuity to students
demonstrating strong academic
achievement in business courses
that contribute significantly to
Canada’s productivity.
Kuzeljevich hopes the
organization’s support will inspire
students and community members
alike to consider creating or
contributing to a scholarship in
the future.
“
Julia Kuzeljevich,
Director of Policy and
Regulatory Affairs and President
of CIFFA Cares
Donating a scholarship is
investing in a student’s
education and future,
which is always a win-win.”
she says. “It is thrilling
to see someone succeed
who may not have had the
chance because of a
lack of funding.
”
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Swinging for success
Golf Tournament supports
student achievement
The power of philanthropy
to build a more hopeful future
Centennial’s annual golf
tournament held on September
26 at Eagles Nest Golf Club was
an unprecedented success, having
raised $402,651 for the Golf
Endowment Fund for scholarships.
We extend a special and heartfelt
THANK YOU to each and every
one of our sponsors for raising
an amazing $265,000. Your
unwavering support has been the
cornerstone of this success story.
Among them, we want to express
our deepest gratitude to Lead
Sponsor KPMG, Platinum Sponsor
Deloitte, and Platinum Sponsor
belairdirect. Your generous
contributions have not only made a
financial impact but also a profound
difference in the lives and futures
of our students.
The net proceeds from the
tournament are matched by the
college each year and the funds go
directly to the Centennial College
Golf Endowment Fund, which
underwrites student scholarships.
The tournament has raised over
$4 million dollars since 2006!
The Centennial College Golf Merit
Scholarships are awarded to
both international and domestic
students. Thanks to your generosity,
$100,000 in scholarships is
expected to be awarded to students
in the 2024–2025 academic year.
$4
MILLION
raised for the Centennial
Golf Endowment Fund for
scholarships since 2006
Centennial Black Authors Speaker Series Event
Philip Alalibo, Centennial’s very own author and Interim Chair in the School
of English and Liberal Studies, captivated the audience during his in-person
presentation as part of the Black Authors Speaker Series on Friday, February
23, at the Story Arts Centre’s Library and Learning Centre. His talk, which
was organized by the Office of Development in partnership with the Library
and Learning Centre and supported by the Centennial College Student
Association Inc. (CCSAI), offered an enriching experience that engaged
attendees with remarkable literature and thought-provoking discussion.
Thanks to the generosity of the CCSAI, students who attended the event
received a free copy of Philip’s insightful book, How to Make Black People
Happy in February and All Year Round. Philip’s books are available on the
Centennial Writes website and can also be borrowed from the Centennial
Library.
For Melanie Richardson, Coordinator of Cooperative
Education with Centennial’s Department of Career
Services & Cooperate Education, donating to her
employer is so much more than a way to show support
for the institution she’s worked at for 17 years.
Through her regular donations to the PRIDE Bursaries,
which help reduce barriers to a Centennial education
for 2SLGBTQQIA+ students, Richardson is passing on
the gift of education that was given to her own family
and building a more equitable future for Canada’s
emerging leaders.
“My parents were both born into poverty and relied
on scholarships to pursue an education, which
transformed their futures and made it possible for
me and my family to build an amazing life,” she says.
“They never forgot all the help they received along the
way and instilled in me very early that being part of a
community means supporting others.”
Richardson, who engages with countless students
every year in her role, says she’s constantly inspired
by their talents and drive to succeed.
“Centennial students are bright and capable, well
prepared and highly skilled. But not all of them can
afford post-secondary education on their own,” she
says. “Many are the first in their family to access
post-secondary education; others are single parents
or from equity-deserving groups. I’m so fortunate to be
able to donate and see the difference it makes in so
many students’ lives.”
A passionate advocate of the power of philanthropy,
Richardson wants her Centennial colleagues to know
that making a difference doesn’t have to cost a lot.
“Give what you can, if you can,” she says.
“Philanthropy can be a series of small acts and
actions like volunteering, mentoring, sharing
knowledge or even giving up a couple of coffees a
month to contribute to scholarships through payroll
deductions.”
Ultimately, Richardson views her regular payroll
donations as a way to express her values and help
make the world a better place.
“
I am not giving millions,
but I am planting seeds
and watering my garden,
leading with kindness
and empathy to create
access and equity. It
gives me so much
”
hope for the future.
If you would like to join Melanie
Richardson and set up regular
payroll donations in support of
Centennial students, please
contact Fiona Ghosh Bedlington
in the Office of Development at
fbedlington@centennialcollege.ca
or 647-278-1004.
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Give the gift of the future
Stay connected. Contact us.
You can have a powerful impact on the lives
and careers of the next generation by supporting
future Centennial College students with a gift in
your Will.
When you make a gift in your Will, you
can choose to establish or contribute to a
scholarship or bursary or support a specific
project — ensuring your legacy will truly reflect
your passions and the impact you hope to create
in the world.
Sandra Harris
Executive Director
sharris@centennialcollege.ca
Linda Barlow
Director of Development,
Major Gifts and Campaigns
lbarlow@centennialcollege.ca
Fiona Ghosh Bedlington
Manager, Annual and Legacy Giving
fbedlington@centennialcollege.ca
There are many different options available for
creating a gift in your Will to Centennial College.
Here are some of the most common ways to
make a gift in your Will:
• Create a bequest, which can be a dollar
amount, a specific asset, a percentage of your
estate or the residual amount of your estate.
• Name Centennial College as a beneficiary
of an existing or new life insurance policy.
Payal Arora
Fund Development Specialist
parora@centennialcollege.ca
Marie Chen
Finance and Administration Officer
mchen@centennialcollege.ca
Leigh Cudia
Senior Development Officer, Major Gifts
lcudia@centennialcollege.ca
• Name Centennial College as a beneficiary
of your RRSP, RRIF or TFSA.
• Donate stocks, mutual funds or traded
securities.
We invite you to get in touch today to learn
about the different ways you can support
Centennial College and future generations
of students in your Will.
Contact Fiona Ghosh Bedlington at
fbedlington@centennialcollege.ca
Sarah Giordano
Fundraising and Development
Events Officer
sgiordano@centennialcollege.ca
Renae Mohammed
Donor Relations and
Stewardship Officer
rmohammed@centennialcollege.ca
Victoria Scullion
Senior Development Officer,
Major Gifts
vscullion@centennialcollege.ca
or 647-278-1004
Naga Surapaneni
Research Officer
nsurapaneni@centennialcollege.ca
Amany Tadros
Senior Development Officer, Sponsorship and Events
atadros@centennialcollege.ca
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From all of us here at Centennial College, thank you so much for your incredible support!
We could not be more grateful for your generous contributions to help Centennial students
realize their greatest potential.
If you would like to learn more about your impact at Centennial or discuss your giving,
please contact us at:
Sandra Harris
Executive Director
sharris@centennialcollege.ca
Linda Barlow
Director of Development,
Major Gifts and Campaigns
lbarlow@centennialcollege.ca
centennialcollege.ca
RITM0016094