2024-2025 Donor Impact Report

DONOR
IMPACT
REPORT
Celebrating the impact of your generosity
Annual Report for 2024/2025
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
This college matters.
It matters to the thousands
of students whose lives are
transformed by this gem of an
institution; to my colleagues who
pour their hearts and souls into
nurturing and empowering them;
and to our industry and community
partners who bring learning to life
and open doors to opportunity.
And, without question, it matters
to donors like you – who invest in
our students’ success and send an
enduring message: you matter.
Through your contributions to
our Giving Tuesday Campaign,
our Student Emergency Fund has
supported a number of students
in pursuing their learning goals,
while our endowment has now
reached $52.6 million, enabling us
to award over $2.2 million in donorfunded
scholarships and awards
– benefitting more than 1,600
students to date!
Thank you – especially during this
challenging time for colleges – for
investing in the most important
people in our world, our students,
and for believing in them and for
always putting them first.
A message from
Linda Barlow
Linda Barlow
Director of Development and
Alumni Engagement
Centennial College
Looking back on the 2024–2025
academic year, I’m inspired by
the remarkable generosity and
dedication of our donors, alumni and
partners. Your belief in Centennial
students continues to create
opportunities that change lives.
Because of your support, more
students have been able to access
scholarships and bursaries, receive
emergency assistance during
challenging times, and benefit from
programs that foster innovation,
equity, and sustainability. These
investments not only help our
students succeed today — they
strengthen our communities and
industries for the future. As we look
to the future and integrate alumni
operations into the College, we look
forward to deepening relationships
and creating new opportunities for
engagement.
Thank you for being an essential part
of Centennial’s story. Your kindness,
commitment, and trust make all
the difference, and we are deeply
grateful for the impact you help
create every day.
2 | Donor Impact Report 24/25

Student Awards Night
Student Awards Night is an annual celebration that recognizes the outstanding achievements of Centennial students
and the generosity of the donors who help to make their success possible. The event brings together students and
supporters for an evening of connection and gratitude, offering students the opportunity to personally thank those
whose contributions have helped shape their educational journey.
Thank you for
your generosity
and unwavering
support of our
students!
Donor Impact Report 24/25 | 3

$2.2 million
in donor funded student awards in
the 2024-2025 academic year

Celebrating your impact
DONOR BREAKDOWN
Pride Bursary
$75,028.27
Giving Tuesday for Student
Emergency Fund $39,407.14
SUPPORTING YOUR COMMUNITY
*Funds raised in 24-25 academic year
Centennial Associations
Individuals
Corporations
and Organizations
Foundations
Scholarships
$16,514.00
Ka-naadmaadmi Bursary
$28,244.62
$55,000,000
$50,000,000
$45,000,000
$40,000,000
BUILDING A STRONGER FOUNDATION
Thank you to those who invested their donations
into endowment funds. These funds build a strong
foundation for generations of students.
Centennial College Endowment 2004-2026
March 2026 forecast
$54,248,733.19
$35,000,000
$30,000,000
$25,000,000
$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 2025

Centennial College named one of
Canada’s Top Research Colleges,
#1 in paid student research
Centennial College consistently ranks
as one of the Top 50 Research Colleges
in Canada, and this year, we’ve once
again been recognized by Research
Infosource. Notably, Centennial ranks
number one for providing paid student
internships in applied research, and 20th
overall for research revenue. When it
comes to those paid student internships
in applied research, we engaged
599 student researchers through our
Applied Research, Innovation and
Entrepreneurship department, Centennial
Innovates. This team leads all of the College’s applied
research activity, and is responsible for putting us in
that number one spot for four years running.
“These results are an accomplishment of a stellar
performance by a very capable team,” says Jonathan
Hack, Dean of Centennial Innovates. “I couldn’t be
more proud of all our innovation leaders, who go above
and beyond in everything they do. Over the past couple
of years, we’ve grown our research activity significantly
to include data analytics, sustainable energy systems,
low-carbon transportation and smart mobility, while
continuing to expand our established strengths in
digital healthcare technologies, social innovation
research, aerospace and advanced manufacturing.”
At Centennial Innovates, student researchers develop
valuable technical and professional skills by working
alongside industry partners to solve real-life business
challenges. And because the internships are paid,
students can focus on building their skills and expertise
without a financial burden as a barrier. Students
complete their internships with an innovation mindset,
and gain a competitive edge when it comes to the job
market. In fact, student researchers from Centennial
Innovates have an extremely high success rate when
it comes to getting hired, and their largest applied
research centre, the Wearable, Interactive and Mobile
Technology Access Centre in Health (WIMTACH), even
boasts a 100 per cent graduate employment rate.
“Students lie at the heart of every single applied
research project,” Hack adds. “One of our main goals
within our research activity is to train students and
give them the opportunity to work directly with industry
partners to develop the skills, innovation mindset,
and networks to succeed in their careers once they
graduate. Student engagement and empowerment is
one of our top priorities, and we are extremely proud to
provide more paid internships to our students than any
other college in Canada.”
This reflects the college’s commitment to giving
students experiential learning, to set them up for future
career success, as is the fact that research projects are
conducted with an eye towards sustainability.
“We map our entire innovation portfolio to the United
Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),”
Hack explains, “A mindset of sustainable innovation
is intentionally fostered within our applied research
and entrepreneurship activity. We believe that having
a perspective of sustainability is absolutely critical for
future career success.”
Centennial College is looking forward to continuing
to deliver high-quality and sustainable innovation to
industry and community partners in the coming years.
6 | Donor Impact Report 24/25

A Token of Light Award:
Brightening Futures
Centennial staff payroll donors Michelle Solomon and
Vibert Alladin are helping students balance education
and family through their thoughtful generosity.
As dedicated members of the Centennial College
community, they have found a deeply personal way to
extend their care for students beyond their daily work.
Through their generous payroll contributions, they
created the A Token of Light Award, a scholarship that
supports four students each year who are sole-support
parents enrolled full-time in any two-to-four-year
program. Since 2023, their giving has helped ensure
that financial hardship does not stand in the way of a
student’s education or their family’s future.
“In each of our roles at Centennial, we have the
opportunity to connect with students at pivotal
moments in their journeys,” Michelle and Vibert share.
“We see firsthand the determination they have and
what it takes to set goals and strive for a better future.
Supporting this award felt like a natural extension
of the care we offer daily. We wanted to give back to
the community we believe in, especially to students
who may face financial challenges that threaten their
academic persistence.”
Their hope is that A Token of Light Award provides
both practical support and encouragement. “It’s
designed specifically for students who hold the identity
as parent, whose challenges often affect not only
their academic paths but also their families,” they
explain. “We want them to feel seen, supported, and
encouraged to keep moving forward, knowing someone
believes in their potential.”
For Michelle and Vibert, philanthropy is a value
deeply rooted in family and community. “Philanthropy
means showing community they are seen, cared for
and valued. Our families have instilled in us from a
young age to offer what you can, and we are raising
our daughter with the belief that if you can help,
you do. This award is one way we are honouring our
generational teachings and living out that value.”
to education, we’re not just supporting individuals, we
believe we are helping shape the future of families and
communities. It’s an investment that keeps giving.”
When they meet students supported through their
award, the experience reinforces why they give.
“Knowing we’re part of someone’s journey is both an
honour and a joy,” they reflect. “It’s an incredible feeling
when we meet students we’ve supported, through a
graduation hug, a return visit to campus, or a heartfelt
email update. These moments reaffirm the impact of
giving the way we do.”
Their message to
students is filled
with empathy and
hope. “You are
worthy of success,
even during difficult
times. This award
is a reminder that
there’s light ahead
and that your goals
are possible. Keep
pushing forward.
Your perseverance
is seen, and you
deserve to be
celebrated for all
you achieve.”
And for others considering giving back, their
encouragement is simple but powerful. “If you can, do
it. If you’ve ever thought about giving back, start with
a conversation. You don’t have to give a lot to make
a difference. What matters most is your intention
and your belief in the students. The return on that
investment is immeasurable.”
A Token of Light Award truly lives up to its name,
brightening the path for student parents and inspiring
others to share their own light through giving.
They also believe strongly in the power of education to
change lives. “Education is such a powerful tool, but
not everyone has equal access to it. By giving back
Donor Impact Report 24/25 | 7

Centennial College Police Foundations
Graduate Finds Her Calling in the Navy:
SKYE PINTO’S
JOURNEY
8 | Donor Impact Report 24/25

At Centennial College, our Police Foundations
Program is more than a pathway to policing. The
program gives students practical skills, confidence,
and strong connections to succeed in policing,
law enforcement, or even the Canadian Armed
Forces. One standout graduate is Skye Pinto, a
record-setting athlete, proud Centennial grad, and
now a member of the Canadian Navy. Her journey
shows how a Centennial College education in Police
Foundations can lead to many different careers.
Skye’s interest in a military career began long before
college. “I was in the cadet program for quite a
while, and the experiences that I had during that
time really influenced me to go the military route,”
she says. After high school, though, she first went
straight into university to study psychology.
“While I loved learning about psychology, the
delivery method of it was just not for me,” she says.
“University was just not the fit for me.” At that point,
she applied for a full-time career in the Navy. She
made it through most of the application process, but
her vision became a barrier.
“When it came to my medical, specifically my vision,
it was not good, and they said I could not join until I
got laser eye surgery,” she explains. “I was told that
I had to wait a few years to even get the surgery.
At that point, I needed to really look at what it was
that I wanted to do with my life. I thought about my
career goals, and policing really aligned with that.”
That’s when Skye discovered the Centennial College
Police Foundations Program. What sealed the deal
was attending one of our college open houses,
seeing the campus, and meeting her teachers in
person. “I started to look at college programs, a
lot of which had the opportunity to do policing,”
Skye explains. “I came to Centennial’s open house,
and when I got to the Police Foundations booth, I
got to meet a few of the professors. Each of them
exuded a great amount of excitement and passion
for what they were teaching. I really appreciate that
in teachers and professors, because it makes it
so much better to learn from individuals who love
what they’re teaching.” What also stood out was the
program’s professionalism.
“Centennial being unique for wearing the uniform
was also really cool,” she says. “I grew up being
in a uniform, and found many benefits from it. For
example, uniforms build discipline, allow for routine,
and establish a team or a group, because everyone
is dressed the same. Centennial making uniforms
a part of the policing program allows for personal
growth, therefore making the program captivating.”
The Centennial College Police Foundations
Program quickly proved to be the right fit, because
of its hands-on training. “Almost every subject
gave practical experience, with the intention
of it helping us in our future careers in law
enforcement,” Skye says, naming a few courses
in particular. “One subject that was interesting
was Internet Investigations, as we learned how
to use investigative tools with the assistance of
technology. Another was Interviewing, building
those communication skills, those active looking
and listening skills when talking to other people,
that was useful. Crime scene investigation, when
we had to have that attention to detail, that’s
really important, especially in the policing realm.”
For Skye, though, the most important lesson was
learning balance.
“Finding that balance between yourself as an
individual and yourself as a team member,” she
explains. “Because in most law enforcement fields
you represent that organization through yourself,
your uniform, your communication skills, and your
ability to articulate information and follow through
with the tasks that you’re given. So, you have to
put an effort within yourself on a constant basis.
Vice versa, you are most likely going to be working
with at least one other person, maybe even a team
when you’re in that organization. So, you’re going
to be working with people of different backgrounds,
opinions, skill sets, et cetera. Many classes
throughout the program provided opportunities
to work in pairs and groups, therefore helping us
students get used to working with others on a
constant basis. Overall, this was one of the most
invaluable lessons and experiences I gathered
during the program.”
Centennial College’s Police Foundations Program
also connected Skye to real-world law enforcement
opportunities outside of class, though she
emphasizes that students need to seek them
out. “If you just want to just attend class, you can
just attend class,” Skye explains. “But if you, for
example, build rapport with the professors, they may
ask you to participate in extracurriculars, outside of
the classroom,” Through those opportunities, Skye
Donor Impact Report 24/25 | 9

ran in the Peace Officers Memorial Run with Toronto
police officers from 51 Division. She also participated
in Project Hope, a toy drive led by 51 Division to help
families new to Canada. She says those connections
were invaluable.
“Making connections with individuals from other police
services and other law enforcement related services
is really beneficial,” she says. “Especially if there’s
a specific service you want to get into. Throughout
the program, we are given many opportunities to
connect, communicate, and learn from a variety of
law enforcement organizations. Opportunities such
as attending Centennial’s job fairs, the Police Games,
and being active on the Police Foundations Program’s
online classroom where professors announce active
job postings and other career opportunities, these
are chances to help an individual build their portfolio
when it comes to their future career. We do get more
opportunities during our last semester to have a variety
of services come out and present their content, all
of which has been invaluable, as every service has
something unique to offer. Building rapport with those
services and their recruiters assists with the trajectory of
one’s initial steps in their application process. All thanks
to Centennial.”
Speaking of going outside the classroom, fitness was an
important part of Skye’s Centennial College experience,
as she was a part of the cross-country team. Her fitness
professor, Jesse Cook, encouraged her to compete
in the Peel Athletic Games, which tested endurance
through push-ups, sit-and-reach, the beep test, and core
strength.
“He asked me to compete and represent Centennial,
so I said yes,” Skye says. “We went to one of Peel
Regional Police’s training facilities in Brampton, and
we participated in the challenge alongside seven other
colleges that have Police Foundations Programs as well.
It was very high energy there, amongst all the other
college students, and there were Peel police members
there as well, cheering us on. Our Centennial team did
really well. Many of our team members scored perfect,
together we did really well, and we ended up winning.”
“Being a part of the Navy is a calling for this point in my
life,” she says. “However, policing isn’t out of the picture.
Having the opportunity to have gone to Centennial for
Police Foundations has shown me that there are so
many different pathways that one can take with regard
to their career in law enforcement, therefore providing
myself with more of an open-mind with respect to my
future careers.”
“Life is not always going to play out the way you
thought,” she says, “and so you should try to go with
the flow of it, because to be rigid is to only see what’s in
front of you, and to be flexible is to see what is all around
you. Don’t give up on your dreams and your aspirations,
even when other individuals don’t think it’s the right fit
for you, because you’re the only one who can decide
what to write for you at the end of the day.” And when it
comes to more practical advice? Start working out, and
getting in shape!
“From a practicality standpoint, start exercising in
alignment to the standards of the career you want to
get into,” she says. “Much of law enforcement bases
a part of their application process on one’s fitness
performance, therefore vital to be on par with it. The
earlier you start doing that, the better, because it can
prove to be difficult to reach those standards in a short
period of time. Get yourself into a routine, however that
best fits you, and then go from there.”
From cadets, to Centennial, to the Canadian Navy, Skye
Pinto’s journey reflects resilience, adaptability, and
ambition. Her story is proof that the Centennial College
Police Foundations program prepares students for more
than one future. Whether in policing, law enforcement,
or the armed forces, the program opens doors, builds
skills, and connects you with opportunities to serve and
succeed.
Having graduated from Centennial College’s Police
Foundations Program, Skye then opted to pursue her
original dream, enrolled in the Canadian Navy, and is
looking forward to beginning her training. But she’s
leaving herself open to other possibilities when it comes
to her future career, and she credits Police Foundations
with letting her have those options.
10 | Donor Impact Report 24/25

Dukes of Harmony:
Inspiring the Next Generation of Musicians
The Dukes of Harmony bring the joy of music to
Toronto while supporting the next generation of
musicians. In 2024, they established The Dukes of
Harmony Scholarship to help students in the
Music Industry Arts and Performance program at
Centennial College.
“The mission of the Dukes of Harmony is to bring
music to the City of Toronto, especially in the
Barbershop style we support: vocal, four-part, and
acapella. Accordingly, we like to support students
studying music, especially but not exclusively vocal
music, at our local community colleges and other
schools. As a side benefit, we are hoping the students,
friends, and faculty will become more aware of our
style of music and the opportunities the very active
Barbershop community in Toronto offers to people
who want the thrill of singing in four-part harmony
with a serious but welcoming vocal ensemble,” says
Rob Siddall from the Dukes of Harmony.
Since its establishment, The Dukes of Harmony
Scholarship has supported students who are
passionate about music and performance and
committed to developing their skills and pursuing
careers in the music industry. By providing this
support, the Dukes of Harmony are helping students
achieve their educational goals while also nurturing
the next generation of musicians who may one day
carry on the tradition of four-part harmony and the joy
of vocal performance in their communities.
Through their generosity, the Dukes of Harmony are
helping students shine, pursue their dreams, and
share their love of music, ensuring that the joy of fourpart
harmony continues to resonate for years to come.
Donor Impact Report 24/25 | 11

New gift from LCBO Spirit of Sustainability shakes
up experiential learning at the renovated
Beverage Tasting Lab
Centennial College is
celebrating a new gift
from LCBO’s Spirit of
Sustainability platform
to upgrade the Beverage
Tasting Lab at the School
of Hospitality, Tourism
and Culinary Arts.
Centennial College is celebrating a new gift from
LCBO’s Spirit of Sustainability platform to upgrade
the Beverage Tasting Lab at the School of Hospitality,
Tourism and Culinary Arts.
A long-time partner of the College, LCBO’s $50,000
investment will transform the Beverage Tasting Lab
into a fully equipped, state-of-the-art space where
students will have unparalleled access to experiential
learning opportunities and industry collaboration. The
renovated facility will also welcome corporate learners
training in beverage management and hospitality,
and will serve as an event venue hosting industry and
community events.
The Beverage Tasting Lab, in partnership with LCBO
Spirit of Sustainability, officially opened on May 12
with a special ribbon cutting event attended by LCBO
representatives, faculty, students, alumni and industry
partners.
“We are incredibly grateful to LCBO Spirit of
Sustainability, whose generous investment in
revitalizing our lab facility has enabled us to fully
capitalize on our ability to teach students, industry
professionals and amateur enthusiasts in the beverage
tasting field,” said Dr. Craig Stephenson, President
and CEO, Centennial College. “This project exemplifies
the power of collaboration between education and
industry, ultimately strengthening our already high bar
for innovation and experiential learning in beverage
management and hospitality education.”
This investment builds on the LCBO’s existing
partnership with Centennial College and students in
the School of Hospitality, Tourism and Culinary Arts,
including its invaluable support of the Fundamentals of
Alcoholic Beverages course, which aligns with industryleading
LCBO product knowledge standards.
“Through LCBO’s Spirit of Sustainability platform, we
are pleased to support and celebrate the opening of
a newly renovated beverage tasting lab at Centennial
College,” said George Soleas, President & CEO, LCBO.
“The collaboration reflects LCBO’s commitment to
creating opportunities and investing in the future of our
incredible beverage alcohol industry.”
Centennial College extends its deepest gratitude to
LCBO Spirit of Sustainability for this impactful new
investment as we work together to develop the next
generation of beverage management and hospitality
professionals. Thank you, LCBO Spirit of Sustainability!
12 | Donor Impact Report 24/25

Par for the Course:
Another Amazing Centennial
Golf Tournament
Rain couldn’t dampen the spirit at this year’s Centennial College
Golf Tournament! Thanks to the incredible generosity of our
sponsors, donors, and golfers, the event raised an outstanding
$275,000 in sponsorships — all in support of the most important
people in our professional world: our students.
Since its launch in 2006, the tournament has raised more than
$4 million for the Centennial College Golf Endowment Fund.
This year, nearly $240,000 in Centennial Golf Endowment
Scholarships will be awarded to provide students with essential
financial relief for food, housing, clothing, and other necessities.
These scholarships help students stay focused on their studies
and on building bright futures.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed to this year’s
success — from sponsors and golfers to volunteers, committee
members, and the Development team. Your commitment makes
this tournament such a special tradition.
We extend special appreciation to our Lead Sponsor, Deloitte,
and Platinum Sponsors, belairdirect and Bell Canada, for their
generous leadership. Along with the support of our returning and
new golfers, your impact will be felt for years to come.
Donor Impact Report 24/25 | 13

Alienware and Dell Technologies:
Leveling Up Student Gaming
With generous support
from Alienware and Dell
Technologies, Centennial
College officially opened
the Alienware Colts Gaming
Lounge on April 2 at Progress
Campus. This 1,400-squarefoot
space, located in room
B1-07, marks the first
Alienware-designed lounge
in Canada and provides
students with a state-of-the-art
environment to develop their
esports skills.
Within minutes of cutting the
ribbon, students eagerly explored
the new lounge, competing in
games such as Rocket League
and Minecraft. The space not only
fosters dexterity and strategic
thinking but also paves the way
for Centennial to establish a
collegiate-level esports team, giving
students opportunities to grow both
academically and competitively.
Through their investment,
Alienware and Dell Technologies
are helping to create innovative
learning experiences that
enhance student engagement,
skill development, and the future
of esports at Centennial College.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to
Alienware and Dell Technologies for
their generosity and commitment
to our students’ success.
14 | Donor Impact Report 24/25

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:
Linda Barlow
Director of Development and Alumni Engagement, Centennial College
lbarlow@centennialcollege.ca
centennialcollege.ca
DEC25-RITM0022197