St. Lawrence College to Confer Four Honorary Diplomas at Convocation This Spring

Brockville/Kingston/Cornwall – St. Lawrence College (SLC) is thrilled to announce its Honorary Diploma recipients for 2024. They will be conferred at convocation ceremonies beginning
Friday, May 31 in Cornwall.

Cornwall

The first Honorary Diploma recipient awarded will be presented to Neha Chugh, founder of Chugh Law Professional Corporation in Cornwall. Neha has significantly shaped Cornwall’s legal landscape since 2014, leading the region’s largest firm specializing in criminal law, family law, youth justice, and child protection. Through mentorship and educational endeavours, Neha advocates for social justice and accessibility to legal services, extending her impact beyond legal circles to students and the community. Her commitment to Indigenous communities, ongoing
education, and leadership within professional associations underscores her dedication to effecting positive change and fostering professionalism in the legal profession.

Neha will receive her Honorary Diploma on Friday, May 31 at the 10 am ceremony.

Brockville

SLC’s Brockville recipient is Sherri Fournier Hudson, Executive Director of the Upper Canada Family Health Team in Brockville. She displayed outstanding leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic and her distinguished career in healthcare management. With a background in healthcare management and extensive experience as an executive director, Sherri demonstrated excellence in project management, organizational development, and quality improvement. Amidst the pandemic, she effectively navigated challenges, fostering collaboration among community organizations and optimizing healthcare services to meet diverse patient needs. Sherri’s leadership, characterized by her emphasis on building strong, collaborative teams and fostering innovation, has left an enduring impact on the region’s healthcare landscape, making her an exemplary inspiration for future healthcare leaders.

Sherri will receive her Honorary Diploma on Friday, June 7 at the 10 am ceremony.

Kingston

In Kingston, two Honorary Diplomas will be awarded.

The first one will be given to Michael Harris, a steadfast leader in the employment sector, dedicating himself to ensuring accessible services for those facing unemployment. As the founding Director of Kingston Employment and Youth Services (KEYS) in 1983, he guided its growth from a small team focused on youth employment to a comprehensive organization offering employment and settlement services to a diverse clientele. Michael’s commitment extended beyond KEYS, as he helped establish the Ontario Association of Youth Employment Centres (OAYEC), advocating for policy change and influencing program design. His leadership roles in various organizations, including the Kingston Community Health Centres and the Ontario Network of Employment Skill Training Programs, highlight his impact and forward-thinking approach to community development. Michael’s retirement from KEYS marks the culmination of a career that has supported over 120,000 individuals in finding employment or returning to school, leaving a lasting legacy of positive change in the employment sector.

Michael will be awarded his Honorary Diploma on Friday, June 14 at 10 am.

The second Honorary Diploma in Kingston will go to Lindsey Belch. As the dedicated CEO of Girls Inc. Limestone, Lindsey has shown remarkable leadership. Since her graduation from St. Lawrence College in 1982, Lindsey has been a passionate advocate for marginalized groups, particularly girls, women, and gender-expansive individuals affected by discrimination and poverty. Leading Girls Inc., she has significantly expanded its reach, providing crucial support to between 1,300 to 1,900 girls annually in Kingston, Belleville, and neighboring areas, while securing
increased funding and addressing gender discrimination challenges. Beyond Girls Inc., Lindsey’s collaborative approach and commitment to equity have driven her involvement in various community initiatives, from the Women’s Art Festival to the One Roof Kingston Youth Hub, showcasing her ability to mobilize resources for community development. Her unwavering dedication to diversity and inclusion, evident in Girls Inc.’s pioneering policies and programs, underscores her impact as a visionary leader. Lindsey’s outstanding contributions have established her as a transformative force in community development and social justice.

Lindsey will accept her award on Friday, June 14 at 3 pm.

“We are thrilled to award these Honorary Diplomas to these amazing members of the communities we serve,” said Glenn Vollebregt, SLC President and CEO. “It’s always incredible to hear their stories and words of encouragement and inspiration to our graduates at Convocation. On behalf of SLC and the Board of Governors, I congratulate them all.

Click here to read a full Q and A with our recipients.

Click here for complete details on SLC’s spring Convocation ceremonies:

Cornwall, Friday, May 31

Brockville, Friday, June 7

Kingston, Thursday, June 13 and Friday, June 14