Each year, Sault College proudly nominates remarkable Sault College alumni for the prestigious Premier’s Award. At the Higher Education Summit held annually in November, these nominees – alongside nominees from all Colleges across the province – were honoured for the outstanding contributions they make within Ontario and throughout the world.
Premier’s Awards are presented in seven categories: Apprenticeship, Business, Community Services, Creative Arts and Design, Health Sciences, Recent Graduate, and Technology.
Learn about the most recent Sault College nominees who have been doing amazing things.
2024 Nominees
JP Gladu
Category: Business
Forest Technician, 1991
JP Gladu, Founder and Principal of Mokwateh, previously led the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business, launching initiatives such as The Aboriginal Business Report. He spearheaded the 'Procurement Champions' initiative, driving billions in investments into Canada’s Indigenous economy. Gladu serves on multiple corporate boards and is a senior fellow at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute. An advocate for Indigenous leadership, he received the Public Policy Award in 2024. His college education transformed his academic struggles into a successful forestry career, forming the basis for his significant contributions to the industry and Indigenous business.
Carter Simpson
Category: Health Sciences
Community Integration Through Cooperative Education (CICE) - Health and Fitness Promotion, 2016
Special Olympic medalist Carter Simpson is an inspiration to all that meet him. He does not see that he has a disability, saying “I love having Down Syndrome”. He has embodied Fitness and Health Promotion in his everyday life. College education prepared Carter and gave him the confidence to gain independence in the adult world. He continues to win medals, but above all, he encourages people of all ages and abilities to reach their potential. Every day is a celebration for Carter, with a flash of his smile and the crinkle of his eyes, he lights up a room.
Past Nominees
2023
Jenna Polutanovich
Category: Recent Graduate
Program: Child and Youth Care, 2019
Kevin Callan
Category: Technology
Program: Forestry Technician, 1985
2022
Justine Chalykoff
Category: Creative Arts and Design
Programs: Adventure Recreation and Parks Technician, 2011; General Arts and Science, 2012; Digital Film Production, 2015
Ryan Vendramin
Category: Recent Graduate
Programs: Police Foundations, 2019; Protection, Security and Investigation, 2020
2021
Jonathan Boyer-Nolan
Category: Community Services
Program: Social Service Worker Indigenous Specialization, 2018
Mathew Wilson
Category: Health Sciences
Programs: Collaborative Bachelor of Science in Nursing, 2012; Pre-Health Sciences 2008
Katrina Francella
Category: Recent Graduate
Program: Fitness and Health Promotion, 2018