2025 Outstanding Alumni Award recipients
L-R: Congratulations to Ernesto Reyes, Andrew George, Elder Deanna George, Cathy Larson, Michael Steele, Camille Francisco
A cornerstone of the nursing profession. A passionate mentor for young chefs. A beloved member of the dental community. A powerful advocate for women. A trailblazer of Indigenous culinary arts. An esteemed Elder and Elder-in-Residence.
On June 26, Vancouver Community College (VCC) recognized these six Outstanding Alumni Award (OAA) recipients at a special on-campus reception. The OAAs honour the VCC alumni and supporters who have enhanced the reputation of the College through their outstanding career or community achievements. This year, VCC received 22 nominations across five categories of recognition, representing 12 VCC departments.
“Every year, our recipients make us proud. They’re true ambassadors of VCC,” said President and CEO Ajay Patel who spoke at the reception. “Our 2025 honourees stand out because they’ve stayed connected to the college long after graduation. Their stories go beyond personal achievement; they come back as mentors, instructors, and supporters of our students. Their generosity, leadership, and deep sense of community inspire the next generation of VCC grads, and for that, we’re incredibly grateful.”
Congratulations to VCC’s most recent Outstanding Alumni Award recipients!
Community Contribution: Ernesto Reyes
Ernesto is a highly respected role model in the nursing profession. Drawing on his many years working as a licensed practical nurse at St. Paul’s Hospital, Ernesto has served as preceptor for 17 VCC students, guiding and inspiring them through their clinical training. As he nears a well-earned retirement, we proudly recognize Ernesto’s incredible legacy of dedication, compassion, and leadership.
Community Contribution: Michael (Mike) Steele
Over the course of his career teaching, training, and developing the next generation of cooks within BC, Mike has always focused on student success. He has guided VCC students to excellent results at Skills Canada competitions and has also represented VCC in International Culinary competitions. Mike is a proud alum, an outstanding Culinary Arts instructor at VCC, as well as a widely respected mentor to newer instructors within the Culinary Arts Department.
Career Success: Cathy Larson
Cathy is a beloved figure in the dental community, having spent over 30 years shaping the future of dental care at VCC and beyond. She has played a pivotal role in the success of VCC’s Certified Dental Assistant program, while also serving on the board for the BC College of Oral Health Professionals. Through her involvement with the National Dental Assisting Examining Board, Cathy contributes to the broader dental community, sharing her deep knowledge in the field of dentistry and the governance of the dental profession.
One-to-Watch: Camille Francisco
After graduating from VCC’s Business & Project Management program with the prestigious International Mentor Award, Camille joined the YWCA in 2023 as a property manager. She is a dedicated advocate for women: working closely with single mothers, women fleeing abuse, and women in recovery by providing them with the support they need to rebuild their lives. A mother herself, Camille brings a deep sense of empathy and understanding to her trauma-informed work, ensuring that every client feels heard, valued, and empowered.
Lifetime Achievement: Andrew George
Chef Andrew George has been a trailblazer of BC’s culinary industry, particularly Indigenous culinary arts, for 25 years. Andrew was the first person of Indigenous heritage to receive their Red Seal in professional cooking in 1989. At VCC, he played a key role in creating and launching VCC’s Professional Cook 1 with Indigenous Content program. His many accolades include receiving an OAA (2008), a Lifetime Achievement Award from the BC Restaurant Hall of Fame (2024), and a King Charles III Coronation Medal (2025). A leader in Truth and Reconciliation, Andrew’s community and cultural contributions have shaped lives, as well as the future of the culinary industry. He was involved in showcasing Indigenous cuisine to visitors of the 2010 Olympic Games and supports Dan's Legacy, a non-profit that provides youth who have experienced trauma with comprehensive supports.
Honorary Alumna: Elder Deanna George
Elder Deanna George from the səl̓ilw̓ətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) First Nation has been VCC’s Elder-in-Residence for 16 years. Her strength, deep wisdom, gentle presence, and welcoming spirit have been an essential part of our College. She holds space for VCC students, staff, and all who seek connection, culture, and care. Like many esteemed Elders-in-Residence, she generously offers the kind of guidance that comes from lived experience and a heart rooted in community. It is with gratitude and respect that we recognize ‘Elder Dee’ with this year’s honorary alumnus award. hay čxʷq̓ә
Thank you to this year’s OAA Selection Committee members for their time and leadership in granting the 2025 Outstanding Alumni Awards.
- Tim Ellison, Alumni Representative & VCC Hospitality Management Instructor
- Moira Gookstetter, Executive Director, VCC Foundation
- Shirley Lew, Dean, VCC Arts & Sciences
- Adrian Lipsett, Dean, VCC Continuing Studies
- Charnelle McClure, Executive Director, VCC Marketing & Communications
- Suzanne Paterson, CUPE Representative
- Jessie Williams, Dean, VCC Indigenous Initiatives
- Paul Yeung, VCC Board of Governors Representative
About VCC’s Outstanding Alumni Awards
The OAA program is designed to honour outstanding VCC alumni who have enhanced the reputation of the college through their significant achievements and contributions to their industries, communities, and beyond. Since the awards’ inception in 2005, VCC has recognized 78 outstanding alumni from VCC programs, including eight honorary alumni and one lifetime achievement award.