Outstanding Alumni Awards

Nominate a VCC alum

Nominations for the 2025 Outstanding Alumni Awards are open year-round. Submissions received by March 1 will be considered for the 2025 awards.All nominations are kept on file and considered for three years unless withdrawn.

Ernesto Reyes

Community Contribution

Meet Ernesto, a highly respected role model in the nursing profession who leads with dedication and compassion. 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.

Michael (Mike) Steele

Community Contribution

Meet Mike, a proud VCC alum who is developing the next generation of cooks in BC. He has guided VCC students to excellent results at national competitions and has represented VCC in international ones. Mike is an outstanding Culinary Arts instructor and a respected mentor to newer instructors within the Culinary Arts Department.

Cathy Larson

Career Success

Meet Cathy, who has spent over 30 years shaping the future of dental care at VCC and beyond. She is pivotal to the success of VCC’s Certified Dental Assistant program and contributes her deep knowledge of dentistry and its professional governance for the BC College of Oral Health Professionals and National Dental Assisting Examining Board.

Camille Francisco

One to Watch

Meet Camille, who graduated from VCC’s Business & Project Management program. Since 2023, Camille has worked as a property manager for the YWCA where she’s a powerful 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.

Chef Andrew George

Lifetime Achievement

Meet Andrew George, a lifelong trailblazer of BC’s culinary industry, particularly Indigenous culinary arts. Andrew was the first person of Indigenous heritage to receive their Red Seal in professional cooking. His many accomplishments and accolades include creating VCC’s Professional Cook 1 with Indigenous Content program; showcasing Indigenous cuisine to visitors of the 2010 Olympic Games; and being inducted into the BC Restaurant Hall of Fame.

Elder Deanna George

Honorary Alumna

Meet Elder Deanna George, a member of the səl̓ilw̓ətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) First Nation and VCC’s Elder-in-Residence for 16 years. Her strength, wisdom, and welcoming spirit are essential parts of the VCC experience for students and staff. Like many esteemed Elders, she generously offers the kind of guidance that comes from lived experience and a heart rooted in community.