News Releases

FREDERICTON – New Brunswick Community College (NBCC) has recognized four outstanding alumni with the 2017 Alumni Recognition Awards.

The awards were presented by Marilyn Luscombe, President and CEO, and L. Paul Elliott, Board Chair, during a ceremony hosted by Lt.-Gov. Jocelyne Roy Vienneau at Government House in Fredericton, on Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017.

“NBCC Alumni are leaders in their communities, their Province and in their fields. We are so proud of each of our graduates for all that they have accomplished,” said Luscombe. “Our 2017 Alumni Awards recipients are passionate and dedicated leaders, and are true ambassadors for NBCC.”

The recipients of the 2017 NBCC Alumni Recognition Awards are:

• FRIEND OF NEW BRUNSWICK: Dave Durepos (Class of ‘87 & ‘94)
  After a 1988 spinal cord injury, Dave worked hard through rehabilitation to return to sport. He went on to join the Team Canada Wheel Chair basketball team and won three gold medals and one silver medal at the Paralympics. He has used his talents and experience to help young athletes and others affected by spinal cord injuries.  
  
  
• COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP:  Ross Galbraith (Class of ‘92)
  For more than 20 years, Ross has been a key figure in the New Brunswick labour movement, taking on roles at the local and international levels. He has also started several programs to encourage life-long learning and community involvement within his Local.
  
  
• BUSINESS LEADERSHIP: Charles Gervais (Class of ‘01 & ‘02)
  In less than ten years, Charles went from being a technologist to owner and president of Missing Link Technologies Inc. (MLT). With his leadership, MLT revenues have risen 350% and the company is expanding to several international markets.
  
  
• OUTSTANDING YOUNG ALUMNUS: Troy Hatt (Class of ‘06)
  As an electrician and a small business owner, Troy credits his success to the support and encouragement he found at NBCC. Now he is giving back by training and mentoring the next generation of NBCC electricians.

“The success of these four outstanding alumni will inspire our current learners and the whole NBCC Alumni family,” said Luscombe. “NBCC has set bold goals for the future of our College with the recent launch of our new strategic plan, Together We Rise. When we look at the success and the impact of our Alumni, we are confident we will achieve these goals.”

“I want to congratulate each of our award recipients and thank those who took the time to nominate these very deserving alumni.”

This year marks the third annual Alumni Recognition Awards ceremony. Recipients are selected by a committee of NBCC staff and alumni review all nominations for each of the four award categories.

Nominations are welcomed year-round and can be submitted by anyone who knows an outstanding NBCC Alumni. The nomination forms can be found on NBCC.ca.

For additional biographical information, please see the following backgrounder.

-30-

For photos or media inquiries: 
Melissa Wah
Communications Coordinator, NBCC

Phone: 506.453.8194                            
Email: Melissa.wah@nbcc.ca

Backgrounder

2017 NBCC Alumni Award Winners

FRIEND OF NEW BRUNSWICK
This award recognizes an alumna or alumnus who has made significant contributions to the culture, reputation, and/or economic prosperity of the Province of New Brunswick.

Dave Durepos
Class of ‘87 (Steel Fabrication)                                                                                                                             
Class of ’94 (General Drafting)

An outside shot brings global success.

Like all great basketball players, Dave Durepos knows the power of the pivot. In 1988, Dave was in a motorcycle accident which resulted in a spinal cord injury, but with resilience and determination, he pushed through several months of rehab to return to sport. As a wheelchair basketball athlete, he travelled the world competing for Team Canada bringing home three gold and one silver medal from the Paralympics. Dave is a proven leader both on the court and in his community, coaching local basketball teams including the New Brunswick’s 2015 Canada Games wheelchair basketball team and mentoring others affected by spinal cord injuries. 

COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP

Aligning with NBCC’s aspirations for our Robertson Institute for Community Leadership, this award recognizes an alumna or alumnus who has made significant contributions to New Brunswick communities.

Ross Galbraith 
Class of ’92 (Chemical Technology Co-op)

An energetic champion for workers and communities
Ross Galbraith has been a key figure in the New Brunswick labour union movement for more than 20 years. Over the past 11 years as Business Manager and CEO of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 37, he's served on national and international committees and led more than 20 negotiating teams. He's also introduced several programs within his Local to encourage life-long learning as well as encouraging IBEW members to get involved in local community healthcare fundraising initiatives. Ross also contributes to various projects and committees at the municipal, provincial and national level.

BUSINESS LEADERSHIP
This award recognizes an alumna or alumnus who has made their own mark by applying their talents towards building or leading a successful business.

Charles Gervais 
Class of ’01 (Computer Systems Technician)          
Class of ’02 (Network, Design, & Administration Technology)

Creating opportunity at home and around the world.
In 2003, Charles Gervais walked into Missing Link Technologies Ltd. (MLT) as a technologist. In less than a decade he became the owner and president of the company. Under his leadership, MLT’s revenues have grown nearly 350% and its workforce has tripled – including hiring many NBCC Alumni.  It’s worth noting that more than 25% of MLT’s employees are women, well above the average in the tech sector. Charles has expanded opportunities beyond New Brunswick’s Borders. His vision of international growth led MLT to sign a partnership with Africa Emerging Markets Atlantic Canada. As a result of this strategic partnership, MLT carried out a successful project for the presidential office in the Republic of Benin and is also growing in Senegal. 

OUTSTANDING YOUNG ALUMNI
This award recognizes an alumna or alumnus under the age of 35 who has demonstrated success in their chosen field.

Troy Hatt 
Class of ’06 (Electrical Program) 

Paying forward a life-changing experience

After struggling through his middle school and high school years, Troy Hatt found a new sense of confidence and purpose at NBCC. Here he found instructors and tools to support his success and inspire big dreams. After graduation, he completed his apprenticeship blocks, became a Red Seal electrician and opened his own business, THATT Electrical. Now he’s helping to train the next generation of electricians, by welcoming NBCC students to complete their work placements with his business, hiring NBCC graduates and guiding other NBCC apprentices through to receiving their red seal.