Six extraordinary professionals who have left an indelible mark on their industries and communities will receive honorary credentials at our virtual 2021 convocation ceremony on Friday, June 25.
These individuals are being recognized for contributions to areas of study at George Brown College and to the greater community and as exceptional role models for our students.
Paulo Carmini, Vice President and General Manager, Global Strategic Business Group, Herman Miller
Honorary General Arts and Sciences diploma
Centre for Preparatory & Liberal Studies
Paulo Carmini’s connection to George Brown began 30 years ago when he arrived in Canada and enrolled in the college’s English as a Second Language (ESL) program. Carmini became a successful sales consultant and executive before becoming President of Herman Miller Inc. (HMI) Canada. Now, he's Vice-President and General Manager, Global Strategic Business Group, Herman Miller. Over the years, Carmini has been a regular speaker at the School of ESL on topics of value to newcomers to Canada. He has also volunteered his time to provide coaching sessions for the School of ESL’s Student Success team.
Carmini provides valuable mentorship and guidance to those who need the confidence to use their voice to challenge barriers and overcome obstacles. The value of lifelong learning, the importance of resilience and determination, and care for others are messages in his talks that have inspired students.
Kathy Cheng, President, Redwood Classic Apparel
Honorary Sustainable Production post-graduate certificate
Centre for Arts, Design & Information Technology
Kathy Cheng's success in the fashion business is built on the values of diversity and sustainability. She transformed her family’s business into a leading apparel manufacturing company, Redwood Classic Apparel. When many clothing companies moved manufacturing operations overseas, Cheng remained dedicated to local production and a “made in Canada” approach by sourcing textiles from Toronto knitting mills.
Cheng is a long-term member of the School of Fashion’s Program Advisory Committee and a member of the Fashion Exchange’s Stakeholder Table.
Michael Pinball Clemons, Co-Founder, Michael Pinball Clemons Foundation
Honorary Certificate in Sports and Event Marketing
After a career as an outstanding athlete and sportsman, Michael Pinball Clemons became a leading sports executive, community builder, motivational speaker, mentor and philanthropist. He brings his passion for empowering youth through education to all his roles.
The Michael Pinball Clemons Foundation is dedicated to bringing people from the margins to the mainstream, and Clemons is a longtime partner of George Brown College. He has shown tremendous support for George Brown students by providing hundreds of scholarships and by building relationships with industry that benefit young people and provide learning opportunities, particularly in the business and construction sectors.
Most recently, the Michael Pinball Clemons Foundation partnered with George Brown and RBC to launch the Foundations in Banking program, aimed at providing career pathways in financial services for under-employed and racialized young people. The foundation also recently provided $97,800 to fund 32 scholarships for Indigenous students at George Brown.
Beth Jordan, Co-CEO, There Management Consulting Inc.
Honorary Graduate Diploma in the Community Worker Program
Centre for Community Services & Early Childhood
Beth Jordan is a nationally recognized leader who has advanced social justice, campaigned against gender-based violence, and supported organizations in stabilization and expansion plans to strengthen service delivery to racialized communities.
Jordan has consulted to all three levels of government and to non-governmental organizations on violence against women, HIV/AIDS, social justice policy and the integration of anti-racist and anti-oppressive frameworks. She was the co-director of the Toronto-based Assaulted Women’s Helpline for six years.
Her commitment to anti-racism policy development and practice embodies the tenets of community advocacy, leadership and social impact.
Jordan is an alumna of George Brown College’s Assaulted Women and Children Counsellor Advocate diploma program.
Brian McCauley, President and CEO, Concert Properties
Honorary Bachelor of Technology (Construction Management)
Centre for Construction & Engineering Technologies
As President and CEO of Concert Properties, Brian McCauley has made significant contributions to community building in Ontario and British Columbia. He guided Concert’s expansion in Ontario, leading the development of assured rental housing in Toronto. McCauley is a member of the Governments of Canada and British Columbia Expert Panel on the Future of Housing Supply and Affordability.
McCauley's philanthropic work has raised more than $3.5 million to date for trades skills training across Canada. And, through Concert Properties, he has supported scholarships for students at George Brown College and other schools.
Hani Roustom, CEO, Friday Harbour Resort
Honours Bachelor of Business Administration (Hospitality)
Centre for Hospitality & Culinary Arts
Hotelier Hani Roustom is recognized across Canada and the world for his leadership and innovation in the hospitality industry.
With over 25 years of experience, Roustom has shaped Toronto luxury hotel brands such as the Shangri-La, Four Seasons and Hazleton Hotel. Over his career, he has demonstrated a focus on service excellence and prioritization of employee career development that very much aligns with the values of George Brown College.
Roustom is also dedicated to sharing his knowledge and expertise with hospitality associations and serves as a mentor to students. He is a member of the School of Hospitality & Tourism Management’s Program Advisory Committee. Roustom launched the #HazletonCares campaign to provide meals from the hotel’s restaurant to frontline workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
