In 2024, GBC transformed bold ideas into breakthrough achievements. Our community has demonstrated extraordinary innovation and impact, from pioneering research to interdisciplinary and global collaborations.
This year was not just about academic excellence but about reimagining what's possible when curiosity meets action. Let’s celebrate our achievements as we get ready to kick off 2025.
Here is a snapshot of some highlights from the past year that show what makes the GBC community stand apart!
Events and celebrations
It was a year of milestones and community engagement, marked by record-breaking events and growth. The college hosted its most successful Open Houses in the spring and fall, welcoming over 22,000 guests across campuses, all greeted by 1,100 staff, faculty, and student volunteers, eager to answer questions about programs, help navigate our campuses, and discover what it means to be part of the GBC community.
The 2024 Convocation ceremonies were the largest yet, celebrating an impressive 12,196 graduates, nearly 6,000 attendees, and over 27,500 guests. GBC President Dr. Gervan Fearon was joined by senior leaders, Chancellor Noella Milne, Indigenous Elders and community members, and eleven members of the college’s Board of Governors to honour this remarkable achievement. None of this would have been possible without the commitment and dedication of over 100 staff and 280 faculty volunteers who worked to ensure the success of the events.
The George Brown College Foundation celebrated its 40th anniversary with its annual Food Court Social event, which raised over $500,000 to support augmented education programs.
The college continues to demonstrate its commitment by developing innovative and in-demand programs supporting STEM and human services. This year, four new innovative offerings were launched, including an Honours Bachelor of Business Administration (Management) degree and specialized postgraduate programs, including the Internet of Things-System Design and Implementation, Digital Product Management, and Artificial Intelligence for Robotics.
Competitive spirit
It was an exceptional year of student achievements across the college. The college's students won seven medals at the Skills Ontario competition. Negus King and Sabina Lee from the Centre for Hospitality and Culinary Arts continued to the national competition and won gold and silver.
The GBC Huskies always represent, and this year was no different. The men's basketball team secured two silver medals at the Men's Basketball National Championship. Giselle Kochapanya and Monique Lee took home gold in women’s badminton doubles and Mark Do Coito became the first Husky since 2018 to claim the titles of East Division Player of the Year, CCAA All-Canadian, and OCAA League Scoring Champion for men’s soccer. These are just a few of our athletes’ accomplishments, but a shout-out to all the fantastic athletes for their accomplishments this year.
Academic and professional achievements were equally impressive, with the School of Design named Canada's top design school by RGD, and culinary students winning gold at the Cooks the Books competition and silver at the prestigious Bocuse d'Or Americas.
Female Welding students at the Centre for Construction and Engineering Technologies showed that skilled trades aren’t defined by gender and created an impactful GBC promise lock installation to welcome new students to the fall orientation.
These successes truly showcase GBC students' skill, passion, and dedication to breaking barriers and achieving excellence.
Academic partnerships & research
George Brown College expanded its academic partnerships and research initiatives across sectors, demonstrating remarkable innovation and community engagement. The college established a groundbreaking partnership with the Toronto Raptors, launched an Indigenous World Views course in collaboration with New Zealand's Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology, and introduced targeted initiatives addressing critical workforce needs.
Notably, GBC developed programs supporting internationally educated nurses transitioning to the workforce in Canada, collaborated with the Afro Canadian Contractors Association to provide BIPOC professionals with specialized training, and initiated the ReNEW career readiness program for newcomers.
The college's commitment to sustainability and industry collaboration was exemplified by the Trillium Cellars Project with Niagara College and Citronino, an innovative mixology food waste solution created by Hospitality and Culinary Arts students and staff in partnership with Reid's distillery, showcasing GBC's holistic approach to education and practical problem-solving.
Leading by Example
Alumnus Eric Kukucka’s Premier’s Award in Science, Technology and Engineering further underscore the institution’s commitment to excellence and impactful education.
George Brown College celebrated remarkable leadership and recognition, with President Dr. Gervan Fearonand Chancellor Noella Milne receiving prestigious provincial and national honours—appointed to the Order of Ontario and Order of Canada, respectively.
The college also distinguished itself through forward-thinking initiatives, including being selected as the first college to host the 2025 Congress of the Humanities, welcoming over 10,000 academics to our campuses, and championing climate innovation at the Canada-Caribbean Institute Symposium.
Celebrating our community
GBC embraced diversity and inclusivity through meaningful initiatives that celebrated and supported its vibrant community. The college made significant strides in equity, marking its first participation in the Toronto Pride parade, connecting with prospective students at the Mabuhay Philippines Festival, and launching the Black Futures Initiative (BFI) space to support our Black community members' diversity, vibrancy, and aspirations.
Our learning community was honoured to welcome peace icon and Vietnam War survivor Kim Phuc Phan Thi to the college, sharing her experiences and inspiring others through her advocacy for a better future.
The college opened its door to Toronto’s all-night art festival, Nuit Blanche, which featured student Sara Vargas Nessi’s exhibition at the Waterfront Daniel's building. The opening of the Black Student Success Network's dedicated student space and the third Indigenous student centre further underscored GBC's commitment to creating supportive, inclusive environments that empower students from all backgrounds.
Building the future
George Brown College is committed to employee growth through innovative initiatives. The People and Culture team launched a career development program, MyPath, to help staff set new personal and professional goals, contributing to a dynamic educational environment.
For the ninth consecutive year, GBC was recognized as a Top Employer for 2025, highlighting its exceptional human resource programs and progressive workplace policies, emphasizing professional development, employee recognition, and supportive parental leave options.
The college also expanded its community impact by partnering with Giants of Africa to install new basketball courts in the Jane and Finch area and launched international student service hubs across campuses to provide comprehensive support for international students navigating life in Canada.
Reimagining Toronto’s Waterfront
George Brown College made significant strides in Toronto's East Bayfront community, highlighted by the college's substantial completion of the award-winning Limberlost Place. Part of the Waterfront campus expansion, this mass-timber institutional building is helping revolutionize sustainable architecture and building codes in Ontario and across the country.
The college also expanded its footprint by acquiring the Corus building at 25 Dockside Drive and demonstrating community leadership through active support of the East Queen Quay Light Rail Transit (LRT) project, collaborating with the City of Toronto to advance critical urban infrastructure.
